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Saturday June 30, 2018
External debt below 50% of GDP- Finance Minister Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, recently assured that the economy remains sound. In this regard, he noted that the country’s external debt levels are still below 50% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jordan noted that the most recent figures indicate a debt level of 45.2% in 2017 and 46.4% in 2016. He said that this is down from 48.6% in 2015. Jordan said, “How does this compare to the region? Sadly, some of our fellow Caricom countries are not in good financial shape. Barbados had a debt to GDP ratio of 145% in 2016, Jamaica 120%, Antigua 93% and Grenada 89%. “These debt levels are
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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan dangerously high. In the case of Barbados, these meant severe austerity measures by the government and a move to the International Monetary
Fund for assistance.” For Guyana, the economist said that the current level is more than manageable. He said, too, that debt should be viewed in relative terms and not absolute. Jordan also said that as the economy continues to grow, it can take on more debt. “So just as a household income may rise, Guyana’s GDP will rise too –this year by 3.6%. And with First Oil only months away, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts Guyana’s GDP to increase by 38.5 percent in 2021 with a significant increase in official reserves and a gradual decline of the public debt-to-GDP ratio.”
Guyana tops Caribbean in Cancer deaths …GPHC commissions new Oncology Dep’t
A section of the recently commissioned building The new Institute of Health Science Education and Oncology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC), has been commissioned. The building was officially opened yesterday during a simple ceremony held in the GPHC compound. The new wing was constructed primarily to facilitate the demand for cancer treatment. Recent statistics released by the Ministry of Public Health indicate that Guyana’s currently has the highest incidence of cancerrelated mortality in the Caribbean.
Based on the Ministry’s data, Guyana ranks highest with an incidence rate of 46.9 percent and a mortality rate of 21.0 per 100,000 persons, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said. In fact, in Guyana, cervical cancer alone kills an estimated 100 women every year, making it the leading cause of cancer mortality among local women, Minister Lawrence said. The global state of affairs is farther reaching with some 530,000 new cases of cervical cancer detected annually and killing (Continued on page 24)
Ashni a no-show; fails to attend court ...reading of new charge postponed One month after lawyers assured the court that Dr. Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, would appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for a fourth charge of Misconduct in Public Office to be read to them, Singh yesterday failed to make an appearance before a City Magistrate. Singh and Brassington who are two of the highest ranking officials of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government were both slapped with a fourth charge of Misconduct in Public Office. The two are jointly charged in connection with wrongdoings in the Sanata Textiles deal with Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop and Dr. Randy Singh, who are close friends of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is alleged that Dr. Ashni Singh, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, a company owned by the Government; and Brassington, being and performing duties as the Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, a company owned by the Government, between October 26, 2010 and December 20, 2010 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, acted recklessly when they sold to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, Sanata Texiles Complex, with building and erections thereon, that is to say, Parcel 4702, Part of Plantation Ruimveldt, situated on the East Bank Demerara, being 18.871 acres, at $697,864,800.00 plus VAT, knowing that the said property was valued at the sum of $1,042,403,500.00, and was
Charged: Ex-Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
Charged Former NICL Head, Winston Brassington
therefore being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued, thereby creating a breach of their duties. The two men are already facing three charges of Misconduct in Public Office. However, Justice Franklyn Holder has put a temporarily halt on those criminal proceedings against the former Ministers. This ruling has halted Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan from proceeding with the matters, until the hearing and determination of the substantive challenge over the validity of the charges, which is before Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire. Yesterday, when the matter was called in Senior Magistrate Leron Daly courtroom, Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall, who is representing Singh, told the court that his client is out of the jurisdiction busy working, and was unable to be in Guyana for the charge to be read to him. He went on to tell the court that SOCU prosecutors are playing a “cat and mouse game” and are making a mockery of the Law.
However, SOCU Prosecutor, Trenton Lake argued that the court should take a certain action against Singh since the matter was called a month ago. The prosecutor went on to tell the court that both parties are fully aware that they were to be present in court, since their lawyers were in contact with them. The prosecutor went on further to ask the Magistrate to read the charge to Brassington since he was present in court. Lake’s application did not sit well with Nandlall who told Magistrate Daly that the charge cannot be read to his client alone, since it is a joint charge. Nandlall went on to ask the court for an adjournment in the matter. He also requested that the matter be reassigned to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where the three charges were first read. Magistrate Daly after listening to both sides adjourned that matter to July 26, when Singh and Brassington are expected to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
COMMISSIONER GENERAL TRANSFORMED GRA
F
or decades, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was considered one of the most cor rupt public agencies in the country. Several GRA officials from the highest to the lowest ranks were accused of corruption and bribery. As a result, many turned a blind eye to the smuggling of products into the country. Due to bribery, several businesses were exempted from paying taxes; the clearance of containers without paying taxes was commonplace. Bribery and corruption at the GRA was so massive that very few believed it could have stopped. But they were wrong. The change of government has led to the appointment of a new Commissioner General (CG) of the GRA. As head of the GRA, Mr. Godfrey Statia, promised to rid the agency of bribery and corruption and rebuild its tarnished image. He had asked his staff to be courteous in the execution of their duty and to be the best they can be so that the GRA could become the best version of itself as the country’s principal tax collection agency. He declared that there would be no more sacred cows and that the tax network would be considerably widened to rein in the tax cheaters, end smuggling and reduce corruption and bribery within the agency. Many in the public and even some officials from the GRA did not believe Statia because of endemic corruption inside the agency. Within two years, the CG has fired several GRA officials for corruption, bribery and other illegal activities. Today, it seems that the bribery and corruption, which had plagued the GRA for decades has been reduced. The agency has put a dent into the lawlessness regarding illegal license plates, evasion of taxes and smuggling. The actions by the CG have reduced corruption, which had become imbedded at the institution. Mr. Godfrey Statia has transformed the GRA by attacking the issues from their roots. However, strict adherence to the policies and practices have led to growing tension among some GRA officials who feel that without bribe, their opulent lifestyle is being threatened. It seems that Statia is very serious about ending the breaches of tax collection and concessions in the country. He has drew a line in the sand when he said: “I have no friends when it comes to the collection of taxes and no one dares call to ask me favours. This is not how a tax agency is run.” This is a rare but very powerful, authentic and heroic statement from the head of the country’s premier tax collection agency. Statia has clearly established a very high benchmark for public officials in general. Very few if any of them, including ministers of the government could make such bold statement. According to the CG, it is no longer business as usual at the GRA because in the past, corruption and bribery within the agency, smuggling and the evasion of taxes by the public, including businesses had no limits. The increase in smuggling has become part of Guyana’s underground trade. It has encouraged some of the filthy-rich smugglers to establish fake businesses as fronts for their illegal activities. Over the years, Guyana has lost trillions of dollars in revenue due to the smuggling of fuel, gold, food, cigarettes, alcohol, electronic equipment and much more. The loss in revenue has deprived citizens of muchneeded benefits like improved healthcare, better education, adequate potable water, proper roads and infrastructure etc. Yet what operates now is far removed from the corruption of the past. People no longer talk about discriminatory taxes. The situation could only get better.
THE UNCONSTITUTIONALITIES AND SQUANDERMANIA CONTINUE DEAR EDITOR, Over 50 years ago, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was created by the Constitution as an independent and autonomous institution. In this institution, the then Constitution resided the exclusive power to institute, take over and discontinue all prosecutions within Guyana. The pre-independence Constitutions had resided these powers in the office of the Attorney General. The independence Constitution, crafted in Westminster, effected the change. This position obtains today in Guyana and throughout the British Commonwealth. The removal of prosecutorial functions from the Attorney General’s office and the placement of same in an independent body was one of the mechanisms employed in institutionalising the independence of that office, and to insulate it from Executive Government and all forms of interference. The rationale lies in recognition that the eventuality may arise whereby members of Government may have to be prosecuted and as such, prosecutions ought not to be contaminated with, or influenced by fellow Ministers, politicians or political considerations. Therefore, whenever the Attorney General or the Government plays any part, whatsoever, in the pros-
ecution of offences, such participation is unlawful and unconstitutional. It is against this constitutional backdrop that the retention of Special Prosecutors in Guyana must be viewed. It is undisputed that these Special Prosecutors are handpicked by and paid from the budget of the Attorney General’s office. In fact for the budget of 2018, in the Committee of Supply, the Attorney General proudly announced that approximately $300M is being budgeted by his Ministry for, inter alia, the hiring of private lawyers, including, Special Prosecutors, blissfully oblivious to the constitutional violations he is committing. The issuance of the legally required fiat to prosecute is perfunctorily done by the DPP upon the instructions of the AG - another unconstitutionality. Article 187 (4) of the Constitution expressly prohibits the DPP from being directed by any person or authority in the discharge of the functional responsibilities of that office. Recently, the AG disclosed in the National Assembly that these Special Prosecutors are retained at the staggering rate of $2M per head, per case, along with a charge-out rate of $20,000 per hour spent on each case (whether in or out of court). For most of the cases filed, so far, five Prosecutors are
retained per case. This aggregates to $10M plus $100,000 for every hour spent on the case. Most of these cases require a minimum of over a dozen witnesses to be called. Each of these cases will attract a minimum of approximately 100 billable hours $100,000 x 100 = $10,000,000 + $10,000,000 = $20,000,000. So, each case will attract a minimum cost of $20M. You will note that there is no mechanism in place to prevent fabricated billing hours. Therefore, this arrangement is susceptible to serious abuse According to the AG, from 7th June, 2017, twelve of these cases have been filed. The sum of money thus far expended is $240M ($20M x 12). I have used minimum figures in these computations. I predict that none of these cases would yield a conviction. In that same sitting of the National Assembly, in answer to questions which I asked, the Minister of Public Health disclosed that as of March, 2018, the Government has already paid $264M as rent for a house in Charlestown to be used as a “drugs bond”. As of 30th June, 2018, the total rent the Government would have paid will be $306M, but yet no drugs have ever been stored in this building. I further enquired of the steps taken to renegotiate a lower rent or terminate the contract as the Government had promised.
