Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

We may still find our The ‘VAT’ runneth over ‘Guyanese one man army’ but for whom?

DEAR EDITOR; I was saddened by Freddie Kissoon’s column in today’s KN (27/2/17) titled “Please Mr Thompson, I’m not a one man army” in which he comes across as being on the verge of giving up his popular, brave, scholarly and thought-provoking analyses/observations of the ills and irrationalities in Guyana. I can certainly appreciate the natural ‘tiredness’ and disappointments which come from what must often appear like hitting one’s head against the proverbial brick-wall of stubbornness, ignorance and backwardness. Changing human behavior at both the individual and collective levels is a long term, even unending challenge for which only few,

the likes of Freddie Kissoon, seem willing and able to attempt. I believe I reflect the wishes of many of our compatriots when I ask you, Freddie Kissoon, to please continue your unique efforts in the media, on the streets, elsewhere and otherwise in what must often seem a long, lonely road towards a better Guyana. The world has produced several ‘one man armies’, the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandella…..we may still find our unique and successful Guyanese ‘one man army’ some day; in this regard I again ask Freddie Kissoon not to exclude himself. Nowrang Persaud

A President, broken and tentative, females, only released 9 inmates henineonly(9) released of them. Not one DEAR EDITOR, I noticed with much heartache that for the 47th Republic Anniversary, President David Granger pardoned only nine persons and all were women. This fact is very heart breaking for me, if only because I think that circumstances forced the President to do what he did. Before I give my interpretation of the circumstances (which I believe you already know), let me take you back to a promise Mr. Granger made, while he was still in the unbridled euphoria of his elevation to the Presidency. Mr. Granger promised and pledged that annually, he will release 60 exoffenders (mostly males) and that he will do it because he thinks it is the right thing to do. Slow march to just two years after that very public and decisive pronouncement and what do we find? We find a President so broken and tentative, that he is forced to reduce his ambitious numbers to a mere fraction of his initial pledge. When the President made his original pledge, I was overwhelmed with joy, for several reasons. One of which is simply because it make sense. Also, it is a practice of Governors, Senators and Judges all across North America because it helps to reduce prison cost. It also serves at giving those released a second chance. Most of the prisoners in Guyana (upwards of 80% of them), are repeat offenders. Many of them are from broken homes and began their life of criminality (like I did), by committing petty crimes. I was also happy for the President’s announcement because crime and recidivism are epidemic realities which have defined us as a nation. Another reason I was embolden by the announcement was because I had discussed a formal

rehabilitation program with several of those within the leadership of Government. I had also given them a turnkey proposal of how this rehabilitation, best practice, program can be implemented here in Guyana. I had explained to them that I was responsible for spearheading a similar program in the USA. I gave them references of persons within the US Department of Corrections and also some internet links for them to view some of my work. And so the announcement made me think that they were planning to implement a formal, postrelease, rehabilitation program, like I had outlined and suggested. Imagine then, my surprise when I was told that not only was there no ex-offender rehabilitation program in place but further, that those released from prison would be free and clear of all charges and would have no accountability tied to their release. It immediately became obvious that the President was not being advised by anyone who understands criminality, criminology, or the concept of paroling – vis-a-vis the criminal mindset. The program was destined to be in trouble. Guyana has a struggling pre-release offender rehabilitation plan but not one single post-release rehabilitation program. What that means is that the folks going into prison and then returning to the society are not likely being engaged in any satisfactory rehabilitation course. And if they do benefit from some academic or industrial program while incarcerated, when they are released, there is no continuum. So now let’s return to my initial premise. The prison system in Guyana is made up of just about 5% females. Yet this year, of the 60 inmates the President pledged to release,

single male. Since this new administration began their tour of duty the crime situation has not satisfactorily subsided. Additionally, there is no clear way of tracking whether or not some of the released exoffenders are actually involved in the current, nagging, criminal activities. Additionally, the President’s initiative lacked the necessary transparency needed for it to attract any sustained public support. These realities have no doubt put a damper on the President’s goodwill and justifiable gesture. So this initiative which was intended to reduce the prison population, save tax payers substantial amounts of money and gave offenders a second chance has now been significantly curtailed, mostly because sufficient advice was not given to the President. Editor, may I say in closing that the Guyana crime problem is solvable however, it will take some bold initiatives, guided by professionals in the field. Also, the venture by the President is humanistic and besides, it is very practical. The President needs to regroup, put systems in place to ensure checks and balances and then continue with his worthwhile initiative. The society is not safer with more people in prison. The society is safer when those incarcerated are taught to change from their criminal ways to more socially acceptable behaviour. What is needed to assist in reducing our incidents of crime is a formal post-release, ex-offender rehabilitation program. You cannot wish crime away, any more than you can piecemeal exoffender rehabilitation. If it’s going to be effective, it must be done properly. Pastor Wendell P. Jeffrey

DEAR EDITOR, It is evident that Guyanese have become the most taxed people in this hemisphere, despite being classified by the World Bank as the second poorest in CARICOM ahead of Haiti. In 2015, the World Bank Reports indicated a per capita of US$4,127 (worldbank.org). This minimal increase has pushed Guyana from the lower middle income group into the upper middle income group. But ironically, what this means is that this rating will affect Guyana’s access to loans from the World Bank since Guyanese have apparently become richer. What is more ironic is that Guyanese would never have expected the improved rating, insignificant as it is, would have ushered drastic increases in the rates of more than 200 taxes, in some cases by as much as 1200% and a deceptive VAT reduction! Even more burdensome is the fact while reducing the VAT to 14% we have seen the removal of many basic necessities from the zero rated category to the exempt category. This sleight of hand has effectively removed whatever benefits would have accrued from the meager 2% reduction. This is further worsened by the fact that VAT is now payable on water and electricity. Tax rates do not influence economic growth. Higher tax rates slow economic growth. In other words sensible economic policies are required. This is like a prophecy to our present situation. To destroy savings, consumption and the productive sector will never enable our economy to grow. It is also doubtful that any redistribution of income will be initiated by these increase taxes since it is the poor Guyanese who will face the burden of increased taxation and massive corruption will ensure that Guyanese never receive the full benefits from monies spent. In our present situation, increased taxation can only result in - insufficient disposal income, low wages, high

prices, poor quality products, loss of markets, decline in the productive sector, scarcity and shortages, jobs loss, foreclosures, increase in poverty and crime. In this letter, I will focus on Value Added Tax (VAT) and its negative effects on the Guyanese economy. As was mentioned above, the 2017 Budget has removed many items from the ‘zero rated’ category and placed them in the ‘exempt’ category. The immediate impact of this is not clear to the lay man who finds it difficult to discriminate between the two categoriesthey mean the same thing. They see ‘exempt’ as not paying VAT and ‘zero rated’ as not paying VAT-so the question is: Why the big fuss? The Value Added Tax and Excise Handbook published by Ram and McRae clearly shows the difference between the two categories and provides clearly illustrated examples to show the impact on consumers. On page 31 it states that, ‘Zerorating is applied specifically to protect the consumer from the impact of VAT by allowing the supplier to recover the VAT he has paid to the Revenue Authority and not from the consumer.’ It further stated that, ‘Prior to 2017, the list of zero-rated items was long and comprehensive…but Budget 2017 reversed the majority of the individual items.’ Therefore zero-rated items benefit the consumers. Exempt items means that the supplier cannot reclaim the VAT which was paid. Therefore, if the supplier wants to maintain his profit margin then he must pass on the VAT he has paid to the consumer. This will happen so it means that it is the consumer who pays the VAT incurred by the supplier. The consumers do not benefit but are burdened there from! What is alarming is that basic food items such as bread, rice, brown sugar, cooking oil, milk, baby formula and cereal, fresh fruits (some exclusions), fresh vegetables including onions,

garlic and potatoes, dried split peas, chicken peas, kidney beans, black-eye peas, cassareep, eggs, baby chick and live chicken, margarine, cooking salt, and a long list of essential items are now “exempted”. This means that VAT charged during the production or on importation of these products will be passed on to the consumer and will result in increased prices. So where is the benefit from the 2% reduction of VAT? Fuel such as kerosene oil, propane gas, gasoline and diesel will also be exempted. Educational materials such as printed books, educational charts, alphabetical charts, numbers charts, maps and globes are exempted as well as school supplies such as sharpeners, pencils, calculators, rulers and even lunch bags and lunch kits among many other items which are now ‘exempted’. There also a long list of agriculture items and equipment which are exempted. Among these are: paddy, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, harrows, cultivators, weeders, hoes, ice for fishing purposes, fish hooks, etc. Even funeral services and human remains are exempted. Therefore, whatever input VAT is paid on ‘exempted’ items will no longer be eligible for tax credit or refund hence the supplier will have to pass on this VAT to the final consumer in the form of higher prices. However, what is of greater significance is the fact that electricity consumption under $10,000 per month and water consumption under $1,500 per month are zerorated. On face value it would seem that the small consumers are protected but the fact is that they will have to face the final VAT burden! The Domino effect will ensure that manufacturers, producers and businesses who have to pay the VAT on electricity and water will pass Continued on page 6

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Nigel Hinds should return the money he earned from the State DEAR EDITOR; It is the findings of the audits that Nigel Hinds participated as an auditor which have shown the necessity for the establishment, as he puts it, of a so called “apparatus of anticorruption” units. Nigel Hinds it is the conclusions of you and others which have established the foundation for the establishment of the anti-corruption units. If all of you now feel that your findings were wrong say so and give back the money you were paid. You cannot have your cake and eat it. While I will ignore for the moment Mr. Hinds erroneous attacks on the WPA and his crazy suggestion that the state assets recovery process should start from 1968 and include election rigging, I am not inclined to let him get away with his ridiculous insinuations in relation to Professor Clive Thomas, a true Guyanese patriot who, with little or no concern for material gains, is giving his all to help build a new Guyana for future generations. Nigel Hinds wrote, “The positions Dr. Clive Thomas has been assigned post-May 2015 elections are multiple: 1) Presidential Advisor,2) Head of SARU, 3) Chairman of Guysuco and, 4) Commissioner on the Guysuco Commission of Inquiry. Dr. Thomas is now deeply comfortably entrenched in the bosom of the APNU/AFC government “. Readers will note this is a line of attack being directed to Professor Thomas by a set of persons who among other things, envy his ability, his honesty, his integrity and not least of all, his much vaunted local, regional and international reputation. They fear his presence in SARU soon to become SARA, because they know none of them can approach him with an offer not to do his work. There is information out there that a lot of them, who in their professional pursuit have acquired untold millions, have dirty hands. Yet they dare to attack someone whose character is unblemished. I wish to say that Professor Clive Thomas in pursuit of all the work which he has undertaken on

behalf of the coalition government since his appointment in June 2015 is the recipient of a single salary (not four as some may wish to imply) as Head of SARU and all the other positions he has been appointed to, he served free of charge. And his salary, given his responsibilities, is modest. If Thomas is politically comfortable in the government it is because he and the WPA have earned it given our history of struggle and the role we played in bringing about political change. Mr. Mike Rahman in an email reminded me that Mr. Nigel Hinds was contracted by the government to do the Forensic Audit on the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Rahman, a former member of the GRDB Board of Directors, a political activist and a knowledgeable rice farmer, expressed the view that Nigel Hinds, the Auditor, did not do a pleasing job (to Rahaman) in his examination into the affairs of GRDB. I am not surprised by this information given the views he stated in his letters and the dislike he has for the government. In reflecting on this matter I am forced to ask whether the government went after Mr. Hinds to do the Audit of the GRDB or he actively canvassed for the contract. However he came by the contract and given his views that the Forensic Audits are a waste of tax payers’ money and they are having negative effects on the economy and country - Why did he allow himself to be drawn into this useless endeavor? To all appearances the money aspect seems to have overridden any principle which he may want to claim he possesses. I conclude by making this point: while my comrade and friend David Hinds chose to be polite in his polemics with Mr. Nigel Hinds and attributed his missives as unintentionally giving the PPP a pass, I submit that the evidence in the letters undoubtedly tells a different story i.e. Nigel Hind’s intent as expressed in those letters was unambiguous. Tacuma Ogunseye

Justice Chang erred in his ruling in this constitutional case DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to article “PPP support for term limits has not changedRamotar” (SN 27th February 2017). In this article attorneyat-law Ralph Ramkarran is quoted as saying “If the Attorney General does not succeed in the CCJ [Caribbean Court of Justice], the Government will have to do what it needs to – hold a referendum.” Article 164 ‘Procedure for altering this Constitution’ expressly allows for Article 90; ‘Qualifications for election’ to be the President to be altered “by the vote of not less than two-thirds of all the elected members of the Assembly.” The Guyana Constitution is the nation’s supreme law and where it permits or commands it must be respected. I am strongly convinced that the interpretation made by retired Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang that the altering of

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Article 90 has to be determined by a referendum is skewed. His failure to factor in that semicolon at the end of Article 164 subparagraph 2 (a) in determining his ruling is responsible for the confusion we have today. We have to go back to the drawing board and the case presented to the CCJ must reflect what Article 164 expressly says and permits us to do by the way of the electors (i.e. voters) and the elected members of the National Assembly. This matter is not only for lawyers but also those who draft laws, conventions, charters and au fait with the English Language, among others, should be equally speaking to it. This is a very critical issue that implications for this nation must be left to a few. We are talking about our Constitution and going to the CCJ and this nation cannot afford to present any “wishy

washy” arguments on this supreme instrument as would obtain in the society. The integrity of the Constitution and National A s s e m b l y, and the intelligence of the people are at stake. Lincoln Lewis

Chris Ram’s attack on Clive Thomas may be personal DEAR EDITOR; Isn’t it rather revealing that the person most aggrieved by the imminent passage of the State Asset Recovery Bill is a lawyer and accountant of some of the largest companies and wealthiest individuals in Guyana. The attack on Prof. Clive Thomas by Christopher Ram seems to have a very deep edge to it; a very personal edge. Earlier this year, Christopher Ram call Prof. Clive Thomas not “fit and proper” to run SARU. Yet, Chris was on a list of names of potential GECOM Heads that was deemed not fit and proper that most rational Guyanese and diplomats would deem fit and proper. Christopher Ram, rather than address the issues of the Bill in his letter chooses to spend the first part of the letter to attack Prof. Clive Thomas whom a few weeks ago received kudos from his peers at the launch of the CLR James Magazine that was a tribute to Prof. Clive Thomas. Similarly at the launch of the Clive Thomas Lecture series in November last year, similar praises were sung by a wide cross section of Guyanese and foreigners as a man whom is considered the most pre-eminent economist in the Caribbean today. Chris is the only one, apart from the PSC that questions Prof. Thomas’s integrity and willingness to go after anyone that stole state assets. Why this personal attack including questioning Prof. Thomas’ outstanding decades long work on Guysuco and stolen assets? Even Chris Ram in his presentation to the Guysuco COI suggested that the taxpayers should not continue to fund Guysuco as can

be seen on his website. But let’s get to the facts. Surely Christopher Ram does not deny the scale of theft and corruption in Guyana especially during the last 23 years. Is he disputing the facts of the Auditor General on procurement fraud stated to be about G$28 billion per year? Christopher Ram was hired by the PSC to analyse the State Asset Bill and to destroy it. That was the intention; vested interest often converge. Chris claims the Bill gives the Director extraordinary powers more than the President etc. This is not true. Why doesn’t Chris quote the lines of the Bill for the general public to interpret? Why doesn’t Chris claim the DPP has more powers than the President as she certainly does in criminal matters? The Bill states that the DPP, Police and GRA should be obligated to provide information when necessary. Not that the Director have their powers. How deceptive a recasting of truths. But then we are dealing with a lawyer. Chris needs to stop the public masquerade as it brings into question what he is afraid of given he knows a great deal about individuals and companies in Guyana. Perhaps when the Bill is passed and some are asked to return stolen assets, Chris’ reaction and that of the PSC will be better understood. It is time to drain the swamp of corruption and stolen assets. Many well known persons are involved as the paper trail will and have shown. Many are willing to distort the truth because they are reasons to. Eric Phillips

