Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 16, 2016
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
Dirty Politics
AT CITY HALL
Politics has long been labeled a “dirty” business because of what most who embark on a political career may become involved in during their term in office. Anything from lying, slander, forgery, accepting favours/bribes, and knowingly making false promises to gain powerhave been committed over the career and lifetime of a vast majority of those with political influence. The public often thinks that this type of behavior and poor judgment simply go with the territory. Dirty politics has been a part of Guyana’s political landscape since the 1950s when the two major parties tried to embarrass, incriminate or hurt one another in order to win elections. Politicians face many temptations during their careers and many succumb to opportunities that may be viewed as somewhat “dirty” or just plain wrong. Money is often involved in most instances as some in the previous administration just couldnot resist the temptations even though they realize the risks they run as being under the political microscope. Mayor Patricia Chase-Green seems to be in a hurry to stamp her brand of politics on the city with the implementation of parking meters. She has blatantly disregarded the democratic process and like the government, she has not done due diligence. The secret award of a contract by City Hall to National Parking Systems (NPS) and Smart City Solutions to install parking meters in the city shows a lack of transparency or accountability. It also shows that the Mayor lacks proper judgement, has a poor understanding of the democratic process and little or no respect for city councilors. This type of callousness could ostracize the Mayorfor the remainder of her term. As concerns and criticism continue to grow over the contract, both the Mayor and the Town Clerk have refused to face the media to answer questions. This has led the Deputy Mayor to break ranks because according to him the two companies that were awarded the contract barely exist and have little or no experience in installing and operating parking meters. His claim that he and several city councilors were not consulted on the process is a stunning indictment of the Mayor.And the Town Clerk’s statement that the companies have invested tens of millions of dollars in preparatory works, including bringing engineers to determine traffic volume and occupancy supports the proverbial saying that if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it is a duck. This is the dirty politics being played out at City Hall. The Deputy Mayor is also concerned about the breach of protocol by the Mayor for abandoning the tender/bidding process, which leads to several questions that must be answered: How could the Mayor be so obtuse as to ignore accountability and transparency? Why did the Mayor abandon the bidding process? Why the urgency to install parking meters in the city when citizens are suffering from the effects of an ailing economy? How could the Mayor award a contract worth tens of millions dollars for the installation of a parking meter system to companies with no addresses and with little known experience? Outrage over the contract and the implementation of a parking meter system without consultation is growing and for many, there is a lack of credibility at City Hall and the Mayor. The government must act swiftly and put an end to the skullduggery at City Hall before it is too late. It must put an end to the lawless, crude and dirty politics at City Hall in order to restore some confidence in city politics. The lack of respect for the vendors and the draconian approach by the Mayor and the Town Clerk are not the local government reforms the people voted for. The buck stops with the president and many believe that there will be consequences if such lawless at City Hall is allowed to continue.
An evil practice that must be eradicated DEAR EDITOR; Recently I was approached by a senior Indigenous pensioner, who worked with the then government from the year 1970 - 1987, and later on worked on “A Drainage & Irrigation Project” for the government, from 2006 – 2014. He went to enquire about his NIS pension, and was informed by one of the employees that he is not entitled to a pension as his contributions fell short of the necessary quantum of 750 units. He managed to get a breakdown of the two sets of contributions as listed below:Year Contributions 1970 44 1971 23 1972 9 1973 0
1974 45 1975 9 1976 0 1977 0 1978 0 1979 19 1980 52 1981 0 1982 47 1983 0 1984 0 1985 0 1986 0 1987 28 Total 18 years 50% of contributions are zero Total Contributions 276 Year Contributions 2006 35 2007 53 2008 52 2009 52 2010 52 2011 51 2012 53
2013 43 2014 8 Total 9 years 1/3 of the contributions are unacceptable. To t a l Contributions 347 The pensioner was presented with a Voucher No-3067966, valued at 164,614.00 G dollars, even though he insisted he wanted his pension and hence he asked for an investigation into the zero contributions during his 18 years working at the Ministry of Works at Mabaruma, NWD, Region 1. His reason in wanting his pension is to ensure that his wife would come in for help from his pension, if he should die before her. It would appear that during the years 1970 - 1987 deductions were taken from
his earnings and no doubt from the government department; the issue is why were they not submitted to the relevant officers at the National Insurance Scheme in Mabaruma? This is an isolated case, but I have been informed that this way of proceeding is very common throughout the country. I sincerely hope that the present government will stamp out this evil practice, of deducting payments from individual salaries and employers contribution and failing to pass them on to the relevant unit in the NIS office. Thank you for publishing this open letter. Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues Member of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission.
Is there any nationalism at City Hall? DEAR EDITOR; The recent announcement by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council of the implementation/installation of parking meters in certain sections of the city has been met with consternation, outrage and dismay by citizens who are already burdened with additional taxes and the constant enforceability of rules and regulations that have significantly weakened their daily income. In his www.conversationtree blog, former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, charged that: “Coming so soon after the elections, the decision to install parking meters was clearly on APNU+AFC’s agenda prior to the elections. During the elections, APNU+AFC contestants had ample opportunity to inform the residents of Georgetown that parking meters were on the agenda but they kept this plot a secret for obvious reasons.” Democratic principles, respect and empathy for the public dictate that stakeholders should have been consulted before such a position was taken. Apparently, it appears as though City Hall has adopted the diktat position and unilaterally exercised its right to impose systems, which only places additional financial burden on citizens. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, who has voiced his non-support of the project, went on record to state that he has been provided with little information by the contracting firm, National Parking Systems/Smart City Solutions from which he can make a quality judgment. The lack of verifiable information on the contracting firm itself raises eyebrows. There is no website for any company named National Parking Systems/Smart City Solutions and one prominent media house published an article, which stated that a visit to the Manhattan address was met with consternation by the building’s officials, who were emphatic that no space to rented to any such company nor were there future requests from the said
company. Furthermore, Duncan said, in his independent research on Simon Moshevilli, who represents Smart City Solutions, he has found no one with said name connected with the said company. In fact, he said there is no evidence that such a company even exists. “Again, the total lack of verifiable information on the company and its capacity to execute the scope of the project and the absence of a contract on the proposed project I cannot offer my support and reaffirm my grave reservation of such a venture.” And for this, Deputy Mayor Duncan must be lauded for the unbiased, professional and independent stance he has publicly taken. What is the rationale behind charging vehicle owners $500 to park in streets that are located in the prime business hub of the city? Can you imagine a vehicle owner who has a mortgage, loan and other domestic expenses having to pay $4000 per day to park outside his/her place of work for the normal eight-hour work day? And what about the much-touted tourism drive? Tourists who stay at city hotels will be forced to pay exorbitant sums to not only rent a vehicle, but also to park outside the hotel (if parking is not provided within the compound of the said hotel). City Hall has also not provided any solid, detailed and well-researched supporting documentation/plan as to how the proposed project will ease the traffic congestion in the city. On the contrary, this project, in all likelihood, will see a reduced number of persons using their vehicles to go to work and/or conduct business in the city. The resultant domino effect will be evident sooner rather than later. The Mayor and her Councillors seem at a loss to identify the discrepancy between creating new revenue collection ventures and identifying the factors that have influenced the current poor collection of revenue. Instead of trying to craft solutions that will remedy the issue of
huge sums owed in rates and taxes, they have sought to wantonly implement sophisticated systems that seek to stifle the small man. The removal of the Stabroek Market vendors is one such contentious issue. Again, no consultations were held with those vendors before their forced removal. Their bitter outrage at being treated like second class citizens has fallen on deaf ears. We are a small nation of less than one million people. With a rapidly declining economy and an economic crises being experienced by nations the world over, do we need such sophisticated tax and other systems that are wantonly imposed on our citizens without the benefit of consideration of the burden it will place on their already weak income base? The dogma that the proposed parking metre system will ease the traffic congestion in the city also lacks authenticity since no feasibility studies have been conducted to prove how effective this would be. And the fact the contracting company seems to be a dummy corporation also point fingers at another ‘get rich quick scheme.’ Or are we witnessing a case of nepotism and/or cronyism in full play? The officials at City Hall’s propensity to continuously devise schemes to increase their revenue base reeks of greed and self-interest. Their high handed governance techniques woefully lack the great confidence and vision the electorate placed in them when they voted during the recent Local Government elections. Stand up and take a bow Mr Duncan. The professionalism you displayed in the execution of your duties is commendable. Government officials, regardless of rank, if they are committed to the development of a nation, must always adopt and practice this principled, democratic stance. Nationalism must always take precedence over self-interests. Vanita Mahadeo
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Correcting injustice done Police station without a to Indigenous folks vehicle DEAR EDITOR; The re-vision of the Amerindian Act critical to addressing Amerindian Land Rights - Minister Allicock GINA, June 1, 2016 ) is a welcoming approach by the government that it is serious to correct and tend to the injustices caused to Indigenous peoples because of the indefensibility of the Amerindian Act to protect. The counteraction by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs will hopefully create “The Balance” and eliminate major obstacles caused by the unilateral and unjustifiable actions of the court and more so, the State of Guyana. Fifty years of Independent Guyana, the state
has continue to reserve the right to grant a licence or permit to an investor on Amerindian titled and traditional lands without their consent much to the disadvantage of these communities. It is unacceptable and disrespectful in modern day societies and contravenes 149G of its own constitution. Editor, it is an understatement by the minister to not recognized other Indigenous leaders who have been constantly advocating on behalf of their communities to share the spotlight and credibility as the South Rupununi Indigenous Group. Indeed, it is an opportunity for Indigenous peoples,
organizations and stakeholders to work together and reconcile their differences. However, Free Prior and Informed Consent must be adhered to and implemented if the ministry is going to be the “Torch Bearer” of this policy. Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs to visit the Middle Mazaruni communities to have a “collaborative” and advance knowledge of issues and inputs to make the new “ Indigenous Peoples Act” more fair and transparent while respecting the rights of others. Dwight Larson Isseneru Village.
I have been proven right DEAR EDITOR; I have been vindicated. Yes, Editor, I have been vindicated! I have been following the revelations of the findings of the Prison Commission of Inquiry COI. After months of testimonies, millions of dollars spent, and all the hoopla, the inquiry revels what I have been saying, consistently and for free, for the last 7 years. - More than 75% on the inmates are repeat offenders. - Most of the inmates are academically and vocationally challenged. - Upwards of 70% are youths. - The inmates need a formal and sustained rehabilitation program. - The released ex-offenders need to be formally place in a post-release rehabilitation program. - The inmates need to be psychologically evaluated to ascertain their mental health. The results of the COI have me feeling cheated. I should have charged the government for all my years of suggestions and free advice. I am not surprised, though, that the COI agrees with my voluminous writings on these matters over the years. After all, I am the professional here. Long before many of those who are now making the rules that govern prisoners were in their positions, I have been doing prison chaplaincy and criminology. I have been in the trenches of prisoner rehabilitation internationally, for over 20 years. I have studied it, I have practiced it and I have writing on it. In fact, if the COI had come up with any other re-
sults, I would have been very embarrassed. Indeed my critics would have had ammunition to use against me. Several of them are constantly trying to belittle my knowledge in this area. There is not a single person in Guyana who has been as consistent on the matter of prisoner rehabilitation as I have. Through this access you afford me, I have parsed, dissected and reassembled the benefits of a post-release prisoner rehabilitation program in Guyana. And I have never been wrong. I took pains to show that for all the complaining of the growing crime situation, no government officer has ever seen fit to put in place an exoffender rehabilitation program. Guyana has never had such a program and maybe the fear of the unknown is causing some to be reluctant. Editor, I would even venture as far to say that if the successive governments had listened to me, there would never had been a prison riot that resulted in the deaths of those 17 prisoners. For years I have been suggesting that the government needs to set up Guyana’s first Ex-Offender Rehabilitation Program. The logic is simple. According to the just released COI, more that 80% of all our inmates have been to prison before. If you create a program that seeks directly to reduce the recidivism rate (the reoccurrence of incarceration), you will precipitously reduce the prison population. There are 2,500 inmates locked up in Guyana’s prisons five prisons at any one time. 80% of that amount means that some 2,000 are re-
peat offenders. A formal rehabilitation program, designed to deal with their criminogenic needs – vocational training, housing, education, substance abuse, and spiritual formation, will aid in keeping them out of prison, thereby reducing that percentage. The program should be designed to transition along a continuum of a pre-release, directly into a post-release construct. This is a best practice that I have helped to develop in the USA and it can work here in Guyana. At least, it should be tried. A project document with a sustainability plan for a post-release aspect of the program has been crafted and submitted. The training material for the pre-release program is already documented for immediate rollout. The COI has done its work. Thanks and congratulations go out to Justice Patterson and his professional team. Now let’s get on with implementing the requirements of the report and mending this protractedly broken prison system in Guyana. Can we do? Yes, we can. Pastor Wendell Jeffrey
DEAR EDITOR; Mr Editor, please allow me some space in your newspaper to highlight a problem affecting us on the East bank Of Berbice. I am a concerned citizen living at Sisters village East Bank Berbice for the past 40 years, since then I never saw the station with a vehicle. To my view it is unfair to the ranks of the station and the members of the community. It’s only lately I get to know that the Sisters police station, station district start
from Edinburgh Bridge to Mara Village East Bank Berbice. When I checked the distance its over 17 miles the station has to control without a vehicle. I really want the relevant authorities to look into the matter and give the station a vehicle; we can’t wait until things get out of control and then take action. What is more disturbing the Community Policing Group has a vehicle that is parked in front of a C.P-G member house in Glasgow Housing Scheme and is use for personal benefits, while the station is without a ve-
hicle. Mr Editor I would like this matter to be highlighted in your highly creditable newspaper. I think this matter should be address urgently and the same vehicle should be given to the police to be used. Mr Editor, I don’t think that is way we want to fight crime. Recently there were a number of robberies in the East bank Berbice area and police had to respond from till in New Amsterdam .Old people have a saying “too late shall be the cry”; please don’t let it be too late, but early. Concerned citizen
More criticism on the performance of Mae’s DEAR EDITOR; Mae’s primary department has a policy which states that any child who attains less than 65% for two consecutive terms has to be withdrawn from the school. The flaw with this Mr. Editor is that many children who started Mae’s from the playgroup stage and move into the primary division fall victim to the same policy. In all fairness, why should a child who is the product of a system be discarded by the system that produced them? There are normally four classes at every level in the primary division. Each class apart from having its class name is branded with the letters A, B, C and D. Now the A class as many will infer is the “fast class” or as they refer to it in the Mae’s system the “high flyers”. This class will have children who have been able to work exceedingly well and maintain a 90+ average. At the grade 6 level the A-class is expected to produce very good results at the National Grade 6 level the A class is expected to produce very good results t the National Grade 6 Assessment and keep the name of Mae’s popular . The B class will have those children who are able to attain averages ranging from 80-90 while the C and D
classes are the weakest classes and are normally referred to as the “mixed ability classes”. Children in the C and D classes range in averages from 40-80 percent, the majority of them are really in the 60s and early 70s. The issue is the mixed ability classes. I know it’s safe to say that nothing substantial has been done over the years to save those children academically. Apart from the fact that some teachers are not prepared to work whole heartedly with those children, the school lacks suitable resources to effectively address the needs of the children. Imagine a cash cow school like Mae’s lacking suitable resources, how ironical. Administration has become so consumed with greed that they have forgotten the definition of the word ‘school’. They have forgotten about their mission and vision. It has all become so clouded that they have lost their sense of direction and forgotten their obligation to society in general.