The Minister’s response almost floored me. I can do no better than reproduce it here: “The actions taken were a Notice to Quit dated October 31, 2016 by the Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas. A reminder dated October 3, 2017, was sent by the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Colette Adams.” I take this answer to mean that the Ministry served upon the Landlord a “Notice to quit” the premises by October, 31, 2016, but failed to do so. One year later, they reminded the Landlord again they would vacate and again, they have failed to do so. Significantly, what they have NOT failed to do is dutifully pay the rent every month. I categorise this as insanity not incompetence! The Ministry now says that the contract would be terminated by year end. They said so since 2016. There was no such termination. Six more months of rent will add another $84M. The total rent would be a whopping $390M! Yet still, to other questions which I posed, the AG disclosed that no Commissioner has been appointed to the Law Reform Commission although millions of dollars have been budgeted for this unit, by this Administration, since 2015. By a written agreement of Tenancy dated 14th November (Continued on page 6)
CORRUPTION IN HIGH PLACES HAS PERSISTED ACROSS REGIMES DEAR EDITOR, Corruption plus countless suspicious and questionable transactions, have been a severe curse on our beautiful country Guyana under several successive administrations, and despite the ongoing outcry of decent Guyanese, we have been unable to stamp out this evil. It seems to me that no matter what Government is in power, all the way from the 1960s to now, dishonest personnel have infested Ministries, regional systems, commissions and other public service institutions. In fact, corruption pops up anywhere public officers can manipulate the system to get money that they are not entitled to. It is obvious that we need a zero tolerance to corruption by instituting laws that provide for 20 years imprisonment or even life, as is the case in some countries. It is the country and its people who suffer, but these selfish rogues do
not care. When the PPP came into power, I remember they announced ‘lean, clean and mean’ management. This was good until they discovered many of their own officers, ministers, permanent secretaries and bureaucrats were involved in corruption. This current administration also campaigned with promises to wipe out corruption and to go after the corrupt personnel. However, with great disappointment I must point out that glaring corruption still blasts in our faces daily.Almost every sphere of activity is tainted, including the tender system and execution of contracts. We see the manipulation of funds in the Ministries. Even pensioners’ monies are being manipulated by staff. This is most painful and distressing for our nation. I am perturbed because my business and I are affected. We have seen blatant favouritism by some in power
towards certain security companies. I also believe corruption has poisoned the evaluation of bids by contractors for projects awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA).Who evaluated the Baramita airstrip project? Were they satisfied with the work done? By what standards was the quality of the project measured? The NPTA depends on the evaluators who originate from the regions. However, it is well known that certain people have ways of influencing, permanent secretaries, regional officials, evaluators and even REOs, especially in remote regions. I think the covert influencing of regional officials happens now more than ever before, simply because the Regional Democratic Councils have been vested with more authority. Some officials have no regard for the trust vested in them by their regions and their
people to fulfill their duties responsibly, efficiently, and with absolute fairness. Instead, they form ‘unholy alliances’ to satisfy their own interests. It is clear to me that certain individuals in business know how to get to certain persons in Government to ensure that things work in their favour. It is a shame that some officials, evaluators, REOs and permanent secretaries approach the awarding of contracts and their execution from a posit i o n o f favouritism and cronyism and apparently suspected political hatred. The entire system seems to be based on atrocious choices by regional officials to award contracts to their personal favourites, sometimes destroying the businesses of hardworking people who can actually get the job done. I am appalled that this disgusting trend is continuing (Continued on page 5)
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The 2020 Elections campaign must move beyond the usual rhetoric on race and corruption DEAR EDITOR, As the 2020 Elections campaign picks up speed, I would like to reiterate that the agenda for the upcoming elections must be about ‘creating more value from Guyana for Guyanese’. Political parties must show us how they intend to create more value from the diversity of our people; so far they have done a good job at devaluing that diversity. How will they create more value from Guyana being neighbour to Brazil (the largest country in South America, fifth largest country in the world, and the eight largest economy)? The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report for the past three years, 2016 – 2018, shows the top five risks in terms of likelihood;
2016, major natural catastrophe was number 5, failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation was number 3 and extreme weather events at number 2. In 2017, major natural disasters moved to number 3, and extreme weather events was number 1. In 2018, failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation is number 5, natural disasters at number 2 and extreme weather events at number 1. The top 5 risks in terms of impact for the past three years show; in 2016, failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation at number 1, while in 2017 this was at number 5; major natural disasters was at number 4 and extreme weather events was at number 2. In 2018, failure of cli-
mate change mitigation and adaptation is at number 4, natural disasters number 3 and extreme weather events at number 2. Our political agenda and immediate, medium and long term developmental agenda should be influenced by reports such as these. Essentially, as indicated in the reports, there is a trend in the increase of natural disasters, extreme weather events and to some extent, issues around climate change. Hence, small islands could become more and more vulnerable to these occurrences, as we have seen in many Caribbean islands in 2017. Can more value be created from Guyana’s geographic positioning, as a part of the South American mainland? In
La Penitence Market should be torn down and a new facility built in its place DEAR EDITOR, For these August holidays, parents can save themselves a bundle that they would have had to spend taking their children to fancy zoos overseas, or on a safari in some exotic foreign land, to enjoy a vast array of wildlife and nature, by just taking them to visit the La Penitence Market in Georgetown. Certainly, the largest, most valiant, and audacious rodents and other pests in Guyana call the La Penitence Market home. One can only assume that these rodents probably sneak over to the nearby Pharmacy after hours and gorge themselves on Testosterone, as from their giant size and brawny appearance, it is logical to assume that they are on anabolic steroids .And they don’t await the cover of darkness or the quietude of the closed market to move about and seek out food, but rather can
be seen on a daily basis nonchalantly sauntering past patrons and vendors. I was told that they are going to be transferred to the petting zoo t h a t t h e Town Clerk proposes to open on Merriman’s Mall, as soon as it is completed. But witticism aside, the La Penitence Market, if you wish to call it a market, is the grimiest, darkest and most dank bazaar in this hemisphere. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of G e o rgetown, should be ashamed of themselves for the squalid conditions they are subjecting the stallholders and shoppers to, while collecting substantial st a l l r e n t s a n d property taxes from the citizens. It is just unfathomable how the council bigwigs, who recurrently tou r South, Central and North America, Asia, Europe and
just about everywhere in between, having seen what modern shopping centres, malls, m a r k e t s a n d b a zaars are like, would be happy to subject the visitors and residents of Georgetown to such grime and insanitary conditions. Is this a part of the plan to transform Georgetown into a ‘Green City’? Does this constitute their vision for a modern capital? No attempt should be made to repair or rehabilitate that market, it should instead be torn down and a completely new facility built in its p l a c e . N o s a n e, sensible or decent person would want to venture into that market to say they are shopping. How are these vendors expected to compete with modern supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery stores? It is just so unfair! Sincerely, Anu Bihari
terms of the country’s readiness to provide greater support to Caribbean (Island) countries? This could be done by assisting to build more resilience into these countries as well as improving our readiness to provide support in areas such as reconstruction or others. For e.g., our vocational institutions could expand in training areas, such as construction, electrical, and other skills. Previously, I had proposed that our economic programme should essentially focus on making Guyana the Singapore of South America, the business hub in South America. We need a diverse economic policy, and my suggestion is that this be developed upon six economic pillars: Green
Economy, Blue Economy, Service Economy, Agrarian Society or Agricultural Economy, Oil and Gas Economy and Natural Resources Economy. Hence, this will lay the foundation for the emergence of a more structured green and diversified economy and an economic development structure for the next 30-40 years. On the point of the Blue Economy; the Global Risks Report shows that among the top five risks in terms of impact, water crisis was at number 3 in 2016 and 2017, while it is at number 5 in 2018. Analyzing these and other similar reports, can Guyana create more value from its water resources, as well as begin to position itself to use that resource as an economic pillar from a
macro standpoint? The 2020 elections campaign must move beyond the usual rhetoric on race, corruption and party politics; it has to evolve to show the Guyanese people how the political leadership intend to bring more creativity and innovation into administration and management o f t h e country, to take it to the next level. On the 18 June, 1940, Wi n s t o n C h u r c h i l l i n a speech to the House of Commons said ‘If the British Empire and its Commonwealth last a thousand years, men will still say, “”this was their finest hour”. If Guyana lasts a thousand years, Guyanese will still say, that this was our finest hour. Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas
Will the City Council ever get it right? DEAR EDITOR, Last Monday Guyana observed a national day of mourning for the fishermen that were killed by pirates seven weeks ago in Suriname waters. According to a proclamation by President David Granger, signed by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the day would have served as a solemn memorial to the victims.
As I drove around our capital on that day, quite appropriately I saw all State entities and most private sector entities were flying their flags at half-mast. I felt so patriotic and proud to show respect to those fishermen who died in an effort to put food on our tables Then I passed the Stabroek Market Square and observed the flag there flying lustily at full mast. I had to
ask myself the question, Will the City Council ever get it right? Could it be that the ‘Big Enchiladas’ at City Hall believe that they are above the laws, protocols and established etiquette of our country? Or is it simply that they are just unsophisticated, unworldly and unsuitable for positions of leadership? Best regards Sincerely, Roseanne Rodgers
CORRUPTION IN HIGH PLACES... From page 4 under this Government as it did under previous administrations.Let us sanction the contractors and take action against those who overlooked corrupt tender practices or signed off on bad delivery. Let us also remember that when dishonest contractors win bids by skullduggery or whatever under-thetable means, they feel protected and they have a tendency to steal VAT as well as workers’ taxes and NIS contributions, and render poor service. All this results in a
shortchanging of the country’s Treasury, their own hard-working employees and Guyanese as a whole. When the new government took power in 2015, there was great euphoria, joy and goodwill amongst the supporters of the former government. However, because of dishonest administrators
within the governmental bureaucracy, that goodwill is seriously eroding. I have nothing against the government of the day and, as a professional, I work with any government democratically elected by the people of this country. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.
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The political mindset of the people is hunger for a different Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Allow me to highlight some of the reasons the next election will decide the fate of the Guyanese people for a long period of time. Guyana as it is poised in the present
moment is a country with a lot of regrets from its political history and as such, this period of politics is very critical. Firstly, as we all know, the oil industry in Guyana will
The unconstitutionalities ... From page 4 2017, the Ministry of Legal Affairs rented the 2nd and 3rd flats (not the 1st flat, which is normally the high rent yielding flat) of a building located at 59 Robb Street, Bourda (the lessor commercial side of Robb Street which ought to attract a lower rent), for the
This institution cost taxpayers a total of $12,495,000 in salaries and $5,950,000 in rent, totalling $18,445,000 up to June 2018, but has done no visible work whatsoever. In short, these three initiatives from two Ministries cost taxpayers a total of $648,445,000 ($240M+$390M+$18,445,000), but other than their friends and cronies, not a single benefit trickles down to the ordinary Guyanese (irrespective of race), directly or indirectly. In fact, they are all expenditures which are absolutely unnecessary. As I said, these are only
whopping sum of $850,000 per month. As I indicated, there is no Commissioner appointed, therefore, the Law Reform Commission cannot be functioning without Commissioners. Yet the following persons are currently employed presumably since November, 2017:
three initiatives. Multiply the same a thousand times and you get a clear picture of the level of wastage, corruption, graft and nepotism taking place within the bowels of this Government. The country is simply not earning at a rate to sustain these parasitical excesses. At the same time, monies cannot be found to pay severance to over 4000 sugar workers, lawfully due to them. To date, the fate and future of these workers and their families remain in flux. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law
start playing a major role in her development. Fortunately, the next election is during the same year that the oil will start flowing; this presents an opportunity for political parties to demonstrate to the populace their strategic plans to deal with the new industry. They will most importantly have to explain to the people how the working class will benefit from the discovery of this resource. It is a well known fact that oil is a economy changer, but it can change it in the positive or negative. Our economy at this point is staggering and the stagnation is felt by almost all Guyanese. The economy under agriculture, natural resource and services for the past ten years has shown great progress, and the people of Guyana would wonder why an economy that was steadily increasing, according to international agencies, is now in its current position. This will lead to questions during this election time as to whether oil will provide overconfidence in an economical growth that was
there before; the other sectors will be neglected and we fall into the oil trap that most developing countries have faced. Secondly, unemployment, this is a factor that dictates how strong a government really is in the eyes of its people. Most government in the world work with business entities to make sure that the unemployment number decreases. In this way the government allows the private sector to manage most of the employment but make provisions to avoid exploitation. The young people, especially ones with higher education, expect that the government will provide the opportunity for jobs to be readily available after obtaining their qualifications. Governments have failed miserable in the past to provide the confidence in the younger population to make bold steps and step out of orthodox employment arena. Agriculture is still a big market for employment and it is has not been fully utilized by administrations of Guyana. The usual agricultural
products will have to give way to new ones if the profitability is not there. In the instance of sugar, a broad consultation was needed with the employees and potential owners of the industry before decisions were made on the closure of estates. Both administrations of Guyana closed parts of this major employment source in the past without proper consultations and ways of expanding employment beyond that sector to include the affected workers. So the youths will play a vital role in this election period. At the end of the day, Guyanese will look to a party that will provide employment to enable them to provide for their families. Thirdly, the major political parties have been the only options Guyanese had in the past. Both the major parties have to some extent succeeded and failed at the same time. The population will have for the first time in almost three decades to evaluate a 10-year period between these two parties and make decisions based on their suc-
The point I specifically made about Mr. Duncan is that he is an “active politician” DEAR EDITOR, Thanks for publishing my letter under the title, “A criticism of the former Deputy Mayor” (KN, June 29, 2018). Permit me, on a point of clarification and ensuring historical accuracy, to reference the ‘Editor’s note’ that accompanied said letter which stated: “Frank Campbell was a former Government Minister who became Editorin-Chief and General Manager of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited [GNNL].” The point I specifically made about Mr. Sherod
Duncan, who is appointed General Manager of GNNL, is that he is an “active politician” appointed to the position.Indeed, Mr. Campbell held ministerial position. However, the difference and qualifier are: when Mr. Campbell was appointed to GNNL, he no longer held a ministerial portfolio and would therefore be considered, at time and duration of appointment, an inactive politician. In the case of Mr. Duncan he has received his appointment as General Manager of GNNL when he is actively engaged in politics,
evident in the title he holds, viz, Councillor of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Please note, at the time of writing he still holds the political title, though he says he will not seek re-election. Given his antics, it’s not a statement considered to be written in stone. Simply said, Mr. Duncan remains the only “active politician” to hold the title of General Manager of the GNNL. The ascription, i.e. active politician, is not befitting Mr. Campbell. Minette Bacchus