Security guards need union representation DEAR EDITOR; The trade unions have to bring security guards together with the object of representing their interests. Security guards from different parts of the country and working in various jobs and industries have for a long time fallen between two stools and have had no representation for their many grievances. Many of the security guards work in private security companies. They receive none of the awards or any other benefits given to

any ordinary workers from time to time, because they are not considered to be ordinary workers, they cannot be represented by a union and because they are not quite on a par with policemen, they have no claims to the awards and conditions of service that go to members of the police force. For a long time now, men and women employed as security guards have been complaining about their official conditions of work and their low pay rates. All their appeals

have, so far, fallen on deaf ears. Thus, this important new step in organizing them under the auspices of the trade unions, now gives hope that some of their very important problems can be ventilated and given representation. We welcome the move and hope that the work in the direction of giving these workers good representation will meet with success Sherwood Clarke President Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union

The ‘VAT’ runneth over but for... From page 5 the charges to the consumers to maintain their profit margin. Some business pay as much as $100 million dollars annually therefore 14% or $14 million dollars will be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices! What comments are forthcoming from the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Business on this? This increased production costs will greatly affect the competitiveness of our local exporters since they will have to now sell at a higher price on the international market. It is important to note that VAT was never designed for the export market but this is exactly what will be the result. Will our local exporters be able to compete with their foreign counterparts? Moreover, this deliberate contraction of the private sector will see thousands of workers on the breadline and increasing poverty. The Finance Minister in his 2017 Budget speech had openly admitted that the manufacturing as well as agriculture and other sectors have declined in 2016. Yet instead of

implementing economic policies to stem this decline he has done everything possible to ensure that this decline continues thereby sounding the death knell of the private sector. He should have sought advice from experienced professionals before he made such a horrendous blunder. But non-consultation seems to be inherent modus operandi in the current scheme of things since we have the Mayor and City Council ‘parking’ in that direction as well! It is my humble conclusion that the Finance Minister is more adept at devouring wealth than creating wealth. Furthermore, when we add the increased costs from the ‘exempted’ items to the increased prices resulting from the VAT charges on water and electricity the erosion of the standard of living and the economic development of our country is substantial. It is clear that the 2017 Budget is antiproductive, anti-business, anti-consumer and antiprogressive! ‘The ‘VAT’runneth over’ but Guyanese definitely have less to drink from it! Haseef Yusuf, FCCA, MBA

Wednesday March 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Yellow fever vaccine valid for 10 years - Min. Cummings “It isn’t unlikely for someone to receive a yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel without first receiving the vaccine,” said Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. Her disclosure was premised on the fact that if an individual would have received the yellow fever vaccine within the past 10 years but would have misplaced the vaccination card, that person could still be eligible for a travel certificate. The Minister’s remarks, on Monday, came on the heels of allegations raised by former Minister of Health under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, that he had received complaints of persons being afforded travel certificates without the requisite vaccination. “People who have contacted me claim there are certain persons who have been provided with yellow fever cards without the actual vaccination in order to accommodate their travel. “This is a dangerous situation and the Ministry of

- says Ministry not administering to those within timeframe

Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings Public Health needs to investigate this dangerous practice, if, in fact, it is true,” Dr. Ramsammy revealed in a statement disseminated to the media. In that very missive the former Minister disclosed that “Information is that persons are being turned away from the Ministry of Health and from health institutions because of the shortage of yellow fever vaccines. “It appears that the Ministry of Public Health has only an emergency supply and only accommodates

some persons who have travel documents. But the emergency supply is being dispensed only to certain people, not to all persons with travel documents.” “According to the Ministry, those with “essential” travel needs are being accommodated. Those who have been denied the yellow fever vaccine, claim if you know the right person you might be able to get an emergency yellow fever vaccination.” But Minister Cummings yesterday categorically asserted that the accusation that persons are being afforded the vaccine based on the notion of who they know couldn’t be further from the truth. She said that while in fact the yellow fever vaccine is currently in short supply, the Ministry has reserved its limited stock for only those who require it. “Only if persons have not had the vaccine in the past 10 years those are the ones who

Nurse charged over 13 pound marijuana find A 39-year-old nurse was remanded to prison until March 8, by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan over a 13pound cannabis sativa (marijuana) find. Suzette LaFleur of Lot 141 Cumberland, East Canje Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 26, she had six kilograms, 216 grams of marijuana in her possession at her home for the purpose of trafficking. She appeared yesterday

in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The mother was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat who told the court that he had no special reasons to contend. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that an analyst report is still outstanding from the case file. The Chief Magistrate subsequently transferred the

matter to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court. Based on reports, police ranks during a raid arrested LaFleur and her 18-year-old daughter after finding the illicit drug in their home. According to reports, the marijuana was found wrapped in six parcels. At the time of the search only the woman and her daughter were occupying the house.

are eligible for the vaccine. We are not giving the vaccine ‘willy nilly’ because it is in short supply we wouldn’t give it to somebody if we can substantiate that you would have had it within the 10-year timeframe and that has been recommended by the Pan American Health Organisation,” Minister Cummings assured. The Minister disclosed though that the Ministry’s administering of the vaccine has not been without some challenges. She revealed that there have been occasions that foreign nationals were able to infiltrate the system and receive yellow fever vaccines from the Ministry’s limited stock.

But according to Minister Cummings, measures are apace to address this issue. “We have been in discussion with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we are looking to ensure that is dealt with,” the Minister said. She considered that the limited supply of yellow fever vaccines is not unique to Guyana. It is a global situation. It was this development that had caused the Ministry to adopt the tactic of encouraging persons to safeguard their yellow fever cards or at least recall the health facility they would have received their vaccination so that they can receive a replacement card. Yellow Fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes type mosquitoes. The yellow in the name refers to

the jaundice that affects some patients. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a small portion of patients who contract the disease develop severe symptoms and approximately half of those die within seven to 10 days.

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Wednesday March 01, 2017

Guyana health care service far from where it should be – Director of Regional Health Services Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako

“When we look at our health care system, what is being delivered is a mere fraction of what is to be delivered.” This assertion was yesterday made by Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako, when she delivered welcoming remarks at the start of the first Regional Health Officers and Programme Heads meeting. At the meeting held at the Hadfield Street, Georgetown Regency Hotel, Dr. Shako disclosed that among the attributes of a good health care system is that it should be safe, effective, efficient, patient-centered, equitable and timely. “If you examine those aims you would agree with me. We are...definitely far from having a good health care system,” the Regional Health Services Director noted. But according to Dr. Shako, Guyana’s health care system is currently on course for a revolution. In fact she disclosed that every area of health care within the public health sector is poised for this starting from the health facilities right up to the Ministry of Public Health the policy making body for health care within the country. Among the changes slated for health care that will help to achieve the revolution are moves to narrow exiting gaps between the health care being delivered on the coastland and the hinterland. “As we deploy doctors to the hinterland areas as well as to those remote areas that need health care, we can see that the gaps in delivering health care are narrowing,” assured Dr. Shako. She said that there has been more capacity building for Regional Health Officers. This need, Dr. Shako said, was in fact previously brought to the attention of the Ministry. She explained that it was

...Deputy Regional Health Services Director and Deputy RHOs on the cards

recognised that the need for capacity building was important in order to deliver health care effectively within the regions. “I must say that we want to thank our partner in health care –PAHO – for providing scholarships for our Regional Health Officers to pursue a higher level of education either in public health or in management,” said Dr. Shako. Another measure to enhance the system that was mentioned by the Director of Regional Health Services is that the Regional Health Services Department of the Ministry is currently putting in place standard operating procedures. This was prompted by a technical review done by Chief Medical Officers which underscored the need for a more coordinated and organised level of health care within the regions. “What we are saying is if the Ministry is looking for a better approach to health care then it needs to start with Regional Health Services which are being looked at as the nerve centre for the delivery of health care in Guyana,” said Dr. Shako. She said, too, that there are even more plans apace to improve the health care system in the near future. In fact, she revealed that the

Ministry is prepared to have each Regional Health Officer have a Deputy Regional Health Officer. “This is all within the plan for more effective health care,” said Dr. Shako as she asserted that “yes we know that our Regional Health Officers are being faced with challenges and of course they would have asked for back up, so soon we are going to be having Deputy Regional Health Officers to help to enhance the way we deliver health care.” And there are also plans for the appointment of a Deputy Director of Regional Health Services to assist Dr. Shako. She pointed out that “if the Regional Health Officers are crying out and they manage one region then you can imagine the work of the Director of Regional Health Services.” The Director of Regional Health Services, she revealed, is usually hard pressed especially when a health challenge develops. “This is something that definitely needs revising because when things happen, it doesn’t matter how you look at it...[what you hear is]what is the Director of Regional Health Services doing? I have heard that occasionally but the collaborative approach from our different health care partners is definitely going to impact the way how we move forward with health care within Guyana,” asserted Dr. Shako. The Ministry of Public Health has been receiving immense support from its sister Ministry, the Ministry of Communities, to manage the affairs of public health. Dr. Shako noted that the Ministry of Communities as its oversight body in the regions, has a significant role to play in how the Health Ministry manages health care especially regarding human and financial resources. As part of the moves to

improve the delivery of health care, Dr. Shako revealed yesterday that an organisational structure has been formulated and is currently being reviewed by the Public Service Ministry. “We are saying this is how we would like to see health care being delivered within the regions because as we speak there is no organisational structure telling you how health care is to be delivered,” explained Dr. Shako.

She informed the regional health officials in attendance yesterday that “at some point during the meeting you will see an organogram (organisational chart) starting from the REO moving right down to our health facilities, the health post and straight through to regional hospitals. “If we can put all of these things together and bring them on board we are hoping that the outcome is going to be that health care is going

to be more organised and more structured in the regions.” “What we are saying [is] if we have systems in place then health care can be delivered to the optimum for the average Guyanese citizens,” Dr. Shako added. The meeting which will continue today also saw remarks being made by PAHO/WHO resident representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow.

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The President needs time, space and support People are making what they believe are reasonable demands on the President. They are concerned that he is not acting on these demands. There are supporters of the APNU who are having serious misgivings about the President. Some have been saying that he is too laid back and thus not providing the leadership that is expected. A Stabroek News editorial recently did a hatchet job on the President, questioning his leadership. The Stabroek News is not alone; similar sentiments are being echoed across the country and even outside of the country. The President’s loss of popularity is not being helped by his poor public relations team. He has no public relations strategy. None whatsoever! He has been helpless in the face of the onslaught of criticisms because he lacks a high profile PR team. Governments, today, cannot afford to not have the best PR teams in place. A government’s image is the most important function in modern government and it requires a dedicated ministry and experienced personnel

and PR firms to execute. Government’s image cannot be left to performance and policies. The best of performance and the best of policies can be discredited by a smart opposition and even by a small and disappointed section of the electorate. PR cannot therefore be underemphasized. It has to be placed in the hands of professionals, not novices who are learning on the job. Modern governments do not tinker with their image. They bring in the best to deal with this important aspect of governance. But PR alone cannot account for the disapproval ratings of the President. The people also have unrealistic and uninformed expectations of the President. They need to give him space. They need to give him time. They need to lend him their support. The challenges which President Granger faces today are almost identical to the challenges which Bharrat Jagdeo faced when he was President. People also expected more of Jagdeo in his early years. They were disappointed that he did not shake up the political system when he

came in. The reality of politics is that a President has to move with stealth in his early years especially when that person is a relative political newcomer, like both Granger and Jagdeo were when they were catapulted into political stardom. When Granger became the Presidential candidate for the APNU in 2011, he was a political unknown. He had never been part of the Executive of the PNCR before. He therefore came into the political limelight without having any strong leadership groundings in the PNCR or the PNC. To his credit, Granger took this disadvantage and turned into a political advantage. He used the period as Leader of the Opposition to become better known and a formidable politician. He used

it to strengthen his hold on the party. It was under his helm that ex-military officers gained a solid foothold within the party’s electoral machinery. This has paid off for the PNCR. Jagdeo had the same problem. He came to the Presidency at a time when Mrs. Janet Jagan exercised a stranglehold on the PPP. Jagdeo is perhaps the most astute politician this country has ever produced. He moved with stealth and took control slowly but surely, using state power, of the PPP. Today he owns it. Mrs. Jagan was discarded into the political wilderness. Donald Ramotar, after the loss of the 2015 elections, became a political casualty within his party. His showing at the last elections demonstrated how much control the Jagdeoites

has over the PPP. Despite being a long-serving General Secretary, Ramotar was not a major vote-puller during the Congress. Granger, like Jagdeo did, needs time to overcome the resistance from within his party, He cannot do things which people expect of him as fast as they want him to do it. He has to be careful about ruffling feathers within the party. He needs support in order to take full control of the PNCR so that he can pursue his vision for the country. He also has the additional handicap of having to run a coalition. The task of keeping a coalition together is not easy, not with powerhouses like some of the figures within the AFC. But the PNCR has managed skillfully to orchestrate changes within the AFC that will render the

coalition’s second major partner pliable to the whims of the PNCR. Granger must be given time so that he can entrench himself deeper within his party and its massive support base. He must he given the political space to strengthen his position within the party so that he can be an impregnable force in the country, which is what people expect of their leaders. But he cannot do this alone. He needs support and more importantly he needs to fix his PR and stop putting such an important function in the hands of children.

Granger says coalition remains strong …as Ministerial Conference concludes

DEM BOYS SEH...

Lightning gun strike Jagdeo When dawg accustom to suck egg is a bad thing. It don’t stop, not even when de owner put hot egg in he mouth. Irfaat accustom to attacking everything and everybody. When he was in government he cuss some people who get him vex. Jagdeo did like de boy because de boy show that he had power. De boy also had class. That is how he build a posh house pun de west side. Dem boys seh is one of de best house in de country, second only to Jagdeo Mansion. Irfaat is de head of de Parliamentary Committee that does inspect all dem government office. Indeed all of dem had crookishness. Money come out of de treasury to do one thing and end up in other people pocket. Well Irfaat was inspecting dem accounts and he find nuff skullduggery. He start fuh question one man and de man decide to lie. Irfaat chase him out of de room and threaten to call de police. That is when he announce that dem have rampant corruption. He start to throw hints about de level of corruption that he now seeing. Is when dem boys tell him that he investigating what happen in 2014, that was when he government been in power that he bite he tongue. One of de committee members had to tell him that he so accustom to cussing that he now start to cuss himself. But dem boys seh that dem can’t blame de man because he get confuse. He sit down wid de whole party and decide that all dem president gun have term limit. Ralph Ramkarran who get vex wid Jagdeo and lef de party lead de delegation wid de recommendation to cut de term limit. Donald lead another delegation. De whole parliament accept de change and Jagdeo agree to it. Jagdeo smart. He find a man who glad fuh anything he get to go to court. Dem boys gun talk bout that next time. Wha dem got to talk about is how Jagdeo tell de world how de Pee Pee Pee ain’t got no position pun term limit. De whole party now seh that Jagdeo immoral. People, even he security keeping far from him because everybody expect de lightning to strike him dead at any time. Talk half and keep far from Jagdeo.