The administrators are keen to speak of the institution as being a school of excellence but can the same administrators speak of programmes or strategies which have been implemented at the “school of excellence” over the 2015/2016 school year to advance the children? There is a general lack of ingenuity at the institution. The mere fact that the administrators are not educators has affected the institution negatively. They continually focus on making decisions which may be good for business but such decisions more often than not go against the professional interests of the teachers. As a result, some teachers generally lack motivation because they are expected to produce results in unrealistic situations. Apart from the inadequacies of the physical environment, the intimidatory nature of the administrators is also highly counterproductive. In addition, the lack of PTA is also a hindrance to the growth of the school since (Continued on page 23)
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
LTI launches Heavy Equipment Maintenance Programme …opens brand new automotive workshop By Enid Joaquin The Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on Tuesday commissioned a spanking new automotive workshop and launched a Heavy Equipment maintenance programme. The project, a pilot in Guyana, was undertaken after an assessment was done of other Technical Institutions across the country. LTI was reportedly chosen, because of Linden’s strategic positioning to mining locations--not only bauxite mining, but also gold and other precious ore mining sites. It was an historic day for the prestigious learning institution, which has been integrally involved in the bauxite industry over the years. However where initially, skilled apprentices who graduated from the institution were absorbed in the industry, today other mining sectors across the country, benefit from the training and expertise their workers would have garnered from the institution. The event was attended by representatives from Macorp, Charge d’Affaire of Canada, Daniel Joly; Robin Walter, Vice President of the College of the North Atlantic; Olato Sam, Linden’s Mayor Carwyn Holland; Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, and Chairman of the board of Directors of LTI Gordon Gumbs, who chaired the proceedings. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Gumbs said that the collaboration with the Canadian Government has seen Linden come “full circle”, as the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA)
was a subsidiary of the Canada-based ALCAN. “We can come together and observe this collaboration”, as we observe our centenary. Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, said that LTI has been significantly underutilized, while adding that the viability of the community rests on how much the facility is utilized. Sam emphasized the need to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He further added, “We must find a range of viable options for females to participate, but not just to participate, but break barriers that have hitherto prevented their participation.” A representative from the women Miner’s Association, Ms Primus, as if in answer to that call, said that members of her organization would be seeking to become involved in heavy equipment operations and maintenance. She said that the organization would like to see the establishment of dormitories at LTI, to accommodate persons from places such as Mahdia and other interior locations. Chairman Gumbs said that a request had been made for funds to be allocated for dormitory construction in this year ’s budget, but that approval had not granted. He however promised to pursue the issue. Canada’s Charge d’Affaires, Daniel Joly, stressed the importance of partnerships between training institutions and industries. Joly said that it was critical to bridge the gap existing in the Caribbean and other parts of the world between the skilled, and
employers seeking those skills. Jolie added that the Canadian college system had been very successful in promoting partnerships with industries and were involved in technical and vocational education. He described MACORP’s Partnership with LTI as visionary. Training Coordinator of Macorp, Miguel Oviedo, in his reflections on the project said that the launching and establishment of the Institute’s automotive and Heavy Equipment Maintenance Programme is the product of years of dedication. He said that it was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Linden Technical Institute, the Education Ministry, Macorp, the college of the North Atlantic and the Marine institute. According to Oviedo, in 2012 representatives of
Macorp conducted a Needs Analysis for an apprenticeship programme, based on the stipulated requirements, for the establishment of the Caterpillar Apprentice Service Technician Programme (CASTT). Technical Institutes in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Essequibo and Linden were the subjects of such assessment. L.T.I was subsequently chosen as the pilot for the programme; infrastructural works and training commenced in 2012, Oviedo said. The Education Ministry was simultaneously integrated into the process, he acknowledged. This was followed by the collaboration of the North Atlantic and the Marine Institute, two institutions that were in pursuit of establishing/ supporting empowerment programmes in developing
countries such as Guyana. Oviedo said that Macorp was honored to work with the Education Ministry, CNACC, the Marine Institute and other stakeholders, and welcomed the support. He added that because Linden is strategically positioned, it is the hub of the mining industry and as such is an ideal geographical location for the launch of this major human resource development programme. Apart from the recent project, Oviedo said that Macorp has been working collaboratively with L.T.I for a number of years. The CASTT programme helps to enhance the knowledge base of the youth at the foundation technical level. It has progressive levels and is in alignment with the Caterpillar Technician Career Development Programme (TCDP). In November 2013 a Memorandum of
Understanding was signed by representatives of L.T.I and Macorp. The objective of the MOU was to identify and secure a mutually beneficial relationship to assist citizens in acquiring prerequisite skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the Mining Sector. Oviedo said that the new workshop and the CASSTT curriculum will employ a competency-based methodology, which will result in the learners (both the trainees and trainers) gaining knowledge based on specific practical and theoretical objectives. Students will gain knowledge, learn the fundamentals of service, diagnostics and repair. He added that students will gain marketable skills, while the lecturers will be exposed to Developmental opportunities. But the (continued on page 24)
Another fraud charge for ‘Wild Buck’ A man who is currently before the court for a multimillion-dollar fraud was yesterday released on bail for a similar offence, when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Floyd Primo, 31, also known as ‘Wild Buck’, is accused of obtaining the sum of $5M from Karen Persaud by pretending he was in position to sell her a plot of land located at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred between May 1 and May 31, last year at Georgetown. Primo a businessman of D’Urban Street, Georgetown, denied the allegation after it
was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. He was released on $500,000 bail and instructed to return to court on June 29. Primo was represented by Attorney George Thomas, who requested for him to be released on bail. The Attorney pointed out that Primo had no involvement in the crime. He explained that the complainant made an agreement with Marjorie Edinborough, whom he said is fingered in the fraud probe. Police Prosecutor, Deniro Jones, had no objections to bail and asked that it be set in a substantial amount with reporting conditions. Primo is currently a remand prisoner. He was refused bail earlier this month by the Chief Magistrate after he was accused of swindling Persaud of $13.7M in another house lot scam. He has also been charged
Floyd Primo
for obtaining $13,750,000 from Karen Persaud during May 2015, by pretending that he was in a position to sell her a piece of land located at Public Road Kitty, Georgetown. He has denied both allegations. It was reported
that the complainants discovered that they were being scammed after Primo turned up at the Deed’s Registry with a fake national identification card. He reportedly left for the original document but never returned.
Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
China spy ship shadows U.S., Japanese, Indian naval drill in Western Pacific
F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and E-2D Hawkeye plane are seen on the U.S. aircraft carrier John C. Stennis during the joint military exercise called Malabar. (Reuters/Nobuhiro Kubo) (Reuters) - A Chinese observation ship shadowed the U.S. aircraft carrier John C. Stennis in the Western Pacific on Wednesday, the carrier’s commander said, as it joined warships from Japan and India for drills close to waters Beijing considers its backyard. The show of U.S. naval power comes as Japan and the United States worry China is extending its influence into the western Pacific with submarines and surface vessels as it pushes territorial claims in the neighbouring South China Sea, expanding and building on islands. China has been angered by what it views as provocative U.S. military patrols close to the islands. The United States says the patrols are to protect freedom of navigation. The Japanese government yesterday said a separate Chinese navy observation ship entered its territorial waters south of its southern Kyushu island. China said it was acting within the law and following the principle of freedom of navigation. “There is a Chinese vessel about seven to 10 miles away,” Captain Gregory C. Huffman, commander of the Stennis, told reporters aboard the carrier after it recovered its F-18 jet fighters taking part in the exercise. The Chinese ship had followed the U.S. vessel from the South China Sea, he added. Separately, an unidentified U.S. official played down the significance of the shadowing, saying the Stennis had been followed by Chinese vessels in the past and the action in itself was not provocative. “We are getting used to operating in close proximity of Chinese vessels,” the official said, speaking on deep background. Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesman Lu Kang said he was unaware of the situation. China views access to the Pacific as vital as a supply line to the rest of the world’s oceans and for the projection of its naval power. The Stennis joined nine other naval ships including a Japanese helicopter carrier and Indian frigates in seas off the Okinawan island chain. Sub-hunting patrol planes launched from bases in Japan are also participating in the joint annual exercise, dubbed Malabar. DEEPENING ALLIANCES The Stennis will sail apart from the other ships, acting as a decoy to draw it away from the eight-day naval exercise, a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force officer said, declining to be identified because he was not authorized to talk to the media. Blocking China’s unfettered access to the Western Pacific are the 200 islands stretching from Japan’s main islands through the East China Sea to within 100 km (60 miles) of Taiwan. Japan is fortifying those islands with radar stations and anti-ship missile batteries. By joining the drill, Japan is deepening alliances it
hopes will help counter growing Chinese power. Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo rose after a Chinese warship for the first time sailed within 24 miles (38 km) of contested islands in the East China Sea. The outcrops, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China, lie 220 km (140 miles) northeast of Taiwan. Wary of China’s more assertive maritime role in the region, the U.S. Navy’s Third Fleet plans to send more ships to East Asia to work alongside the Japan-based Seventh Fleet, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. For India, the gathering is an chance to put on a show of force close to China’s eastern seaboard and signal its displeasure at increased Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. India sent its naval contingent of four ships on a tour through the South China Sea with stops in the Philippines and Vietnam on their way to the exercise. China claims most of the energy-rich South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.
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Kaieteur News
Sale of 20% GT&T shares ...
STOP STIFLING NICIL suspects Chinese buyer YOUR produced fake documents CONSCIENCE!
Former Ambassador, David Dabydeen
NICIL’s Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle The Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) is still trying to understand the controversy surrounding the sale of government’s 20 percent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company in all its components. NICIL Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle, told Kaieteur News that there is much to comprehend about the entire deal that seems to be growing more and more complicated. He said that NICIL is currently in the process of trying to verify the veracity of a claim made by Hong Kong Golden Telecom to the effect that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) Government granted a US$5M waiver. Hong Kong Telecom is said to be a subsidiary of Datang Telecom International Technology (Hong Kong) Company Limited, which is wholly owned by Datang Telecom International Technology Co., Ltd., PR China. Datang Telecom International Technology Co., Ltd. is listed as a second tier subsidiary in the Datang Group of Companies. On August, 24, 2012, Hong Kong Golden Telecom bought Government’s 20 percent shareholding in GTT that was being managed by
NICIL. The sale was negotiated at a price of US$30M. However it was done on a hire purchase. NICIL’s then Director, Winston Brassington, had agreed that the company would have paid US$25M at the time of the sale then to pay a remaining US$5M two years later. The remaining money was never paid. The new government soon realized that its hands were tied in trying to receive the money as Brassington agreed for the UK courts to settle any financial matters. Dr. Odle said that it was in an effort to avoid spending huge sums in the courts, NICIL decided to ask government to intervene in going the diplomatic route. Harmon undertook that task. Dr. Odle said that NICIL suspected that Datang presented Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, with fake documents. This would have happened during the controversial trip that Harmon made to China a few months ago. Harmon had indicated that Hong Kong Telecom told him that following a series of communications with the Former Guyana Ambassador to China, David Dabydeen, the company was assured that it was not required to pay the balance of US$5M. Hong Kong Telecom claims that this is because it had not been granted the same minority protection rights that
Former NICIL Director, Winston Brassington used to be enjoyed by the Guyana Government which is two, instead of one, representatives on the GTT Board of Directors. Hong Kong Telecom said that it was promised that privilege. The Company said that the decision to waive the US$5M was contained in a side agreement. So far, that claim has not been supported by any other former government official or any other document in the hands of the current Government of Guyana. Dr. Odle said that NICIL has since been trying to verify the claims of the Chinese company. He said that NICIL has since written the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking a copy of any correspondence that can validate Hong Kong Telecom’s claim. Dr. Odle said that a similar letter has been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance and NICIL is awaiting the responses of both those Ministries. Further, Dr. Odle said that NICIL tried to make contact with Dabydeen. He said that the former Ambassador gave indications to the effect that the documents “are not valid.” However, Dr. Odle said, “That alone is not good enough. There are other questions we need to get answered by the former Ambassador. He is yet to answer those,” said Dr. Odle.
Dem boys seh ...
A special prayer, Creatah De whole Guyana know that de Waterfalls paper lost one of its family members who was one of its best contributing factor. He bring sadness to de whole company. He dampen dem spirits and saddened dem soul so that Tuesday after de funeral dem boys couldn’t write nutten. Dem had to tek a drink and pray. After de funeral de workers didn’t have de zeal to even put out a full newspaper; dem hope
everybody see that. In church during de funeral, Tuesday, dem boys did pray. Was a short and simple prayer. “Creator, please tek care of Dale, de Waterfalls paper Crime Chief. Continue to protect us from dem who think dem can harm us. You does answer all dem prayers. Dem boys certain about that. You are in command and control of de entire Universe, everything we do and everything we
say; everything we hear and everything we see. Last week you tek Dale, our best crime reporter. De same day you tek Muhammad Ali, our best boxer of all times. De same day, Creatah, you tek, Prince, our greatest musician. Creatah, we just want to remind you, that our best politician, is none other, than de one and only, Bharrat Jagdeo. Talk half and hope this nation seh de same prayer.
In one part of the city a woman was speaking deliberately loud enough for passersby to hear. She was bragging that since the new government took power, the police are as straight as an arrow, that they were now doing their jobs how it is supposed to be done. In another part of the city, in fact right oppose Camp Ayanganna, two traffic policemen were standing under a tree. A white car with a police flasher light on its roof was parked nearby. The police were lying in wait for motorists who were breaching the ‘unrealistic’ speed limit on that particular roadway. They were facing the oncoming traffic and therefore everything northbound was in their view. A motorcyclist, riding a CG motorcycle, was proceeding north. He did not have on his helmet as is required by the law. When he saw the police he gave a little wobble on his motorbike and proceeded forward. The police made no attempt to stop him or to intercept him. But they began to pull over another vehicle which they must have felt was driving above the speed limit. The people of Guyana can believe all they want about how much things have changed in Guyana since the new government took power. They can stifle their consciences to the extent that they please since it is theirs to stifle. But that is not going to change anything in this country. Political loyalties are
forcing people to stifle their consciences and to try to convince themselves that things have changed in the country and everything now is going smoothly. It is even said that since the removal of the last government that drugs are not passing through the airports any more. Well, drugs were intercepted recently as they have been for years. But people want to convince themselves that things are straight as an arrow under the APNU+AFC. They are blinding themselves to the shortcoming of the government and this will only encourage the sort of conduct that has opened the government to criticisms from non- supporters. Nothing is going to change in Guyana unless people change their attitude towards the party they support. It is one thing to want to oppose the party you did not vote for. It is another thing to pretend that the party you support has not and is not making mistakes. This was the downfall of the PPP. Its supporters, including the delegates at its last Congress did not speak out. The police may be seemingly solving a lot of crimes. But explain how a mere change in government could have achieved this. Things do not change with the click of a finger or the mere change in government. That change in government has to be accompanied by changes in the way things are done. We are told that crime figures are down. But whose
figures are these? And has there been any independent audit of these figures. This is needed to convince a suspecting public that indeed what is claimed is reality. If people want change they should not let their political loyalties blind them to what is taking place or censure them from speaking out against what is clearly wrong. No one is asking anyone to give up their support for any party. No one is asking anyone to switch political loyalties. The most loyal supporters are those who are able to frankly, but respectfully, tell their leaders when things are going astray. Voting in Guyana is dominated by ethnic preferences. So what does it matter if you criticize your leaders? People will still continue to vote mainly along ethnic lines. What does it matter if criticism of the government makes the government appear as if they not being better than when the opposition was in power? Since when does the performance of the government a major factor in how people vote in elections in Guyana? Change has to begin with the people. People are going to end up losing if they do not take a step backward and carefully look at what the government is doing and decide whether it is good or bad, without any reference to whether their opinion will lend support to the opposition. If people really want change, they need to hold their leaders accountable.