cesses and failures. The next election will put both these parties to the ultimate test of what was presented to the people before and after previous elections. The people will be inclined to choose to vote differently if they are not happy with the results of their evaluation of the past ten years. This will present a lot of challenges for the candidates of these parties, and past political campaigning may not gain the same success as it did. Guyanese are more open to move out of their comfort zones and vote for a different political entity. With this in mind, the candidate that will be fielded by these major parties will have to come up with different strategies to convince the populace. The Guyanese population has more information available to them than ever before and this is a direct contribution from the readily available social media and internet. This is a time when every politician’s words will be up against facts that are available. The candidates of these parties will have to prove to the populace that their intentions are to promote the economy of this country and make people lives easier. Lastly, the emergence of other political parties will segregate voting patterns and this is good for Guyana but it is terrible for the major political parties. It is good, in that our parliament will not only have MPs from the two major parties but from many more, and this will provide accountability for the people’s finances. There will be a viable, strong, independent, multiparty parliament and this will provide the Guyanese people with the representation they so much desire. Formation of smaller parties will allow constituents indirectly to vote for their MPs and this will benefit Guyana as a whole. The next election period requires a multitude of choices so that we can have representation from the different regions of Guyana that are not aligned to the major political parties or from any one party. The young people have shown willingness to make such impressive moves to create a better Guyana for themselves and their children. It will be a time of trial for the older politicians, because the last election has shown that the political mindset of the people is hunger for a different Guyana. They are eager to make their marks and to provide a better country for all. As a result of this new culture that is blooming in Guyana, the next election will be critical in the history of this beloved land. Yours truly, Dr. H. Chand
US Trafficking in Persons report… Government has admitted that more needs to be done by way of convictions when it comes to trafficking in persons (TIP) cases. On Thursday, the US Department of State released its annual report which details what each of 187 countries was doing in the fight against TIP. With activities in the hinterlands, at the mining landings, and in the city with the nightclubs, there have been increasing reports of cases involving persons being trafficked. Mostly women, the victims were said to be from around the Caribbean, and neighbouring Venezuela. Poor pay, prostitution, forced labour and withholding of passports are but some of the reports coming in.Guyana was placed on a Tier 2 ratings a few years ago but took steps to correct the situation, to improve to Tier 1, which meant it is meeting the minimum requirements with regards to where the US is d e m a n d i n g . Ye s t e r d a y, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who is the Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, noted that in the previous report, covering 2016, Guyana was elevated to Tier 1 for the first time. “At this point, it was recognized that this did not mean that Guyana had conquered the crime of TIP by any stretch of the imagination, rather, each antiTIP agent in Guyana was urged to treat the promotion as motivation to maintain a high level of effort and efficiency in their work in areas where success was achieved and to strive for improvement where necessary.” According to Ramjattan, having overseen the work of the Task Force in 2017, he was able to watch the Task Force members and other anti-TIP stakeholders work “diligently” to assemble a 2017-2018 National TIP Action Plan and to commence its implementation. In 2017, the Task Force was led by the Ministry of Public Security and also comprised representation from the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Education, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force, Criminal Investigation Department, Guyana Police Force, Central Immigration and Passport Office, Chambers of the Director of
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Public Prosecutions, The Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Food for the Poor, Help and Shelter, Guyana Women Miners Organization and ‘Burn the Price Tag’. Collaboration The Task Force, however, did not work alone as member agencies including the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Social Protection and Guyana Women Miners’ Organization operated through specialized Trafficking in Persons units. According to Minister Ramjattan, there were valuable contributions from organizations not represented on the Task Force including the Judiciary, Sisters of Mercy and Community Policing locally, and the United State Department of State, International Organization for Migration and INTERPOL, from outside Guyana’s borders. “The combined efforts of these anti-TIP agents saw to it that in 2017 Guyana was able to increase its efforts to prevent the crime and to protect those victimized through it. Training was provided for police investigators, police prosecutors and Immigration Officers, media personnel, Community Policing members, Toshaos, Village Councillors and other frontline officials.” The Minister also disclosed that awareness sessions were held in schools, communities throughout Guyana’s regions. “Subventions to shelters were increased and shelter was extended outside the capital. Collaborations were started with international organizations that will eventually see to it that current procedures and information sharing mechanisms are strengthened and that training is standardised. The Police also strove manfully to investigate TIP Reports despite challenges. The Government of Guyana sustained its efforts to ensure that anti-TIP interventions were well funded, primarily through the Task Force, the Ministry of Social Protection, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.” Ramjattan noted that while Government and stakeholders are happy that Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 ranking, the recommendations included in the report did not go unnoticed. “In some of the mentioned areas, such as those pertaining to training, identification procedures and victim services outside the
Despite strides, Govt. admits more needs to be done
The US Department of State’s latest Trafficking in Persons Report has made several recommendations for Guyana. capital, improvement has already started. In others, such as with regard to an increase in the rate of conviction, there is much more to be done.” He urged the public to encourage the general public to support the Task Force and the specialized TIP units in reporting the crime to the TIP Hotline – 227-4083/623-5030 – and in their public campaigns. Positive but… US Trafficking in Person report 2018, released on Thursday, was largely positive on the strides of Guyana. However, it called on Government to provide more protection and shelter outside of its capital city for children and men. Last year, the number of trafficking investigations and new prosecutions decreased, while the number of successful convictions remained low. A poor ratings, at Tier 3, or failure to address weaknesses could result in US sanctions, with Guyana being placed on a watch list a few years ago; it was later removed, after steps were taken to correct the weaknesses. In its recommendations, the report said that, “there should be a fund for specialized victim services outside the capital and for child victims and adult male victims. Authorities should also vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labour trafficking cases and hold convicted traffickers, including complicit public officials, accountable by imposing strong sentences. There should also be a speedy introduction of written identification procedures to better guide law enforcement officials as well as more training. Standard procedures should also be developed for protecting foreign victims, provide additional protection for victims to testify against traffickers in a way that minimizes re-traumatization; monitoring of the number of
cases reported to the trafficking hotline or by labour inspectors to promote a rapid investigative and victim assistance response; and the provision of training for diplomatic personnel on trafficking.” In 2017, the government reported four new trafficking investigations (two for sex trafficking and two for labour trafficking), 17 prosecutions (12 of which were initiated in previous reporting periods), and two convictions; compared to 19 investigations, 19 prosecutions, and two convictions in 2016. “The court sentenced both convicted traffickers to three years imprisonment and required one trafficker to pay restitution to one victim. A case from the previous reporting period in which the government required the trafficker only to pay
restitution, a penalty inconsistent with the law and one that the task force appealed, remained pending.” However, the TIP report noted, the government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees complicit in trafficking offenses. “Authorities confirmed the police officer who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2015 was terminated from his position in the police force; however, his appeal was still pending at the end of the reporting period. The government did not provide any support for trainings hosted by an international organization on combating complicity.” The report noted that while the government
Minister Khemraj Ramjattan increased efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims, the assistance to these remained insufficient, especially in areas outside the capital and for child and male victims. Last year also, the report said, the government referred 115 victims to shelter and psycho-social services, compared with 40 in 2016. “The government trained 156 village leaders and 96 government officials from the interior regions on victim identification and assistance. The government also trained members of the business community and civil society on victim identification.” The government, in the (Continued on page 10)
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Bisram’s mother accused of attempting to bribe witness
T
he mother of US-based business man and fugitive, Marcus Bisram, yesterday appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court to answer to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Sharmilla Inderjali, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, stood before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh to answer to the charge read to her. She was represented by Attorney-at-law Sanjiv Datadin. The charge read that Inderjali, between Thursday 1st June, 2017 and Friday 30th June 2017 at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, willfully attempted to pervert the course of justice. She is accused of requesting Zubir Ally to give false evidence before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the preliminary inquiry of the murder committed on Faiyaz Narinedatt at the Springlands Magistrate Court. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $50,000 bail. The matter was referred to the Chief Magistrate in Georgetown for reassignment since Magistrate Singh’s name was mentioned in the charge and at any given time he may be called as a witness in the matter. In that regard, he would not be eligible to preside over the matter. The case was adjourned to 5th July. Inderjali was arrested in October 2017 for attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with the murder PI for Faiyaz Narinedatt. She reportedly attempted to persuade witnesses to recant their stories. She was questioned and released on $100,000 bail. Bisram’s mother was also previously charged
Sharmilla Inderjali for attempting to suppress evidence by offering a $4M bribe to one of the detectives attached to the Major Crimes Unit, at Eve Leary, police headquarters. It was reported that she turned up at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). She and Maryanne Lionel, 25, a bank teller attached to Republic Bank, also of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were arrested during a sting operation. They appeared before the Chief Magistrate and were charged for willfully attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Mining, Sugar, Financial sectors in trouble
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) believes that the mining, agriculture and financial sectors are in trouble. On this note, its members are calling for immediate action to be taken by the government. This call was made specifically by GCCI President, Deodat Indar. He was at the time, delivering his remarks at the launch of the GCCI’s ninth business magazine on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel. There, Indar said, “Other sectors that need urgent attention in the economy are the mining and quarrying sector, financial sector and the agriculture sector, especially in the sugar sub sector where there are huge job losses. The foreign currency reserve at the Central Bank needs to be at a level that is at least three months import cover. This will provide the level of safety needed in the economy.” The GCCI President added, “Fuel prices also need to be kept at an affordable price as this can have a wide impact on price inflation and carry up cost of living.” Further to this, Indar said that real estate in certain areas in Guyana is poised to experience price inflation due to more demand. The GCCI President stressed, too, that human development has to be enhanced. In this regard, he said that private sector bodies are partnering with overseas firms to develop local capacity to create an economy of skilled workforce to address the needs of the future industries. Indar said, “Standards such as HACCP, ISO 9001 and Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) are being implemented in companies in the private sector to bring them to a level that is expected of international firms which are now operating here. We need to work as one to address the challenges that we are confronted with.” He added, “Both Government and private sector are needed to lock heads together to craft strategies that would arrest decline and stagnation in some sectors. We at the GCCI strongly believe that the oil and gas sector needs to be developed in conjunction with other sectors of the economy; we need a diversified mix of economic sectors to withstand external shocks if world market prices fall to unsustainable levels for prolonged periods in the future.”
…GCCI President calls for urgent attention in these areas
GCCI President, Deodat Indar As for his other observations about the economy, Indar recognized that the construction sector has grown. He said that infrastructure throughout Guyana will have to be enhanced and in some cases transformed to be able to address the needs of the upcoming oil boom. The GCCI President articulated that all ports and wharves would have to be further developed and certified. In addition, Indar said that the hospitality and tourism sector has grown and will continue to do so, given the influx of foreign nationals here on a daily basis. He also noted that whole sale and retail business grew by 8.7% in 2017. He said that this is partly due to the increased presence of Cubans here. He said that this represents 25.6% of the entire service sector. He said, too, that credit for private investments is available in the banking sector in areas of working capital, expansion and new ventures. Indar also praised the fact that rice production has grown substantially and is expected to grow further.
N
o one can honestly deny that Guyana has considerable tax evasion and tax avoidance. It is the country’s worst kept secret, even though it may be hard for the average man to prove. However, in as much as tax evasion is pervasive, one has to be circumspect with how one treats with tax numbers. The numbers can be deceiving. They do not always tell the whole story. For example, it is being reported that fewer than 300 taxpayers, account for 68% of the total tax revenues. The statement which was allegedly made by a tax official
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needs some clarification since it may only relate to income taxes paid by companies but not necessarily to overall tax revenues. In 2016, for example, the total income taxes collected was $61.13B of which more than 50% came from companies and less than 30% came from PAYE which consists of thousands of workers. So it is hard to comprehend, if we are dealing with total income tax alone, how less than 300 taxpayers were responsible for 68% of the total taxes. It may be that less than 300 companies were responsible for 68% of the total corporation income taxes. But such a statement would need
to be clarified and qualified. For instance, Guyana is not awash with companies. We have a small number of companies. The major advertising revenues in Guyana can be sourced to about six large companies with significant market share in their respective sectors, including one company which has a decades-long monopoly on foreign overseas telephone calls. We also have emerged from a socialist tradition, one in which the private sector was miniaturized. Under that system, only a small band of mainly family-owned businesses held dominant market shares in the sectors in which
DEM BOYS SEH
Kwame got nuff ambition Statia get more raise than he ever get in he life. A man sit down and look at wha Statia do after he tek over from Sat-R. Sat-R use to keep he hand pun de phone because Jagdeo use to call steady and tell he who to give tax break and who to give back de money dem pay. When Sat-R move too slow, Jagdeo bring in a man from Canada as he number two. De two of dem mek nuff businessman smile and dat is why all of dem use to seh how money flowing in Guyana. It wasn’t dem money. Statia tek over and he mek everybody watch everybody else. People who use to run cow and build house suddenly settling walking pun de road and begging people fuh a raise. Dem boys seh never trust a man who bribe you. De day yuh tun useless is everybody know how you use to stretch you hand. Dem was de people Statia ketch and send home. And he ketch dem easy because dem end up tackling de businessmen fuh a raise, even when de people tekking a drink. But if dem boys think GRA bad, dem didn’t
see wha happen inside de PPP. Everybody suddenly believe dat dem got de potential to be president. Kwame step up and announce dat he want to be de PPP presidential candidate. Well dem boys laugh at de answer Jagdeo give him. Jagdeo look at dis man who he does still hug up and keep he close to ee chest and ask him if de presidency ain’t got no class. He forget dat when Janet mek him president, people ask she de same thing. Is just dat she was stubborn and didn’t listen. She pass on but de rest of de nation see how all of a sudden de word president mean thief. Since dem boys seh government, people seh thief. Soulja Bai walking round with disinfectant to avoid de smell. Thief man got a smell. Ashni know bout dat smell. When he come home, he hear people asking, “Wha smell suh?”, when he pass. Cologne can’t hide thief man smell. Dat is why he refuse to come to court yesterday fuh answer more charges. He rather forfeit de $6 million bail. Talk half and get ambition like Kwame.
they operated. In fact, during Guyana’s socialist era, certain familyowned businesses were highly favoured by the State and they used this to amass vast wealth and fortunes. During the socialist era, the large private businesses, which were allowed to exist did not face competition from foreign exports, especially in the brewery, beverage, alcohol, tobacco and telephone business. The point being made is that we are coming from an experience in which private enterprise was stultified and which a small band of businesses enjoyed monopoly status in some sectors. Even though there has been liberalization, many large companies and firms still dominate private sector activity. It will therefore take some time for the emerging companies, many of which are small companies, to become dominant in the country’s tax base. There are thousands of small businesses, which are not contributing much to the country’s tax coffers. But do you know how many of these small businesses are actually making losses? There are persons who are just sitting in their
business all day without the sales to cover their overheads. They are absorbing losses and are unable to pay their municipal taxes. They are just operating their business to maintain their tradition of being in business. Guyanese will remember the sad sight of a man who lived in posh house in Robb Street, but who owed the banks millions and could not pay. The banks won judgment against him but he refused to vacate the premises. When the bank officials came to place padlocks on his gates, he try to deter them by hitting on the gates with a length of pipe. He was bankrupt. Yet he lived in a fancy house. Not everyone who lives in a fancy house or has a business is making money. There are vendors in the market who sit all day without getting a single sale, not one. But they do this because they have nothing else to do. They are hoping, against the odds, that their fortunes will change. They go to work because they are trying to hold on to their assets but they are earning little or no income.