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Vice Presidents Khemraj Ramjattan, Carl Greenidge and Sydney Allicock during discussions at the first Ministerial Conference yesterday. (Ministry of the Presidency Photo) President David Granger has assured that the coalition government continues to remain strong. The Ministers had gathered yesterday for the first Ministerial Conference for 2017 at State House. Following the meeting of both Cabinet and noncabinet Ministers, the President during an interview said that the relationship among coalition parties remains untarnished. He added that he is confident

that the leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, is just as committed as his predecessor Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, to making the political alliance work. Granger said, “Whenever problems have arisen these have been resolved by discussions between the two sides, but I will say, so far, in almost exactly two years, we have not had any major disagreement on the

form of the (Cummingsburg) Accord.” According to the Head of State, Ministers of Government all bring important perspectives to discussions and represent a wide cross section of constituents. “It is important that we speak to each other frequently so that there is no misunderstanding or lack of coordination in the various positions that we take.” The Conference which

began yesterday allowed ministers to discuss major policy positions on a number of key areas which included the Guyana Sugar Corporation, the education and housing sectors and foreign relations. When the conference would have been completed, it is expected that Minister of State Joseph Harmon will provide a full briefing on the conclusive decisions which were made.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...

Encounter with Carol Sooba

Last Saturday, at the road market outside Bourda Market, Carol Sooba came out of her taxi to have a quick word with me. This is what she said, “You see what I was saying about them all the time? Now you see. Don’t worry; I know everything., I know all their secrets.” I said, “Go and confront them, confront Royston King when the Local Government Commission starts to work. She responded “They (meaning the government) don’t want the Local Government Commission.” This was me and Carol Sooba talking. This was me showing support for Carol Sooba. This was the lady that I did four (yes) columns disagreeing with the decision of the acting Chief Justice, Ian

Chang, (now retired, leaving Chief Mike to fend for himself) that she was wrongly appointed by the Minister of Local Government but she can still occupy the office. I was against Carol Sooba as Town Clerk because I believe she was a PPP servant at City Hall acting in the political interest of the then PPP Government. Within the blink of an eye, life changes in opposite direction from where you stand. Because of the performance, brutal antiworking class edicts, parking meter insanity, and the oligarchic oppression of the APNU+AFC City Council, I would support Carol Sooba to replace Royston King as Town Clerk. That is how fast politics moves in this country.

When I think of my change of position with regards to Ms. Sooba, I know life is so unpredictable and we will never know the depths of inhumanity power can push people towards. Royston King is someone I think poses a threat to Guyana’s democracy. I would never have written these words about King prior to May 2015 when the PPP was in government. I saw King replace Sooba and I saw King outdo Sooba in terms of heartless mistreatment of poor people. When I think of my attitude to Carol Sooba in 2017, I can fully understand why the Oxford and Cambridge professors supported Stalin against Hitler. They had no choice; they chose the lesser of the two evils even though Stalin was deeply evil and were killing his people. What choice do we have – there is a City Council administrator that has shown more cruelty to vendors than Sooba ever did.

The difference between Sooba and King (apart from qualifications; Sooba went to UG law school, one of the job requirements for the Town Clerk’ position is training in law) is that Sooba was restrained in her harshness as Town Clerk because the opposition to her was relentless, not only from the opposition parties, the City Councilors, civil society but from many sections of the Guyanese society. With King, he feels he has the support of an elected Council that voted in the Mayor, the person he works closely and the party in power, so he believes he has a legal mandate to act. Whereas Sooba had to deal with a rambunctious Council, King only has to contend with about four councilors who are opposed to his highhandedness. As Sooba went back into her yellow-painted taxi, I stared for about 20 seconds at the vehicle as it drove away.

I was thinking that I just said a few words of encouragement to someone I had picketed against when she was Town Clerk. I continued my shopping but the thoughts of power were in my mind. The abuse of power by a newly elected City Council must mentally devastate not only Georgetowners but also Guyanese in general as we see daily how City Hall behaves. The promise of democracy that local government elections held out for us has become a faded rose that likes beneath our feet as we hold our placards and denounce the parking meter scandal. Where is local democracy in Guyana? Where are the voices of the leaders who, when in opposition, perambulated the inhabited square miles of Guyana decrying the absence of local government election? Well it came, democracy didn’t come with it. Carol Sooba told me as she went back into her taxi

Frederick Kissoon that the APNU+AFC does not want the Local Government Commission (LGC). You see once the LGC comes into being then the Mayor and her Town Clerk cannot run to their Government for protection. They have to conform to the decisions of the LGC. President Granger has waxed lyrical about the democracy that the local elections would bring. But his government looks like it is willing to stifle that very democracy by the still to be born LGC. Power does strange things to people some of which is the destruction of their credibility and popularity. Bulkan and Granger are destroying theirs.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Mazaruni Wharf, M.V Malali, Morawhanna Stelling to be rehabilitated During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, contractors submitted bids for the contract to rehabilitate the Mazaruni Wharf and dockyard; the docking and rehabilitation of the M.V Malali; and the rehabilitation of the Morawhanna Stelling. The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), was listed as the procuring entity for these contracts. Mazaruni Wharf and dockyard rehabilitation:

The Health Ministry was also listed as the procuring entity for the supply and delivery of blood bags.

Finally, under health contracts, tenders were open for the supply and delivery of consumables for the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS). Docking and rehabilitation of M.V Malali:

Rehabilitation of the Morawhanna Stelling:

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, was listed as the procuring entity for nine contracts. For the excavation of the Joppa outfall in Corentyne Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne):

Tenders were also opened for the supply poles, cross arms and line Hardware for the Lethem Power Company Incorporated. The procuring entity is the Hinterland Electrification Company Limited.

The rehabilitation of drainage structure at Cane Field, Leguan Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara):

Bids were submitted for the docking and rehabilitation of the ML Thompson Mazaruni. The procuring entity is the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The engineer’s estimate was announced at $40.6M

The Department was also listed as the procuring entity for the docking and rehabilitation of MT Aruka at the Mazaruni Dockyard. The engineer’s estimate was announced at $41.3M.

Tenders were also opened for the supply and delivery of blood banking test kits. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Health.

The rehabilitation of dam and timber revetment at the Kofi Relief Channel on the East Bank of Demerara, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica): >>> Continued on page 30 <<<

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Lack of fiscal prudence costs government $$millions – PS reveals - RHOs, Programmes Heads urged to be better managers

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Trevor Thomas addresses the audience Because of protracted financial shortcomings within the Ministry of Public Health, Government was last year forced to repay in excess of US$80,000 (G$16 million) to a donor agency – The Global Fund. This disclosure was yesterday made by Permanent Secretary within the Public Health Ministry, Mr. Trevor Thomas. Thomas disclosed that this development was linked to the procurement of equipment which included microscopes, boats and other items that were reportedly purchased and sent to multiple regions. The situation became problematic when no one was able to account for the procured items. “Over time they became lost...lost from the books, lost physically; in other words, nobody could account for them,” related Thomas. After being tipped of the development which reportedly had its genesis in the Vector Control Services Unit of the Health Ministry, the United States-based Global Fund had dispatched a team to conduct an investigation here. This saw the team scrutinising the Ministry’s Vector Control Services Unit’s records from as far back as 2005 onwards. It was able to uncover instances of what has been described as “ineligible expenses”. Since the items

classified as “ineligible expenses” were not found The Global Fund demanded that Government repay its value. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an international financing organization that aims to attract and disburse additional resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. According to Thomas, “I had the challenging task to justify this [re-payment] to the Cabinet and I wasn’t even at the Ministry at the time. I was nowhere near the Ministry of Health at the time but I had to explain to the auditors and my principals why we can’t account for those items.” Government was required to repay the sum, Thomas noted, because in excess of $300 million was being held up by The Global Fund because of the Ministry’s inability to account for its spending. “They said they would not pay that until we pay back for the ineligible expenses,” informed Thomas. The Permanent Secretary’s revealing disclosure was forthcoming when he addressed the opening session of a Regional Health Officers and Programme Heads meeting at the Hadfield Street, Georgetown Regency Suites.

Health officials during the opening session.

Premised on the foregoing remarks he cautioned the officials in attendance to “manage resources in a more efficient and effect manner...I am calling on RHOs and REOs to help us in this regard. Ensure that equipment provided to help in the delivery of our programmes is used for the intended purpose and that we develop strict accountability frameworks.” According to Thomas, “It would appear that whenever we are given resources from donors we feel that if we are not pressured to account to them we don’t account for them, because [you] do not turn up at PAC (Public Account Committee)...” The PAC is a Parliamentary Committee tasked with auditing the revenue and expenditure of government. Thomas considered that if keen efforts are not made to manage resources efficiently then “we can very well be pouring monies into activities that the output is in fact zero.” Continuing with an example of how mismanagement could easily occur, Thomas noted that one of the activities that the Ministry has embraced for years is its response to vectors by way of fogging exercises. But according to the Permanent Secretary, whose credibility has been brought into question because of allegations of mismanagement and procurement irregularities, “You don’t know, but I have asked them (Vector Control Services Unit) to give me the information about how much we are spending on that...We are spending millions of dollars but we do not have the entomology capacity,” considered the Permanent Secretary. Entomology, a branch of zoology, is the scientific

study of insects. Because of the lack of entomology capacity, Thomas informed that “for years we have had a vector

control programme that cannot tell us whether in fact the mosquitoes that we have been spending millions to spray have in fact gotten

resistant to it (chemical).” He said that since “we do not understand how the mosquitoes proliferate,” Continued on page 27

Wednesday March 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

“Shape up or ship out, Public Health Minister tells health workers “Shape up or ship out” was Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence’s message to public sector workers Monday. She was delivering the feature address of a one-day Logistic Management Information System workshop at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston. The workshop focused on ‘Improving Access and Availability of Medicines and Medical Supplies in Guyana through Strengthening of the Public Health Logistics Management Information System’ a document circulated at the event. Lawrence demanded that the public health sector be more sensitive and responsive to patients’ medical needs. It must also eradicate sloth. “The Ministry is therefore happy that one of the proposed outcomes, prioritised on the agenda of this conference, speaks to the strengthening of this Logistics Management Information System. Failure to have an effective data system with regard to supply and distribution of drugs can place excessive burdens on other sectors of our Health Delivery, so it is paramount that immediate steps are taken to understand and strengthen our data input and management system,” she told participants. “The Ministry of Public Health has a mandate to fulfill which necessitates the effective distribution of medicines and medical supplies in order to improve the overall delivery of primary health

Minister Lawrence interacting with officials at Monday’s meeting. care and advance the well-being of all citizens.” Monday’s programme was a collaborative effort between the Public Health Ministry, the United States Agency for International Development Global Health Supply Chain Programme- Procurement and Supply Management (USAID GHSCPSM), the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and PEPFAR. It was aimed at improving access and availability of medicines and medical supplies in Guyana through strengthening of the Public Health Logistics Management Information System (LMIS). This is part of the

Ministry’s effort to address the drug shortage crisis in each of the country’s 10 Administrative Regions and attracted participants from among the senior staff of the Material Management Unit (MMU) Supply Chain Management System, Directors of the Public Health Ministry, Regional Health Officers (RHOs) and stakeholder organisations involved in procurement of drugs and medical supplies. When she spoke, Country Director of the USAID-GHSC-PSM Ms. Caroline Healey said that her organization and its predecessor have been working to support the sustainable supply of critical sector

commodities since 2006. Guyana, she noted, has been a pioneer within and outside the Caribbean as the first to procure HIV/AIDS commodities; the first to establish an accurate supply planning system; and also the first to establish and operate a modern warehouse. Even though there is much to be proud of “there is still more to be done”, Healey said reminding that the initiative is about helping to create the legacy and ensuring that the sustainable supply chain system is fully managed by the Public Health Ministry and its partners. Guyana can expect continued

USAID GHSC-PSM’s backing through technical support to the Ministry to strengthen LMIS functions to help guarantee accuracy and accountability at both the national and regional levels and in exploring alternative options of cost reduction, transportation and distribution in all regions. PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow had a blunt assessment of the LMIS in the health sector. “Either the system is not working, maybe we don’t have the right people or maybe the environment is not conducive,” Dr. Adu-Krow said. He urged stakeholders to view themselves as managers and assist more in supervising the procurement and consumption of drugs and medical supplies. Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the Ministry is currently working at transforming its supply chain management functions to root out deficiencies. “For far too long the Public Health Sector has suffered from the untimely delivery of medicines and medical supplies to its facilities, hence steps are being taken with the SCMS to have such resolved,” Cummings said. Minister Lawrence noted that “the LMIS is the hub which must function smoothly and efficiently to support timely, accurate and regular Continued on page 27

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

NICIL sends Chinese company final demand letter for outstanding US$5M on GTT shares The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has issued a final letter to Hong Kong

Golden Telecom Company, demanding the outstanding payment of US$5m on the GTT shares. This is

according to officer in charge at NICIL, Horace James. He said that it was last December that the State-

owned entity announced that it would be pursuing the route of arbitration in the United Kingdom to recover the money owed. “However, we have sent them a final letter before arbitration. The letter was sent to Hong Kong Golden Telecom, which owes the money. A letter was also sent to the company that signed as its guarantor, Golden Mabole, according to the documents we have here.” The NICIL officer is adamant that the US$5M was not written off as was previously claimed. He insists it is still owed to NICIL. He told Kaieteur News yesterday that the matter is ongoing. James said, “We are in the process of executing all the relief measures that are in the sales agreement in order for us to get it back. We h a v e e n g a g e d o u r lawyers in the USA.” He continued, “And we are using the lawyer who was involved in the sales agreement process and who helped us to draft the agreement. They recommended a company in the United Kingdom to help us in the arbitration whenever that time comes and when we are going there.” The NICIL officer added, “It is important that we use a UK company because the arbitration will be held in London.” James emphasized that NICIL is not only going after the recovery of the US$5M, but also interest costs, legal fees, the signatory for the

Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James agreement and even the person who guaranteed it. He continued, “So that process has started and our lawyers have presented all the issues concerning the shares and said that it is a very good chance that we could get back the money.” James was reminded that Minister of Joseph Harmon, who is also a NICIL director had b r o u g h t b a c k s o m e documents from his infamous China trip which he received from Hong K o n g G o l d e n Te l e c o m C o m pany (HKGT), the company that bought Government’s shares in GTT. In this regard, he confirmed that Harmon indeed submitted such documents. He said, “The documents basically said that the purchaser of the shares indicated that they had a discussion with David