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Analyzing Donald Ramotar’s politics In a recent column captioned, “Donald Ramotar: A Freudian analysis,” (June 3, 2016) I attempted to explain why Ramotar did the unthinkable and openly defended someone like Kwame McCoy who is really a figure of disdain and revulsion in Guyana. The construct I used was the Vanguard Party. The difference between the PPP and every other party since the fifties onwards is the absence of the acceptance of the Vanguard Party as part of the leadership’s psychology. On the PPP carries this mental symbol. Some clarification is needed since under Forbes Burnham, the Sophia Declaration of 1975 made the
PNC into a vanguard party. The difference with the PPP‘s vanguard party and the PNC’s vanguard party was that the average leader in the PNC under Burnham never really thought of the PNC in those terms. The PNC’s leadership saw Burnham as special and the Burnhamite state was the vehicle through which they concentrated their energies in changing Guyana. For someone like Hamilton Green, it was Burnham’s party that was to be protected. It was the same with Ptolemy Reid. Desmond Hoyte never saw the PNC as a vanguard party. The essential difference with the PPP and all other political parties is the psychological acceptance of
the vanguard party. Every PPP leader was brought up with the psychological and philosophical education that the PPP is the embodiment of history; that it is destined to be persecuted but will survive to hold destiny in its hands. For every setback that the PPP endured, it saw that as a part of the working out of history; that history will justify the greatness of the PPP. As I pen this column, I am absolutely convinced that the PPP hierarchy sees the 2015 loss of power as a temporary setback; that the PPP will soon be back in power. Why does the hierarchy feel this way? Because that is the education. The vanguard party is special, is historically irrepressible; its leaders, ranks and cadres are special and the
party will always triumph. This explains why the PPP has never sought to discipline its erring cadres no matter how egregious was the crime. The higher up the ladder
was the leader, the more untouchable he/she became. These party loyalists were treated as special because they serve the vanguard party. They are not seen as ordinary mortals. On the contrary, once a comparison has to be made between a member of the Vanguard Party and an ordinary human, the choice was automatic. It is doubtful any party, no matter how fascist or authoritarian, would have retained the services of Kellawan Lall. Lall drifted from one abomination to another and in each situation, the party’s protective hands were there. It was not possible to do away with Lall because to do so was to dump a loyal servant of the Vanguard Party. It is this context one must understand Ramotar’s frenetic protection of Kwame McCoy. As I pointed out in the first part of this analysis, Ramotar has always been the most doctrinaire of PPP
leaders apart from the Jagans. It was no accident that he was chosen to represent the PPP for eight years in Czechoslovakia on the editorial board of the journal of the world communist movement, “World Marxist Review.” It was no accident that after the PPP won the 1992 elections, he was chosen over all the other leaders to run the PPP rather than be given a Cabinet portfolio. It is no accident, then, that he is the only major PPP figure that has openly come out in support of Kwame McCoy. It is doubtful that any other important figure in the PPP pyramid will follow him. Ramotar is far more loyal to McCoy than any other major PPP leader and this is because it comes out of his dogmatic approach to communist politics. The dangerous thinking in the mind of a doctrinaire Marxist like Ramotar, is his/ her dismissal of the ordinary
Frederick Kissoon folks. Asked about the feelings of Mark Benschop after the alleged assault of him by McCoy, I am sure Ramotar would be dismissive of Benschop. Asked about the feelings of my nephew when Ramotar’s son had accidently struck him down and broken his leg, I am sure, Ramotar would be dismissive. One must understand that in the scheme of things, apparatchiks of the vanguard party are not ordinary people. They are historical figures. Kwame McCoy would be special because he chose the path of the vanguard party. He works for the vanguard party. Kellawan Lall was special; he belonged to the vanguard party. The vanguard party is invincible and therefore its loyalists must be defended at all times.
Thursday June 16, 2016
GTU, Education Ministry at odds over scholarships The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is hoping to grow its membership with the support of Government. However, Government through the Ministry of Education does not seem to be willing to embrace this tactic proposed by the union. The Union is currently in negotiations with the Ministry for a remuneration package for teachers. However among the nonfinancial aspects of a proposal the union has brought to the table is that of scholarships for the teachers its represents. According to GTU General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald, the Union in its proposal has asked for 50 scholarships for its teachers. The scholarships once approved would be awarded to deserving teachers who are members of the Union. But Ministry officials are not in agreement. “They said that Government’s position is that since they are giving the scholarships it should be for all teachers. But we are saying maybe they can add 20 more to the 50 we are asking for and that will be open to any teacher,” McDonald asserted. Although a recent session of the negotiations saw the two sides agreeing on the majority of the non-financial aspects of the proposal, McDonald confided that “the University scholarship still needs a little bit more tweaking. They are saying to us that we should make this scholarship open to any teacher, and we are saying this is the Union bargaining for its members. We cannot give everything to the teachers without them being a member. They want it to be open but we have said no.
The Union is asking in its proposal for 50 scholarships per year tenable at the University of Guyana. Teachers, the Union has proposed, should be granted the scholarships from the academic year 2016. In its proposal, the Union made it clear that while Government will be required to sponsor the scholarships, they must be awarded to financial members of the GTU for a period no less than three years. The GTU made it clear in its proposal, too, that it must select the teachers for the available scholarships. It is for this reason McDonald asserted that it is not the desire of the Union for the scholarships to be readily available to all teachers. “When certain things are being withheld from them it will force them to become members of the Union,” said the GTU General Secretary. The GTU currently has 7,000-odd members across 49 branches. Part of its non-financial proposal is that all Central Executive Officers of the Union be released to perform Union duties every Wednesday and from time to time as the need arises with the knowledge of both parties. Also, the Union is asking that the President and General Secretary, both teachers, be released, with pay, on a full-time basis to serve the membership of GTU. And that all General Council Representatives be released from time to time to attend teachers’ matters within their respective Branches with the knowledge of both parties. Also the GTU is proposing that an extra unit (teacher) be placed at schools where Central Executive
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Kaieteur News
GTU General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald Members of the Union are attached. And in light of the fact that the Union and the Ministry have not been meeting as often as possible, the Union has requested that the two sides meet statutorily at least once per month for Professional Development Sessions at a time agreed upon. However, it has been proposed that other emergency meetings be called either by the Ministry of Education or GTU. But the main aspect of the proposal that teachers are eagerly waiting to realise is that of wages and salaries increase. The Union has proposed an across-theboard increase in salary of 40 per cent for 2016, 45 per cent in 2017, 50 per cent in 2018, 50 per cent in 2019 and 50 per cent in 2020 for all categories of teachers.
NDIA financially supported GuySuCo without Cabinet approval - Audit The Forensic Audit into the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has revealed that the entity financially supported the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) without Cabinet approval. The auditors noted that during 2013, $500M was paid to the CDIP Account. That money was used to purchase Machinery and equipment for the Corporation. The report indicated that the authority acted as a “Banker” to GuySuCo. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – according to the report, explained that all the machinery and equipment belonged to NDIA but were used by GuySuCo. However, these units were shown as property not belonging to NDIA on the report provided by finance staff and the matter was not discussed at the Board level, the report stated. The auditors also stated that source documents to verify transactions of monthly receipts were not available for examination. Also, returned cheques and bank statements were not available. Efforts were made also by the auditors to determine the organizational structure in place and the officers responsible for the management of the
Community Development and Irrigation Project (CDIP) but the information was not provided by NDIA, auditors stated. Also, no audited financial statements were available for the activities of CDIP from its inception to date when it was terminated at NDIA. The auditors are of the considered opinion that the CDIP Project was another duplication of work that could have been undertaken by NDIA management rather than treated as a separate project. NDIA was de-linked from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in 2004 and received Capital Assets from the ministry upon its establishment as a separate entity. The analysis of the registration documents of machinery revealed that ownership of the machinery NDIA acquired from the ministry was never vested in NDIA. This practice continued well into 2014 when 25 excavators procured for NDIA were registered in the name of Ministry. The auditors also reported that there were some units that were correctly registered to NDIA. Some
other machines are described as owned by “MOA and NDIA)”. Meanwhile, 10 Hyundai R220 LC Excavators were purchased through NDIA in November 2013. The auditors indicated that these machines are registered as owned by the MOA and are listed as “MOA NDIA Property”. “These excavators are listed as located at GuySuCo. The GuySuCo situation would be dealt with under capital expenditure as it appears as though NDIA acted as a bank to that Corporation. “A clear distinction has to be made as to what assets are owned by NDIA and the MOA since NDIA is a separate entity incorporated by an Act of Parliament. Unfortunately, management could not provide any explanation for this irregular practice.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, approximately 58 pieces or 53% of the Machinery are more than four and half years old and the auditors were not able to verify the condition of the machines. Immediately noticeable, the auditors stated, were the substantial sums spent on capital and routine maintenance however, the justifications for that level of expenditure could not be explained.
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Defend irregularities flagged by forensic auditors - Minister tell Valmiki Singh Head of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Valmiki Singh, is expected to write a statement to Minister of Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, in an effort to set the record straight on a number of shady actions that implicated him during his management of the Unit. In a brief telephone interview last night, Hughes said that she is concerned with the findings of the report which was prepared by the auditors attached to Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants. She noted that while the NFMU is without a board at the moment, a statement on the way forward will be provided by next week. The Telecommunications Minister was asked to say whether Singh’s statements would determine whether he will continue in his post or relieved of his duties. Hughes said that she would not enter the realm of speculation. She added that that matter is not being considered at the moment. The Minister maintained that Singh was asked to defend the findings identified in the forensic audit report on the Unit, and part of her statement will be informed by his response.
The forensic audit report had cited numerous areas where Singh was found in breach of financial laws. Based on its examination of the employees’ personal records at NFMU, forensic auditors found for example, that there was “gross abuse” Singh, regarding the annual leave system. In the audit report, the forensic team from Ram and McRae said that records show that Singh sought and obtained payment for leave not taken over an 11-year period. The auditors said that the NFMU Head did so less than two weeks before the May 11, 2015 elections. At that time, they said that he wrote a letter to Dr. Roger Luncheon, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, requesting payment for what he claimed to be 326 leave days accumulated over the years between January, 2004 and December 2014. They said that attached to the letter was a computation of Mr. Singh’s outstanding leave days which was prepared by the NFMU’s Finance Controller. The auditors however, noted that the unavailability of documented application and approval of the leave carryover
prevented any effort to verify the accuracy of the number of accumulated leave days. The forensic auditing team said that under the Public Service Rules, leave may be deferred and added to the following year’s vacation. The deferral was “required in writing”. Dr. Luncheon approved Mr. Singh’s request via letter dated April 30, 2015 and a total of $6.7 million was remitted to Mr. Singh after income tax totaling $2.9 million was deducted from the gross amount of $9.6 million. The auditors said that it is considered dangerous to the organization as well as unhealthy for individuals, particularly those in a position of trust and responsibility, not to take their annual leave. They therefore recommended that this practice be discontinued forthwith. They also recommended that the services of the Accountant be otherwise utilized or transferred since his only responsibility was to manage the expenses of other government entities, a practice which the auditors believe should cease. In another instance, it appeared as though Singh thought that he had more power than was actually allocated to him
as Head of the National Frequency Management Unit. Auditors said that perhaps, the organizational structure of the entity contributed to him acting outside of his authority in various instances. The auditors noted that while the Minister who has oversight for the NFMU, is the person designated to determine the remuneration of persons employed, after consultation with the relevant union, Singh who was only the Managing Director, arbitrarily determined the salaries of his workers. The auditors revealed that NFMU was established as a “corporation sole”. This means that the entity does not have a Board like other companies would. It meant that the Managing Director operates as the Board. Ram and McRae auditors also commented that such an organizational form is subject to minimal accountability and is precluded from benefitting from the range of skills typical of a Corporation with a Board of Directors. Given the nature and scope of the work required to be done by the NFMU, the auditors emphasized that this type of
NFMU Head, Valmiki Singh
Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes organizational structure is completely inappropriate. As such, they recommended that it be governed by a Board of Directors with a range of skills and qualifications and offering some insulation of the management from the political functionaries. They said that the entity’s only reporting obligation is to a Minister of the Government, who, for much of the NFMU’s existence, has been the President, which, even with delegation does not offer sufficient opportunities for oversight and consultations. The auditors revealed, too, that while such a Corporation may employ a Secretary, and
other officers and employees it considers necessary, their remuneration and terms and conditions of employment are to be determined or varied by the Minister. They said that the Minister is required to consult with the trade union, which represents the majority of officers or class of employees, and the Corporation in setting the terms and conditions of employment. The forensic auditing team noted however that except for the position of the Managing Director, this requirement has not been complied with. In this regard, the auditors highlighted that Singh took it upon himself to establish the remuneration packages for other levels of employees. The auditors said that Singh acted ultra vires, that is, outside of his legal power.