Finally, as was acknowledged, Guyana has high levels of informality. It is estimated that as much as 50% of those who earn, in one way or the other, are not within the tax net. This high level of informality is not a problem, which the tax authorities can address on their own. It requires legislative support and stronger regulation. Of course, if only 300 taxpayers are averaging 68% of taxes, this is not as bad as it seems from a tax collection perspective. It means that a 10% increases in tax collections from these 300 taxpayers – a small number – will increase the GRA’s tax take by almost seven percent. So from a tax efficiency viewpoint, it would make sense for the taxman to concentrate more on helping these 300 taxpayers so that they can grow their businesses rather than trying to go after 10,000 other taxpayers whose share of the tax cake is below that of the 300.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
At the wake of Oliver Hinckson
I’m in my sixties and I have known Oliver Hinckson since I was young. That means I have known Oliver for a very long time. Then at the turn of the 21st century, he became my student at UG and we got to know each other better because I spent an inordinate time with him on his essays in philosophy. Unfortunately, Oliver Hinckson passed away last week. Throughout our friendship, he would say to me; “I see much of myself in you.” I never knew what he meant by that. I never asked him. It
puzzled me because though I would say we had a politically trusting relationship. I think our political activism was based on different strands. At the wake on Thursday night at the Georgetown Football Club on North Road, I asked Dr. Mark Kirton why he thought Hinckson liked me when our politics had huge shades of difference. I am not at liberty to disclose Mark’s explanation.I am sorry Hinckson had to die at this time. And by this time, I mean the present juncture where Guyana is virtually bankrupt
in terms of visionary and transformational leadership. I wish the PPP vanishes in the wilderness but I honestly think that our present leadership in government (without exception but more so Granger and Nagamootoo) is so ordinary and devoid of competence and thinking that it certainly poses a clear and present danger to the future of Guyana. Someone like Hinckson’s voice would have been a prerequisite for our young people needing to be shown the way forward. It is too early after his death to talk about the
strengths and weaknesses of his activism. And it would take more than one column to elaborate. I certainly supported his cynical approach to power. Hinckson felt that from Burnham to Granger, all presidents failed Guyanese and he had no admiration for them. But he was hopelessly trapped in the politics of ethnicity, brought on by the nature of the PPP rule. I think a fine group of multi-racial African Guyanese allowed the abominable ethnic bias in the PPP to imprison their multiracial activism.
There are very many admirable multi-racial African Guyanese that I have known for decades who will support the PNC in government, now and in the future, because of the horrible taste of race bias that characterized the long rule of Jagdeo and Ramotar. Some of these names are in the WPA. They explain that the alternative to the PNC is the race-baiting Indian cabals of the PPP. In such a situation, they will support the political wrongdoings and ethnically driven policies of the present administration rather than having the PPP back in power. This scenario vividly reminds me of good multi-racial Indians who condoned the cruel, bestial ethnic excesses of presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar because they didn’t want a Black government in power at all in Guyana. This was where Oliver Hinckson came in. Hinckson was too smart to put his faith in a Black state machinery just because it was a Black government. I didn’t support his position on Buxton during the reign of violence there and I told him why. And the difference with him from others of his type was that he was rational and analytical to see where you were coming from. I remember once telling him that Ronald Waddell’s public warning to East Indians over Channel 9 in the aftermath of the 2011 general election results that Indians who didn’t vote for the PPP to seek shelter of safety was a horribly unfor-
Frederick Kissoon giving thing to say.I told Oliver that in our country, Indians and Blacks instinctively vote racially, why single out Indians. And he agreed that Waddell was wrong. That was what I liked about Oliver Hinckson. In the latter years of his life, he became deeply disgusted with the shape of politics. I felt sad when one day he told me, he was finished with politics. I couldn’t believe this was the man I knew for over four decades. The wake offered me an opportunity to talk to important people that I hardly see and whose views and opinions are important for my work as an analyst. I found not one supporter of the APNU+AFC Administration who is not worried about the mistakes the government is making. Many feel that Guyana needs visionary character to guide it and that is not forthcoming. Not one, not even one person saw the wisdom of this government dropping the Chronicle columns of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis. All agreed that the decision reminded Guyanese wherever they are that the present leaders are doing the same things they criticized the PPP for perpetuating.
Despite strides, Govt. ... From page 7 report, disclosed multiple cases of delivering foreign victims to their respective embassies at the request of the foreign missions before the conclusion of prosecutions. “The government granted one victim temporary residence and legal employment in Guyana. The government, with the assistance of an international organization, repatriated 21 suspected trafficking victims. The government did not report whether it facilitated or funded the repatriation of Guyanese nationals victimized abroad; however, it offered shelter, medical care, and psycho-social assistance to victims upon their return.”“Authorities reportedly conducted approximately 1,000 unannounced labour inspections in the capital and the interior, last year.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
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$20M Eastville Nursery commissioned
The nursery school that was commissioned yesterday.
A
new nursery school was com missioned yesterday in the community of
Eastville (Annandale South), East Coast Demerara. The construction of the Eastville Nursery School be-
gan in March 2016 and it was completed in August of 2017 at a cost of $20M. At the commissioning cer-
emony held in the school compound, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, said that the construction of the school reflects the commitment of the Government of Guyana towards the renaissance of the school system with unprecedented investment. She said that the school will provide quality early childhood education and will cater for children with special education needs. Minister Henry explained to the parents and children in attendance that as the children progress, they will benefit from a system that provides quality education for all. Minister Henry noted that as 21st-century students, they deserve to learn in a 21stcentury environment. She said that the various interventions being implemented by the Ministry of Education, its
officers and teachers are to ensure children access nothing less than what they deserve. Assistant Chief Education Officer (N) ag, Samantha Williams, gave a bit of history about how the school became a reality. She said that the late Clyde Roopchand, former Chief Planner of the Ministry of Finance and the Regional Democratic Council had recognized the growing need of a nursery school in the community due to the overcrowding in sister schools. She said that the school is evidence of the commitment to ensuring that education is accessible to nursery aged children. According to Williams, the school has the capacity to host 120 children between ages three years six months and five years six months. She
said that the school will ensure that children will be equipped with prerequisite skills to cater for life-long learning. Regional Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council Region Four, Genevieve Allen, said that in 2015, a feasibility study was done and in the education plan for the region the construction of the school was included. She said that education is important for the development of any nation, region, and community. She thanked the Ministry of Education through which the funding for the school was provided and the Management Team for the Eastville Cooperative Society for playing an integral role, particularly since the land for the school was donated by the co-op society.
Soldier gets 2 years, fined $2M on drug running charge A soldier who was heading to Berbice with a quantity of narcotics has been jailed. Collis Beckles, 26, of Lot 70 Barnwell Street Mocha, had identified himself as a soldier when he was nabbed at the newly established police checkpoint at the entrance to the Berbice River Bridge, Palmyra. Beckles appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on a charge of Possession of Narcotics for the purpose of Trafficking. According to Prosecutor, Corporal Winston Poliah, around 17:30 hrs on January 5, last, the police were conducting a ‘stop and search’ at the police checkpoint at Palmyra on the eastern section of the bridge. Motorcar HC 5799 which had just crossed the bridge, with four occupants inside and heading towards New Amsterdam was stopped and search. A black and grey haversack was found in the trunk. A search of the bag revealed two bulky plastic bags, which had leaves seeds and stem suspected to be marijuana. An identification card, a green sheet and a pair of Timberland slippers were also found in the bag.Beckles, who was one of the passengers in the vehicle, had claimed ownership of the bag. He and the other passengers and the vehicle were subsequently taken into custody.
Jailed: Collis Beckles The contents were tested and weighed and found to be 2,137 grams (over four pounds) of marijuana. He had told investigators that he was given the items by someone to take to Berbice. He was subsequently charged and placed before the court. He had pleaded not guilty and was placed on $150,000 bail. He has been found guilty and sentenced to two years in jail and fined $2M. Failing to pay the fine, he will have to serve another year in jail.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Oldendorff prepares for pullout; pledges to honour employees’ rights
Oldendorff Carriers Guyana Inc GM Ulf Henriksson handing over employee information to Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle Oldendorff Carriers (Guyana) Inc., on Thursday handed over details of all employees currently employed in the company’s operations in the Berbice River. The presentation was made to the Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, at the Department of Labour by Ulf Henriksson, General Manager of OCGI, according to a statement from the shipping company. RUSAL, the parent company of Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) has been sanctioned by the US Government. BCGI’s operations are in Region Ten . The company explained that it is contracted by BCGI to transport bauxite from the mine areas near Aroaima to load on ships at the mouth of the Berbice River. “The US Government sanctions require that all companies doing business with those that have been sanctioned wind down operations by October 23, or they themselves will be sanctioned. While there are international negotiations taking place in an attempt to get the US Government to withdraw the current sanctions, OLDENDORFF is compelled to make preparations for wind-
ing down should such efforts fail,” the company explained. As a result, the company said it has begun to sensitize workers to the possibility that it will not be able to continue operations in Guyana. The employment information was requested by the Department of Labour in order to determine the benefits accruing to the employees should the company be forced to wind-down operations in Guyana. “The information is also expected to support the work of a Cabinet-appointed task force, set up to address the future of workers at RUSAL and related companies in light of USA-imposed sanctions. “BCGI is OLDENDORFF’s only client in Guyana. The current situation stems from sanctions imposed on April 6, by the US Government, on Russia, by adding seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control, among others, to what is called the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (“SDN”). Such sanctions apply to entities that are directly or indirectly owned 50 percent or moreby these or other SDNs.” OLDENDORFF said it has (Continued on page 14)
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Kaieteur News
Berbice carpenter’s murder…
Sohan charged again, this time for allegedly asking witness to lie Attorney-at-law and former Magistrate, Chandra Sohan, was yesterday hauled before the court and slapped with a charge of attempting to obstruct the course of justice in the preliminary inquiry (PI) of the murdered carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. Chandra Sohan, 52, of Lot 47 Palmyra Village, who is no stranger to controversy, appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore and pleaded not guilty to the charge read to him. He is being represented by a battery of lawyers, among them Attorney’s Bernard DaSilva, Murseline Bhaccus, Joel Edmond, Arud Gossai and Ryan Crawford. The attorney is accused of allegedly advising witness, Zubir Ally, to provide false evidence before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the PI of murder carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt and had made an appearance before Singh stating that the statement by the witness was false. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court on July 18. On October 2017, Sohan was arrested, based on statements that were given by a suspect who was detained.
Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan The eyewitness had reportedly identified Sohan as the individual from the legal fraternity who influenced him to persuade another witness to change his story. The witness reportedly was told to tell the court that the police had forced him to sign the statement. Sohan had denied the allegation at that time. Also in July 2017, Sohan was arrested at the Springlands Court for attempting to pervert the course of justice. The alleged murder of Berbice carpenter, (Continued on page 22)
Oldendorff prepares for... From page 13 been operating successfully in Guyana for 12 years and had every intention of continuing operations until being forced to face closure of the operations here because of the US Government sanctions. “During the 12 years, the company has employed and trained more than 250 persons from the Berbice area, most of whom still work for the company today. These employees have performed at the highest industry standards and contributed significantly to the performance efficiencies of the OLDENDORFF operation here.” Speaking yesterday when handing over the documents to the Chief Labour Officer, Ulf Henriksson, General Manager of OCGI said that “OLDENDORFF management in Guyana and their parent company in Germany are promising to ensure that should the company have to exit Guyana, the workers would be given proper notice. Our employees can rest assured that we will adhere to the laws of Guyana and they will receive what they are entitled to.”
Yesterday, a team from the Department of Labour Occupational Safety and Health visited OLDENDORFF’s headquarters in New Amsterdam, Berbice. The team, led by Senior Labour Officer Dexter Semple, conducted an inspection of the company’s records and working conditions. “Semple also took the opportunity to speak directly with workers who assembled at the New Amsterdam Stelling. Workers had a free exchange with the Labour Officer and registered concerns for follow up.” OLDENDORFF suspended operations for two hours to allow the workers to attend the meeting. At the end of the meeting OLDENDORFF said its managers presented each of the 115 employees gathered at the stelling with letters that provided information on the company’s response to the sanctions and the efforts that are being taken in the workers interest. “Company executives promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available,” it was disclosed.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Traffic ranks abandon uniforms after crashing borrowed car The car on the opposite side of a 15 foot trench.
The crashed vehicle with the traffic ranks’ hats that were left behind.
Two traffic ranks were seen running from the scene of an accident yesterday, at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara. Witnesses claim to seeing motorcar PWW 5750 driving at a fast rate of speed around 10:45 hrs, when it suddenly veered off the road and toppled a few times before coming to a rest in a trench. The vehicle was going so fast, that it crossed to the other side of the 15-foot trench. Initially persons who arrived on the scene were skeptical about rendering assistance, since the vehicle was heavily tinted. Some were of the opinion that it might have been bandits escaping a crime. But closer examination revealed two traffic ranks in a semiconscious state in the car,” one witness said.
“When them catch themself, them come out the car and start fuh run.” This was worrying for the persons who were there to help, since everyone was now confused as to why the ranks were so hasty to get away from the scene. They jumped into another vehicle and left. One witness reported that an individual came to the scene of the accident and was making claims that the car was his nephew’s car and he was wandering how the police got it. Calls were made to the Den Amstel Police Station, which is responsible for the Winsor Forest area, to verify that there was an accident that involved two traffic ranks. Up to 19:00 hrs, last evening no report of such an accident was made.