Dabydeen and were under the impression that they were relieved from paying it. But that is not so. NICIL sold you something and so you owe us. You made an initial payment and so the second payment has to be made. That is our major contention.” When Kaieteur News asked to see the document submitted by Harmon, James declined to share it, stating that it might be used as part of the arbitration proceedings. He does not want to make any more that would jeopardize the process. It was in 2012 that NICIL sold the Government’s investment in GTT for US$30M of which the sum of US$25M was received. The balance, US$5M, was to be paid within a period of two years. But there have been conflicting stories since that initial arrangement. At one point, the nation was told that Guyana’s former Ambassador to China, David Dabydeen, facilitated a debt write-off to HKGT. HKGT is a subsidiary of Datang Telecom International Technology (Hong Kong) Company Limited. Kaieteur News understands that the purchase agreement between the Chinese company and Guyana was framed in such a manner that in the event of any legal issue, Guyana or HKGT would have to petition the United Kingdom courts. NICIL had said that in an attempt to avoid costly and lengthy adjudication of the matter in the English Courts, it called on the government to encourage HKGT through diplomatic channels, to honour its contractual obligations. NICIL said that HKGT alleged that following a series of communications with the former Guyana Ambassador to China, HKGT was assured that it was not required to pay the balance of US$5M. This was because HKGT had not been granted the same minority protection rights enjoyed by NICIL— that is two representatives, instead of one, on the GTT Board of Directors. HKGT alleged that it was initially promised two seats by the then Government of Guyana. NICIL said that HKGT also alleged that the decision to waive the US$5M was contained in a side agreement. NICIL noted that it has not been able to verify HKGT’s claim of waiver and has requested the assistance of the Government of Guyana to verify the validity of HKGT’s assertion and the documents they produced to support same.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Wednesday March 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Businesswoman remanded for allegedly masterminding hit

Businesswoman, Indira Outar, has been charged with masterminding a murder A businesswoman of Tain, Corentyne, was remanded, yesterday, for allegedly ordering a hit on Tain domestic worker, Leelawattie Mohamed, a mother of four. Indira Outar, 43, of Lot 8 Block 4 Tain Settlement, Corentyne is the alleged mastermind in the execution, she appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga. Outar, who operated a sawmill in Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice, was charged with procuring five

Murdered: Leelawattie Mohamed persons to murder Leelawattie Mohamed, 45, of Lot 149, Sixth Street, Tain Settlement, Corentyne on February 7, last. Outar is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Mursaline Bacchus. She was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Her attorney during the court proceedings made a request for disclosure of statements. She will return to court on March 14, 2017. Outar exited the Whim Police Station trying to conceal her identity by placing a piece of cloth over her face as she entered the police vehicle. On February 7, two men,

one armed with a gun, invaded Mohamed’s home and shot her at close range after demanding cash. She had stated that she had no money before she was shot. The shooting which left many baffled, turned out to be an execution out of jealousy and anger and not a robbery. It was staged to look like a robbery but the intruders’ main goal was to kill. The men kicked down the front door of Mohamed’s house to gain entry. Investigators in Berbice in their bid to reveal the truth, launched an investigation after information was provided to them. According to initial reports, Indira Outar found out about her husband’s extra martial affair with Mohamed and reportedly in a fit of rage and jealousy conjured up a plan with the help of a barber, Oliver Permaul, who has a barbershop located at the front of her home; Permaul’s wife, a tattoo artist; Andre James, his girlfriend Shabiki Thompson and Rohan Johnson, a Jamaican national. The Jamaican admitted to investigators that he was the

Several arrested as…

Major Crimes Unit probes death of Top Cop’s brother Several persons were arrested yesterday as the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Major Crimes Unit stepped in to probe the death of Haymant Persaud, the brother of Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, who was murdered two Sundays ago at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown. Kaieteur News was informed that several persons were picked up from the location where the man was killed. The cops are said to be looking for other persons. A source told this newspaper that relatives of Persaud thought that he had gone to work on sea when

Dead: Haymant Persaud they didn’t see him around but it was after the Guyana Police Force’s Public Relations Office issued a

photograph seeking the public’s help in identifying the man that it was revealed it was Haymant. The body clad in blue long jeans and white checked long sleeve shirt, slim built, about six feet in height, low haircut, had been lying at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the past two weeks. It would have been difficult for the Commissioner, who has proceeded on retirement leave to know about the police notice until it was sent out. The victim who resided at Affiance, Essequibo Coast was stabbed to death.

Three families receive keys to... (From page 22) wooden structures that consist of two bedrooms, indoor sanitation facilities and water components. President of the St Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster, also made an

announcement that ten other homes are scheduled to be built within the next month or two, with 50 in the pipeline to be completed by September. He said that they are partnering with the Lands and

Surveys Commission to have a plot of land to be approved to commence construction and he is hoping for a speedy process to get the ball rolling. (By Malisa Playter Harry)

one that pulled the trigger. A hefty sum of $4 Million was allegedly promised by the businesswoman to execute the shooting, but only $400,000 was reportedly handed over. On February 15, five

persons were charged and remanded for Mohamed’s murder. They were Oliver Permaul, 36; his wife Nazeema Permaul, 42, who operates a business in Rose Hall Town, Corentyne;, Andre James, also known as ‘Andy’, 26, of

Lot 46 ‘A’ George Street, Rose Hall Town, his girlfriend, Shabiki Alert Thompson, Rohan Johnson also known as ‘Jamakie’, 38, carpenter and a Jamaican National. They were all remanded for the murder.

PAGE 26

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5 Acres coconut and other fruit bearing, no chemical, lease or sale – Demerara River across Timehri docks. Call: 261-2988

SALON

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

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Apartment, Great Diamond EBD Contact Thandeka 6030067, Ronique 643-9286 2- Two Bedroom apartment to let – Call: 662-7354

Snackette Call:225-3700

Attendants.

Experienced bartenders and cleaners. Call: 225-8572 between 7am-9am Workers for portable toilet/ Janitorial Company - $2,000 per day- Call: 225-2618

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494 PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122, EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM

One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041 Grease rags, any amount $200 lbs, white spandex cloths 60’’ width, thousand of yards contact Lall’s Garment Enterprise Tel:266-2700,6819130 1 14 feet Aluminum Boat, 1 15 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine (Short Foot), 1 Cummings-10 KVA Generator Call: 664-5807 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 1 White new model Passo 2009, working condition also 1 transported houselot @ W.C.D – Call: 602-3000/ 6002931

WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 Arc/Acetylene welder / fabricator; live in couple, driving and mechanical experience is an asset. Call: 227-1830 Experienced bar/shop worker & handyman for interior, must have ID, Age 18-40 years Call 231-0363 between 9am-4:30pm. Domestic help in Kitty, must have ID, NIS, TIN, Age 1840 years Call 231-0363 between 9am-4:30pm Experienced babysitter/ nanny to work weekends (stay in) -$6,000. Call: 638-9013

CAR RENTAL

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

We pay immediate cash for land in Eccles, Herstelling, Bartica & Zeelugt. Call: 2333006/ 658-5897/651-1969 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House for sale & removal at Campbellville 23ftX40ftContact Ganesh: 614-6202 2 Storey house 35X45 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained @ 5th Avenue Diamond, H/ Scheme. Call:677-0583/664-5052

Duo on bail for trafficking girl, 15

1 Single & Double door refrigerator, 1-6ft Freezer, 2 glass cases, 1-280 Sthil weeding machine. Call: 6023000/ 600-2931 Audi A4 Quattro S line, excellent condition. Call: 6104242 One Diesel welder on trailer. Call: 699-4300/228-2734 1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225 CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper Truck, D4H CAT Bulldozer. Call: 2750538/ 683-7225 1- CAT 320 BL Excavators, 428- CAT Backhoe, 1 CAT 930 Front End, 9 wheeled pneumatic roller, Double Steel drum compactor- Call: 2750538/ 683-7225 Generator Diesel 1100w, Generators/welder Diesel 1100w, water pumps – 3" Gasoline. Contact Wills: 2278167 ext 10 For you packaging needs: Scotch tapes, strapping machines – manual, poly straps, shrink wraps. Contact Wills: 227-8167 ext 10 Sale! Sale! Sale! Seafood Mania!! Fish/Shrimp!! All types and different processes. Call M.Wills: 2278167 ext 10

Kenisha Hill The courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan heard that a businessman and a woman allegedly trafficked a 15-year-old girl for sex work. Businessman, Mahadsa Thomas and speedboat captain Kenisha Hill were jointly indicted for Trafficking in Person (TIP). Particulars of the offence alleged that between February 1 and February 24, at Supenaam, Essequibo, they recruited, transported and harboured the minor for the purpose of sexual exploitation. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge and were each released on $500,000 bail. The brief court hearing was held in-camera at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. According to reports, the 15-year-old girl and a 24-yearold woman were rescued after police in collaboration with the TIP unit raided an area in the region. Following the raid Mahadsa, the owner of a popular shop in the area and Hill were arrested. Based on information received, the under-aged girl and the woman were rescued at the Airy Hall Bar, where they were reportedly forced to work.

EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Electronic Course: starting 14th March. Hands on training repairing all types of TV’s etc. Call: 226-6551/ 2250391

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Bandits terrorize West Canje teacher during home invasion A teacher of West Canje Berbice was a victim of armed robbery and attempted sexual assault after four masked and armed men, with guns and cutlasses invaded her home. The men reportedly broadsided her with a cutlass and held her at gunpoint while demanding cash and jewelry. One of the men also attempted to sexually assault the woman, who was home alone at the time of the invasion. Esther Reid, said that it was around 1:32 am yesterday when she heard her dogs barking and her security guard yelling. “I was just about to peep through my window when I heard my security yelling at someone.” Upon inquiring the woman said that her security told her that two men had just attempted to scale her fence. Reid told the media that she immediately tried to contact the police who told her that they were on their way. According to her, within minutes she saw three men walking near her home and another standing near a utility pole located next to her home. Reid further stated that she heard a gunshot and her security guard became quiet, “Then I heard another gunshot and I started screaming for the security and I didn’t hear anything, so I started to scream for thief and run to the bedroom,” she said. She then heard a banging on her back door and a crashing sound at her window, “Then I heard glass breaking I didn’t know where

The teacher’s home that was invaded. it was breaking. I heard when the back door open and I called the police again and screaming into the phone that they were in the house”. Three of the four men barged in to the house and into my bedroom and began to demand money. “One of them took my phone, then they asked for money. I told them I don’t have money. “ She said one then exited the house, while the three enquired about the person living downstairs. “They came and they ask me wah happen to the old man that was downstairs, and I said my husband was not here. They say ‘No, the man from downstairs’ and I said ‘I’m up here with you guys I can’t know where he is. “He had the gun to my

head and he put me to kneel down on the bed and they search up and they broke up stuff in the house. They didn’t get anything else; they just ransack and take what they wanted to take.” The woman also disclosed that the men took her downstairs and asked where was the key for the storeroom. All the while holding the gun to her head. “Them ask me where me stash the gold and the money and I said I don’t have. The one said strip let me see, so I started to pull down my dress”. However, one of the men told the others to desist from asking her to remove her clothing. According to the teacher, while she was searching for the storeroom key in her

bedroom, the three men ran downstairs where they left the security guard and started to hit him again. “I heard them beating him and I heard chopping sounds.” They then returned while still attempting to sexually assault her. “I hear them saying boy come along we got to go; police and then they ran out”. The security guard sustained several injuries about his body, and to his face. The men escaped with two gold rings, a DVR from the security cameras and an E-networks control box. She described one of the men as short and (Amerindian) by decent, while the others were reportedly of African descent. Law enforcement reportedly arrived a while after the almost 30-minute ordeal.

Lack of fiscal prudence costs government... From page 12 moves are currently being made by the Ministry to build capacity for entomology. But this is only at the central level. Thomas noted that while there is need for strategic measures to be implemented at a regional level to ensure that programmes are managed efficiently, it should not be done in a manner that merely seeks to attract attention but rather produce results that can help to improve the status of health care. Thomas underscored the importance of fiscal prudence especially in light of the fact that the health sector is confronted with a time of transitioning. “Years ago there was a lot of support from organisations such as The Global Fund, USAID, UNAIDS, CDC [but] those funding are drying up,” Thomas emphasised yesterday. Currently a representative of The Global Fund is in the country helping officials of the health sector chart the way forward to

achieve sustained independence. “While The Global Fund is not speaking of transitioning at this point in time they are talking about sustainability; what happens when the funding ends.” Thomas added, “(Yesterday) morning I had an early meeting with CDC and again CDC is saying to us they are not going to support us indefinitely. We have to start looking at how we are going to be taking over...It means then that fiscal prudence, management of financial resources has to be given priority.” In this regard, Thomas said that the support from donor agencies must only be sought for ventures that cannot be funded locally. “I am getting tired of seeing requests for funding agencies to buy snacks and meals for workshops; for expenses that do not require foreign exchange,” Thomas chided as he added, “whenever we get funding from agencies and we use the money for things that can

actually be done with local funding we are being poor managers.” According to the Permanent Secretary, he has already brought his concerns to the attention of the relatively new Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, even as he

reiterated that “fiscal prudence has got to be the watch word; we have got to manage our financial resources. “Gone are the days when there was so much that was available and we could do what we wanted with it,” he added.¬

“Shape up or ship out, Public... From page 13 quantification and supply planning. It is the support mechanism through which the inventory management system must be harmonised throughout the public health supply chain, it must support effective generation and reporting of accurate inventory data for decision-making at the level of the MMU.” In essence, the LMIS is the enabling platform that captures, communicates and analyses consumption, morbidity and programme data to improve health-care decision-making at all levels.” Lawrence, who is relatively new as Public Health Minister, is nevertheless distressed by the “negative reports that were being aired regard to access and availability of medicines and medical supplies and the need for us to upgrade our Logistics System,” she told the workshop. The LMIS, which is targeted for computerisation shortly, has to ‘shape up’ because it is the key to “good decisions…to ensure product availability and reliable customer service,” Lawrence said.

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Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

First ICT hub commissioned on E’bo coast Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, told the residents of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, on Monday that their initiative to change the name of their Community Management Committee to the Transformation Committee was very apt and in keeping with the Government’s thrust to transform Guyana into a digitally savvy nation. Her emphasis was on the fact that this initiative to partly transform rural and remote community centres into ICT hubs is being executed by the eGovernment Agency. On Monday, the Good Hope Community commissioned the first complete Community ICT Hub on the Essequibo Coast. It is equipped with 10 laptop computers all placed in neatly arranged cubicles. The computers were provided by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the necessary hardware which facilitates connection to the LTE network on the coast was installed recently by the eGovernment technical team, led by Director

Minister Cathy Hughes testing one of the computers in the ICT Hub. Phillip Walcott. This team is traversing the nation setting up internet connections in community centers and schools. In her rousing address to the residents and students of the Aurora Secondary School, Minister Hughes said how heartened she was to witness a Community ICT hub come to life. “This is the very essence of walking the

walk,” the Minister said. “You have shown us how committed you are to the education of your children, to the growth of your community through entrepreneurship and the ability to connect in real time with other communities to share ideas, share knowledge.” “The whole world is pushing entrepreneurship and the more developed nations are

Minister Hughes cuts the ribbon to the ICT facility in Essequibo coast. making it easier for micro industries to gain a foothold in the global market,” she said. She explained how easy it is to sell products as small as Tamarind Balls via the internet. She told the story of the lady from Essequibo who has been exporting her Tamarind Balls, Guava Cheese, mettai and other such products to Guyanese living in other countries.