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
THE VOICE OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
What is the national economic strategy in play? By Sase Singh INTRODUCTION There is enough empirical evidence to substantiate that growth in the loans and advances from the commercial banks positively correlates with economic growth in a nation. What is even more important is the quality of this credit to the local private sector. This column sets out to do two things – one, provide a report on the expansion of credit from the commercial banks to the productive sectors such as agriculture, housing and manufacturing and two, offer a report on the condition of the portfolio of non-performing loans. What we will illustrate this week is that there is enough evidence to refute any attempt to talk up the economy with hot air in the absence of a cataclysmic economic strategy. Let us look at the numbers. THE DATA SET
If business enterprises are not borrowing, then the core viability of the economy is being threatened. If they are not borrowing, it translates to them not expanding and if they are not expanding, you the reader can do the deduction on the job creation front. We are being told that the private sector has to drive the job creation agenda. But this statement runs counter to the promises made on the 2015 campaign trail, when firm political commitments were made to build an economic framework that will facilitate the creation of the new jobs. Such contradictions in
The data set provides recorded balances at the end of the respective period (March 2013-April 2016) and indicates the indebtedness of the respective industries at the end of that reporting period. The source of this data set is the Bank of Guyana April 2016 Statistical Abstract. EXPANSION OF CREDIT TO THE BUSINESS SECTOR After experiencing a commendable 14 percent increase in credit over the year to March 2014, the expansion in credit to the business sector plummeted to six percent in the following year to March 2015. This situation clearly illustrating that the slowdown commenced long before 2016. But what has been most scandalous is that the loan portfolio to the business sector has actually declined during the period March 2015 and April 2016 by 0.9 percent (see graph below).
policy positions confuse investors and sap their confidence. Therefore, one cannot be surprised if the private sector goes into investment pause and all the data over the last year confirms this situation. Thus, we cannot and must not expect any significant new jobs from the private sector unless we seismically change the way we think. But to compound this human development challenge, the government has literally abandoned its mandate to facilitate the job creation effort. So who really is creating the new jobs for the young people to attack the
high under-employment in Guyana? In times of economic challenges, the riskiness of the business environment will increase and this will directly flow through to the stultification of the loan portfolio in the banking sector. The loans officers of the respective commercial banks are not fools; they do rigorous analysis of their portfolio. With such analysis, they can make decisions as to their forthcoming risk appetite. Right now credit from the banks to the business enterprises have tightened. Why? That answer is for a whole column on investment
conditions. However, as credit tightens, then the cost of doing business will increase; shutting small and medium scale entrepreneurs out of the market in the process. It is these same small and medium scale entrepreneurs who create the most jobs per capita in the economy and without adequate access to finance for expansion, we can kiss those jobs goodbye. When the AFC in 2011 called for the establishment of a State Development Bank (SDB), it was on a foundation of in-depth comparative analysis observing progressive cases around the world on this question of how to create the jobs. Unfortunately, such a special purpose investmentfacilitating vehicle had not been established and thus the options available to the entrepreneurial class, as the private banks tighten up, are becoming more remote to the detriment of the nation. THE MANDATE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN BUSINESS Private entrepreneurs are in the business of making profits and they will expand and create jobs when it feasible for them to do so; not when the politicians tell them. If they are not investing in Guyana, it means they are investing elsewhere because
they will never stop making profits. However, it is government’s business to incentivize the private sector into investing at home. Thus, when I see the state machinery getting “regulatory” and not understanding that they are “Business Developer No. 1”, I smile. Why? Because this experiment was tried in the past and failed. Do we need another 50 years to learn from our policy errors? Regulation is good, but constructing the progressive deals is even better for the nation. Former President Hoyte was the first to lead this agenda, along with his Minister of Finance – Carl Greenidge, who collectively turned the economy around from a state of being “uncreditworthy”. Even Asgar Ally, former President Bharat Jagdeo and Dr. Ashni Singh, all as Finance Ministers, positioned themselves as chief deal makers instead of chief regulators. There is an important distinction between the two. One is a “we can do this” attitude and forward looking, and will grow the economy, while the other is a “gotcha” attitude that is backwardly focused and will stagnate the economy. Why has a closed door Presidential Summit with the top 10 business houses of
Guyana not been arranged to date? Do our policy makers know what is inhibiting the investment environment and preventing business houses from doubling down on their investment portfolio? Are we familiar with their respective investment pipelines? Do these business houses understand the business vision of the APNU+AFC government? People like the Beharrys and Gafoors have survived all sorts of business challenges over the last 50 years and are still standing today, so why do we think they do not have the answers? NON-PERFORMING LOAN PORTFOLIO There was a 41.5 percent increase in the nonperforming loan portfolio in 2015 to close at $25.8 billion. That means some 10 percent of the total loan portfolio is at a high risk of falling into default or is already there. According to the 2015 Annual Report of the Bank of Guyana, five of the eight banks “recorded increases in their level of non-performing loans”. The responsibility for the second half of 2015 solely rests with the APNU+AFC government, which saw an increase in bad debt by $5.5 billion. If one fast forwards to March 2016, the loan portfolio (continued on page 24)
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Lot 133 Diamond New Scheme Housing Scheme, EBD Call: 678-7186 or fhamid121@gmail.com 2 Storey house, 5 bedrooms semi-furnished, 65 Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice, price negotiable. Call: 6706688; 621-2066 Enmore: Hope West, 1-two storey 3 bedrooms wooden building, overlooking FoulisCall: 602-2818; 649-1434 Tuschen: 1 2-Flat Concrete Building, price negotiableTel: 231-9690/9693. Call between 08.00 hrs - 16.00 hrs.
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Accountant: CAT level 2 ACCA and 2 yrs experienced, office located in Wales. Call: 651-1106
One 2 Flat concrete - 1-6 bedrooms house (transported) large yard space, in Strathspey E.C.D - $14M negotiable Call: 689-5103 One flat house 2 bedrooms at Grove New Scheme 2nd Bridge, large land space -$11M. Call: 626-1263/ 680-9593
VACANCY Female housekeeping staff, male security guard. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.
TO LET New self-contained 3 bedroom house, upper flat, security cameras; security lights, window screens @ Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 2260880; 603-0067
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
2 Bedrooms apartment $50,000 monthly @ 29 Howes Street. Contact Petboy on the above address.
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
Rooms in Albertown – Call:225-3234
One Spa specialist with knowledge of acrylic nails, pedicure & massage. Call: 696-7337 for details. 1 Experienced computer literate sales rep, apply @ Roxie’s Fashion, 301 Church & Thomas Streets with handwritten application. One Experienced Hauler driver, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Porters apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. WANTED Live-in experienced waitress 18-25yrs, boarding & lodging free, salary $70,000-$80,000 monthly – Call: 610- 5043
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2009 ALLION -$2.8M, 2009 RAUM -$2.2M, 2010 IST$2.6M, 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2011 AXELA $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891 2006 Allion-$2.4M, 2005 Premio (TV/Reverse Camera) - $2.5M, 2008 Toyota Rush $3.0M – Call: 226-1973; 226-8953 1 Leyland DAF LF HIAB truck 5 ton HIAB new, hardly used GTT 2960 -$4M. Call: 622-6746 Mitsubishi GLX Sports $400,000, MR2 Sports Toyota -$500,000, 200 Mercedes Benz -$300,000. Call: 226-8013 1 FUSO Crane GTT 20 $4M; 1 HINO ranger wrecker GVV1890 -$4M, 1 HIAB Canter GTT 7140 -$3.5M. (negotiable) Call: 622-6746 Toyota AT212, AT192, LTouring Wagon, Solid Def pickup 4X4, RZ, Runx, Canter, Honda CAPA. Call: 644-5096; 697-1453 2009 Axela -$2.975M, 2010 Toyota Auris -$2.9M, 2008 IST -$2.650M, 2007 Auris $2.450M . Call:226-1973 1 Fun Cargo in great condition, asking price -$1.4M negotiable. Call: 665-9669 2007 Raum -$2.3M, 2008 Belta -$2.3M, 2013 Vitz $2.5M, 2008 Allion -$2.8M. Call:609-3650 2007 Nissan Dualis (Retractable Roof) -$4.5M, 2006 Suzuki Escudo-$4.5M. Call: 609-3650; 226-8953 2010 RAV4 24000CC -$9.8M, 2007 RAV4 – Leather seating/steering controls $6M. Call: 609-3650; 2268953 2008 Premio (TV/Reverse Camera) -$3.1M, Verossa$3.2M, Allion -$3.8M . Call: 609-3650; 226-8953 2007 Blue Bird -$2.350M, 2001 212 -$1.9M, 2004 Nissan Wingroad -$1.7M, Pitbull -$1.5M. Call: 609-3650; 226-8953 WANTED Bus Driver- 40 years & older –Call: 665-2619 Waitress must be living in the vicinity of Leonora to Parika – Call: 642-6664 Experienced Driver apply in person with handwritten application @ Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. One single working female to share furnished house with single female- Call: 616-2445 Canter driver to work and pay owner on a weekly basis. Call: 678-3160 Truck driver to work in Georgetown –Call: 227-1717 (Continued on page 23)
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
After 50 years, there is no political maturity DEAR EDITOR; Fifty years, depending on what is being measured can be a very long or short time. I think the word applied here for such an examination is relative. Whatever credit we as a people, a nation might want to bestow on ourselves as grand achievements for this 50 years journey we are free to do so, but please let us not include political maturity, for certainly that is not one, in fact the lack of it has been probably the main reason for many of our ills. I have on a few occasions heard stories of persons who during national elections making a snap-shot of their ballot when in the polling booth showing the way they voted. This as I understand is done for later reference as proof of where their loyalty lies. And this is mostly done by those who are viewed as suspicion, wearing a mask, pretending, playing games
and desiring the “best of both worlds”. So depending on which ever way it turns they can either remain playing along or flip/switch, a kind of Jekyl and Hyde scenario. Now this is somewhat weird to me: why lessen the chances of that which you are profiting from if that’s your objective – beats me. But why do people behave this way? What impels one to take this line of slippery action? Of not wanting to reveal their true selves? Of not wanting the public to know where they truly stand? Plain and simple – hypocrisy and dishonesty. And why these individuals who snapped their ballot paper appears to be the most dangerous, calculating and deceitful, they are so many more amongst us who are no different including some who are hooked and drowning on religion. While this is a sad and damning state of affairs upon
closer examination we may discover that apart from rogues, rank opportunists and turncoats, our quality of politics have messed us up, a perception that was planted, a fear in the minds of our people overtime. There are so many terrible experiences, testimonies which this 50 year old nation can attest to. The journey was dotted with trying time. To be critical of the government of the day, speaking out meant putting one’s life at risking that one could be threatened, victimised, put out of a job, the welfare of one’s family at stake, denied a contract, a scholarship, overlooked for a meritorious promotion, denied a house lot etc., the examples are numerous. These are not fairy tales, they have occurred, things people have seen and felt and which have had indelible and overpowering influence on the psyche of this nation. Thus the hypocrisy and
deceit that we see today were learned behaviour that we inculcated overtime and used as if they were our survival kit. Little wonder why many are still afraid to show their true colour, why they are edgy, uneasy in saying frankly what they feel-what their minds are trying to tell them except for those who are “connected”, those in open support. Understand that there is still fear flowing like an undercurrent that lingers on, hence the reason why people look around before they speak, why they talk with forktongue – say one thing here and something else there; why they say flattering things or hold their tongue as the case maybe so as not to ruin their chances for whatever. Bottom line is, they do this as a way of guarding themselves, they understand the game – they know where it’s at! And make no mistake
about it: this cunning Brer Anancy dealings – “dance ah battom look ah top” is equally and better acted out by many highly educated/qualified folks who love to boast about being markable and are haughty and stuck-up, they are the ones, the king-pins who shamelessly play this double role, the real Jekles and Hydes. So entrenched it was, we are still feeding off of it inspite of all the years, it’s embedded. For a tiny nation I think we came somewhat close to living through a period of “Big Brother is watching.” The above account still crawls under our skin, it’s a thread that runs through the political fabric of our society as is expressed in the daily false behaviour/actions and pretence that has been implanted a long time ago and still ticking. One valid reason why we have to forever remain vigilant. Frank Fyffe
More criticism of City Mayor, Town Clerk.... the performance... From page 5 the input of parents and guardians is stymied. The administration of Mae’s is simply not willing to invest a small percentage of the millions acquired every term towards the improvement and development of children who are underachieving. Just imagine 25 students in one class at $60 000 per term. In one term that accumulates to $1 500 000 per class. For four classes that’s a total of $6 000 000 per term. Are parents getting value for their money? Presently at the grade 5 level the two mixed ability classes have a total of 46 pupils. Based on results of the Easter Term Test (last term) 31 pupils attained an average of less than 70%. Collectively the parents of those 31 pupils invested approximately $3 720 000 over the first and second term and the administration has not ensured that their investment has proven to be a worthwhile one. However, they are quite happy to enforce a late fee of $6000 for school fees which are overdue. Throughout this present term, can the Administration state what was done to improve each of those children? They have done nothing. Parents will be accused of not doing enough. They will be told the child is unsettled and talks too much. They will be told the child is not focused. I know many parents can relate to those statements. The National Grade 6 As-
sessment is scheduled for March 2017, can there be a turnaround for those children? The Grade 6 programme is a rigorous one, will those children cope with the workload and transform academically? Who will be held accountable if those children don’t perform? Mae’s is simply not about all the children, the school is only about the A class, the results class, the class which will gain the attention of the public and encourage many to flock to the school with the hope of academic transformation of their children. This is purely false hope. Former Teacher
From page 27 improvements coming to the city that will accelerate it towards parity with the other great capital cities across the world.” Promising to hold a press conference, the Town Clerk said that it is unfortunate that “certain individuals” have taken advantage of the absence of the Mayor to advance negative, divisive and completely untrue narratives. More info needed Yesterday, Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, when questioned, disclosed M&CC not officially informed. While it is not a requirement, the official said, courtesy and professional behavior will dictate that the
council be notified. “When the Mayor went to Suriname last month for a few days, she informed the Council. If you using that as a custom, well…” The Deputy Mayor said that he is awaiting the return of the Mayor and her team to learn more details of the parking meter project. “I emailed the Mayor and Town Clerk on Saturday morning shortly before the team left. I expressed my concern and I suspect they had a chance to look at the email.” Duncan noted that it is presumed that proper due diligence would have been conducted on the company that M&CC wanted to do business with. “It is being
reported that this company has extensive business dealings in Mexico and Haiti. If you type these name in the search engines they were supposed to generate information. We have little information. It raises suspicions therefore about the experience of this company. I am awaiting information.” In Mexico, the Mayor, her team and Cush reportedly met with officials dealing with parking meters and other traffic management tools like wheel clamps and camera systems. There were several photos taken with even an example of a parking ticket for M&CC printed out.