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Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
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CJIA tests boarding bridge, corridor as expansion steams ahead Authorities are hailing it as a significant milestone. The boarding corridor and a boarding bridge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport ( C J IA), Timehri, were successfully tested yesterday by passengers. According to CJIA, at the time, the passengers were departing on a Caribbean Airlines flight. “The bridge test was successfully executed by e m p l o y e e s o f C J I A’s Engineering and Technical Department (ETD) who were able to put their skills to the test after undergoing training over the past two weeks by the project’s contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC),” a Facebook post of the airport disclosed. With six months to go before the airport expansion is completed and the airport is handed over, the testing of the bridge, a new introduction to the Guyana scene, would be significant. Most airports around the world have them, making it easier for passengers to board or deplane. It protects them from the elements. Passengers over the years would have had to brave the hot sun or rain. The bridges are connected to a new
corridor that is linked to elevators and escalators to allow access to arrival and departure areas. In late April, during a tour by parliamentarians, it was disclosed t h a t sections of the airport would be opened. The entire US$150M is expected to be handed over in December. And there were delays. The completed airport will boast four boarding bridges, escalators and elevators, bigger baggage carousels, and more checkin counters. It will also include automated kiosks for returning Guyanese to scan their passport to help reduce waiting time. A longer runway and bigger apron and improved taxiing will lend for a better experience that is designed to attract bigger planes from Europe, Asia and Africa. When completed, the airport will be 60 percent larger than the current facility with double the concession space. It will allow for more duty free shopping, and more local and international food and beverages concessions. The Timehri airport directly employs 1,000 persons, processes 1,700 passengers and thousands kg of cargo on a daily basis.
Caribbean Airlines plane with the boarding bridge attached.
Already, parts of the departures area and lounge have been commissioned, with new chairs, check-in counters and modern sound and lighting systems. It was estimated that more than 80 percent of the works scheduled were completed in April.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
CI interested in supporting Guyana’s ‘green’ development Conservational International (CI) is keen to support Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy. This message was conveyed by the President of Conservation International, Dr. Jennifer Morris, during a meeting she held with President David Granger, on the sidelines of the Sixth Assembly of the Global Environmental Facility which was held this week in Da Nang, Vietnam. President Granger and the CI President also discussed issues of renewable energy development, conservation,
protection of biodiversity and the Global Environmental Facility backed GOLD - Global Opportunities for Long-term Development in the Artisanal Small Gold Mining Sector. This programme is being implemented with support from CI. President Granger was accompanied to the meeting by Mr. Kemraj Parsram, Acting Director of the Global Environment Facility; and Ms. Diana Fernandes, Technical Officer of the Department of Energy.
EVENING OF FASHION, ART AND CULTURE- On Thursday, Dr. Riyad Insanally, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America and Staff welcomed the First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger to the Embassy.
The First Lady was the Guest of Honour for the “Evening of Fashion, Art and Culture”, which was held in association with Karib Nation, Inc. as part of Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Saturday June 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Mocha public road smash-up leaves two hospitalized
The car that was involved in yesterday’s accident.
VISA QUESTIONS- The U.S. Embassy Consular team visited Bartica this week and hosted a well attended information session on U.S. visa issues. The team also held a Town Hall meeting for U.S. citizens. Consul General of the Embassy, Jerome Epping, answered many visa questions from Region Seven residents and reminded applicants to be honest during interviews and watch out for visa scams.
An early morning accident between a truck and car, on the Mocha Public Road, East Bank Demerara has left the car driver with a broken leg and arm, and the passenger being rendered unconscious. The car, HC 3999, was said to be driven by Devindra “Benjie” Premnauth, who happens to be the owner of a taxi service, was proceeding in the western direction on the Mocha access road, while the truck (GVV 8446) driven by Nezamudeen Hussein was proceeding in the eastern direction, when in the vicinity of Mocha first bridge, the car attempted to overtake another vehicle and ended up in the path of the truck. One witness who was at the scene, claimed he was driving behind the car (HC 3999) which
was driving in a reckless manner around 07:00 hrs yesterday, when he saw the car attempt an overtake, and went head-on into the truck. The truck made an attempt to avoid the oncoming car, but the speed of the car did not allow any escape. The witness with the assistance of other public-spirited citizens eventually gave assistance to the driver and a young man who was in the car in an unconscious state. They were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Center after which they were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were both admitted in a critical condition. Another taxi driver who was at the scene, claimed that this was the third car that the driver had wrecked in a similar manner.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
Regional rum producers meet to address labeling, quality standards
Rum producers of the West Indies have met on labeling and other quality standards that are affecting its competitiveness.
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enior technical staff of the region’s rum producers, members of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA), met in Jamaica on June 13, 2018 for a oneday technical meeting, to address a range of issues, which impact on the region’s largest and premier agrobased export product. Producers from Antigua, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and St. Lucia came together to discuss matters relating to rum origin and trade rules, to examine the latest developments in labelling globally, and plans for upgrading regional labeling for rum, WIRSPA disclosed.
“Attendees exchanged views on the CARICOM rum standard which governs how rum can be made and quality ensured. The meeting also examined new technological solutions in the industry and exchanged views on the state of molasses supply in the region.” Also on the agenda was the development of an online training programme for the region’s producers, which is at the preliminary phase of discussion with the UWI. “As part of ongoing WIRSPA actions to promote quality products and international best practice, senior technical staff from member companies across the Caribbean
The representatives at the meeting in Jamaica. region meet biannually to examine technological and regulatory developments affecting the sector, and to learn from their counterparts, to ensure that the region’s rum industry continues to produce the highest level of quality,” the
Private schools own top spots at NGSA Education officials are concerned about the performance of public schools when compared with private institutions, particularly, in Georgetown at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Immediately after the NGSA results were released on Thursday, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, convened a meeting with head teachers of public schools and regional education officers to examine the performance of public schools. “As a Ministry, we have to continue to work to do better. We are an institution and we are a critical institution; and if we cannot deliver in this Ministry then the people of this country ultimately cannot be delivered,” Henry stated when asked about the performance of the public schools. The concerns come at a time when Government continues to boast about spending more money in the education sector. Based on the results released by the Ministry, this year’s top three students are all from private schools. Naila Rahaman of Westfield Preparatory topped the country with a perfect score of 529. This is the first time that a student has perfected the national exams. The next two students were New Guyana School’s Arthur Roberts, who scored 525 and Kaydee Ali of Success Elementary, who finished with 524 marks. In Georgetown, 15 of the 17 top students are from private schools. The results of the top one percent show that the gap between private and public schools is much closer, but overall, the private schools themselves had a larger concentration of students who made the top bracket. Overall, New Guyana School, a private institution, had 23 students in the top one percent, which is the highest number for all schools.Following closely was Mae’s Under 12 with 21 students; Green Acres Primary, 16; Success Elementary, 15; and Region 3' Acad-
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry. emy of Excellence, 12. These are all private schools. “We have to go back to the drawing board,” Henry stated, while expressing the desire to deliver better results. The Minister expressed the view that the results are being scrutinized now more than ever because of the open and transparent approach adopted by the Government. “This is what growth looks like. This is what transparency looks like because we took a decision to let people know this is where the percentage is because we want our people to work with us,” Henry stated. She noted that the Ministry has to share the information, as this is the pace of growth, although at times this can be painful. “You are going to be up sometimes, you’re going to be down sometimes; but the bottom line is we’re not going back to no 11% and 13%. We moving forward and we are moving towards all of our subject areas at 50% and more. “That is my commitment to the people of Guyana when I took up the job as Minister of Education and that is what we will deliver to the people of Guyana,” Henry stated.
association explained. WIRSPA is one of the oldest private sector trade associations in the Caribbean. It represents rum producers in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Dominica, Dominican
Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. The rum producers in Guyana are the Demerara Distillers Limited and Bank DIH Limited.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
Two Corentyne men found guilty of raping friend FOR RENT
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Two Corentyne men, Parshram Guman, called “Naresh”, and Mahesh Lackhan called, Govindra, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, have been found guilty of the crime. They are on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed Jury in the Berbice High Court. A probation report has been ordered.They are accused of engaging in sexual penetration of a 23-year-old man withFOR RENT One bedroom apt for rent in Meadow Brook Drive. #6928389/627-5505 LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo Price $5 Million. Ideal place for business (100x60) #616-5606/ 277-0281 Herstelling (2nd Bridge) 110ftx60ft $3.6M Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M Farm $2.8M Schnoord $2.6M Tel# 6561345/656-0701 Lot 1 area “E” Sophia & 15 acres on roadside Kuru Kuru. Contact# 227-1042 Lot 19 Wren avenue, South Riumveldt Gardens # 227-1042 Zeelugt $2.5M Uitvlugt $2.8M Tuschen $1.5M Tel#697-6311 High Income land fully fence 5000 Sq ft Continental & Republic Park #233-0570 2 acres of title land situated @ 1st St Garden of Eden EBD $6.5M Neg. Call Terrence #6387836. email: Latchmanrich@gmail.com
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out his consent during a drinking spree back in 2015 on the Corentyne..The state’s case is being presented by Attorney-at-law Tuanna Hardy.The two accused are being represented by Attorney-at-law Rodwell Jugmohan.According to evidence led in court, the men knew each other for some time. The virtual complainant worked with one of the accused. On the day in question, the two accused, the virtual complainant and another man were drinking together when the virtual complainant began feeling dizzy. Guman then took off his belt and pulled off his pants. The men then took turn in raping him. During the ordeal, the victim lost consciousness. He was at home the next day when he was called by one of his assailants who asked him if he was feeling good to go to work. The man then told him that he was sodomised. The victim then checked his anus and found blood. The matter was reported. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was medically examined and confirmed that he was raped. The accused were subsequently arrested and charged.The state called seven witnesses including three police ranks and the victim.The prosecution and defence closed their case and made their summation to the jury. Justice Reynolds then took time to go over the evidence to the jury and directed them on the points of law before the jury retired to consider the evidence. They then returned with the verdict of guilty of rape. The probation report is expected to be presented on July 9, when the two accused are expected to be sentenced.
Sohan charged again, this time for allegedly ... From page 14 Faiyaz Narindedatt, has been widely publicized. The Preliminary Inquiry currently ongoing at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court has had many persons allegedly involved in witness tampering. US based Philanthropist, Marcus Bisram, is currently fighting extradition for his suspected role in the crime. Five other men, including Bisram’s bodyguard, were charged with the murder. Bisram, police have alleged, procured and commanded Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob to murder Narinedatt between October 31 and November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Berbice.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
Tucville driveway shooting...
Miner accused of attempting to offer victim’s mother $5M bribe to drop murder charge A 46-year-old miner of 85 Section ‘C’ Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, who allegedly collected $5M from a woman by falsely pretending that he could get a murder charge instituted against her relative discharged, yesterday, made an appearance before a City Magistrate. Richard Aulder appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where a fraud charge was read to him. It is alleged that between September 20, 2016 and January 20, 2017 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $5M from Nicola Duggan, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to get the case against Robert Benn, who was charged with murdering Collin Pereira, discharged in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Aulder denied the allegation after it was read to him by the Magistrate. Attorney-at-law Keavon Bess, in an application to secure bail for his client told the court that his client is a manager of a mining company. The lawyer argued that it is quite strange that the victim was not charged for engaging in a criminal act. He went on to tell the court that the prosecution cannot prove that any money was given to his client. Police Prosecutor, Sanj Singh, in addressing the court stated that intense investigation into the matter is ongoing. The court heard that the defendant admitted in a caution statement that he was given $5M worth of cocaine, instead of cash. The prosecutor stated that defendant who is a businessman, met with the victim on several occasions and collected the money from her. The money was to be given to the mother of Collin Pereira, as an inducement.
Charged: Richard Aulder Prosecutor Singh had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant; hence Aulder was released on $200,000 bail. Conditions of the bail are that he must lodge his passport with the court and report every Monday to Brickdam Police Station, until the completion of the trial. Last year, Benn was committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of Pereira, whom he allegedly shot dead on August 23, 2016. According to reports, Pereira, called ‘Malcolm’ formerly of 213 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was driving a heavily tinted motorcar, with his girlfriend Gail Ann Chacon, seated in front. He attempted to turn around the vehicle, in front of the Benn’s residence. In the process, Benn who was reportedly in his yard whipped out his licensed handgun and discharged several rounds at the vehicle, hitting Benn and Chacon about their bodies.
Body found in Better Hope gutter
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he body of Ravin, aka “Puddock” was yesterday fished out of a g u t t e r adjacent to Robert Street, in the South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara area. Puddock, who was said to be an epileptic, was with a friend liming at the corner of Robert Street, around 15:30 hrs. When his friend left to go home for something to come b a c k , w i t nesses claim hearing a man shouting for help. When residents came out, there was P u d d o c k ’s f r i e n d showing them that the body was in the gutter and not moving. The police were called, and Puddock’s body was fished out of the gutter and taken to Lyken’s Fun e r a l Home, where it awaits an autopsy. E v e r y o n e remembered Puddock being a handy man in the area.
The victim’s body in the Robert Street gutter.
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Kaieteur News
Alex Muntaz tops Region Top
1st: Alex Muntaz
2nd: Samera Persaud
3rd: Tamesha Persaud, third place in Region Two
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opping the National Grade six Assessment [NGSA] in Region Two this year, is 11-year-old Alex Muntaz, student of the C V Nunes Primary School. Muntaz gained 516 marks and secured at spot at Queen’s College. Speaking with this publication, Alex said that he expected to perform well at this year’s NGSA. His parents, Neelawattie and Reyaz Muntaz, who are both overwhelmed by the boy’s performance, explained that Muntaz was also the top performer at the National Grade Two and Grade Four Assessments. Securing the second position on the Essequibo Coast is Samera Persaud, a student from the
3rd: Muneshwar Beepat Taymouth Manor Primary. Persaud secured the second position in the region with a
5th: Anasie Fredrick
total of 515 marks for the Region. Persaud whose dream is to one day become a lawyer, said that she could not have done it without the support of her parents and teachers.Filling the third position within the region is a pupil from the Hampton Court Primary, Tamesha Persaud, with 514. Also in the third place is Muneshwar Beepat from the Aurora Primary School who also secured 514 marks. Beepat noted that the exams were indeed challenging. Nevertheless, he had no doubt that he could make both his school and parents proud.The Tapakuma Lake Primary pupil secured the fifth place for the first time, after its top student Anasie Fredericks secured a total of
513 marks.Naveena Yogashur and Nissa Swallay both tied for the sixth position in the Region. This year, Naveena who is from the Taymouth Manor Primary copped 512 marks, while Swallay from the C.V. Nunes Primary also secured 512 marks.The eighth position was awarded to Sasha Narine from the Taymouth Manor Primary, who scored 510 marks. Narine credited her success to extra lessons and late studies. Emily Jairam from the Good Hope Primary held down the ninth position in the region, with 509 marks. Finally tying in the tenth position is Yogesh Chairtram from C V Nunes Primary and Anna Lisa Basdeo from Suddie Primary, who both scored 508 marks.