The orders kept coming in for larger quantities due to her online connections and FaceBook advertising. “The sky is the limit,” she said while exhorting the residents to take care of the facilities that they are justly proud of. Head of the eGovernment Agency, Floyd Levi, explained the concept of Community ICT hubs which can accommodate people who

walk with their own laptop computers to connect to the free internet, as well as those who need to use the computers installed by his agency. Minister Hughes also handed over 10 laptop computers to the Managing Committee of the Charity ICT Hub which is expected to be commissioned in this first quarter of 2017.

NEW GPC finally coughs NICIL pussyfooting on retrieving lands gifted to China Railway up millions owed to NICIL New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, has finally coughed up the millions of dollars it owed to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) on Government’s 10 percent shares in the said company. This is according to Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James. The sum owed was approximately $5.7M for the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and

2015. The NICIL official also stated that legal letters were sent to several Government agencies which owe NICIL over $200M. The issue of the outstanding sums owed to NICIL by NEW GPC was revealed by a forensic audit that was conducted by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. Goolsarran, in his audit, stated, “In relation to the New GPC Inc., by Cabinet approval of October 1999 and September 2001, the Govern-

ment had sold 60 percent and 30 percent respectively of its shareholding in the predecessor organization, the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. for $658 million. However, there was no evidence that the New GPC paid any dividends to the Government for its 10 percent stake in the company. Contrary to Goolsarran’s findings, NICIL subsequently revealed that since privatization, it had in fact received $6.9M in dividends for its 10 percent minority shares in New GPC Inc. NICIL said that for 2007 it collected $495, 000. The entity noted, too, that in 2010, it received $2,665,000. The auditor made it clear however that this information was never presented to him and as such he believes that NICIL should come forward and produce the evidence of the dividends collected. “The big question is why? Why would anyone with God-given commonsense have a share in a company and simply be so lax with ensuring that they receive dividends? What is before us points to many corrupt things and Ramroop and the company’s former Chief Executive Officer, Winston Brassington, would have to explain this,” the financial analyst had expressed.

After a year of being in place, the Executive Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is yet to take action regarding a plot of Turkeyen land that was suspiciously gifted to China Railway Engineering Group during the PPP administration. China Railway was a key construction partner during discussions on the controversial Amaila Falls Hydro Project. In fact, the matter has never come up for discussion at a NICIL board meeting. This was confirmed yesterday by Officer in Charge of NICIL, Horace James. The matter was one which was first brought to the attention of the media by the Alliance for Change (AFC). Based on a publication in the Official Gazette, the party found that one acre of land at Plantation Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, as shown on a plan by D. Ramkarran, a sworn land surveyor and dated June 18, 2013 and signed by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on April 4, 2014 was transferred to NICIL. NICIL then transferred the land to China Railway Guyana Incorporated. There was no cost attached to the land transfer. Local critics have since noted that moves should be made for the land to be re-

Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James possessed. There have also been calls for sanctions to be imposed against those involved in the illicit transaction. The issue was also flagged by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran in his forensic audit report on NICIL. In the report, Goolsarran said that the land which was gifted to China Railway was initially GuySuCo’s. Kaieteur News had previously reported that GuySuCo was ordered to halt developmental negotiations because former President, Bharrat Jagdeo had “other plans” for the land. The land was gifted to the PPP government and it subsequently gifted it to NICIL. NICIL then disposed of the land to three companies, National Hardware, Multi Cinema Guyana and China Railway.

National Hardware and Multi Cinema secured sweetheart deals. National Hardware got 104 acres at $4.9M per acre while, Multi Cinemas Guyana secured 10.002 acres at $16M per acre. Both companies got good deals as another company was made to pay $32M per acre. Nevertheless, China Railway got an acre for free. Records referred to in Goolsarran’s report indicated that NICIL gifted the land to China Railway the very day that Government gifted the land to NICIL. Goolsarran’s report says that Sub lot AA at Plantation Turkeyen was East Coast Demerara transferred as a gift via order No.16 2014 the same day that it was vested in NICIL via order No. 15/2014. Both orders were signed by the then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Russia, China block U.N. sanctions on Syria over gas attacks

Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Vladimir Safronkov raises his arm to vote against a United Nations Security Council resolution to ban the supply of helicopters to the Syrian government and to blacklist Syrian military commanders over accusations of toxic gas attacks at U.N. headquarters in New York City, yesterday. (REUTERS/Mike Segar) (Reuters) Russia yesterday cast its seventh veto to protect the Syrian government from United Nations Security Council action, blocking a bid by Western powers to impose sanctions over accusations of chemical weapons attacks during the six-year Syrian conflict. China backed Russia and cast its sixth veto on Syria. Russia had said the vote on the resolution, drafted by France, Britain and the United States, would harm U.N.-led peace talks between the warring Syrian parties in Geneva, which began last week. Nine council members voted in favor, Bolivia voted against, while Egypt, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan abstained. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Russia, Britain or China to be adopted. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the draft resolution yesterday as “totally inappropriate.” “For my friends in Russia, this resolution is very appropriate,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the council after the vote. “It is a sad day on the Se-

curity Council when members start making excuses for other member states killing their own people. The world is definitely a more dangerous place,” she said. The vote was one of the first confrontations at the United Nations between Russia and the United States since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, pledging to build closer ties with Moscow. Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov described the statements made against Moscow in the Security Council as “outrageous” and declared that “God will judge you.” “Today’s clash or confrontation is not a result of our negative vote. It is a result of the fact that you decided on provocation while you knew well ahead of time our position,” said Safronkov. Western powers put forward the resolution in response to the results of an investigation by the U.N. and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The international inquiry found Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants had

Public Health Ministry... (From page 24) existence of limited resources- personnel and otherwise, at that particular ward of the hospital. “This is why we need to come up with a solution,” Minister Lawrence said. The example, she noted,

also highlights the need for regional hospitals to become advanced enough to handle cases that would normally be referred to the GPHC. Efforts have begun in this direction, Minister Lawrence said. (Rehana Ahamad)

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Kaieteur News

used mustard gas. British U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told the council before the vote: “This is about taking a stand when children are poisoned. It’s that simple. It’s about taking a stand when civilians are maimed and murdered with toxic weapons.” Chlorine’s use as a weapon is banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns to hydrochloric acid in the lungs and can kill by burning lungs and drowning victims in body fluids. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government has denied its forces have used chemical weapons. Russia has questioned the results of the U.N./OPCW inquiry and long said there was not enough proof for the Security Council to take any action. French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre said the failure by the council to act would “send a message of impunity.” China’s U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi said it was too early to act because the international investigation was still ongoing. “We oppose the use of chemical weapons,” he said. The draft resolution would have banned the sale or supply of helicopters to the Syrian government because the U.N./OPCW inquiry found Syrian government forces had used helicopters to drop barrel bombs containing chlorine gas.

J’ca police kill more than 30 people since start of 2017 KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – At least 31 people have been shot and killed by members of the security forces in Jamaica since the start of the year, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has said. INDECOM Assistant Commissioner, Hamish Campbell, said that in addition to those killed, 11 other persons have been shot and injured since the start of 2017. “This increase is at 55 per cent over last year fatalities so far, so (a) worrying increase… If it were to continue unabated at this level, the new commissioner of police and the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) would be overseeing fatality rates which have not been seen since 2013, where the figures reached over 200 fatalities a year at the current rate,” he said. Campbell said that of the 42 people shot by members of the security forces this year, 15 were not armed with

a gun. INDECOM is also reporting a slight increase in fatal shootings by members of the security forces in 2016, when compared with the same period for 2015. It said 111 people were shot and killed by the security forces last year. A further 69 were shot and injured, representing a marginal increase in fatal incidents involving the security forces when compared to 2015, when 101 shootings were recorded. However, the periods 2015 and 2016 recorded less fatal incidents than 2014, which had 115. The figures showed that the JCF accounted for 106 of the fatalities, while the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recorded four. In its 2017 report issued over the last weekend, the London-based human rights group, Amnesty International, said unlawful killings and extrajudicial executions continued in Jamaica. “While the number of

killings by police has significantly reduced in recent years, 111 people were killed by law enforcement officials in 2016, compared with 101 in 2015. Women whose relatives were killed by police, and their families, experienced pervasive police harassment and intimidation, and faced multiple barriers to accessing justice, truth and reparation.” The human rights group said that Jamaica again failed to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, signed in September 2000, nor had it adhered to the UN Convention against Torture or the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Last year, 20 members of the JCF were arrested and charged. Five were charged with murder. INDECOM noted that of the 516 reports completed last year, it was recommended in 365 or 70.7 per cent of the cases that no criminal charges or disciplinary action be taken.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Mazaruni Wharf, M.V Malali, Morawhanna Stelling to be... >>> From page 11 <<<

For the excavation of the Eversham outfall, Corentyne Berbice, Region Six:

The construction of drainage structure and rehabilitation of earthern embankment from Bushlot to Triangle, Wakenaam Island, Region Three:

The excavation of the Number 51/52 outfall also is Region Six:

Repairs to the NDIA building at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara:

The excavation of the Adventure outfall in Berbice:

Finally, under the NDIA, bids were submitted for the repairs to the building located at Flagstaff, East Demerara Water Conservancy Region Four.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Trump intelligence nominee supports probes on Russian interference (Reuters) President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the director of national intelligence pledged on Tuesday to support thorough investigation of any Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election, seeking to reassure lawmakers worried that partisan politics might interfere with a probe. “I think this is something that needs to be investigated and addressed,” former Republican Senator Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee during his confirmation hearing to be the top U.S. intelligence official. Coats, 73, a former member of the intelligence panel, also promised that it would have full access to all of the documents and other materials needed for an investigation. “I have no intention of holding anything back from this committee,” Coats said. Trump denounced intelligence agencies for their assessment that Russia sought to influence the election on his behalf, prompting concerns about his support for

them. Trump has also repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading some in Washington worry that he might not take a hard enough line in dealings with Moscow. In his opening statement, Coats addressed that concern by listing activity by Russia, along with that of China and North Korea, as among the main challenges faced by the United States. “Russia’s assertiveness in global affairs is something I look upon with great concern, which we need to address with eyes wide open and a healthy degree of skepticism,” Coats said. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11 attacks to oversee all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and improve communications among them. One concern about Coats was his record on the U.S. use after the 2001 attacks of so-called enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, which are widely seen as torture. In 2015, he was one of the few lawmakers who opposed legis-

lation sponsored by Republican Senator John McCain that made the use of such techniques illegal. Coats promised that he would follow the law, saying he voted against that legislation because he wanted “to at least have a discussion” about the best way to proceed if intelligence agencies wanted to

obtain crucial information quickly. Coats also strongly defended U.S. government surveillance programs, though he said he would “do everything I can” to publicly disclose an estimate of the number of Americans caught in the crosshairs of internet sur-

veillance programs intended to target foreigners. But he stopped short of guaranteeing such a disclosure, which privacy advocates in Congress have requested for years and said is necessary to properly debate possible reforms to a surveillance law that expires at the

end of 2017. Although he was ambassador to Germany under President George W. Bush, Coats would be the first director of national intelligence who has not spent most of his career in the military, in intelligence agencies or as a diplomat.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

South Korea suggests North’s suspension from U.N. over airport killing (Reuters) South Korea called for “collective measures” to punish North Korea for using chemical weapons to kill the estranged halfbrother of its leader Kim Jong Un, as Malaysia said yesterday it would charge two women with murder over the airport attack. Police have said the women smeared VX nerve agent, a chemical on a United Nations list of banned weapons of mass destruction, on Kim Jong Nam’s face in an assault captured on security cameras in the Malaysian capital’s airport on Feb. 13. U.S. and South Korean officials believe he was the victim of an assassination orchestrated by Pyongyang. North Korea said yesterday it “categorically rejects” what it called “fictitious and preposterous assumptions”. Speaking at the U.N.backed Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva yesterday, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said the use of chemical weapons was a “wake-up call” and the international community should act - including possibly suspending the isolated North’s seat at the United Nations. “Many international media pointed out that North Korea’s use of chemical weapons for the targeted killing in a third country sent a very clear message to the world,” South Korea’s Yun told the Geneva forum. “Namely this impulsive, unpredictable, trigger-happy and brutal regime is ready and willing to strike anyone, anytime, anywhere.” North Korea called his comments “despicable and illnatured”. Kim Jong Nam had been living in exile, under Beijing’s protection, in the Chinese territory of Macau, and had criticized the regime of his family and his half-brother, Kim Jong Un. Malaysian police arrested a Vietnamese woman, Doan Thi Huong, and an Indonesian, Siti Aishah, in the days after the attack. Police are also holding one North Korean man and have identified seven other North Koreans wanted in connection with a case that reads like the plot to a spy movie. Both women will be formally charged today under section 302 of the penal code, which carries the death penalty, Malaysia’s attorney

Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, addresses the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse) general, Mohamed Apandi Ali, confirmed to Reuters in a text message. DEADLYNERVEAGENT VX is one of the deadliest chemical weapons ever created, far more potent than Sarin, the gas used in deadly chemical attacks in Syria in 2013 and in an attack on the Tokyo subway by a Japanese doomsday cult in 1995. “Just a few grams of VX is sufficient for mass killing,” Yun said. “North Korea is reported to have not just grams but thousands of tonnes of chemical weapons, including VX, all over the country ... The recent assassination is a wake-up call to all of us to North Korea’s chemical weapons capability and its intent to actually use them.” States could invoke the Chemical Weapons Convention as the use of such agents was in “flagrant violation of international law”, Yun said. Malaysia is part of the 1993 pact prohibiting their production, transfer and use, but North Korea is not. Once the Malaysian government releases the results of its investigation, the U.N. Security Council and state parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention should take up the case as a “high priority agenda”, Yun said. States that have ratified the chemical weapons ban could invoke the treaty and “take collective measures”, he added. “It could take the form of suspension of North Korea’s rights and privileges as a U.N. member,” he said. His comment drew an angry response from North Korea. “North Korea totally rejects the despicable, irre-

sponsible, impertinent and illogical remarks made by South Korea,” North Korean diplomat Ju Yong Choi told the same meeting in Geneva later on Tuesday. “DPRK has never produced or stockpiled or used chemical weapons and our position is clear,” he added, using the abbreviation for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. ‘REALITY TV PRANK’ Security camera footage, which has been broadcast in the media, showed two women assaulting Kim Jong Nam in the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. He died within 20 minutes. Both of the women arrested have told diplomats from their countries that they had been paid to take part in what they believed was a prank for a reality television show. Huong, the Vietnamese woman, was detained 48 hours after the murder in the same airport terminal where Kim Jong Nam was killed. She is believed to be the woman wearing a white shirt emblazoned with the acronym “LOL”, whose image was caught on security cameras while waiting for a taxi after the attack. The Indonesian woman, Siti Aishah, was detained a day later. Police have said the women knew what they were doing when they attacked Kim Jong Nam and were instructed to wash their hands afterwards. Police said Aishah fell sick, vomiting repeatedly while in custody possibly as a side-effect of VX, though Indonesian embassy officials have subsequently said she was in good health.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Gov’t warns officers, inmates involved in illegal recordings will be punished KINGSTON, Jamaica — State minister in the Ministry of National Security, Pearnel Charles Jr. has warned that any officer or inmate involved in unauthorised and illegal recordings in the penal system will be punished. In a release from the ministry, Charles said that while music and the creative arts are important tools of rehabilitation, which are facilitated by radio stations at the Tower Street and St Catherine prisons, rehabilitation does not include illegal recordings and “any such activities are prohibited, and punitive action will be taken against any officer or inmate found involved and in breach of these regulations”. Charles’ warning comes after Opposition MP Lisa Hanna threw the country into debate over whether the music of incarcerated dancehall star Vybz Kartel should be played on Jamaican radio. Hanna reportedly received death threats after calling for the entertainer’s music to be banned.