From page 22
WANTED Live in waitress –Call: 645-4543 Live in female to prepare cutters @ E.B.D location $16,000 weekly, free meals & accommodationCall/ Whatsapp: 661-8802 1 Male to cook in the Backdam. Call: 678-0565 Experienced professional cook/pastry maker, cashiers with computers skills @ Annabel Bistro, 36 Public Road La Grange W.B.D –Call: 678-3400 Experienced female accounts clerk apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767 Male sales assistant/porter must be able to multi-task. Apply within @ Sparkle Trading, Meten-Meer-Zorg. (No Calls) One field supervisor to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 Porters/Labourers, apply @ Wieting & Richter Ltd, 10-13 Water Street Kingston. Live in waitress to work in a bar @ Berbice- Call: 6046606; 692-4649 1 Cleaner to work in snackette & bar. Must know to cookbetween ages 20-35 -Call: 647-7432/ 223-5798 Handyman to work at a shop, between ages 50-60. Call: 227-3042; 676-7291
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Corruption, red tape raised at Boy’s Body Found After Gator Attack at Disney Resort Guyana investment forum in NYC The body of a two-yearold Nebraska boy who was attacked and dragged into a lake by an alligator at a Walt Disney World resort has been recovered, authorities said yesterday afternoon. The body of the toddler, identified by authorities as Lane Graves, was “completely intact” when it was found about 10 to 15 feet from shore, according to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office dive team located the body around 1:45 p.m. and recovered it less than two hours later. The body has been turned over to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, Demings told reporters. Authorities will formally identify the body, but there is “no reason” to believe that the body recovered was not Lane’s, Demings noted. Five alligators have been taken from the lake and euthanized, said Nick Wiley, the executive director of the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He said there is a “good chance” one of these alligators attacked the boy. Investigators will analyze teeth marks to make a determination. Disney has a “very proactive program” of routinely removing alligators that pose a threat, Wiley said. The company is in constant contact with the FWC to remove alligators, he added. Demings informed the boy’s parents, Matt and Melissa Graves of Elkhorn, Nebraska, that their son’s body was found, calling it a “tough message to deliver.” A Catholic priest accompanied him to deliver the message, he said. The family was “distraught but somewhat relieved” that authorities were able to locate their son with his body intact, Demings said. The boy was playing along of the shore of the water when the alligator snatched him and dragged him into the
lake, officials said. The family was sitting near the water and “enjoying the evening” after watching a movie on the beach, Demings said. Eyewitnesses saw the alligator grab the child, Demings said. No one else was in the water at the time. “The father entered the water and tried to grab the child from the gator but was not successful,” Demings said. The boy’s parents then alerted a nearby lifeguard that an alligator had attacked the boy. Officials estimate the alligator was 4 to 7 feet long. Rescue teams were initially hopeful that they would find the boy alive. The search for the boy’s body in the Seven Seas Lagoon, an artificial lake on Disney property, lasted more than 16 hours. Early yesterday the resort temporarily shuttered its beach areas and recreational marinas in the wake of the gator attack. (Source: Good Morning America)
By Ray Chickrie Caribbean News now contributor NEW YORK, USA — At the just concluded “Guyana Means Business” investment conference in New York City last Friday, many participants raised the issue of corruption and red tape that frustrated the efforts to invest in Guyana during the previous administration. Investors were very vocal that they will not engage in bribing in their efforts to invest in Guyana. Instead of having to bribe officials and wait forever to set up a business in Guyana, they should be appreciated and given all the support to invest in their homeland. They pleaded with top officials from the government of Guyana who were in NYC at the conference to avoid corruption, show transparency and hasten the investment process. CEO of Travelspan, Nohar Singh and Dr. Glendon Archer, CEO of Metallica
LTI launches Heavy Equipment Maintenance ... From page 6 process does not end at this juncture Oviedo said, adding that over the next five years the programme will unfold continuously and progressively. He promised on behalf of Macorp that that will be provided in various ways to ensure that high standards are maintained. “We believe training is the key to success!” Senior Lecturer in the mechanical department of LTI, D Nell Boyce, told of the journey undertaken by the institution and the destination. He expressed gratitude to all those that collaborated, to make what has long been a
dream, become reality. While he expressed his overwhelming joy at its fruition, Boyce acknowledged that there is still more that can be done to further develop the facility. Since its establishment in May 1958 the Linden Technical Institute, formerly the Demba Trade School, has remained one of those inexorable fixtures of the landscape of Mackenzie. It continues to be inextricably intertwined with the bauxite industry. The institution, over the years, went through a number of name changes, until it was taken over by the Ministry of Education in 1996, when it was renamed the Linden
Technical Institute (LTI). Before this take over, the school was managed by Demba, Guybau, Guymine and Linmine (the same company despite the name changes) and trained students exclusively for the bauxite company. As such, emphasis was mainly on the mechanical/ electrical engineering and automotive skills training of apprentices that the company needed. Later, a programme called instrumentation, and carpentry and joinery were added to the skills training that could be accessed at the Institute. With the takeover by the Ministry, the curriculum
became more broad-based. There was the introduction of business related subjects such as computer science, telecommunications, EDPM, and radio and electronics servicing. Only last year Farm Supplies (FARMSUP) collaborated with LTI to further develop the facility, in preparation for Heavy equipment training. The company had done some internal works, and put in a simulator machine to facilitate the simulator aspect of heavy equipment training.” Simulator training precedes live training on real machines. It was described as cost-effective, safe and efficient.
Commodities, told Guyanese officials present at the meeting that “the nice talks and promises they made in NYC” must translate in tangible realties when they go to Guyana. However, skepticism still remains and investors are closely watching the government to see if it will fulfill its promises. Singh said, “I don’t want to bribe. I can see that this government is open to business.” Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and Cathy Hughes, Minister of Communications, made various presentations at the forum to attract investors. The private sector was represented by Gerry Gouveia and, to emphasize the government’s push for education and skills, Dr. Ivelaw Griffith, Vicechancellor of the University of Guyana, participated in the forum. Patricia Bacchus, who is also from the private sector, was very confident and knowledgeable in marketing Guyana to the public. The Ministers’ emphasised that the David Granger government is committed to transparency. And CEO of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey, promised investors a “one stop” agency where they can execute a business in Guyana in a short period of time. When asked about the lack of transparency and slow pace to set up a business in Guyana, which has frustrated investors, Salaudeen Nausrudeen, conference manager and co-founder of Guyana-America
Investments (GAIN), said, “Steps are being taken; there is a general mood by officials of Go-Invest and the Ministry of Business to fix the bureaucracy, opening and clearer definition of investable sectors, lack of finance, skills shortage, regulations and corruption. The World Bank is assisting in these areas.” According to Francisco Carneriro, a World Bank representative at the conference, the Granger-led Government “has accepted all World Bank programs to assist Guyana which the previous government declined.” This, the government claims, will help address issues of skills, finance, corruption and regulations. Ramjattan meticulously shared his government’s anticrime sweep, which has resulted in a 25 percent drop in crime since the new administration took office a year ago. As well, Ramjattan revealed that his government has accepted human capital, new technologies and training from the ABC countries (Argentina, Brazil and Chile) plus India and China to arrest the crime situation in Guyana. He also added that his government will use drones in his war against crime. Ramjattan also reminded the audience that, under this government, the United States Drug Enforcement Authority (DEA) now has an office in Guyana. The conference was well attended by an even number of Guyanese and American investors. There were also an equal number of Afro and Indo Guyanese participants at the event.
What is the national economic strategy in play? From page 21 of the banks further deteriorated with a 25.9 percent increase in nonperforming loans for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. So the quality of the loan portfolio is heading in the wrong direction in the banking sector. CONCLUSION In the final analysis, it is the business of the public sector to empower the private
sector to become that engine of growth; it is never one or the other; it is teamwork. Right now too many in the business class are feeling too isolated. If they take their investments elsewhere, it is only to the detriment of the poor and the working class who are the voters. And “when the belly a bun, the voters a shun”. If you do not believe me; just ask the PPP what the sugar workers did to them in 2011 and 2015.
Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
U.N. won’t disclose sources for report critical of Saudi coalition (Reuters) - The United Nations will not disclose to a Saudi Arabia-led coalition sensitive sources of information that led the world body to briefly blacklist it for maiming and killing children in Yemen, a U.N. spokesman said yesterday. Saudi U.N. Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, in a June 8 letter on behalf of the coalition to U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, asked the United Nations to reveal details on the sources of information for its report on violations of child rights during armed conflicts. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the world body has yet to respond to the letter, though he made clear the U.N. will not disclose details of its sources for the report. “Protecting the sources of information that are used in this report, or any other report, is paramount, especially in a conflict area,” he told reporters. “But we obviously welcome any information that the Saudi-led coalition may want to share with us.”The U.N. report on children and armed conflict said the coalition, which
began an air campaign in March 2015 to defeat Iranallied Houthi rebels, was responsible for 60 percent of child deaths and injuries in the conflict last year, killing 510 and wounding 667. Riyadh, a key U.N. donor, had threatened to cut off funding to a Palestinian aid program and other U.N.
initiatives. Saudi Arabia denied using threats, although Ban himself confirmed the initial Reuters report. The coalition’s removal from the blacklist prompted angry reactions from human rights groups, which accused Ban of caving in to pressure from powerful countries. They said that Ban, in the final year of his second term, risked harming his legacy as U.N. chief. Saudi Arabia’s powerful deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is in the United States for meetings with President Barack Obama and other U.S. officials and is also scheduled to meet with business leaders on the West Coast and in New York this week and next. Salman is expected to be in New York on Tuesday, diplomatic sources told Reuters. Dujarric said it has not received any requests for a meeting with Ban or his deputy. The Saudi-led coalition includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal and Sudan.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Reuters photo) population used to government largesse. “It was a fairly compelling vision. It was an interesting, detailed and engaging presentation of his economic vision, and then how that translates to regional stability,” said Senator Chris Coons, a Democratic foreign relations committee member. Prince Mohammed’s U.S. tour, expected to last more than 10 days and include stops in California and New York, comes amid increasing tensions in the U.S.-Saudi alliance.
The U.S. Senate on May 17 passed a bill allowing the families of Sept. 11 attack victims to sue Saudi Arabia for damages. The White House has threatened to veto the measure, and CIA Director John Brennan said on Sunday he expects 28 classified pages of a U.S. congressional report into the attacks to be published, absolving Saudi Arabia of any responsibility. Globally, the Saudis are unnerved by Obama’s nuclear agreement with archrival Iran, and want Washington to do more to help oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The 30-year-old Prince Mohammed, despite his youth and his title of deputy crown prince, wields tremendous influence in Saudi Arabia and is also defence minister. Corker said the prince raised concerns over the United States opening to Iran and Russia’s attempt to increase its Middle East role. “He did a good job of laying out some of the complications that have arisen ... relative to our dealings with Iran and the fact that people in the region are turning toward Russia as a second ally.”
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (Reuters/Heinz Peter-Bader)
Saudi prince seeks to repair ties, promote business on U.S. visit
(Reuters) - Saudi Arabia’s powerful deputy crown prince held a full day of meetings with U.S. lawmakers yesterday, part of a visit aimed at restoring frayed ties with Washington and promoting his plan to wean the kingdom away from oil revenue. Mohammed bin Salman, son of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, is expected to meet U.S. President Barack Obama tomorrow. Lawmakers said his discussions yesterday, including meetings with the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees and House Speaker Paul Ryan, emphasized his push to help end Saudi dependence on oil by 2030. “I know that there are tremendous cultural challenges that he’ll have to overcome, but if he’s 50 percent successful, it will be something,” said Republican Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the Foreign Relations committee. The “Vision 2030” plan relies on an expanding private sector, selling shares in the Saudi state-owned oil company and reducing government subsidies. It faces obstacles in the kingdom’s conservative religious establishment and a
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Iran files complaint with ICJ to recover $2 billion frozen in U.S.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (Reuters/Faisal Mahmood/File Photo) (Reuters) - Iran has filed a formal complaint with the International Court of Justice to recover nearly $2 billion in assets frozen in the United States, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in April that the assets must be turned over to American families of people killed in the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut and other attacks blamed on Iran. The Iranian complaint was filed on Tuesday, Rouhani said at an “iftar” evening gathering in Tehran to break the Islamic Ramadan fast, according to the website of Iranian state television. “The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran officially complained about America to the International Court of Justice for the confiscation and theft of two billion dollars of the property
of the central bank,” Rouhani said. “And demanded the condemnation of Washington’s anti-Iranian action and compensation for damages.” More than 1,000 plaintiffs in the case have accused Iran of providing material support to Hezbollah, the Shi’ite Islamist political and military group responsible for the 1983 truck bomb attack that killed 241 U.S. service personnel in Beirut. They also sought compensation related to other attacks including the 1996 Khobar Towers truck bombing in Saudi Arabia, which killed 19 U.S. service personnel. After the April Supreme Court ruling, Caragh Fay, a lawyer representing the victims of the Beirut attack, said it could take from three months to a year for the funds to be dispersed to plaintiffs.
Money will go to the estates of service members who were killed, their families and to those who survived the attacks. Payouts will range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, Fay said. The assets held in New York were part of the Iranian bank’s foreign currency reserves. They were traced to a Citibank account in New York held by Luxemburgbased Clearstream Banking, which acted as a intermediary for Banca UBAE, an Italian bank of which the Iranian central bank, Bank Markazi, is a customer. It is unclear how Iran’s complaint to the International Court of Justice may affect the payments. “We shouldn’t stay quiet in the face of this incident … and we will pursue this complaint until it reaches a result,” Rouhani said.
NATO may counter cyber attacks with conventional weapons: Secretary-General (Reuters) - NATO may react to future cyber attacks by deploying conventional weapons, NATO SecretaryGeneral Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview published by Germany’s Bild newspaper on Thursday. “A severe cyber attack may be classified as a case for
the alliance. Then NATO can and must react,” the newspaper quoted Stoltenberg as saying. “How, that will depend on the severity of the attack.” The NATO chief told the newspaper that the alliance needed to adjust to the increasingly complex series of
threats it faces, which is why NATO members have agreed to defend against attacks in cyberspace just as they do against attacks launched against targets on land, in the air and at sea. NATO members are expected to agree at their upcoming summit in Warsaw to designate cyber as an official operational domain of warfare, along with air, sea, land and space. Individual members have already made similar announcements, including the United States, which said in 2011 that it would respond to hostile attacks in cyberspace as it would to any other threat.