Saturday June 30, 2018
Guyana tops Caribbean in... From page 3 approximately 266,000 women or 50.2 per cent of the total cancer victims. To arrest the challenge here, Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, touted the need for early screening of Guyanese to help reduce the locally recorded deaths from cancers. Minister Lawrence is worried that if the cancerrelated mortality trend continues, generations of Guyanese will grow up not knowing close family members. During the opening ceremony, Minister Lawrence again highlighted the alarming figures and stressed the importance of hav i n g a m o r e r o b u s t cancer prevention scheme. She said that the Public Health Ministry is currently fine tuning a comprehensive cancer prevention and control programme for Guyana. “We recognize that common risks factors for cancers such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and alcohol abuse must be reduced.” The Minister lauded the efforts of health officials in having the new oncology unit up and running. She noted that the recent figures as they relate to cancer cases and deaths are the reason the extension of the oncology services has been a top priority to the Ministry of Public Health. “ We h a v e g o n e t o s u ch lengths to ensure that we have a building designed uniquely for cancer accommodation.” The Ministry of Public Health recognizes that in order for this challenge to be arrested Guyana needs to provide for the early screening, treatment and diagnosis for Guyanese to help reduce the rate of cancer deaths.” Lawrence added that the new unit is just the beginning of what is proposed for an upgraded oncology department. “The idea is to have a facility where persons can receive optimal cancer
Minister Volda Lawrence care… Patients should have access to the best services at the facility at no cost to them,” Lawrence emphasized. Speaking about the other functions of the new unit, Minister Lawrence said that the Health Science Education Department plays an essential role of the effective functioning of health services in Guyana, more particularly the Ministry of Public Health. She explained that the Institute is key to providing human resource personnel to the health sector. The Post Graduate programmes offered entails comprehensive advance training in specialized areas. “Our aim is to produce at the core of heal t h c a r e p r o v i d e r s w i t h adequate skills to work across Guyana,” she said. Owing to the i n c r e a s ing incidence of patients afflicted by cancer on its register, last y e a r, G P H C h a d t a k e n steps to expand its Oncology Unit. At present the Oncology Unit has four doctors, three Government M e d i c a l O f ficers, three nurses, consultants, a social worker and a nutritionist. The Social Worker advocates on behalf of patients who are cash-strapped for financial support from the Public Health Ministry.
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Kaieteur News
England turn focus to knockout round and the ExxonMobil U-14 Schools dreaded penalty shootout Football competition continues today
England’s Gary Cahill clears the ball off the goal line. (REUTERS/Marko Djurica)
Saturday June 30, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're going to get it all today, Aries. You may not be feeling especially powerful, and in fact, some around you may be trying to make you feel incompetent. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today is a day to shine, Taurus, so make sure you're giving it your all. Get the credit you deserve for all you do. Try not to fall into self-pity. Be yourself and people will naturally follow your lead. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today is a day of contrasts for you. Eat chocolate in the morning and go jogging in the afternoon. Sleep in late and go to bed early. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The day doesn't begin until you clear your head and take stock of some pending personal issues, Cancer. You might be making mountains out of molehills. Realize that there is a path for everybody. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today might be a somewhat difficult day for you. Instinctively, you'll want to escape the situation and explore your freedom, but something will be holding you back. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The world is wide open to you today, Virgo. Take advantage of all the great things on offer. You may not realize it, but you have a loyal fan club building in the wings.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Speak your mind today, but don't take offense if it seems like no one is listening. Don't push your viewpoint. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get your head out of the clouds today, and come back to Earth for just a little bit. There are some things you need to take care of here. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Bring things down to Earth today, Sagittarius. Get grounded and enjoy the day. You'll find that the more you slow down and adopt a caring, sensitive, receptive attitude, the more things will naturally flow your way. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a fantastic day for you, Capricorn, so enjoy yourself fully. Your emotions will be stable and you'll find that you have a very expansive sense of well-being. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today is a good day for you to simply get things done. Take care of those annoying tasks that have been building up for a while. You have a great opportunity to accomplish quite a bit. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) our emotions may seem a bit muddy today and you might not understand the reason why. Share your thoughts with others and you should find that talking it out will help you sort through the maelstrom of feelings.
ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - England head into their last 16 clash with Colombia looking to improve on a poor record in knockout games in major tournaments and with half an eye on the risk of a penalty shootout. Since the Three Lions won the World Cup 52 years ago, they have managed just a paltry six victories in knockout games in major tournaments. Penalty shootouts have proved to be England’s undoing on several occasions they lost via penalties at the 1990, 1998 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 1996, 2004 and 2012 European Championships. Not surprisingly, manager Gareth Southgate says his team have been working on penalties. “We’ve been practising and going through strategies on penalties since March. We’ve been doing studies and having individual practice and we’ll go through that in an little more detail now,” he said after Thursday’s final Group G game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Belgium. “We’re aware the margins are going to be really fine in these knockout phases. We have to be prepared physically and mentally to go to extra time, and beyond if that’s what it takes,” he said. England’s last win in a tournament knockout game was 12 years ago when they beat Ecuador 1-0 in the World Cup in Germany but then lost the next game on a penalty shootout to Portugal. Southgate himself has painful memories of shoot out failure as he missed the decisive spot kick in the Euro 96 semi-final against Germany at Wembley Stadium. He later featured in a pizza commercial that mocked his miss along with Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle, who missed penalties in the 1990 World Cup semi-final shootout loss to West Germany.But the England manager later opted against appearing in a documentary about Euro 96, hosted by exteam mate Alan Shearer, because he did not want to talk about his miss.England’s failures have become a recurring national joke, with acres of newsprint and even academic studies devoted to why their players are found wanting in such situations. The conclusions have included the speed at which England take penalties - an average 0.28 seconds response time from when the referee blows his whistle - to being trapped in a decadeslong cycle of failure.
FOOTBALL action resumes today with action in the ExxonMobil U-14 boys and girls Schools Football competition at the Ministry of Education ground. The tournament will enter the round of sixteen phase for the boys, while the girls’ competition is in the round robin phase. See complete fixtures: Girls 10:30 - Tutorial v/s New Campbellville 10:30 - South Ruimveldt Secondary v/s Tucville 11:20 - East Ruimveldt v/s Charlestown Secondary 11:20 - Vergenoegen Secondary v/s Uitvlugt Secondary Boys – Round of Sixteen 12:20 - Marian Academy vs St Georges Secondary 12:20 - Vergenoegen Secondary vs East Ruimveldt 13:20 - Chase Academy vs Uitvlugt Secondary 13:20 - Carmel Secondary School vs Tucville 14:20 - North Ruimveldt Multi vs Queens Town Secondary 14:20 – Ann’s Grove vs Buxton Youth Development 15:20 - South Ruimveldt Secondary vs St Johns 15:20 - Dolphin Secondary vs Annandale Secondary
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Turning Point host BWJ Domino Portugal much more than just Competition tomorrow -Y2KonConstruction board Ronaldo, says Santos Turning Point Sports Club will come alive today when Boston, Wiltshire and James (BWJ) host an Open Domino Competition for all interested teams, starting at 14:30hrs. According to a release from the Organisers cash prizes totaling in excess of $375,000 will be up for grabs with the winners set to receive $200,000 and a 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, Y2K Construction joined a list of sponsors when CEO Shaharazudeen Osman handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, at the entity’s Head Office on Broad Street recently. Wiltshire in response to
Y2K Construction CEO Shaharazudeen Osman hands over the cheque to Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire recently. the sponsorship thanked the Company for its support and promised that the tournament will be run in an ideal manner,
befitting the wishes of the sponsor. Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day.
West Indies A bow out of TriNation series on losing note NORTHAMPTON, England, CMC – The West Indies A failed to win a single match in the Tri-Nation series, crashing to their fourth straight loss yesterday. Chasing India’s challenging total of 354 for six in their 50 overs, the Windies capitulated for just 151 in 37.4 overs, to lose by a mammoth 203 runs. Windies’ fast bowler Chemar made early inroads into India’s innings, claiming the early wickets of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer to leave them struggling on 28 for two in the fourth over. But Hanuma Vihari and Prithvi Shaw both stroked commanding centuries to take the momentum away from the Windies and turn the contest into a lopsided affair. The pair added 160 in 24 overs, dispatching almost every bowler introduced into the attack. By the time Shaw departed for 102, becoming the
last of Holder’s three wickets, India had progressed to 188 for three in the 28th over. His knock lasted an hour and 47 minutes and came off just 90 balls, laced with 16 boundaries. Vihari found useful partners in Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shanker and Ishan Kishan, who continued to put the Windies’ bowlers to the sword.So dominant was India, they smashed 105 runs from the last 10 overs, with offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall being the only bowler to go unpunished, his 10 overs costing just 43 runs. By the time Vihari was run out off the last ball of the innings, he had blasted 147 runs from 131 balls. His threehour knock containing 13 boundaries and five sixes. Holder was the pick of the bowlers, ending with 3-70 from his 10 overs. In their run chase, the Windies got off to the worst possible start, losing Jermaine
Blackwood to the very first ball of the innings. The wickets of Andre McCarthy for 17, topscorer Chanderpaul Hemraj who made 43 and Devon Thomas (1), followed soon after to leave the Windies in deep trouble at 80 for four. It was a position from which they would never recover as Axar Patel ran through the lower order, grabbing the last three wickets to finish with figures of 4-34 from 9.4 overs. India will now turn their attention to Monday’s final where they will take on the England Lions. Scores: INDIA 354 for six off 50 overs (Hanuma Vihari 147, Prithvi Shaw 102, Vijay Shankar 28, Deepak Hooda 21, Ishan Kishan 21; Chemar Holder 3-70) WINDIES A 151 off 37.4 overs (Chandrapaul Hemraj 43, Sunil Ambris 32, Raymon Reifer 26; Axar Patel 4-34, Deepak Chahar 2-21).
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Portugal coach Fernando Santos once again stressed the importance of his other 22 players around main man Cristiano Ronaldo as they prepare to face Uruguay in the World Cup last 16 today. When the inevitable question about Portugal’s record goal-scorer Ronaldo came, the 63-year-old’s face broke into a grin. “I just got another free coffee, because I bet on this question! I get the coffee. Thank you for the question,” he told a news conference. “Everybody knows that any team in the world depends on its players, and of course we have one of the best in the world, but you can ask the Uruguay coach the same question about Suarez, Cavani - you have great players in every team,” Santos added. “It’s the team that has to play, if Ronaldo plays alone we’re going to lose. We have to be strong as a team, just as Uruguay are strong as a team.” Much like his own side, Santos believes Uruguay’s strength lies in the collective, as well as the canny coaching of Oscar Tabarez. “The greatest virtue of the Uruguay team is that they are Uruguay. You have a coach who has been working with them for 12 years, very experienced, very high-quality,” he said, adding that they have yet to concede a goal in 2018. Santos played down suggestions that fans might be in for a boring game as two teams with water-tight defenses face off.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos during the press conference. (REUTERS/Henry Romero) “I think it’s going to be a great match, two teams that are going to try and win, each using their weapons. I hope it’s going to be a great clash,” he said. “Tomorrow is very different from the group stage, where the points matter - tomorrow, either you win or lose.”Portugal opened their World Cup campaign in Sochi with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Spain, and midfielder Adrien Silver said his team have what it takes to score
against a Uruguay rearguard that has not been breached this year. “I think that shows their organization, but I hope we’re going to be the ones to break that,” he said. “I think we have quality, individually and especially collectively, and we know that we’re going to face a team that are very strong. We have assessed their weaknesses and their strengths, and we have prepared,” Silver added.