New music from the artiste has continued to be released despite being incarcerated since 2011, and Jamaicans have long speculated about whether the artiste has been recording music while imprisoned. However, Kartel and various production collaborators have denied such speculation. Charles yesterday acknowledged that the penal system contained flaws, which allowed contraband within prisons. “What now exists is a dysfunctional system, where we have to contend with contraband entering our correctional facilities and the allegations of complicity of our staff in this matter. This poses a potential threat to our national security and to our efforts to redefine and transform the Department of Correctional Services”, he said. Four DCS officers were recently arrested and are now before the court on charges pertaining to corruptive dealings with inmates, while other officers have been removed

for alleged unprofessional conduct. Charles declared: “We will make every effort to eradicate corruption and criminality and to hold persons accountable for breaches, as well as deficiencies in management. It is unacceptable that breaches continue year after year, and it is time to draw a line in the sand!” The release from the ministry also said that the Department of Correctional Services is deepening its collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Agency, in the analysis of data found on cellular phones seized in the correctional institutions. Arising from several highlevel security meetings, the most recent being Monday, the ministry said a systemwide security assessment will be implemented to strengthen the internal controls in all institutions and deter corruption and the conduct of criminal activity within the correctional facilities.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Life-saving Togo striker wins over Czech fans... (From page 33) pitch and run some 60 metres (yards). “Seconds matter in a situation like this. If you swallow your tongue you start to choke, the flow of air into the brain stops, so you have to act as fast as possible,” said Bohemians spokesman Tomas Mutinsky. “If Martin is in a stable condition today, it is largely thanks to Francis,” he told AFP. - ‘Endless seconds’ “I would like to thank Francis Kone for his prompt help that saved my life. Once again, THANK YOU,” Berkovec wrote on Facebook. The keeper is set to meet his saviour soon. “He has invited me for dinner,” said Kone. One Bohemians fan

tweeted his thanks to Kone after the goalless draw: “He taught me something today, and not only me.” Another fan who was in the stands on Saturday told Bohemians’ club website how Kone’s quick thinking had impacted on the club’s hard core fans. “Two guys were sitting next to me. Racists. Their language was...(racist), monkey stuff,” he said. “And then comes the shock. Endless seconds. Martin falls and doesn’t move. Kone is the first to arrive. He pulls the keeper’s tongue out. A rival. A black guy.” “The entire stadium is silent, including the two guys. I don’t give a damn about the score. Martin will be OK, Francis Kone helped him. A

rival? A black? A man!” Born in Bondoukou in the northeast of Ivory Coast, Kone has taken advantage of his mother’s nationality to play for Togo since 2013. At 26, he has had a varied career, having played for several clubs in Thailand (Muangthong United FC, PTT Rayong), Oman (AlMusannah), Portugal (Olhanense) and Hungary (Honved Budapest) before joining Slovacko in 2015. “This is the fourth time it has happened to me — (I’ve experienced this) once in Thailand and twice in Africa,” said Kone. “No, I don’t have medical education,” he chuckles. “In this type of situation, I always make sure whether the player has not swallowed his tongue.”

Wednesday March 01, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You must avoid gossip and focus on what you have to do. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. You will communicate with ease today. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today will be rather hectic on the domestic scene. Don't put your professional reputation on the line. Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your boss won't be too thrilled if you leave things unfinished. You may find that depression is causing you to feel lonely and insecure. Problems with females you live or work with will try your patience and cause temper flare ups.

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Kaieteur News

tarian groups will enhance your reputation. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Encourage the youngsters in your family. Be discreet about any information you uncover. Try to include the one you love in your plans today. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. Avoid extravagance or risky financial schemes. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Don't trust a deal that looks too good, or a lover who appears to have it all. You'll only hurt your lover if you don't.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be aware that minor accidents or injury may prevail if you are preoccupied. Romance appears. You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Your partner may blame you for everything. Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take the time to do your job correctly or you may find yourself looking for a new one. Don't be too quick to sign documents. Travel and learning should be on your agenda today.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You won't be admired at home if you haven't been taking care of your share of the work. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies. Any difficulties with peers could be unnerving.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may have a problem at work with a female coworker. Don't blame others for your own stubbornness. Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humani-

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. You can make money if you are wise in your choices. Opportunities will come through long term investments.

GAWA spotlights three for Manual Suarez weightlifting tournament Three weightlifters have been selected to represent Guyana at the Manual Suarez weightlifting tournament in Havana Cuba from March 20 – 26 and executives of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) is optimistic of accruing the requisite funding to facilitate their attendance. Those selected for na-

tional duty are Matthew Assing, Jonathan Ford and Krystal Chandraban. They earned their spots after credible performances at a national trial staged by the G AWA a t t h e M i c h a e l Parris Fitness Center, National Park on Sunday February 19. General Secretary (GAWA) Seon Erskine, will

accompany the team as the Manager, while Seon Cozier will be the coach. The Manuel Suarez Tournament is high calibre event within the Pan-American Circuit that also encompasses an educational forum where the latest sport science research and coaching techniques are divulged to all participants.

Dowrich, Cummins out of 13-man squad ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Batsman Shane Dowrich and fast bowler Miguel Cummins have been chopped from the 15-man squad for the three One-Day Internationals against England starting here Friday. Dowrich is yet to make his

Adams backs... (From page 37) crop of players. “Standards aren’t good enough across the board and it’s reflected in the cricket that we play,” he noted. “But for me, we’ve got raw material, we’ve got good young players. What we need is a system that can take this raw talent and convert it into an international product that is world class.

debut in ODIs while fellow Barbadian Cummins has two played two games. The 13-man squad will now turn their attention to finalising preparation for the opening ODI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, with the second game set for the same venue on Sunday. Kensington Oval in Bar-

bados will host the final encounter on March 9. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 01, 2017

Former FIFA secretary general Valcke appeals 10-year soccer ban (Reuters) Former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his 10year ban from soccer, the tribunal said yesterday. The Frenchman, whose job was to ensure the smooth running of FIFA and in particular its flagship World Cup tournament, was righthand man to now banned president Sepp Blatter before both were embroiled in a corruption scandal w h i c h s w e p t s o c c e r ’s governing body in 2015. Valcke was found guilty by FIFA ethics judge HansJoachim Eckert of misconduct over the sale of World Cup tickets, abuse of travel expenses, attempting to sell TV rights below their market value and destruction of evidence.

A file picture shows FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke addressing a news conference after a meeting of the FIFA executive committee in Zurich September 26, 2014. (Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann/Files Picture Supplied by Action Images) He was initially banned for 12 years, which was reduced to 10 by FIFA’s own

appeal committee last June. CAS said the Frenchman “seeks to have the

challenged decision set aside in order for the sanction imposed on him to be lifted

definitively”. Valcke, fired from his post in January last year, is still facing another investigation by FIFA and criminal proceedings in Switzerland. Last March, the office of Swiss attorney-general Michael Lauber said Valcke was suspected of criminal mismanagement and other offences. He denies any wrongdoing. In September, FIFA’s ethics committee opened a new investigation into Blatter, Valcke and former finance director Markus Kattner for possible ethics violations which included bribery and corruption. That investigation, in which all three deny wrongdoing, is still under way. CAS has already rejected appeals from Blatter and former European soccer boss

Michel Platini, who was also embroiled in the scandal, although in the latter’s case it cut the ban from six years to four. Valcke joined FIFA in 2003 as marketing director but was fired in December 2006 for his part in botched sponsorship negotiations with credit card firms MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. Within months of that settlement, Valcke was not only back at FIFA but was at the helm of the administration as secretary general, answering directly to Blatter. He was widely credited with getting the 2010 and 2 0 1 4 Wo r l d C u p tournaments, held in South Africa and Brazil respectively, up and running in time after delays in the preparations.

Wawrinka suffers Raikkonen puts Ferrari on top after test day two early defeat in Dubai BARCELONA (Reuters) Kimi Raikkonen put Ferrari on top of the timesheets after the second day of Formula One’s pre-season testing yesterday but world champions Mercedes still led the way on kilometers covered. Raikkonen was a mere 0.023 faster than triple champion Lewis Hamilton at the end of the day, although the Briton got out at lunchtime and handed his Mercedes to new team mate Valtteri Bottas. Ferrari’s Finn had been second quickest in the morning, but on slower medium tyres than Hamilton’s supersofts. He set his fastest time on softs in the afternoon. While Raikkonen ended the day with 108 laps under his belt, the Mercedes pair put in 168 laps between them after an untroubled 152 on Monday. Hamilton’s 66 were the equivalent of a Spanish

Grand Prix race distance. Reliability more than the lap times is the main focus at this stage of the year with the new-look wider cars, on fatter front and rear tyres and w i t h r e v a m p e d aerodynamics, unveiled only last week. Ferrari, who have kept their cards close to their chest with no media activities on the first two days after a lowkey online launch, also showed good reliability on Monday with Sebastian Vettel completing 128 laps. Raikkonen’s best lap of one minute 20.960 seconds compared to the fastest time in 2016 Barcelona testing of 1:22.765. Red Bull and McLaren, who had a troubled debut day, had mixed fortunes on day two. Dutch teenager Max Verstappen did 89 laps for Red Bull but Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne managed only 40 in the McLaren and was second slowest.

Vandoorne was halted after 29, and partners Honda changed the power unit. “I think it was positive to get back behind the wheel after four months of no driving,” said former GP2 c h a m p i o n Va n d o o r n e , looking on the bright side. “It was a good first feeling for me and I immediately felt confident in the car and very comfortable...unfortunately we had a loss of engine power during the morning after a couple of laps, we’re still investigating what the issues are.” Others also wrestled with garage gremlins. Renault’s Jolyon Palmer managed to do one untimed installation lap in the morning, after the team flew in new parts overnight, but ended the day with 53 done. Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, standing in for the injured Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber, did five before the team swapped out the Ferrari power unit and then 62 more after lunch. Canadian teenage rookie Lance Stroll spun off after 12 laps, going through the gravel backwards and damaging his Williams, forcing the team to abandon testing for the day.

( R e u t e r s ) Wo r l d number three Stan Wawrinka fell at the first hurdle in the Dubai Open yesterday, beaten 7-6(4) 63 by 77th-ranked Bosnian Damir Dzumhur. “I was not good enough,” Swiss Wawrinka, playing his first match since losing to Roger Federer in the Australian Open semi-finals, said. “I started well but it was

a tough match. It was his day.” The 24-year-old Dzumhur, making his debut at the Dubai tournament, recovered from losing the first three games to outplay the second seed and threetimes grand slam champion. He will next play Spain’s Marcel Granollers next. Top seed and world

number one Andy Murray recovered from losing serve early in his match against Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri before posting a 6-4 6-1 victory. Murray, who suffered a bout of shingles since losing early in the Australian Open, was relatively untroubled as he set up a second round against Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland returns a shot to Alessandro Giannessi of Italy (not pictured) on day four of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Brown a ‘Steeler for life’ after new deal Life-saving Togo striker

wins over Czech fans Togolese striker Francis Kone attends to Martin Berkovec after the incident.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Antonio Brown to a four-year, $68 million contract extension that makes him the highest paid wide receiver in the National Football League, NFL.com reported on Monday. The 28-year-old r e c e i v e r, w h o s e d e a l includes a $19 million signing bonus, had one year

remaining on his current contract, which was set to pay him $4.71 million in 2017. The average $17 million per year salary over the duration of the deal is $2 million higher than that of Cincinnati’s A.J. Green, who had previously been the league’s highest paid wide receiver, and takes Brown through the 2021 season.

A five-time Pro Bowl player, Brown finished this past season second in the NFL in receptions (106), tied for second in touchdown catches (12) and fifth in receiving yards (1,284). He posted a photo of himself on Twitter during his contract signing with a message: “Steelers for life.”

Prague (AFP) - Racially abused by their fans, Togolese striker Francis Kone has taken on hero status after saving a rival goalkeeper’s life in a Czech top-flight game last weekend. Half an hour into S a t u r d a y ’s t i e p i t t i n g Bohemians 1905 Prague against Kone’s FC Slovacko, Bohemians keeper Martin Berkovec sprinted towards

the edge of the box to head out a long pass. He crashed into his teammate, defender Daniel Krch, who was also running after the ball at full speed. The home crowd in Prague watched in horror as the impact left the 28-yearold Berkovec unconscious on the pitch with a swallowed tongue. Swept to the ground by the tumbling keeper

Slovacko striker Kone was first to provide emergency first aid as soon as he stood up. “I was close because I was involved in the play,” Kone told AFP on Monday. He managed to pull out Berkovec’s tongue in the time it took Bohemians’ medical staff to arrive at the scene after waiting for the referee to wave them onto the (Continued on page 31)

Pune pitch gets ‘poor’ rating from ICC match referee

Steve O’Keefe and his team-mates are thrilled after Virat Kohli’s wicket, India v Australia, 1st Test, Pune, 3rd day, February 25, 2017 ©AFP ESPNCRICINFO - The pitch used for the first Test between India and Australia in Pune has been given a “poor” rating by the ICC match referee Chris Broad. Australia won the Test match, which ended in the post-tea session of day three,

by 333 runs, bowling India out for 105 and 107. India’s match total of 212 runs was their lowest in a home Test in which they had lost all 20 wickets. Spinners accounted for 31 of the 40 wickets that fell during the Test. According to the ICC’s

pitch and outfield monitoring process, a pitch is said to be poor if any of the following apply: · The pitch offers excessive seam movement at any stage of the match · The pitch displays excessive unevenness of

bounce for any bowler at any stage of the match · The pitch offers excessive assistance to spin bowlers, especially early in the match · The pitch displays little or no seam movement or turn at any stage in the match together with no significant bounce or carry, thereby depriving the bowlers of a fair contest between bat and ball In accordance with Clause 3 of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, Broad submitted his report to the ICC, expressing concern over the quality of the pitch. The ICC has forwarded the match referee’s report to the BCCI, which now has 14 days to respond. Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s General Manager Cricket, and Ranjan Madugalle, ICC’s chief referee, will review the BCCI’s response and study footage from the match, before ruling on whether or not the pitch was substandard.