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Parking meter fiasco…
City Mayor, Town Clerk remain defiant on deal - Bulkan wants more details Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and her team in the Mexico meeting. At left is Ifa Kamau Cush. As top city officials remain in Mexico on a controversial trip, Government yesterday said that it is seeking a briefing on the plans to implement parking meters in Georgetown. City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green; Town Clerk, Royston King; and councillors, Oscar Clarke and Junior Garrett; are all in Mexico to learn about parking meters and other “innovations” to improve traffic management in the city. However, the parking meter plans have been shrouded in controversy as the Mayor and City Councillors have remained divided on the issue. There have been no details who funded the Mexico trip, among other things. The Town Clerk has, since
late last year, reportedly signed an agreement with Smart City Solutions which is partnering National Parking Systems (NPS) to introduce the meters. According to details, M&CC will be receiving a 20 percent cut in the parking fees which could see vehicles being charged up to $500 per hour. It is unclear what criteria were used by King and his advisors to arrive at the 20 percent and what impact a parking meter system will have on the city. There have been little details with the deal signed with some M&CC officials complaining that they have not even seen the contract. Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, is demanding answers, saying that his research could find little
details about NPS, owned by Guyana-born Ifa Kamau Cush, and its partner, Smart City Solutions. NPS, on its website, had claimed a Park Avenue, Manhattan address as its office. However, investigations by Kaieteur News this week found that no such office exists. The website itself seemed to have been hastily thrown together. Yesterday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, disclosed that the parking meter deal has been engaging his attention. UNSATISFACTORY “I am aware that there are concerns by a number of councillors in the Georgetown municipality. They claimed that they have been asked to endorse or ratify an agreement or a contract
that was entered into a long time ago for which they have not been provided sufficient details.” In fact, Bulkan said, the councillors have reported that they have not been given the contract. This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs because the implications and there is the potential for a fallout on M&CC if the implementation is going to take place under their watch. “So personally, I don’t think it is fair to the current councillors to give their approval or endorsement for an implementation of this measure. In the absence of sufficient public education, the situation has the potential of doing much harm to the image of the council and it would be unfair to the councillors,” Minister Bulkan said during an exclusive
statement to Kaieteur News. “I am trying to ensure that all of the councillors receive copies of this contract. It would allow them to make a determination if indeed the arrangements would bring maximum possible benefits to the council as well as to the population in general. We do need traffic management, we do need to pay attention to these areas but public buy-in is critical.” The Minister was unable to comment on the questionable background of NPS and Smart City Solutions. “I am unsure how accurate it is; in terms of the company being a ghost...I have been unable to meet with the Town Clerk because he is out of the jurisdiction. I would like to have all of these issues addressed. “The Ministry will take an active interest. I would not want to take a definitive decision in the absence of the discussion with the Mayor and Town Clerk. As soon as possible after their return I would like to meet with them.” Minister Bulkan, however, pointed out that ultimately the issue will have to be addressed and dealt with by the municipality. “The position of the Central Administration is one where we respect the authority and autonomy of all of our local democratic organs including our municipalities and our NDCs.” Meanwhile, a statement from the Town Clerk indicated that at least one section of M&CC is willing to go ahead
with the parking meter deal. King disclosed that the Mayor, the Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee, and the Town Clerk are among the officials of the City of Georgetown visiting Mexico City to be presented with the final roll out schedule of the new parking project, which is actually more of a mobility solution for the City of Georgetown. The statement did not say who paid for the trip and whether it was sanctioned by the M&CC. The statement did not mention that NPS official, Cush, was also on the trip to Mexico. King did say that the delegation is being presented with other innovations, which may be offered and brought to the city. “The Mayor and city leadership continue with their hands-on approach in their overseeing of a project which began with extensive due diligence on a parking solution, and continues now with their involvement in consideration of other complimentary projects that can be offered by the Smart City Solutions consortium to enhance the intelligent products, services and amenities available to the citizens of Georgetown,” King said in his statement. “As a result of the visit, the delegation’s opinion has been strengthened that the parking and mobility solutions coming to Georgetown will become the pioneering center of wider modernization and (Continued on page 23)
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Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Dillon: Mass shooting in US House passes bill to strengthen Caribbean engagement US also threat to T&T Trinidad Guardian - The mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, which left some 49 dead, is not only a threat to the US but also to T&T. “Whether classified as a crime of hate or terrorism it has caused serious threat in the United States and for us in the Caribbean and in fact the wider world. “This act, once again, demonstrates the change in security risks faced by law enforcement and other practitioners in the field of security as individuals seek to make their point by waging war against their fellow citizens.” So said National Security Minister Edmund Dillon while speaking at the National Security in the Caribbean Conference at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port-of-Spain, Tuesday. It was held in partnership with the National Security Ministry and the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC). Making reference to Venezuela’s worsening economic crisis Dillon said that presented “grave implications” for T&T and also the wider Caribbean. But the matter, he added, must be handled diplomatically. He said combating crime required increased vigilance among security forces, adding that a keen eye must also be kept on those intent on terrorising society. Saying there were new threats emerging in the Caribbean, which included it being fertile ground to recruit ISIS members, the minister
Edmund Dillon added that could also have a negative effect on T&T as heinous acts must be condemned in the strongest possible way. Dillon said there was an alarming rate of crime and violence in many Caribbean countries but they must come together even more to eradicate criminals and come up with initiatives. “Decision-makers have the collective responsibility to ensure the appropriate policies are made available to counter those involve in counter transnational crime. “Crime and criminality belong to all of us. We all have a role to play,” Dillon urged. He said while growing up in Point Fortin there was always the movement of people from Venezuela through Point Fortin but now the trade commodity has changed to that of “a basket of illegal goods... guns, drugs,
trafficking in people... which continue to threaten the security environment.” Close relations between security forces and members of the community must also be maintained so as to enhance intelligencegathering capabilities, Dillon added. Speaking to members of the media after the opening ceremony Dillon said the security of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley continued to be of paramount importance by “elements of national security.” Special Branch officers detailed to guard Rowley had complained of being overworked with little time to rest or for members of their families. Pressed further whether the PM’s detail had been officially replaced by soldiers Dillon said: “Defence Force personnel have always been part of the national security element that treats with the Prime Minister and the President security and they continue so to do. Members of the Special Branch... members of the Police Service continue to play a role in the Prime Minister’s security.” On recommendations that Special Branch should be considered a separate unit apart from that of the Police Service, Dillon said the security environment was always dynamic. “We continue to assess the threat on the Prime Minister and on the President and throughout T&T and if there is a reason to change then we would do so,” Dillon said.
WASHINGTON, USA — Representative Eliot Engel, ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, earlier this week praised passage in the US House of Representatives of his legislation to strengthen United States engagement with Caribbean countries. The United StatesCaribbean Strategic Engagement Act (HR 4939), which Engel introduced with Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (RFL), would require the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to submit to Congress a multiyear strategy focused on enhancing engagement with the countries of the Caribbean and enhancing outreach to Diaspora communities in the United States. The legislation puts particular emphasis on energy security, countering violence, expanded diplomacy, and other priority areas. “We spend a great deal of time focusing on challenges and opportunities in faraway places. But it’s important that we never lose sight of our
Eliot Engel interests closer to home. Indeed, we should be working to strengthen our ties with countries in the Caribbean,” said Engel on the House floor. “That’s the aim of this bill, which would prioritize USCaribbean relations for years to come.” The legislation requires the State Department and USAID to: • Identify agency efforts to prioritize US policy towards the Caribbean; • Outline an approach to broaden outreach to the
Caribbean Diaspora community in the United States; • Outline an approach to partner with governments of the Caribbean region to improve citizen security and reduce drug trafficking; • Establish a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to improve energy security and increase access to diverse, reliable, affordable and sustainable power; • Outline an approach to improve diplomatic engagement with governments of the Caribbean region; and • Develop an approach to assisting Caribbean countries in the diversification of their economies. In addition, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to produce two key reports: • An evaluation of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and a breakdown of CBSI assistance provided to each country; and • An evaluation of US diplomatic engagement with the Eastern Caribbean. (Caribbean News)
Kamla’s back in private practice
Brazil’s Rousseff wants new elections Brasília (AFP) - Brazil’s suspended president Dilma Rousseff said she is negotiating a political deal to escape impeachment and wants new elections to decide whether she can finish her term. Rousseff was suspended from office last month after lawmakers voted to hold an impeachment trial against her over allegations she fiddled government accounts. “If there have to be new elections, I will always be in favour of that,” she said in a meeting with foreign correspondents in Brasilia. “The only way to interrupt the mandate of a president is if the Brazilian people chooses to through a plebiscite.” Brazil is in a deep recession and numerous politicians are being probed
Dilma Rousseff for alleged corruption. Rousseff said she was talking with politicians and civil society leaders on forging a political pact to save her career. The Senate is due to vote on whether to impeach her
around mid-August, when Brazil will be hosting the Olympic games. Pending the trial, she has been replaced in office by acting president Michel Temer. In the first two weeks of his administration, two of his ministers quit over allegations of obstructing a corruption probe. Separately, a congressional committee recommended lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha be removed from his post for allegedly lying to congress in the same probe. He is an ally of Temer and seen as the architect of the impeachment case against Rousseff. The committee’s decision against him has to be approved by the full lower house to take effect.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, left, chats with Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen, right, and Anand Ramlogan SC outside the Hall of Jusctice yesterday. Photo: KERWIN PIERRE Trinidad Express - After a six-year hiatus, former prime minister and current opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, S.C is back in practice and an attorneyat-law. Persad-Bissessar made her first appearance as an advocate attorney at the High Court in Port of Spain Tuesday since prior to her being elected as this country’s prime minister in May 2010. She appeared alongside former attorney general under her People’s Partnership Administration Anand Ramlogan, SC, and attorneys
Gerald Ramdeen, Kent Samlal and Jayanti Lutchmedial before Justice Peter Rajkumar at the Hall of Justice. They appeared on behalf of retired police Insp Harridath Maharaj who filed an administrative interpretation for declaration on the constitutional validity of the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police Selection Process Order of 2015 against the Office of the Attorney General. After the hearing of the application which lasted for close to five hours, Justice Rajkumar reserved his decision to a date that is yet to be announced.
Prior to the start of the matter, Persad-Bissessar told reporters she was pleased to join the legal team representing Maharaj, stating that it was her view that the case was one of “tremendous” constitutional and political value. She said it was the contention of her client that the way in which the order is framed, “it could create the potential for the appointment of a Commissioner of Police through political interference and therefore subject to the possibility of direction and control from the political directorate.”
Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
Haiti power vacuum looms as interim president’s mandate ends Port-au-Prince (AFP) Haiti faced a new power vacuum Wednesday after interim president Jocelerme Privert’s mandate ended with no formal solution to the country’s immediate political crisis, parliament said. “This June 14, 2016 marks the end of the 120-day mandate of the Republic’s provisional president,” read a statement published overnight and signed by the president of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate deputy president. Lawmakers have so far failed to meet for negotiations on an end to the country’s latest political impasse. Tuesday’s statement asked Haitians to “remain calm until the national assembly meets to take the necessary measures.” The international community yesterday expressed concern over parliament’s failure to propose a solution. Representatives of Haiti’s main foreign donors — the “Core Group,” which includes officials from the UN, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and major
Jocelerme Privert foreign embassies — issued a statement urging the national assembly to facilitate a return to constitutional order by holding elections without delay. Parliament elected Jocelerme Privert in February for a 120-day term to fill the power vacuum left by former president Michel Martelly when he stepped down with no successor in place following the suspension of a presidential election last year. The Americas’ poorest country has been mired in a deep political crisis since the
election’s first round on October 25. Martelly’s hand-picked candidate Jovenel Moise was declared the first-place finisher ahead of opposition flag-bearer Jude Celestin — amid violence and fraud allegations. The opposition condemned the result as an “electoral coup” in favour of Moise. The authorities postponed a second round in December, originally hoping a transitional government would organize a new election by April and clear the way for an elected president to take power in May. Last week, the first-round results were canceled following a recommendation by an independent commission that found fraud had marred the voting. The Provisional Electoral Council set the first round of a new election for October 9 and a second round on January 8. Several hundred Privert supporters protested in Portau-Prince on Tuesday demanding the legislature extend his mandate until the new election takes place.
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Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
NATI whip NA Multilateral... Marian, Roses, PC, GTI into NSBF Regional U-19 Semis
From page 35 out from his busy schedule to view most of the games and with his leadership noted a lot of good things are in store for the Division. Coordinator Neil Humphrey noted that after discussions with Amsterdam, the Commander readily agreed that the police will sponsor the competition since, April was a member of the force and the tournament will be played among schools. Amsterdam thanked the HOOMFC for organizing the tournament and congratulated them for a job well done. He noted without any reservation that the HOOMFC is one of the top organisers of Football in the county. He said that partnerships with the wider community are welcomed by the GPF since it is good for the country and the maintenance of discipline. Amsterdam reminisces on his playing days with April whom he played with in the defence for the Guyana Police Force. Amsterdam stated that he used to play last back while April would play just in front of him or one of the wing backs. Amsterdam’s
game would become easy as April who was known as the “clean up” man use to make the work easy for him. He was very fit, full of energy and liked to tackle. “Strikers would sometime leave the ball and run.” He also joined in congratulating the winning team and all the other teams that participated in the tournament. He gave the go ahead that the tournament would become annual. Whilst encouraging the students to train hard, he also told them to stay in school and take in their education. Seven schools participated in the 11 a side affair; namely New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS), Berbice High School (BHS), Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS), Tutorial Academy Secondary School (CSS), Canje Secondary School (CSS) and New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI). The tournament was coordinator by former national player Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey. He was assisted by former national Kenrick Bowry and Randy ‘Blades’ Sears. (Samuel Whyte)
Thursday June 16, 2016 ARIES (MAR. 21APRIL 20) You mustn't take on other people's responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted. Changes regarding your career direction will payoff handsomely. TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively. Make amends if you can. Love can be heightened if you sit down and discuss your future plans. GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21) If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. You have your own family to consider as well. CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) Your charm will be captivating. You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. Romantic encounters will develop through colleagues. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You mustn't make promises that you won't be able to keep. Your communication skills are at an all-time high. Think of changes to your home that will please and add to everyone's comfort. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce just that. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Strength will come from your ability to overtake just about any one. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. Don't play on your partner's emotions. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) You can make progress professionally. You will easily charm members of the opposite sex. Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Don't be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life. You'll find it easy to deal with government agencies or large institutions. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Try to deal with the problems of those less fortunate; however, don't allow them to make unreasonable demands. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions when it comes to matters pertaining to work. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 FEB. 19) Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren't well organized. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Your partner could also use some time alone with you. You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with.
- Saints, Marian, Roses, PC through to U-14 Final Four Marian Academy, St. Roses High School, President’s College (PC) and Government Technical Institute (GTI) have reached the semi-final of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) in the Under-19 category at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Marian defeated Plaisance Secondary 50-38 with Jonathan Mangra scoring 15 points with six rebounds and Jordan Alphonso 10 points and seven rebounds. Akili Haynes scored nine points in the game for
Argentina rolls past Bolivia 3-0... From page 37 play long enough to nutmeg Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe as he dribbled around the penalty area. “Regardless of the result, regardless after the first half he knew he was going to play for 45 minutes,” Martino said of Messi. “He is growing compared to the last game. The last game he played 30, today 45 and he is feeling more confident. That is what we were going to do regardless.” Bolivia played with a defensive posture all night, but it held for all of 13 minutes until Lamela’s free kick deflected off the back of Yasmani Duk and left Lampe moving the wrong direction as the shot found the net. Two minutes later, Gonzalo Higuain headed down a cross that was saved by Lampe but directed right to Lavezzi who pounded the loose ball into the goal. And Argentina capped its dominant first half when Lavezzi picked up an assist as his cross was redirected by Cuesta’s toe for his first international goal. Bolivia didn’t even attempt to play possession, simply clearing balls out of its own end anytime a pass escaped Argentina’s feet. Argentina had 81 percent of the possession in the first half and the only time goalkeeper Sergio Ramos was asked to even move was on the few free kicks Bolivia lofted into the penalty box. Argentina completed 357 passes in the first half; Bolivia completed 38. For the game, the disparity was 75761. “I was very happy to see this test,” Martino said.
Marian Academy. For Plaisance, Andrew Johnson had another solo effort with 19 points. St. Roses High thrashed Tutorial High 73-33 with Shamar Huntley putting up 15 points and four rebounds and Leon Ross 10 points and six rebounds. For Tutorial, Dequan Manning had 18 points and five rebounds. Presidents’ College squeezed pass St. Stanislaus College 41-38 with Kadeem Peterkin scoring 11 points and Jahleel Duke 10 points. For Saints, Travis Belgrave scored a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds. GTI beat Bishops’ High 51-40 with Nathan Saul adding 16 points and Kelvin Griffith 12 points and eight rebounds, and Roger John eight points and 11 rebounds. For Bishops’ High, Timothy Thompson had nine points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, in the U-14 Category, St. Stanislaus College defeated Bishops’ High
15-11 as Jarell Troyer scored seven points and Nathan Hackett grabbed 12 rebounds. For Bishops’, Timothy Richmond scored six points. Marian thrashed Tutorial High 55-19 with Jether Harris scoring 17 points, Corey Graham 14 points and 10 rebounds and Tyrese James six points and six rebounds. For Tutorial, Jaden Moses had 10 points and four rebounds. President’s College then whipped Plaisance Secondary 50-5 with Lamon Friday scoring15 points and Akinyelle Derrell eight points. Ishmael Chapman had five points and four rebounds for Plaisance. St. Roses High defeated Queens College by walk-over. The Tournament is sponsored by Digicel Guyana, Edward B. Beharry (Champion) and Company Ltd and Banks DIH LTD (Powerade). The NSBF Regional Semis and Finals will be contested in all divisions, June 25-26 at the Sports Hall.