World Cup Round of 16 matches Saturday, June 30 France vs. Argentina – 7:00 a.m. PST, 10:00 a.m. EST Uruguay vs. Portugal – 11:00 a.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. EST Sunday, July 1 Spain vs. Russia – 7:00 a.m. PST, 10:00 a.m. EST Croatia vs. Denmark – 11:00 a.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. EST Monday, July 2 Brazil vs. Mexico – 7:00 a.m. PST, 10:00 a.m. EST Belgium vs. Japan – 11:00 a.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, July 3 Sweden vs. Switzerland – 7:00 a.m. PST, 10:00 a.m. EST Colombia vs. England – 11:00 a.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. EST
GFF expresses condolence to family of former football administrator The Guyana Football Federation, through its President Wayne Forde, expressed condolence to the family of the late Oliver Hinckson, a former football administrator. In a letter to the family, President Wayne Forde said the fraternity is saddened by the loss of the former football administrator and friend: “Please allow me, on behalf of the Guyana Football
Federation and on my own behalf in my capacity as President, to extend my deepest sympathy to his immediate family. He was an ardent supporter of the development of football in Guyana and we mourn his loss. Again we extend our deepest sympathy to his family during this time of mourning.”Hinckson died during the course of the past week.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. (REUTERS/Murad Sezer)
Saturday June 30, 2018
Reports: Lakers, Celtics, 76ers jockeying for Leonard Wi t h t h e N B A f r e e agency season approaching and basketball fans wondering where LeBron James and Paul George will be playing next season, the biggest domino may be Kawhi Leonard. And according to national media reports Thursday, trade talks with the San Antonio Spurs are heating up with several big-market teams. League sources told E S P N ’s Adrian Wo j n a r o w s k i t h a t t h e Spurs are actively discussing possible trade offers involving their two-time All-NBA forward Leonard with several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. With prior reports this offseason that Leonard, who celebrates his 27th birthday Friday, wants out of San Antonio immediately, ESPN reports that while the Spurs are weighing short-term offers San Antonio apparently hopes to score a massive return on any deal for Leonard, the two-time All-Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Leonard’s reported top choice would be his hometown Lakers, but with the Spurs seemingly unwilling to help their Western Conference rivals vault to immediate NBA title contenders, Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and company are reportedly pressing internally to work out a trade with San Antonio quickly in hopes of influencing James and/or George to jump teams to L.A. The Lakers are reportedly using the Kyrie Irving and Paul George trades as a framework for t h e i r o ff e r, t h o u g h S a n Antonio wants more given the expectation that the deal will seal James joining the Lakers. Los Angeles has yet to sign 25th overall pick Mo Wagner, meaning his rights can potentially be included in a trade; the Lakers are also willing to offer ex-No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram and take on salary in order to facilitate a deal for an additional firstround pick, according to ESPN. One player the Spurs may not be interested in: Lonzo Ball. The Washington Post reported Thursday that the Spurs are believed to be uninterested in the Lakers’ young point guard as a trade
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San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. (Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters Picture Supplied by Action Images) centerpiece. NBA sources told Wojnarowski Thursday that the Spurs remain most enamored with a possible match with the Celtics, who are loaded with young players and draft picks. But Boston is apparently somewhat apprehensive to go all-in on Leonard — partially based on the long-term health of the seven-year veteran Leonard, who played just nine games last season due to a quad injury. League sources also told ESPN the Celtics would want assurances that Leonard would not exercise his player option next summer and stay for just one season before leaving via free agency. In addition, the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly discussing ways to jump into the Leonard sweepstakes, with Sports Illustrated reporting Thursday that the Sixers, cognizant of the Lakers’ advanced timeline, are having internal discussions on making their first official offer for Leonard. A team source told SI that based on prior talks with San Antonio a package could involve forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington plus a future first-round pick, although the Sixers initially buckled at the thought of losing both valued rotation players. Meanwhile, a source told Yahoo Sports that Leonard actually reached out to James to let him know he wanted to play with the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar. James faces a Friday dead-
line to opt out of the final year of his existing contract with the Cavaliers. He could opt out and re-sign with Cleveland, although the strong current from national media is James appears ready to move again. The national media consensus hints that James does not wish to be the first big move if he chooses to join the young Lakers and instead prefers to see which assets the storied franchise can add, and keep, to help the Cavaliers superstar in his hunt for a fourth NBA championship and beyond. According to a separate ESPN report, James is unlikely to visit other teams or take an audience with suitors as he did in past free-agent circuits. In fact, James might not even speak with top team officials before making a decision on his destination for next season. In 2010, James bolted Cleveland in a nationally televised announcement, “The Decision,” during which he infamously declared he was taking his “talents to South Beach” and joining the Miami Heat. Before he joined the Heat, James had meetings with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, where team representatives pitched the All-Star with personalized presentations and marketing plans. In 2014, he returned to the Cavaliers after an inperson meeting with team owner Dan Gilbert. (Field Level Media)
Serena Williams embroiled in controversy over doping test at her Florida home
Williams is understood to have complained that she is being unfairly targeted by Usada. (Pauline Ballet) The Telegraph - Serena Williams has complained of excessive dope-testing demands after a tester working for Usada visited her in Florida outside her specified “whereabouts” window and found her not at home. When informed of the visit, Williams then phoned the head of the Women’s Tennis Association, Steve Simon, to say that she was being unfairly targeted. Simon told her that this was a Usada issue, and that he would pass her views onto Travis Tygart, the organisation’s head. But the story escaped into the public domain after Simon was overheard discussing the case on his mobile phone in a public area of San Francisco Airport. An eavesdropper forwarded the information to the Deadspin website, which published it late on Wednesday night, UK time. It should be emphasised that no athlete is obliged to comply with a testing visit if it is not made during the 60-minute window for which the athlete identifies their whereabouts in advance each day. The Deadspin report also highlighted the fact that Williams appears to have been tested a disproportionate amount of times in 2018, having already given five samples to Usada before this latest visit – which occurred at 8.30am on June 14 – while most other American tennis
players had been tested only once or not at all. A spokeswoman for Williams gave Deadspin the following statement. “Over her 23-year career in tennis, Serena Williams has never tested positive for any illegal substance despite being tested significantly more than other professional tennis players, both male and female – in fact, four times more frequently than her peers. She has vocally supported, respected and complied with Usada testing throughout her entire career. While she willingly continues to submit to testing, there is absolutely no reason for this kind of invasive and targeted treatment.” Shortly before her latest comeback at last month’s French Open, Williams had complained on Twitter about the fact that “anti doping is here … again … second time this week. proud to participate to keep the sport clean. Even if they do test me at my current ranking of 454 in the world.” But while Williams’s frustration is understandable, it should also be pointed out that athletes returning from a long absence are often the subject of repeated drug tests, as they are seen as part of a higher-risk category than athletes in the flow of regular competition. When contacted by Telegraph Sport on Thursday, Usada’s director of communications Brad Horn con-
firmed that the o r g a n i s a t i o n “has conducted three test sessions on Serena Williams in 2018, with a total of five tests conducted during those sessions.” Horn added that “It is standard practice on many testing missions to obtain both urine and blood samples.” Horn also stressed that “We talk with athletes all the time about clean sport and our programs. We spoke with Serena recently, as has been reported, about a recent test mission. Serena has been supportive and engaged with our program, and she is in good standing with our program.” Williams has clearly undergone more Usada testing than most other tennis players, but then she has also won more titles and achieved more renown. Her sister Ve n u s h a s g i v e n 4 3 samples overall, two more than Serena Williams herself, while Sloane Stephens has given 19 since 2011, Madison Keys 11 since 2014 and CoCo Vandeweghe 11 since 2015. The International Tennis Federation’s figures are less precise, but they show that Serena Williams has been tested a minimum of 56 times since the data set begins in 2010 and Maria Sharapova – who is not subject to Usada’s programme as she plays under the Russian flag – has been tested a minimum of 61 times. (Simon Briggs)
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We can limit ‘outstanding’ Messi, says France coach Deschamps KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - France have a number of options to limit Lionel Messi’s influence in their round of 16 clash against Argentina but they are also resigned that he could turn the match in an instant, coach Didier Deschamps said yesterday.Messi has yet to light up the World Cup in a stuttering Argentina side but his clinical strike in the 2-1 win over Nigeria underlined the danger the Barcelona forward will present Deschamp’s side at the Kazan Arena today. “Messi is Messi, look at his statistics, 65 goals in 127 matches,” Deschamps told reporters at the stadium. “It’s straightforward, hopefully we would like to neutralise him but we know very well he can make the difference with very little. “When you play Argentina and Messi on the pitch there are several solutions to limit his impact.” France will look to boss the midfield in a bid to limit supply to the lethal 31-yearold, who has struggled to impose himself in the tourna-
ment, and hope their defence can continue to hold firm after conceding only one goal in the group phase. Deschamps said full back Benjamin Mendy, who returned as a second half substitute in the 0-0 draw against Denmark after missing the opening games against Australia and France, had been ruled out with a “small muscle injury”. France may face more queries up forward, however, where their array of attacking talents have yet to dominate. Striker Antoine Griezmann is under pressure to perform after being off the pace in the dull Denmark draw, and he has only got on the scoresheet with a penalty in the opening 2-1 win over Australia. Captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris backed Griezmann to make his mark at the tournament. “It is normal that there are expectations around Antoine,” said Lloris. “He’s one of the top players, he’s done a major Euro competition and feels like being one of the great players
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and team mates during training. (REUTERS/Albert Gea) of this World Cup.” Although sailing through the group phase, the scoreless draw against Denmark raised concerns about Les
Bleus’ momentum heading into the Argentina blockbuster.Lloris said his team was only looking ahead, however.“As we said, this is
‘Killing two birds with one stone’
a new tournament that begins, and I think we have to depend on our collective strength, on a defensive solidity and we know our attack-
ing potential,” Lloris added. “We have a lot of young but talented players who can make a difference at any moment of the game.”
“Standard of B’dos Cricket is far higher than Guyana”- Shaquille Williams
By Sean Devers Bridgetown Barbados - A popular Guyanese proverb is ‘Kill two birds with one stone’ which means achieving two results with one opportunity. And that is exactly what former Guyana U-15 and U17 Captain Shaquille Williams has been doing since he came to Barbados in 2014. “I seized the opportunity of being granted a scholarship to read for my Undergraduate degree while representing the University at a semi-pro level,” said the 23year-old who understands the importance of balancing Sports and Academics. Williams who led the Guyana U-15’s in 2009 and Guyana U-17’s in 2010 in Trinidad, represents the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus) in the Barbados division One and Elite Leagues and was in the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) Training Squad when that team participated in the Regional Super50 last year. The talented Williams, the son of Deborah McNichol and Leonard Williams, developed an interest in Cricket from watching the great West Indies team from a tender age. “I played lots of casual cricket in my backyard and at High School,” informed the multitalented young man who attended Starters Nursery; Sacred Heart Primary; St
Shaquille Williams playing for UWI in the Barbados Elite League. Josephs’ High School; University of Guyana and now UWI here. Primarily an off-spinner when he played for Malteenoes in Guyana, Williams has developed into batting all-rounder. “The standard of cricket in Barbados is evidently higher than that at home with stronger opponents, faster pitches, better playing surfaces, better grounds and a way better administrative structure,” stated Williams, who is enjoying his time here.
According to Williams, who will complete his BSC in Banking & Finance in December, his personal performance has been rollercoaster-like due the nature of UWI’s Development Programme. “While I have learnt a lot from being around the senior players, because we have a large roster with First Class and West Indies players, I haven’t been able to consistently play the role I’m accustomed to at home,” Williams lamented.
Shaquille Williams is a proud representative on the Guyana Student Council at UWI Cave Hill. “I’m definitely looking forward to playing cricket at home since I’ve been consistently working hard at my game for some-time now regardless of not seeing the immediate desired results in terms of bowling more in Barbados cricket,” Williams informed.Williams intends to focus on cricket for the next two years and says he has spoken to TDO of the GCB Colin Stuart about playing in the GCB’s Franchise League when he goes home. He is also desirous of being involved in
Guyana’s Cricket. “It would be my dream to represent my Country on the cricket field or in any other capacity,” said Williams, who sees himself in the next five years as a Professional cricketer or a certified Financial Analyst, depending on which works out. Williams says his favourite cricketer apart from Carl Hooper, is Kevin Pietersen because of his uniquely applied technique to batting and immaculate self-belief, while his hobbies
include Intimate idea sharing, playing other sports and watching stand up comedies. The youngster is very involved with the Guyana Student Society at UWI and was recently awarded for one of his presentations. “Being a student-athlete, away from home, has made me mature faster in many aspects and raised my awareness of the importance of prioritizing Academics along with Sports which can be a game changer for our Guyanese society,” Williams concluded.
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GCF National Road Race Championships 2018 – Senior Road Race
Quality field to test defending champion, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey tomorrow
By Franklin Wilson
It’s the most prestigious race on the racing calendar and come tomorrow when the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) brings off the Senior leg of its 2018 championships, lots of fireworks can be expected with the best of the nation’s riders set to face off. Defending champion, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey is in the pink of condition, he displayed some of what can be expected tomorrow when he successfully defended his Individual Time Trial crown last Saturday on the Linden Soesdyke Highway, clocking 28’ 36" to win the 12 mile contest which was the longest in the history of the championship. Jeffrey who rides for Team Foundation on the North American circuit has been doing well and will back himself to cross the line ahead of his peers come tomorrow. But the likes of Jamal John, Paul De Nobrega, Hamza Eastman, Andrew Hicks, Romello Crawford and Curtis Dey are
CBC C/ship in Suriname
some of the other seniors who will also be ambitious enough and relishing their chances of wearing the championship jersey. Not to be counted out are junior and masters U-50 champions Briton John and Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay who along with the juvenile winner, David Hicks will all be in the mix as will Ajay Gopilall; the GCF rules have allowed their participation. One thing is sure; the distance will not be easy as the competitors will have to conquer 110 miles which includes hilly terrain but not unfamiliar territory. The route: Race pedals off from Homestretch Avenue at 07:30hrs outside the National Sports Commission proceed east along Homestretch Avenue, right into Mandela Avenue, left at DSL into the East Bank Carriageway, South along Houston Public Road all the way to Timehri where cyclists will turn around at the end of the double road. Return to the Linden Soesdyke Junction, make a
Defending Senior Road Race champion, Raynauth Jeffrey just crossing the line in 2017. right onto the Linden Soesdyke Highway and turn around at Mobilissa before returning to the starting line at Homestretch Avenue for
the finish, a distance of 110 miles (177.03km). Jeffrey would also be aiming to achieve what Claire Fraser-Green (Female), Briton
John (Junior), David Hicks (Juvenile), Warren Mc Kay (Under-50) and Andy Spencer (Over-50) have done, successfully defended their titles
from 2017.In the case of Fraser-Green who is based in the United Kingdom, this was her sixth (6th) successive championship.