The penalty for a pitch that is ruled substandard for the first time - as would be the case for Pune, which was hosting its first ever Test match - is “[a] warning and/or a fine not exceeding USD 15,000 given together with a directive for appropriate corrective action”, according to Clause 4 of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. Indian pitches have been under the ICC scanner for a while. In December 2015, the Nagpur pitch was rated poor by the ICC match referee Jeff Crowe after India had defeated South Africa inside three days. Earlier this month, the ICC chief executives committee, backed by the ICC board, decided to punish

severely venues that presented substandard pitches. A system of imposing demerit points against each venue was proposed by the Chief Executives Committee. The proposal will be ratified at the ICC annual conference in June and subsequently, the news rules will take effect. “It was agreed that a system of demerit points be introduced, similar to the new Code of Conduct system. Demerit points will remain active for a rolling five-year period. When a venue accumulates 5 demerit points, its ICC accreditation will be suspended for a period of 12 months. Should a venue reach 10 points, its accreditation will be suspended for 24 months,” an ICC release said.

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Wednesday March 01, 2017

Andy Murray defeats Malek Jaziri at Dubai Championships, Dan Evans beats Dustin Brown BBC Sport – World number one Andy Murray beat Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri in straight sets at the Dubai Championships in his first match for five weeks. Murray, 29, was playing for the first time since his fourth-round defeat at the Australian Open last month. Jaziri, ranked 51st in the world, broke Murray’s serve early on but the top seed recovered to win 6-4 6-1. Britain’s Dan Evans also reached the second round with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Germany’s Dustin Brown. Murray will face Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, who won their last meeting at Indian Wells in 2012, on

Wednesday, while Evans takes on French fourth seed Gael Monfils. Second seed Stan Wawrinka made an early exit with a shock 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 defeat by Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I was not good enough,” Wawrinka told the ATP. “I think I started well, but it was a tough match, missing a little bit something to push a little bit more to be a little bit more active. I think after coming back after one month out, I had to recover from the (right knee) injury.” F i f t h s e e d To m a s Berdych led 6-3 2-1 when fellow Czech Lukas Rosol retired with a knee injury.

Despite a first-serve percentage of just 40%, Murray was satisfied with his first match back, saying: “I was a little bit uneasy, I’ve never hit with him or played against him before. “It took a little bit of time to get used to his game.” The Scot had been laid low with a bout of shingles following the Australian Open, and revealed that it was his mother-in-law, Leonore Sears, who diagnosed the problem. “I had a little bit of a rash from my bum round to my stomach,” said Murray. “It wasn’t terrible. Normally if you have a little bit of a rash and you scratch

Francis targets 400m final at World Championships

Murray was knocked out of the Australian Open in January by world number 50 Mischa Zverev. (Reuters) it it feels better. With that it was really, really painful. “I didn’t think much of it at the beginning, but it was actually my wife’s mum

(who diagnosed it). “We were having dinner and I said ‘this is really irritating me’ and she was like ‘pull your pants down and

show me, it might be shingles’ and I was like ‘OK’. “And then the next day I got the doctor and she was right.”

Flour Power National U-17 leaves for the Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique today NAMILCO Managing Director Sukhai wishes team every success

Javon Francis celebrates after running a splendid anchor leg, taking Akan Track Club from third to first, winning the men’s 4x400m relay in 3:06.22 minutes at the Gibson McCook Relays at the National Stadium on Saturday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Jamaica Observer Javon Francis, Jamaica’s top male quarter-miler, says he will not get distracted trying to chase the National Record, but will focus on getting to the final of the event at the IAAF World Championships in London later this year. Francis, who is tied with Bertland Cameron with the fourth-fastest time by a Jamaican with 44.50 seconds, told the Jamaica Observer his main focus this season is getting to the last eight in London. “I don’t want to put the National Record on my mind and get too excited, I just want to keep focused, (as) records come and go. Hopefully all will go well for me this year,” he said after he led his Akan team to victory in the 4x400m relays at the

Gibson/McCook Relays at the National Stadium. Rusheen McDonald has the National Record of 43.93 seconds set in the first round o f t h e I A A F Wo r l d Championships in Beijing, China, in August 2015, making him the 12th-fastest man ever over the distance. He broke the mark of 44.40 seconds set by Jermaine Gonzalez in Monaco in 2010, while Roxbert Martin has the thirdfastest of 44.49 seconds set in 1997. On Saturday night, Francis, who has developed a reputation as a ‘relay demon’, got the baton in third place, moved into second place, backed off the pace at 250 metres, before kicking into high gear on the last curve and ran to the line,

winning easily. Francis said his preparation for the 2017 season has been going well so far and his training partners, including Kavaughn Nelson and Peter Matthews, have been pushing him hard in training. “I have been making it to the semi-finals (at World Championships and Olympic Games); it’s time to get to the final now, so I am hoping for the best,” he said. The IAAF World Relays is in the Bahamas in April and Francis has it on his radar. “I really want to go to the World Relays (as) Bahamas is a wonderful country, like Jamaica, and I will always try to make it there for the World Relays as long as I can,” Francis noted.

As the Flour Power National Under-17 team leaves for the Tournoi Paul Chillan Invitational tournament that features six nations including the host, Managing Director of the National Milling company of Guyana (NAMILCO) Bert Sukhai has extended best wishes to the team. NAMILCO, which has invested in a multi-million dollars 5-year National Inter A s s o c i a t i o n U n d e r- 1 7 championship, has seen its investment already bearing fruit with the selection of some of the best players who will be representing Guyana from March 1-5. Sukhai commented: “NAMILCO is happy to know that players from the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power U17 League have been chosen to represent Guyana in the Tournoi Paul Chillan U-17 tournament in Martinique. We a t N A M I L C O recognise that for the game of football to grow from strength to strength in the future, we have to start with the youths and we feel that our investment at this level of the game is a sound one.” The other competing nations at the tournament are Guadeloupe, French Guiana,

Bert Sukhai

Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti. Sukhai noted that this is the right direction for the game to go in terms of regular and deliberate exposure for the players which would aid in their development so that Guyana can hold its own at the international level. ”We hope that these young players will eventually go on play for the senior National team and make Guyana and NAMILCO proud. We wish them every success in the tournament and hope they be enriched with experience and fervor to do even better.” The 18-man squad was

involved in an eight-day camp from February 21st ahead of travelling with nine players from the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), two each from the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) and one player each from the Berbice Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( B FA ) , Rupununi Football Association (RFA) and Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA). There is also one overseas-based player from the United States of America (USA). (Franklin Wilson)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 01, 2017

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GCB/MOE/DMLAS National Schools cricket

Parris’ 6-17 spurs Chase Academy to crushing win over Mahaicony Sec Book place in National semis on Tuesday against B’ce winner

National U-17 left-hander was made to work hard for his runs on a slow track that kept low.

Wendell Fordyce and team mates celebrate the demise of Dwayne Dick with dance moves. By Sean Devers An incisive six-over spell of seam bowling from 14-year-old Kadeem Parris spurred National defending Champions Chase Academy to a crushing eight-wicket win over East Coast Champions Mahaicony Secondary in the second Demerara Semi-final of the GCB/MOE/DMLAS 30over National Secondary Schools cricket competition match at the Fairfield ground yesterday. The win booked Chase Academy a place in the National Semis against the winner of the Berbice district on Tuesday and joined last year’s runners-up West

Demerara Secondary, who beat St Cuthbert’s Secondary on Monday and will oppose the Essequibo winner on Friday at Meten-Meer-Zorg. Parris snatched a career best 6-17 and got support from Tairhys Payne (2-5) to demolish Mahaicony Secondary for 46 in 19.4 overs as no batsman reached double figures. Chase Academy had to work hard for the win with National U-17 opener Sachin Singh facing 39 balls for his unbeaten 20 without a single boundary seeing them to 47-2 from 10.4 overs thanks to 17 wides. Pacer Wendell Fordyce took both of the wickets to fall for 13 runs.

In sweltering conditions with a small crowd comprising mainly a group of Chase Academy students who embarked on the 50minutes trip from the City to Mahaicony, the home team won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat on a slow and low track with plenty of preparation moisture and very heavy outfield. They began in disastrous fashion when Omprakash Bharat (1) was bowled by Singh in the first over at 1-1 before Parris had Andre Alphin (4 from 23 balls) caught and bowled and knocked out the stumps of Mahaicony Secondary’s best batsman Chatterpaul Durra for a duck as two wickets

tumbled at 12 to leave the impressive Parris on a hattrick. Shoaib Shaw (4 from 37 balls) and Fordyce (7) were kept in shackles and struggled to get the ball away on a difficult track to bat on before Tairhys Payne bowled Shaw in the 12th over at 26-4 and Parris breached the defence of Fordyce as Mahaicony slumped to 32-5 in the 14th over and the City school were in the ascendancy. Parris was on a roll against clearly out matched opponents despite Shaw and Alphin showing good temperament and a solid technique. Payne had Jonathon

Fraser (1) caught at mid-on before Parris got rid of J o s h u a Ta p p i n ( 0 ) , Budeshwar Daramdat (0) and Kapishwar Jagdeo (1) as three wickets fell on 34 as the host stumbled to 34-9 in the 18th over. Clevon Burnett (6*) and 12-year-old Daniel Ramotar, not much taller than the stumps, added 12 for the last wicket before off-spinner Dwayne Dick, who opened the bowling, trapped Ramotar (1) Lbw as the last six wickets tumbled for 14 runs. Payne supported Parris with 2-5, while Singh (1-5) and Dick (1-4) bowled well for Chase Academy who began the chase of the small

Andre Alphin turns one to leg from Kadeem Parris who captured 6-17 at Fairfield yesterday.

target nervously. Fordyce, under a blue sky with white ‘cotton wool like’ clouds floating lazily over the Fairfield sward, induced Garrick Persaud to work a ball off his legs straight to short square-leg before he had scored and the Georgetown Champions were in a spot of bother on 61. The usually pugnacious Singh was kept on a tight leash and along with Dick carried the score to 17 as the untidy Mahaicony bowlers aided the visitors with a healthy contribution of wides. Dick on-drove Shaw past mid-on for the first boundary of the innings in the second over before the right hander who just missed a maiden century in the Georgetown final against Charlestown Secondary at DCC, missed a big drive at Fordyce and his off stump was sent for a walk at 17-2 after he had made just six. His demised sparked celebrations of energetic dance moves, led by a pumped up Fordyce and the small band of Mahaicony Secondary supporters who doubled as Coaches beyond the boundary, were on their feet in expectation of something dramatic occurring. But Singh was dropped at long-on by Tappin off Bharat when on 16 and score 32-2 and the levelheaded Nedd batted their school to what was expected to be a much easier victory.

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Wednesday March 01, 2017

CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship

Haynes excited at being named Best Young Player By Franklin Wilson Twenty-one year-old Golden Jaguar beach soccer player Jamal Haynes, a member of the Attention Family Beach Soccer Club based in the Bauxite Mining To w n o f L i n d e n h a s expressed a feeling of excitement having been named as the Best Young Player at the just concluded CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship played at Malcolm Park, Nassau, Bahamas. Haynes’ speed, team spirit, work ethic and showmanship was duly recognised by the panel which picked the top individual performers from the championship that attracted 16 nations including the likes of new champions Panama, beaten finalists Mexico, USA, C a n a d a , Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago and El Salvador. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport after receiving the Scotiabank Best Young Player trophy, Haynes expressed delight at being recognized and rewarded for his efforts at his first major international tournament, his only prior experience being the Barbados Beach Soccer Showcase which was held in the Land of the Flying Fish from February 10-12, 2017. ”I’m feeling very excited, first time having gotten this experience oversees in one of the biggest tournaments in the world, so I’m feeling very excited about this.” Haynes who scored a

Champions Panama acknowledges their supporters after receiving the winners’ trophy even as dignitaries applaud.

total six (6) goals in the six matches that Guyana played, said that prior to leaving Guyana, he harboured no thoughts of ever winning an individual award but was just focused on going out and executing what his coach thought him to do their best for Guyana. ”My feeling is very high at this moment because I actually made my country proud, they didn’t really

expect this from me but I made my country proud and I too am proud of it.” The Guyana forward said that he would continue to play this version of the sport which is likely to make a quantum leap with regards to spreading across the country. The former Wisburg Secondary and Linden Technical Institute student is encouraging young players

in Guyana to take up the sport and is encouraging them to, “Work hard, stay focused and you will be successful.” Guyana ended 12th of the 16 teams in its first sojourn at this level this level recording victories over Belize 4-1, while losing to Bahamas 1-4 and Jamaica 36 in Group play. In the Playoffs, the Guyanese defeated Antigua and

Barbuda 6-4; lost to Costa Rica 2-5; lost to Antigua and Barbuda 6-8. Following are the final Standings: 1st: Panama, 2nd: Mexico, 3rd: El Salvador, 4th: Guadeloupe, 5th: USA, 6th: Bahamas, 7th: Trinidad & Tobago, 8th: Jamaica, 9th: Costa Rica, 10th: Canada, 11th: Antigua & Barbuda, 12th: Guyana, 13th: Belize, 14th: Turks & Caicos Islands, 15th:

Barbados, 16th: US Virgin Islands. Individual Awards: Golden Ball: Alfonso Maquensi (Panama), Golden Glove: Diego Villasenor (Mexico), Top Scorers: Marlon Meza (Belize) and Jose Ramon Maldonado Alonso (Mexico) (12 goals each), Young Player Award: Jamal Haynes (Guyana), CONCACAF Fair Play Trophy: Canada.

Commonwealth Games 2022: Durban ‘may drop out as host’ BBC Sport - Durban may be unable to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games because of financial constraints, South Africa’s sports minister has said. “We gave it our best shot but we can’t go beyond. If the country says we don’t have this money, we can’t,” Reuters quoted Fikile Mbalula as saying. He said a final decision would be made by the Commonwealth Games Federation. Durban was awarded the Games in 2015 after being the only city to make a confirmed bid. In December, South African officials had said the

country was “fully committed” to hosting the event. The government had estimated the Games could generate up to 20 billion rand ($1.5 bn; £1.2bn) in economic benefit. But Mr Mbalula said the government had been forced to reconsider. “I don’t want to raise your expectations and say everything looks good, it doesn’t because we don’t agree on the fundamentals and that is the operational budget,” he told a media briefing. The Commonwealth Games Federation said it was in the final stages of

reviewing a submission by Durban and it would make a recommendation as soon as the evaluation was complete. The possible withdrawal of Durban has sparked interest in the British city of Liverpool. A spokesperson for the city council said: “Liverpool is interested in hosting the games in 2022. We had heard rumours that Durban might be unable to deliver the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and have already indicated to the government that we are very willing to host them instead.” The Games were first staged in 1930 and are held every four years. They

feature athletes from more than 50 countries, mostly

former British colonies. The 2022 event is due to

be the first time the Games are hosted in Africa.

Durban won the bid and hosted the Games in 2015. (AFP)

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Curran heads for Caribbean to cover for injured Ball

Seamer Tom Curran.

LONDON, CMC – Rookie Tom Curran will fly out to the Caribbean to join up with the England one-day squad in Antigua, after being called up as cover for injured fast bowler Jake Ball. The 21-year-old Curran was part of the England Lions squad in a tour of Sri Lanka and will now make the long trek to the Caribbean for the three-

match series against West Indies which bowls off on F r i d a y a t t h e Vi v i a n Richards Cricket Stadium. “It’s all pretty surreal right now,” the Surrey paceman said. “But I’m giddy, I can’t wait to get out there.” Curran has been impressive on the current Sri Lankan tour, taking 10 wickets at an average of 19 in the two four-day games

against Sri Lanka A. He has had a brilliant career to date with 147 wickets from just 42 first class games and 58 wickets from 36 List A outings. B a l l , t h e Nottinghamshire seamer, injured his right knee in E n g l a n d ’s t w o - w i c k e t victory over the WICB President’s XI in St Kitts on Monday.