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50th Independence Anniversary Tournament...
Mabaruma, Wauna reign supreme in Region One Beach Volleyball
The victorious Mabaruma Settlement and Wauna teams pose for a photo op following their wins in the respective categories. Mabaruma Settlement suffered mixed fortunes in the 50th Independence Anniver-
Thursday June 16, 2016
Kaieteur News
sary Beach Volleyball Tournament which was played at the Mabaruma (Region 1) re-
cently. Playing in the Men’s Division, Mabaruma Settlement defeated Baribanobo, while their female team went down to Wauna. The two-day tournament was sponsored by former national players and brothers Richard, Colin and Leon Gilkes in collaboration with the Guyana Volleyball Federation and the Regional Administration of Region 1. Among the teams that participated were Mabaruma Settlement, Baribanobo, Wauna, Mabaruma Compound and Hosororo. The winning men’s team took home $25,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up received $15,000, while the women’s team collected $20,000 and the winning trophy and second place $10,000. Trophies were awarded to the tournament’s Most Valuable players in both categories.
Digicel Schools Football Championship...
Canje run riot on Overwinning - Six matches on today
Canje Secondary School goalscorers pose for a photo op following their lop-sided win against Overwinning yesterday. Canje Secondary used the wet conditions to flood Overwinning with 20-0 devastation as play in the Digicel Schools Football Championship continued yesterday, at Burnham Park in Berbice. The Canje team showed no mercy for their pint-sized opponent as they fired in six goals by the break, before resuming their carnage in the second period where they hammered in a further fourteen goals to pile on misery on a hapless Overwinning side. Shane Hamilton led the onslaught with 10 goals in the seventh, 10th, 15st, 35th, 51st, 55th, 60th, 61st, 68th and 68th minutes, while Jermaine King hit in six goals in the 13th, 42nd, 64th, 66th, 69th and 75th minutes. Marlock Davis added a brace in the fifth and 46th minutes, while Alade Grant and Edmond White completed the tally with strikes in the 24th and 72nd minutes respectively. Action in the Championship is set to continue today from 15:30hrs at several venues across the country. The championship which will be played in the usual knockout format will be staged in every region and concludes on July 31st at the National Stadium in Providence.Christianburg/
Wismar Secondary is the four time defending champions. The winning school will take home $1,000,000 toward the funding of a school project and the Championship trophy, while the second,
third and fourth placed finishers will collect $700,000, $400,000 and $350,000 respectively to go towards projects of their choice. Each zone winner will receive $100,000.
Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball continues Play in the Wolf’s Warriors Challenge Cup Softball Cricket tournament continues this Sunday with several matches. In latest Results from last Sunday: Floodlights def: Wellman by 135 runs. Floodlights 231-4-20 overs. Ramesh Narine 107, Ricky Deonarain 34, Wayne Jones 24 N.O. Wellman 96 All Out in 16 overs. Ramchand Ragbeer 3-12, Anil Beharry 2-8 and Imtiaz Mohamed 2-10. H.S Masters def: Tropical Springs by 3 wkts. Tropicail Springs 109 All Out. Sankar 22, M. Ifill 4-13, Ricky Persaud 2-16. H.S Masters 110-8 in 17.3 overs. Roopnarine 25, Ramdeen 3-9, Doodnauth 214, R. Khan 2-34. Regal Masters def: Superior Woods by 45 runs Regal Masters 143-9-20 overs. Fazleem Mohamed 48, M. Hardyal 36, Roy Persaud 5-18, Mark Fung 4-25. Superior
Woods 98 All Out in 17.5 overs. P. Persaud 29, F. Mohamed 2-4 and R. harper 2-27. Fisherman Masters def: Enterprise Legends by 5 wkts. Enterprise 116-9-20 overs. M. Mangal 50, S. Seeraj 2-16, W. Joseph 2-21, J. Persaud 2-22. Fisherman Masters 118-6-7.1 overs. J. Persaud 31, B. Heralall 26 N.O, S. Dyal 24, Mukesh 4-17 and R. Roopdeo 2-26. Wolf Warriors Masters def: Savage Masters by 17 runs. Wolf Warriors Masters 129-8-20overs. S. Navin 38, L. Mc Koy 28. Savage 112 All Out. Ragunandan 3-12. Parika Defenders def: Wolf Warriors Masters. The tournament continues Sunday from 10:00am, In the scheduled fixtures: Fixtures DCC Ground Pitch (1): 10:00am- Floodlights vs H.S Masters. 1:00pm Tropical Springs vs Savage Masters. Pitch (2): 10:00amWellman vs Albion Masters. 2:30pm -Trophy Stall Angels vs Enterprise Divas. Fixtures Malteenoes Ground Pitch (1): 10:00am -Wolf Warriors vs LOL Woodworking. 1:00pm -Fisherman masters vs Parika Defenders. Pitch (2): 10:00am -Speedboat vs Untouchables. 1:00pm -Enterprise Legends vs Superior Woods.
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Young Guyanese duo upsets American Rivals For three sets, Heimraj Resaul and Joshua Kalekyezi hammered tennis balls back and forth to their American competitors, Albert Razick and Bobby Adelson, in the Men’s Open Doubles Round of 32 in the GBTI tournament. Razick/Adelson overpowered Resaul/Kalekyezi in set one. The Guyanese boys’ shaky opening resulted in the pair winning a measly two games in the first set. The American team’s dominance threw the young lads’ defensive strategy off point as they hurdled aggressive volleys at the net to capture the points needed. Experienced and seasoned Razick/Adelson team tried every technique in the book, from fast pace ground strokes to potent serves that aided in closing the set at 6-2. Resaul/Kalekyezi unified all efforts to take on the task before them in the second set.
Turning a setback into triumph, the boys had a break in set, placing Razick/ Adelson on their toes. Resaul supported Kalekyezi on service and both youths played remarkably well, almost mirroring their rival’s first set score as they clinched the second set at 61. Determined not to cave, Razick/Adelson maintained their intense game play, forcing Resaul/Kalekyezi to counterattack with equal force. The talented young men swiftly rose to a five game lead in the challenging third set, slipping only one game in favor of Razick/Adelson. The American gentlemen frequently complimented Resaul/Kalekyezi on their winners and both teams exemplified admirable sportsmanship throughout the match, which ended at 2-6, 61, 6-2. Resaul/Kalekyezi advance to Round of 16 to chal-
GCF National Championships 2016
Williams warms up with classic weekend in NYC Competing on the Pro circuit, Guyanese cyclist Geron Williams warmed up ahead of the senior leg of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) National Championships with two wins last weekend in New Jersey. The Foundation rider chalked up wins in Pitman and Riverton on a weekend that saw his team doing well in other events; Quinten Winkel winning the Curaçao National Time Trials and Road Race while Adderlyn Cruz placed 2 nd in the Purgatory Road Race. Williams won the 7th annual Bob Riccio Memorial 50mile Tour de Pitman on Saturday last, an event that saw cyclists from all across the region competing around the 3mile circuit. This race was held in memory of Bob Riccio who died of brain cancer in 2008, a
cycling legend from Pitman who was responsible for getting half of South Jersey involved in racing. On Sunday, Williams, who is already back home ahead of the National Championships Time Trials for senior set for next Saturday and the Road Race on Sunday next, pedaled to victory in the Historic Riverton Criterium, a Technical ’35 miles dash’ around an ‘L’ shaped course in Riverton New Jersey. The race was contested on a 0.8mile, 6 turn, technical flat and fast course at average speed of 29.5 mph. Williams along with eth likes of Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey and Scott Savory already home after competing on the USA circuit will be joined by others for what is anticipated to be a star studded field battling for bragging rights as the best local rider.
lenge Vadeanand Resaul/ Devine Kalekyezi. In results of the day’s action: Boys Open Singles Semifinals: Heimraj Resaul def Mark McDonald 6-1, 6-2, Keenan Persaud def Jordan Beaton 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) Men’s Open Singles Quarterfinals: Anthony Downes def Mark McDonald 6-0, 6-0 Mixed Open Doubles Quarterfinals: D. Lopes/A. Dey def K.Rodney/S. Gentle 6-4, 5-1 retired Men’s Open Doubles Round of 32: H. Resaul/J. Kalekyezi def A. Razick/B. Adelson 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 Men’s Open Doubles Round of 16: S. Bailey/O. Coggins def D. Gabriel/H. Persaud w/o, N. Fentey/L. Leacock def R. Ramprasad/S. Lewis 6-0, 6-0 Novice Medley Singles Quarterfinals: Asif Subhan def Alvin Doris 6-3 Novice Medley Doubles Round Robin: A. Subhan/D. Gonsalves def M. Campbell/ P. Hope 6-3
Heimraj Resaul (left), Joshua Kalekyezi Ladies Open Singles Quarterfinals: Afruica
Gentle def Cristy Campbell 61, 6-1 Ladies Open Doubles
Quarterfinals: A. Gentle/C. Campbell def S. Daly/F. Bushell 7-5, 6-2
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 16, 2016
Tahir, Amla lead South Africa to another bonus-point win ESPNcricinfo - Hashim Amla scored his 23rd ODI hundred and brought up 1,000 runs in the format against West Indies as South Africa put on their best batting display and the only 300plus score of the triangular series so far. But that was half the reason for their victory in a must-win match to keep their hopes of staying in contention for the final alive. Imran Tahir claimed figures of 7 for 45 - the best ODI returns by a South African bowler, and also became the fastest to 100 ODI wickets from the country, reaching the mark in 58 matches. Tahir’s seven-for ensured West Indies’ record of never successfully chasing a target over 300 remained intact, and kept them to 204 - well below the 274 they needed to avoid giving South Africa the bonus point. The result meant that the St Kitts’ segment of the series ended with all three teams in the same position as they were after the Guyana leg. All of Australia, South Africa and West Indies have played four matches, won two and lost two. South Africa top the table thanks to two bonus points, the second of which came with their most convincing performance so far. In the lead up to the match, Amla stressed the
Johnson Charles ©AFP need for the top six to shoulder the responsibility of runscoring. Amla and his opening partner Quinton de Kock shared in a stand of 182 and laid the foundation for a strong finish. Allrounder Chris Morris. who returned from a hamstring niggle, was promoted to No.3 and provided a quick cameo before Faf du Plessis led the late assault. South Africa plundered 105 runs off the last 10 overs,
illustrating the West Indian attack’s ill-discipline. Although this was the best surface for batsmen in the series so far, West Indies’ bowlers lacked control and penetration. Four of their sixman attack conceded at more than six runs an over with only the spinners, Sunil Narine and Sulieman Benn, able to hold an end. The pacemen could not find the right lengths and runs came easily for South Africa, especially for Amla. Amla dominated the early exchanges, outscoring de Kock, who hung back and let the right-hander take control. The pair brought up 50 in nine overs, 100 runs at the start of the 18th over, and 150 inside 27 overs in a chanceless stand. Amla attempted to accelerate after he brought up his 23rd ODI ton, off 89 balls. He brought out an uncharacteristic scoop shot and flashed at a ball outside off, getting a thick edge to third man, but then holed out to long-off as he attempted to clear the boundary. The stage seemed set for de Villiers’ entrance but Morris was promoted to No. 3. That seemed a mistake when, in the next over, de Kock’s off stump was taken out by a Jerome Taylor yorker. Still, de Villiers did not appear. Morris struck a flashy 40
off 26 balls, including four boundaries, before he found deep midwicket with a heave. De Villiers and du Plessis played Narine out before cutting loose. The pair plundered 64 runs off seven overs to take South Africa over 300 but it was du Plessis who stayed unbeaten with 73. He did not get South Africa over 350 but he did get them enough. West Indies’ openers, Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles, took advantage of Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell’s insistence on bowling short. They raced to 58 in the first six overs before Tahir was brought on. Tahir made the first incision at the end of his second over thanks to a stunning catch by Farhaan Behardien on the midwicket boundary. Fletcher swung hard but Behardien grabbed it inches off the ground, with the ball dying on him. Morris and Shamsi helped Tahir keep West Indies in check. The spinners were exerting their control as Shamsi foxed Charles with a googly that he sliced to long-off. Parnell bowled Darren Bravo with a sharp offbreak to leave it to Marlon Samuels to try and stage a coup. Denesh Ramdin hung around for more than five offers, before top-edging a googly from Shamsi to deep backward square leg. Tahir then, dominated the batsmen. He took his 100th wicket when Samuels edged to de Kock and removed Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite in successive balls in the 34th over. He got his third wicket later in the over when Kieron Pollard holed out to deep midwicket, to give Tahir five. West Indies lost their last five wickets for 35 runs and were bowled out in 38 overs. As was the case after West Indies first win in the competition over South Africa, they collapsed dramatically as the tri-series heads into the final leg with everything to play for.
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 16, 2016
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Stag / GFA Premier League...
Riddim Squad edge Flamingo; Camptown and Western Tigers draw; 2 matches on today
Action in the Riddim Squad (black) and Flamingo match on Tuesday at the GFC ground. Franklin Wilson photo.