Guyana negotiate Barbados 76-71 to reach final
By Calvin Chapman in Suriname in association with Bounty Farm, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Hopkinson Mining Guyana’s best showing in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation’s (CBC) Men’s championship was in 1994 when they copped the Silver Medal at home. Now, 24 years later, in the 2018 edition of this tournament, Guyana will at least repeat their best performance after defeating Barbados by five points in the first semifinal of the championships being hosted at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Paramaribo. Ray Victor continued his form from the previous night and tossed up a game-high 25 points inclusive of three confidently taken three-pointers. Anthony Moe continued his commendable offensive form with 17 points, while the Captain Stanton Rose scored 15 points. As was the case against Suriname, aware of Rose’s dangerous shooting, Barbados doubled team Rose throughout which didn’t work to their benefit as they still lost. By the end of the first quarter, Guyana were running away with the game, enjoying a 17-point lead with the score 32-15. However, at the end of the first half, Barbados had managed to cut the deficit to 4 point with the score at
Ray Victor goes to up for a two point field goal against Barbados in last night’s semifinal. 45-41. The Stanton Rose led team maintained a relatively safe lead throughout the match as the men from the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’ failed to produce anything special to overtake Guyana. The Golden Arrowhead, being cheered on by a handful of fans, including travelling fans Saratu Philips and Kheon Evans that supported from game one, is the only unbeaten team remaining in the tournament. And, Coach Junior Hercules would’ve al-
ways fancied their chances against an out of sorts ‘Bajan’ unit who only made it to the semifinal as a consequence of Haiti’s disqualification due to ineligible players. In addition, Guyana had defeated Barbados 2-1, one week prior to the CBC men’s championship during a threematch away series at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, so definitely they had an overwhelming belief that they would’ve ascended to the final to play the winner of the
Antigua & Barbuda versus Suriname match up. At the post-match press conference, Hercules stated that, “We had a little nerves at the end of the game but we played Barbados a few weeks ago (and defeated them) and we knew that we would’ve won, once we replicated our game play against them.” Now having secured a place in the final, Hercules noted that he is, “Very confident of going all the way”, while expressing gratitude for
all the fans supporting home in Guyana as well as overseas. Rose, who was also present at the brief, posited that he was happy with the success he had in dictating the pace of the game, especially when his team mates were beginning to feel the “nerves”, and getting everybody involved. When quizzed on which team they prefer to play in the final, Hercules noted simply that it doesn’t matter as he is
confident of defeating either Antigua or the home team Suriname. In conclusion, the coach motioned that it would be nice to have the support of the Government of Guyana at this momentous occasion through the presence of the Minister with the responsibility of Sport, Dr. George Norton at the final this evening. Guyana will compete in the final tonight from 20:00hrs (Guyana time) at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal.
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Overseas based Guyanese presents Hetmyer scores century as two bicycles to Flying Ace Cycle Club match ends in tame draw ST JOHN’s, Antigua, CMC – Shimron Hetmyer hit a dashing century and captain Shamarh Brooks scored a half-century as the match between a President’s XI and Bangladesh predictably ended in a draw at Coolidge Cricket Ground yesterday. After Bangladesh declared on their overnight score of 403 for eight, the President’s XI batted the entire final day, closing on 310 for eight. Their efforts were led by Hetmyer and Brooks, who came to the rescue after they had lost three early wickets to be precariously placed at 55 for 3, following the quick dismissals of John Campbell and Shayne Moseley for ducks and Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 24. The duo came together and shared a third-wicket partnership of 130 to carry the score to relative safety and avert a middle-order batting collapse. By the time Brooks was dismissed, lbw to Shafiul Islam for 72, the score had reached 185. His over three-hour stay at the crease lasted 152 balls and contained 12 boundaries. Following Brooks’ dis-
Overseas based former National cyclist Franco Crawford (right) presents the two cycles to Coach and Founder Randolph Roberts and 67 years old Daniel Rigby (left).
Shimron Hetmyer top-scored for the President’s XI with 123. missal, and the short stay of Jahmar Hamilton, Hetmyer then joined forces with Vishaul Singh to feature in a 53-run stand. Hetmyer eventually lost his wicket, bowled by Abu Jayed Rahi for 123 to leave the President’s XI on 240 for six. He faced 138 balls and struck 19 boundaries and one six during his 163-minute knock. There was further lower order resistance from Singh (45) and Romario Shepherd, who made an unbeaten 26.
Jayed Rahi was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers taking 2-39 and he was ably supported by Islam who claimed 2-48. Scores: BANGLADESH 403 for eight declared (Tamim Iqbal 125, Mahmudullah 102, Shakibul-Hasan 67, Imrul Kayes 40; Alzarri Joseph 4-53). President’s XI 310 for eight (Shimron Hetmyer 123, Shamarh Brooks 72, Vishaul Singh 45, Romario Shepherd 26 not out; Abu Jayed Rahi 2-39, Shafiul Islam 2-48).
Lusignan Golf Club to be filled with action through to end of year
For its outstanding work throughout the years the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam has been constantly been rewarded by former members both at home and overseas. The club has also been benefitting from members of the business community and the wide community at large. Recently former member and national cyclist, overseas based Franco Crawford, presented two bicycles to members of the club. The beneficiaries were 67 years old Daniel Rigby and Coach and Founder Randolph Roberts. Crawford, who resides in England and still rides occasionally in his adopted home land and in North America, is still a member of the (FACC). Crawford who has been coming home on a regular basis always remembers his former club as he doles out numerous gifts and other
forms of assistance to the members and others in the community. Back home on holiday he continues to remember the club in his continued benevolent drive. Crawford, who is now a community activist and is also spreading the word of GOD, does not only assist cycling, but gives to other sports and community activities as well. According to Crawford, he has seen the elder Rigby ride on a few occasion on an old bicycle fitted with fenders, basket and all and still performs well. He said that for Rigby age he has good potential and he wanted to give him a chance to make full use of his ability. He also assisted Roberts who he said has been working tirelessly over the years to assist the youth and keep cycling going in Berbice. Rigby, who is the oldest member of the club and a former Prison Officer, was
loud in praise and express heartfelt appreciation to Crawford for the gift and promised to do his best and make full use of the cycle presented to him. Roberts, who was instrumental in the donation becoming a reality, thanked Crawford for being an example to others and for always remember his club and countrymen. Roberts also thanked Crawford for always remembering the club. “Thank You Franco for always remembering us. You and a few others are an example of what others should be.” He used the opportunity to call on other past members, overseas based Guyanese and businessman and more so the Government to take a page out of Crawford’s book and come forward and assist the youths so that they could be kept away from the ills of the society and illicit activities.
If you have ever thought about golf, learning, watching or playing the game, there is no time like the present. The weather has changed so golfing fans and players will have several months of spectacular tournaments and events from now until the end of 2018. At the beginning of 2018, a new Executive Committee (Aleem Hussain, Paton George, Pandit Ravi Persaud, Aasrodeen Shaw, Bishop Guy Griffith, Mike Guyadin and Deno Bissessar) were elected to office, promising that this year would be different from all others, they boldly committed to more golf days and events than ever before. To fulfil their boasts, the Executive Team turned to long-time corporate member Macorp who immediately responded with the loan of a Big Cat Excavator. With assistance from Choke Gas Station who provided access to fuel, the Club headed by Head Grounds Superintendent Mike Guyadin, embarked on an ambitious plan to build a dam around the entire grounds and create an intricate drainage and water reten-
tion system that would alleviate the flooding that had plagued the course over the years. With just six months gone by, it would be safe to say – Mission Accomplished! Owing to the efforts and support from Trophy Stall, Vish Trading, Kissoon’s Furniture, Sanjay’s Jewellery, Torginol Paints, El Dorado Rums, Food Town Restaurant, Ganesh Parts, Beharry’s Automotive Yokohama Tires, Shafura Hussain Foundation, BACIF, Grand Coastal Hotel, and Muneshwar’s Travel Service, the Club has hosted 20 golf tournaments to date and has aggressive plans to hold another 26 events before the end of year and it seems that corporate Guyana is in full support of the action as almost every coming weekend will see major tournaments to which all are invited to participate or spectate. The action continues this weekend as the points race for Club Champion 2018 heats up with Mike Mangal, Patrick Prasad, Paton George, Ravi Persaud, Richard Haniff and others continue to chase the leader, Club President Aleem
Hussain. Scheduled for July, the LGC has major tournaments with Karibee Rice, Oddessy Transports, Crown Mining and Ansa McAl already committed to host their individual tournaments and it is expected that hundreds of fans will be on hand to enjoy these grand tournaments. The Club is also available for weddings, corporate training/retreats, summer camps for kids and many other activities. Members of the public are encouraged to come out and enjoy the ambiance and tranquillity of the ground along with great food and drinks are available every day of the week. Guests at the Grand Coastal, Marriott and Pegasus Hotels can avail themselves of special rates that include equipment rental and caddie fees. For more information on the Lusignan Golf Club, events and activities calendar and how you can become a member of the LGC, visit their Facebook page or call 2205660 or simply stop by for a tour of the facilities.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 30, 2018
PAGE 33
SARA “Lash It Out” T20 game set for DCC The State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) in collaboration with several other agencies will be hosting a T20 fixture called “Lash It Out” at the Demerara Cricket Club, Queenstown. The game which is set for July 13 was launched yesterday in the conference room of the State Assets Recovery Agency, 56 Main and New Market Streets, Georgetown. Speaking at the ceremony, SARA legal advisor Ronald Bostwick stated that the game fits in perfectly into SARA’s mission, which is to eliminate corruption as much as possible, while the entity’s Media and Communications Officer Melissa Davy noted that the game is just one of the many activities the agency is using to build public awareness on corruption. Former West Indies all-rounder and President of the DCC, Roger Harper, said that the club is happy to be a part of the game, especially what it’s signifies. Coach Garvin Nedd of the National Sports Commission and Warren Wintz of Bold! Luxurious! Beautiful! (BLB Clothing), both uttered their delight to be associated with the fixture. Information released yesterday, indicated that the two teams are Furious Jaguars and Super Sixers. No entrance fee is required, while Fly Jamaica is offering a ticket to one lucky fan to either the USA or Canada. Game time is 18:00hrs.
2018 Rainforest Water Senior Nationals Squash Championships The 2018 Rainforest Water Senior National Squash Championships continued on Thursday night at the Georgetown Club courts with first round matches in the Women’s Open. Former National Champions Mary Fung - A Fat and Ashley Khalil along with Taylor Fernandes all had straight set wins. Mary dropped just four points in her match against
Sitting from left are Garvin Nedd, Warren Wintz, Melissa Davy, Frankie Bob-Semple, Ronald Bostwick and Roger Harper at the launching ceremony yesterday.
Former National Female champs make good start
Tian Edwards winning 11 1, 11 - 1, 11 – 2, while Ashley was just as impressive against junior player Kirsten Gomes scores being 11 - 1, 11 - 3, 11 - 1. Taylor had to work slightly harder before defeating Junior player Madison Fernandes 11 - 7, 11 - 3, 11- 2. In the veteran Over-35 category, both Garfield Wiltshire and Brian Yong had comfortable victories.
Play continued last evening with matches in the Veteran Over-35 category, the Men’s plate followed by the last women’s quarter final match between Sarah Lewis and Abosaide Cadogan. Play in the Men’s Open quarter finals concluded the evenings matches when defending champion Alex Arjoon played Damian Da Silva, Jason Ray-Khalil was pitted against top junior player
Shomari Wiltshire, former national champion Nyron Joseph came up against another former national champion Regan Pollard and in the final match, former national champion Richard Chin played former national player and current national men’s hockey coach Robert Fernandes. All semi finals will be played this evening starting from 5:30 pm with the finals
set to be held tomorrow commencing at 11:00am. All matches are scheduled for the Georgetown Club courts. Results of the matches played on Thursday evening were as follows: Women’s Open Mary Fung-A-Fat defeated Tian Edwards 11 - 1, 11 - 1, 11 - 2 Ashley Khalil beat Kirsten Gomes 11 - 1, 11 - 3, 11 - 1 Taylor Fernandes beat
Madison Fernandes 11 - 7, 11 - 3, 11 - 2 Men’s Plate Adam Alves defeated Lee Fung-A-Fat 11 - 2, 11 - 5, 11 2 Jason Van Dyk beat Regan Rodrigues 11 - 3, 11 - 1, 11 - 0 Men’s Veterans Over-35 Garfield Wiltshire beat Lloyd Fung-A-Fat 11 - 5, 11 - 3, 11 - 4 Brian Yong beat Tony Farnum 11 - 5, 11 - 3, 12 - 10
rt o p S CBC Championship in Suriname P. 31
Guyana’s Anthony Moe (center) leaps highest to reach a rebound during his 17-point performance against the “Bajans” last night.
GCF National Road Race C/ships 2018 – Senior Road Race P. 31
Guyana negotiate Barbados 76-71 to reach final
Quality field to test defending champion, Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey tomorrow
The Big Guns in Line! Just before the start of last year’s Senior Road Race from left, Hamza Eastman, Geron Williams, Andrew Hicks, Paul De Nobrega, Raynauth Jeffrey, Warren Mc Kay and Lear Nunes, awaits starters orders. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Hetmyer scores century as match ends in tame draw P. 32 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.