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CONCACAF Opens New Office in the Caribbean to Support Football Growth M i a m i – T h e Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced yesterday the opening of a new office in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of its effort to accelerate football development throughout the region. ”Opening the new office in the Caribbean represents a major step towards our ONE CONCACAF Vision. It reaffirms our focus on serving all 41 Member Associations, while investing in football,” said CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani. “This new location strengthens our Confederation’s ability to operate efficiently and in a fully integrated way in order to continue driving longterm growth across the region.” In 2017, CONCACAF is expected to triple its investment in Caribbean competitions as compared to previous years. Additionally, in order to boost development efforts in this zone, nearly 80 percent of the ONE CONCACAF financial assistance programme is allocated to

Horace Reid Member Associations from the Caribbean. Through this new office, the Confederation aims at ensuring that the investment is effective, efficient and focused. J a m a i c a ’s s t r a t e g i c location will help streamline the operations of regional competitions, while facilitating engagement with key stakeholders; including federations, partners, government and fans. CONCACAF Caribbean Football Director, Horace Reid, one of the region’s most accomplished administrators, will head the office. In his previous role

with CONCACAF, Reid led competition-related aspects of Confederation tournaments, including the Gold Cup, the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League and multiple agegroup events. The new location will begin operating in March at The Courtleigh Corporate Centre in Kingston. With headquarters in Miami, Florida, as well as an office in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the Confederation serves member nations and promotes football development throughout the region.

Adams backs Law for success, says current standards need improvement BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, believes initial signs point to Australian Stuart Law enjoying a successful tenure as West Indies head coach but believes there will be no quick fixes for transforming West Indies into a world class side. The 49-year-old Jamaican said although he was yet to communicate extensively with Law, the former Bangladesh coach was already making the right overtures with the team which would be “critical” for the future. “What little I know of him I think he is a fairly honest bloke and at the end of the day that’s a big starting point for me,” the former Test captain said in a wideranging interview here. “I think he’s very down to earth in his views on the

game, on people and if the early signs are an indication, he’s on his way to building a pretty strong relationship with the lads which is critical.” Both Adams and Law were recent high-level appointments by the West Indies Cricket Board, with Adams taking up his role in mid-January and Law starting his tenure just under two weeks ago. The two are expected to work closely together in reviving the fortunes of the struggling international men’s side and Adams said they would bring an existing relationship to the new challenge. “We’ve come across each other going back many years. We both played in the first Youth World Cup in 1988 in Australia and the relationship kind of started from there,” Adams said.

West Indies head coach, Stuart Law, watches on as fast bowler Shannon Gabriel goes through his paces in a recent practice session. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) “We played against each other at international level as well so there’s a prior history, it might not be a big one but we have both had conversations over the years.” Both men enter West Indies cricket at a difficult moment in its history. While

the men’s side are reigning Twenty20 World champions, their performances in Test and One-Day Internationals have been less than flattering. At current, they languish at number eight in the Test rankings, 23 ratings points behind seventh placed Sri

Lanka. In their last 18 Tests inside the last two years, West Indies have won just twice. They have fared little better in ODIs where they are ranked ninth in the tables, even behind minnows Bangladesh. Their poor ranking led to them missing

out on this year’s ICC C h a m p i o n s Tr o p h y i n England. Adams conceded the situation was a grave one and said any success would likely be over the long term. “I am pretty realistic about where we are at. I think the starting point in anything is to be very clear and honest about where we are at in a lot of areas cricket-related,” he pointed out. “I don’t know if I see my role as turning anything around. There are a lot or processes that need tidying up in our cricket and it’s not going to be an overnight job. I might not live to see the promised land but I can certainly take the first step in the right direction.” Adams, who led West Indies in 15 of his 54 Tests, said there were signs of hope especially among the young (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

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Discussion on reducing peloton size still ongoing - Tour boss

The wheel of a bicycle frames the Tour de France logo near the start. (REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier) LA ROCHE SUR YON, FRANCE (Reuters) Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said yesterday that discussions on reducing the number of riders per team in grand tours were still ongoing. In November, Tour organisers ASO, who also own the Tour of Spain (Vuelta), as well as Giro d’Italia owners RCS and Tour of Flanders organisers

Flanders Classics said grand tours would feature eight instead of nine riders per teams. Under the plans, put forward to improve safety and enhance the spectacle for fans, the biggest one-day classic races would be held with seven instead of eight riders per team. Teams have not agreed to it, and the International Cycling Union has yet to

rubber stamp the decision. The teams pay the cyclists and having fewer competitors in major races means riders racing less. “Discussions are still ongoing but yes, I hope that in the future we can reduce the number of cyclists on the grand tours. Grand tours with fewer cyclists, we are in favour of that,” Prudhomme told Reuters TV as he unveiled details of the 2018 Grand Depart in the Vendee region. “We’ve said it for a while, more strongly the last time but clearly we are in favour of it.” The first two stages of the 2018 Tour will take the peloton from Noirmoutier to Fontenay-le-Comte and from Mouilleron SaintGermain and La Roche-surYon. The third stage will be a team time trial around Cholet before the race heads to the Brittany region from La Baule.

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Cavs debut newly-signed Williams in win over Bucks (Reuters) The Cleveland Cavaliers signed free agent Deron Williams on Monday then debuted their new guard in a 102-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Williams, a three-time All Star, was waived by the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday and cleared waivers on Saturday, making him a free agent. The Cavaliers signed Williams to the veteran minimum salary for the rest of this season, giving the Cavaliers a veteran backup point guard. He appeared in the team’s victory over the Bucks on Monday, scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The 32-year-old played 40 games, all as a starter, for the Mavericks this season. He averaged 13.1 points, 6.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 29.3 minutes. LeBron James had stated that the Eastern Conference-

USA’s Deron Williams in action. (Action Images/Paul Childs) leading Cavaliers (41-17) needed to add another playmaker in order to defend their title and he appears to have got his wish. “He can knock down shots and he can play make,”

James told reporters of his new team mate. “He’s played in big games before so you know he won’t shy away from the moment. It’s going to help us out a lot.”

Hamilton goes faster and further on second test day B A R C E L O N A (Reuters) Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton went faster and further than anyone else as his Mercedes team again led the way in pre-season testing yesterday while some others struggled to get into gear. After the team completed 152 trouble-free laps on the opening day, Hamilton returned for a colder and windier morning session and pounded out another 66 - a race distance at the Circuit de Catalunya. Ferrari’s 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who was second fastest for Ferrari, was 1.848 seconds slower and also did the second highest tally of laps before lunch - 47. Hamilton’s best lap was one minute 20.983 seconds, compared with a timesheettopping 1:21.765 on Monday. The fastest time in 2016 testing in Barcelona was 1:22.765, showing how much faster the new cars are with bigger tires and revised aerodynamics. Red Bull and McLaren, who had a troubled debut day, were still not firing on all cylinders. Dutch teenager Max Verstappen did 31 laps for Red Bull but Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne was

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during a Test session at the Barcelona-Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

halted after 29 in the McLaren. His car had earlier been pushed down the pitlane by mechanics. Partners Honda said the car had suffered a power unit problem. “At the moment we don’t know what has caused the issue. We are currently changing the power unit in

order to investigate fully and identify the cause,” said a spokeswoman. Vandoorne’s unhappy team mate Fernando Alonso had been unable to set a timed lap on Monday morning due to an oil system problem while Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo suffered a sensor issue. While those two teams at

least got out on to the track, others wrestled with garage gremlins. Renault’s Jolyon Palmer managed to do one untimed installation lap after the team flew in new parts overnight. Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, standing in for the injured Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber, did five with the

team swapping out the Ferrari power unit. French driver Esteban Ocon brought out red flags with 15 minutes remaining when his Force India stopped on track. Canadian teenage rookie Lance Stroll spun off after 12 laps, going through the gravel backwards and damaging

his Williams. “We’re having to send some composite parts back to the factory, which will be back with us at some point tomorrow,” said head of performance engineering Rob Smedley. “We’re doing the upmost we can now to get back out on track at the earliest opportunity tomorrow.”

Wednesday March 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 43

RHTY&SC, Bakewell renew long standing, successful cricket relationship Bakery giants Bakewell of Triumph, East Coast, Demerara and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, have renewed their long standing and high successful cricket relationship. The Company has been sponsoring the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club U n d e r- 1 7 a n d S e c o n d Division teams since 2000 and the deal represents the 18th consecutive year that Bakewell has sponsored both teams. In addition to sponsoring the two teams for $245, 000 for 2017, Bakewell also handed over $60,000 towards the Club’s 2 0 1 7 A n n u a l Yo u t h Magazine. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Hilbert Foster hailed the special bond between the two organisations and described Bakewell as one of the pillars of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club success story over the years. The two teams in the history of the Club has won a total of nine Berbice Championship and has produced players like Assad

Bakewell CEO Rajin Ganga (right) hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

and Abdel Fudadin, Royston and Esaun Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Dominique Rikhi, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Melanie Henry, Askay Homraj, Kevlon Anderson, Sylus Tyndall, Junior Sinclair, Brandon Prashad, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper and Shailendra Shameer among others. The Under-17 and Second Division teams have also won 23 tournaments organised by the Rose Hall

Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Development Committee over the last ten years. The Bakewell Under17 team, Foster stated is an important one for the Club as it bridges the gap between the Under-15 and Under-19 teams and allows the coaching staff the opportunity to properly work with the players to make sure that they fulfill their full potential. The Second Division team, Foster disclosed is a

mixture of older club members who have either retired from First Division cricket or are in the twilight of their career and younger members of the Club who are preparing for First Division. The captain of the Under-17 Team for 2017 is national player Kevlon Anderson with Junior Sinclair as his deputy, while veteran player Major James Fraser would lead the Second Division team. Anderson would serve as Fraser’s deputy as part of a

developmental leadership programme, while Club Coach Delbert Hicks would be in charge of both teams. Foster also announced that the Bakewell Team would be undertaking a total of 50 personal development programmes under the subheadings of sports, culture, education, social, charity, awards and religious among others. Last year, the teams successfully completed 53 programmes including the construction of the Hugh Desmond Hoyte Memorial Playfield, Christmas Village, Nasir Memorial 5/5 Cricket Tournament, Award of Excellence, Region 6 Mother of the Year and Say No/Say Yes Campaign. The 2017 sponsorship packages would stand the cost of the cricket teams’ transportation, snacks, practice balls, cricket gears and co-sponsoring the Club’s Annual Youth Review Magazine. Bakewell on an annual basis also cosponsors the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Award Ceremony, Children Mash Parade, Mother ’s Day Programme, Cricket

A c a d e m y, C h r i s t m a s Village, Massive Charity Programmes and Say No Campaign. Bakewell also sponsors a 5/5 Cricket Tournament each year in October in Memory of its late CEO Naeem Nasir. Managing Director of Bakewell Rajin Ganga in handing over the sponsorship stated that his Company was pleased to be associated with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ganga stated has represented Bakewell’s brand and logo with distinction, discipline and success over the last eighteen years. The Club has also assisted to make Bakewell a household name in Berbice and in preserving the memory of the late Naeem Nasir. Ganga hailed the Club’s contribution towards changing the lives of youths and less fortunate. He reassured the Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club that Bakewell would continue to support the Club.

Adams endorses review of “unsustainable” eligibility rule BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Newly-appointed Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, has strongly backed the ongoing review of the West Indies Cricket Board’s controversial eligibility rule. The former Test captain, who has replaced Englishman Richard Pybus in the role, said there was now widespread acknowledgement among stakeholders that the rule was no longer “sustainable” and could in fact be detrimental to the development of West Indies cricket. “I’m not the only one who’s going to be involved in the decision but I’m certainly of the view that it needs reviewing,” Adams said in a wide-ranging interview here Monday. “ T h e r e ’s a p r o c e s s behind that. That means it probably won’t happen overnight. The review will be ongoing and it has already started but as to if a change in direction is to happen, that won’t happen overnight because of the process that

backs that up but it is being reviewed. “A lot of stakeholders in our cricket appreciate now that it does need to be looked at.” The rule has proved a sore point for players over the years as it has required them to forego lucrative contracts in foreign leagues and make themselves available for the domestic season, in order to be eligible for West Indies selection. As a result, many of the region’s most experienced players have missed out on international duty, opting rather to campaign in many of the global Twenty20 competitions instead. Only last week, veteran batsman Marlon Samuels accused the WICB of playing hard ball with the rule after he was deemed ineligible for selection for upcoming one-day series against England, because he played only two games of the recently concluded Regional Super50. He left the tournament early to take up a contract in

the Pakistan Super League. Adams, who played 54 Tests and 127 ODIs for West Indies, said despite the acrimony over the years, there was a lot of common ground that could be reached between players and the administration. “Having spent quite a bit of time in different roles, representing the players association for a few years as secretary and then having worked as technical director in Jamaica, I’ve already stood on both sides of the fence and I can quite appreciate a lot of the issues that face both the board and the players,” the 49-year-old pointed out. “I think we have the potential to achieve a lot more if we can get people singing off the same hymn book going forward. The outstanding issue right now is player eligibility and like I said, I’m encouraged by the fact that most, if not all parties, are in agreement that what is in place now is not sustainable and might not be helping our

New Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams … believes eligibility rule should be reviewed. cricket in the short and long term so that for me is encouraging.” Adams, who spent the last four years as head coach of English county Kent, acknowledged the foreign leagues had served to

e n h a n c e We s t I n d i e s players but said emphasis needed to be also placed on further developing the domestic league in the Caribbean. “I also think that a lot of our international players –

certainly the Chris Gayle generation – they would have started under Stanford (Stanford T20) but a lot of them developed and became, in my view, battle-hardened with leagues outside the Caribbean,” he explained. “And I guess – if I am waving a magic wand – I’d like to eventually have the standard in the Caribbean where if they do play overseas that’s fine, certainly from a financial point of view, but in terms of developing our own to an international standard, we want our cricket here in the Caribbean to be a lot stronger.” The Jamaican also noted the review of the rule was critical as it was important to have the best players available for selection. “I would like to have the best players available. I’m not going to stick my neck on the block. It’s a selection panel decision as to who the best players are but ideally, you always want your best players available for selection.”

t r o Sp GCB/MOE/DMLAS National Schools cricket

CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship

Parris’ 6-17 spurs Chase Academy Haynes excited to crushing win over Mahaicony Sec at being named Book place in National semis on Tuesday against B’ce winner

Best Young Player

Dwayne Dick’s off stump is knocked out of the ground by Wendell Fordyce yesterday at Fairfield. (Photos by Sean Devers)

Flour Power National U-17 leaves for the Tournoi Paul Chillan in Martinique today NAMILCO Managing Director Sukhai wishes team every success Jamal Haynes displays his Best Young Player trophy.

Flour Power National U-17 Team

RHTY&SC, Bakewell renew long standing, successful cricket relationship

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