Amos Ramsay (left) and Rolex Smith - Riddim Squad FC. The Mocha based Riddim Squad squeezed to a 2-1 win over a game Flamingo to move to 20 points when action in the Stag Premier League organised by the
Georgetown Football Association continued on Tuesday night last at the Georgetown Football Club ground. The night’s feature match ended in a 0-0
stalemate between point’s leaders Western Tigers and old rivals, Camptown. Riddim Squad took some time to penetrate the defence of the Flamingo side and once they did, two quick
goals materialized which sealed the match there way. Amos Ramsay it was who broke the deadlock on 33 minutes with his teammate, Rolex Smith doubling the advantage three minutes later as the first half ended 20 in Riddim Squad’s favour. The second half was just as fiercely contested as the first but this time around, it was Flamingo that rocked the nets on 60 minutes thanks to an Orlando
Ricketts goal. With the against Northern Rangers momentum now swinging with the feature game their way, Flamingo tried between Police and Santos. their utmost to get the (Franklin Wilson) equalizer but it was not to be; Riddim Squad Teams Played Points were able to defend Western Tigers 12 24 their one goal Santos 11 21 advantage to walk Police 11 20 away with full points. Riddim Squad 12 20 Two more matches Camptown 12 18 will be played at the Flamingo 12 10 same venue from Northern Rangers11 8 1 8 : 3 0 h r s t o d a y. Beacon 11 4 Beacon will open
At the presentation ceremony that followed the winning NATI team was presented with the winning Trophy and 15 gold medals, while NAMS received a
awards. The most valuable player award went to Terran Williams; he was also the best striker on show with three goals, best goalkeeperJoel Davis, best defender Julian Success. The award for the best midfielder on show went to Shaquan Spencer of NAMS. They all received trophies compliments of Commander Amsterdam and the Guyana Police Force. At the end of the game, assistant coordinator, former national Kenrick Bowry, congratulated both teams for making it to the final. He had special words of commendation for NATI for winning and the outstanding players for being on top of their game. Bowry was also high in praise for the Guyana Police Force for responding so readily to the call. He praised Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam for taking time (Continued on page 31)
NATI whip NA Multilateral to win Patrick April Memorial Football competition
New Amsterdam Technical Institute, showing better football skills, took control before steamrolling New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School 3-0 to win the 2016 edition of the Patrick “Patto” April Inter Schools U18 Memorial knockout football competition which was played for school in the New Amsterdam/ Canje areas. The final was played at the Scott’s Church Ground Princess Elizabeth Road New Amsterdam. The two teams had scored contrasting victories in their respective semifinal games with NATI edging out TASS on penalty kicks, while NAMS had upstaged BHS 3-2. However, after a keenly contested first half the NATI lads took control and dominated play as the NAMS players failed to produce the effort that went with them in the semifinal
The winning NATI team with their silverware. encounter against BHS. NATI, who was playing for the first time in the competition, took control after wearing down their opponents as they hammered
home all their goals in the second half. Terrain Williams had a good day as he led the way with a double with Trevitte Grimmond scoring the other.
trophy and 15 silver medals. The TASS team with lost to NATI on penalty kicks was awarded third place. In the individual category NATI took the lion’s share of the
Kaieteur News
PAGE 36
Atwell getting support as he prepares for brain Surgery By Sean Devers On October 24 last year at the Giftland Mall during the ninth round of his WBC FECARBOX Lightweight title fight against Dexter Gonzales, 27-year-old Clive Atwell fainted and was diagnosed with bleeding in the brain. An emergency surgery was done by Dr Amernauth Dukhi to save Atwell’s life and a second ‘corrective surgery’ to insert a plate was recommended. The cost for travel to Trinidad, accommodation and the surgery is approximately $5Million. T h e N a t i o n a l Featherweight and Lightweight Champion who also hold the WBC CABOFE Super Lightweight and Featherweight titles said that since the news of his plight was highlighted in the media, he has gotten plenty of support from the public. “I have been promised $1million from the Government and with the $500,000 from my Church and close to another 500,000 from donations, so I need just over $3Million more to do the surgery and with God’s help I know that I will have a successful surgery,” said Atwell who is also a pastor. “I spoke to Dr Steve
Thursday June 16, 2016
Banks DIH on board Aliann Pompey Invitational
Clive Atwell Mahadeo from the St Clair Medical Centre and he gave me the cost and said he will do the surgery as soon as I am ready. Once I get the money I am going since time is very important,” saidAtwell. Yesterday morning the Boxer appeared on Niam Chan’s TV show on Channel six and will be on NCN tomorrow night when he will be the guest on Max Massiah’s Maximum Sports. To m o r r o w m o r n i n g Atwell will be guest speaker at his ‘old school’ Huston Secondary where a donation will be made to him. A telethon is being organised on NCN. All the collections
at the funeral of former K a i e t e u r News crime reporter Dale Andrews on Tuesday were given to Atwell’s surgery expenses. Atwell campaigned under the guidance of Coach Paulette Nurse and Leon Moore and fights out of the Ricola Gym, now known as Donald Alison Gym after his late Coach. The boxer thanked God and everyone who has helped him so far. Atwell can be contacted on telephone number 6429961 and has opened an account at Republic Bank number 242-970.2 for fans and well wishers to make contributions.
Athletic star Aliann Pompey receives the sponsorship cheque from Brand Manager Clive Pellew (left), while Meet official Mayfield Taylor-Trim and Banks DIH’s Kester Van-Nooten (right) look on.
B
anks DIH Limited will be partnering with the organizers of Saturday’s Aliann Pompey International Invitational Track and Field championships at the Leonora Stadium. The Meet will be sponsored under the Rainforest Water and Powerade brands as most of the country’s top athletes will compete against international stars at the oneday Classic. The competition is named in honour of Guyana’s most decorated female athlete, Aliann Pompey, who won Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver medals and is a fourtime Olympic Games representative.
Pompey was on hand to receive the sponsorship cheque from Banks DIH Limited Brand Manager Clive Pellew during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park. The former international star expressed appreciation to Banks DIH for sponsoring the meet. Pellew said Banks DIH is extremely excited to be sponsoring the Meet and urged athletic fans to support the event which starts at 15:00 hours. The Meet will showcase Guyana’s budding athletic stars as well as a lineup of international runners who are in their final preparation for the Rio Olympics in neighbouring Brazil.
Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium saw the LUCOZADE Indoor Hockey Tournament kick off in its entire splendor. The first match between Bounty’s GCC and the Old Fort Knockers showed real promise initially, but ended up being a one sided affair in favour of GCC. The final tally was 20-0 and critics say that this was attributed to the Knockers playing without a goalie. The stars for the winning team were National Junior Player Daniel Hooper (scoring a total of 7 goals) and Kevin Spencer (scoring a total of 6). Hooper scored 4 of the 7 goals at halftime and that set the Knockers back on their heels. However, rumor has it that the Old Fort Knockers are not swayed, and are ready for battle again. The second contest saw the Old Fort Stallions face up against the Hikers. The Hikers managed to clinch a 7-5 win but the Stallions showed that they were no push over, despite not having a goal keeper as well. Hikers’ Captain Robert France opened the scoring in the 4th minute and then Aroydy Brandford netted a double in the 11th and 12th minutes respectively. Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon responded to the Hikers’ lead with a FG (Field Goal) in the 18th minute, but Hikers’ Andrew Stuart then netted a PC (Penalty Corner) in the 20th minute, just before the half time buzzer bringing the score to 4-1.
In the second half, Chris Low-Khan of the Stallions came out with fervor and scored a double in the 22nd and 25th minutes bringing the game to 4-3. National Junior Player Andrew Stuart then netted his second goal at 32nd minutes coming in the form of a PS (Penalty Stroke). However, Old Fort’s Askofu Simon would make sure the game would stay in striking distance by scoring a 35th minute FG bring the scores to 5-4. Just when patrons were on the edges of the seats with half-bitten finger nails, Randy Hope of the Hikers put the final gap between the teams after netting his double in the 36th and 38th minutes, respectively. Aderemi Simon’s second goal on the buzzer would only come as a mere consolation since the Hikers were already standing proud at the game’s end. The LUCOZADE League action continues tomorrow with Saints Men vs GCC Vintage and GCC Pitbulls taking on Hikers Men. The first game begins at 17:00hrs.
Bounty GCC hammer National rugby squad named for Old Fort Knockers 20-0 RAN Zone clash against T&T
The Guyana Rugby Football Union has released the names of members who will represent Guyana its RAN Zone Championship clash against defending champions Trinidad and Tobago on June 18 in the Twin Island Republic. According to a release from the Union, among the members named is Australiabased Kevin McKenzie, who has been included in the team to bolster its chances of beating the Trinidadians at home. The players named are: Jason TyrellHornets, Rondel McArthur-UG Wolves, Rickford Cummings-Hornets, Kevon DavidYamaha Caribs, Jose Felicien- Hornets, Dwayne Schroeder- GDF, Jamal Angus-UG Wolves, Delroy Gordon-Hornets, Ryan Gonsalves-Hornets, Avery Corbin-GDF, Lancelot Adonis -UG Wolves, Patrick King –GDF, Claudius Butts-Harvard/Yamaha Caribs, Godfrey Broomes-UG Wolves, Osie McKenzie -UG Wolves, Cyon KittGDF,Triton Brathwaite-GDF, Grantley Williams-Police Flacons, Toby DavidHornets, Richard Staglon-Trinidad Caribs/Yamaha Caribs, Ronald MayersTrinidad Northerns/Hornets Peabo Hamilton -Trinidad Northerns/Hornets and Kevin McKenzie -Latin Heat Australia /Hornets.
Kevin McKenzie
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 16, 2016
PAGE 37
Argentina rolls past Bolivia 3-0 to win Copa America group SEATTLE (AP) — By the time Lionel Messi checked in at halftime, Erik Lamela, Ezequiel Lavezzi and the rest of his teammates had Argentina well on its way to the top spot in Group D of the Copa America. Lamela and Lavezzi scored 2 minutes apart early in the first half, Victor Cuesta scored his first international goal later in the
half and Argentina dominated Bolivia 3-0 on Tuesday night to be the only team in the entire tournament to win all three group games. Messi subbed on at the beginning of the second half for his most extensive game action since Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0 to win the Copa del Rey on May 22. In the time since, Messi
suffered a back injury, testified in his tax fraud trial in Spain and scored a hat trick off the bench in a 5-0 win over Panama last week. But the goals came from his teammates as Argentina clinched a matchup with Ve n e z u e l a i n t h e quarterfinals. And all that dominance came with Messi relaxing on the bench, hearing his name chanted by
GBTI IJ OPEN: Fate pits Lopes against Erskine in GBTI Tennis This third consecutive year, it took young Daniel Lopes straight sets to deny baseliner Andre Erskine a chance to experience the semis of Guyana’s greatest tennis tournament the GBTI Independence Jubilee Open Tennis tournament. Erskine won the toss to serve but immediately went down 3-0 to Lopes whose backhand slice seemed more deadly this time round from the get go. Erskine who seemed less energetic than usual then broke Lopes serve to claim his first game at 3-1 and then held serve to 3-2. He then failed to keep his composure which gave an opening for Lopes to take a 4-2 lead. The two maintained their signature long rallies amidst the murmurs of excited spectators but it was Lopes who was able to keep his unforced errors to a minimum to win the next two games and take the set at 6-2. Erskine at this time seemed resolved to turn the tide so he settled into his rhythm of groundstroke delight. But the second set progressed as an exact repeat of the first up to 4-2 in favour of Lopes. Erskine then held serve at 4-3 looking focused taking the ball out of the air and rushing to complete winners to save energy, but Lopes too held serve at 5-3. Erskine then serving to stay in the match leveled the game at deuce after being down 0-40. He managed to set himself up for game point but missed an overhead smash to level again at deuce. Erskine then served well to go up to game point again but Lopes knocked the wind out of his serve with deep return slices to draw errors to win the game set and match at 6-3. After the match Erskine lamented the three peat loss
Daniel Lopes
stating that his chances were definitely greater last year since it was clear that Lopes’ consistency and versatility had improved. Lopes await the winner o f t h e H e i m r a j Resaul/Leyland Leacock clash which is expected to be another exciting match. Meanwhile, in the Ladies Singles, defending champion Nicola Ramdyhan brushed aside Shivani Persaud 6-0, 6-1 to book her place in the finals and await the highly anticipated duel between her coach and mother Shelly Daly and last year ’s finalist Afruica Gentle. In the Men’s Over 45 Singles Godfrey Lowden
Nicola Ramdyhan
tactfully cruised past Albert Razick to take on the indomitable challenger Harry Panday. Lowden recently defeated Panday in the Men’s 35 semis. Full Results are: Ladies Open Singles: Semifinals: Nicola Ramdyhan def Shivani Persaud 6-0. 6-1 Men’s Open Singles: Round of 16: Nicholas Glasgow def Jordan Beaton w/o, Leyland Leacock def Jamal Goodluck 6-0, 6-0, Daniel Lopes def Andre Erskine 6-2, 6-3 Men’s Over 45 Singles: Semifinals: Godfrey Lowden def Albert Razick 62, 6-1
the crowd throughout the first half as they eagerly anticipated the chance to see the best player of this generation coming off a memorable reserve performance just a few days earlier against Panama. “People want to see him. People pay all over the world to see him and he has to deal w i t h t h a t , ” A rg e n t i n a manager Gerardo Martino said through an interpreter. “Sometimes he has to play and sometimes he has to be on the bench but he has that
obligation to follow through for the fans who are paying to be there. He has to live with that.” Argentina is in search of its first major international championship since winning the Copa America in 1993. “It’s time to think about Venezuela,” Messi said. “ Wi n t h a t g a m e a n d advance.” Bolivia last beat Argentina in 2009, but that victory came at nearly 12,000 feet at home in La Paz. At sea level in Seattle,
the Bolivians stood no chance. The closest Messi came to finding the net was a free kick from 30 yards early in the second half that teased the far post but didn’t curl enough. Bolivia’s Diego Bejarano was Messi’s shadow, ignoring anyone else in white with the ball and focusing just on No. 10. Messi’s best moment came in the 77th minute when he was flagged for offside, but continued the (Continued on page 31)
GCF National Championships 2016...
Time Trial and Raod Race queen to defend titles on Saturday Guyanese female cycling queen, UK based Claire FraserGreen is already on local soil set and ready to defend her Time Trial and Road Race championships this Saturday when the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cycling Federation marquee events pedals off. With the level of female races almost zilch locally, Fraser-Green is set to successfully defend both titles barring some miracle from the limited opposition expected as she chases success for the fourth consecutive year. However, the committed cyclist who pays her own way to come and compete will not be taking any opponent for granted and will be her professional self on Saturday when proceedings gets underway with the Female Time Trials at 08:00hrs at the Mahaicony Circuit, East Coast Top three females from 2015! Claire Fraser-Green is flanked by Marica Dick and Toshwanna Doris. Demerara where this premier event will take place for the (senior) riders will take centre stage for their first time in Guyana’s cycling history. The ladies will be powering around the 5.3 Road Race which will be contested around mile circuit one time with the rider to record the outer circuit of the National Park. Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman is the the fastest time emerging as the winner. Following is the programme for the Road defending champion for the Elite category, Road Race and Time Trials. Races on Saturday: Programme for Time Trials on June Event Distance 25th, 2016 at the Mahaicony Circuit, ECD Ladies 4 Laps (21.2 Miles) Event Distance Juveniles 5 Laps (26.5 Miles) Juveniles 1 Lap (5.3 Miles) Juniors 8 Laps (42.4 Miles) Juniors 1 Lap (5.3 Miles) Veterans 8 Laps (42.4Miles) Veterans 1 Lap (5.3 Miles) Under-45 & Over-45 Seniors 2 Laps (10.6 Miles) The riders will be rewarded with Programme for Road Race Seniors on championship jersey’s compliments of the June 26th, 2016 Beginning at 11:00hrs Guyana Cycling Association of North America (GCANA) which will be presented Location: Outer Circuit of the National Park, Georgetown at the end of each day. Distance: 30 Laps (71.1 Miles) There will be a one week break before Finish line will be outside the Guyana the Time Trials are held at the same circuit Defence Force entrance, JB Singh Highway. on June 25th; for all categories excluding the females while on Sunday June 26th, the Elite (Franklin Wilson)
t r o Sp
GCF National Championships 2016...
Williams warms up with classic weekend in NYC
Hashim Amla gave South Africa a solid start, WI v SA, 6th match, ODI tri-series, St Kitts ©AFP
Tahir, Amla lead
South Africa to another bonus Pro cyclist Geron Williams sprints to victory in the Riverton Criterium.
Marian, Roses, PC, GTI into NSBF Regional U-19 Semis
-point win
St. Roses forward, Patrice Agrippa goes up for a fade away jumper off the glass in the NSBF Quarterfinals at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
- Saints, Marian, Roses, PC through to U-14 Final Four
Imran Tahir exults after removing Andre Fletcher, WIv SA, 6th match, ODI tri-series, St Kitts ©AFP Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210