Kaieteur News

Monday March 05, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese will be seen as ‘the idiots of the world’ if Exxon contract not changed As long as the GuyanaExxonMobil contract remains unchanged and in force, this nation’s people will be seen as “the idiots of the Caribbean and the world.” The agreement is nothing but an abomination; a perpetual shaming of Guyanese alive and dead. That’s the view of one of the oil agreement’s harshest critics, Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds. In a detailed letter to the editor, Hinds stated that the current agreement Guyana has with ExxonMobil is “an absolute disgrace.” As such, he believes that Guyanese must push for it to be changed. In his letter, the Chartered Accountant opined that for Guyana’s politicians to behave as if they have the authority to tie and chain the masses of Guyanese people to agreements of extreme exploitation, oppression, abuse and humiliation “is very cruel and void of any virtue.” “This horrible and revolting Petroleum Agreement has conjured images of blind, bespectacled ants signing off on contracts with global corporations, and thereby, engendering more offensive and ri-

- Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds diculous contracts, which are all very disadvantageous to Guyana. This is no time for sophistry, doublespeak, party politics, showmanship or rhetoric.” “The contract is an abomination and a heavy millstone on the Guyanese people, future descendants and our ancestors: from the Native Americans, enslaved Africans, and indentured labourers to those who now live off the sweat and bloody sacrifices they made for their family; and our family.” “This obnoxious, objectionable and invasive Petro-

leum Agreement starts and ends with Exxon’s Esso. Guyanese must not be ensnared by Exxon and our politicians who seem to be compromised in Exxon’s tentacles. Guyanese must be made to speak and act for the Guyanese people. Once we have the agreement renegotiated with Exxon; the other Oil Exploration companies will follow suit.” The Chartered Accountant also referred to the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris in December 2015. There, it was noted that of the 23 largest US oil and gas exploration and production companies, Exxon holds almost a third of total reserves of this group and around 41percent of the combined market capitalization. With this in mind, Hinds articulated that the reserves of Exxon certainly now exceed one third of the total reserves of the group - primarily because of the additional oil finds in Guyana during 2016, 2017 and 2018. “Our politicians are intelligent people and this segway

to contract entrapment must be rejected. We have struggled too long; we Guyanese were seen and treated as the pariahs of the Caribbean, rejected at every port with or without our rice bags, some gave up everything in Guyana to go and labour in North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.”

majority of our new found wealth. We must renegotiate the agreement/s that robs the Guyanese people, and in addition, places double locks on the mental chains that trap us; then we are thrown overboard enchained, when our Government shamelessly agrees to pay the contractor over US$460 Million to have our oil resources plundered.” Hinds opined that the wealth from the oil find should be invested generously

“This obnoxious, objectionable and invasive Petroleum Agreement starts and ends with Exxon’s Esso. Guyanese must not be ensnared by Exxon and our politicians who seem to be compromised in Exxon’s tentacles. Guyanese must be made to speak and act for the Guyanese people. Once we have the agreement renegotiated with Exxon; the other Oil Exploration companies will follow suit...” - Hinds “W e have lost too many lives along the way, to now reach the summit of our El Dorado that our founder leaders envisioned for us; and to just sign away a significant

across the nation’s small population: amongst youths, public servants, private sector workers and old age pensioners. “I ask any government of-

ficial: What difference does it make, whether you have US$10 Million or US$100 Million? The virtue and purpose of living is not to make a few dollars more. Certainly, leaving a positive legacy to Guyanese is worth much, much more.” “Walter Rodney died almost 38 years ago, and every day his good works are referenced. It is not how long you live or the wealth you have acquired; what matters is how as a citizen and servant leader you have uplifted your people.” To all Political Parties and Private Sector leaders, Hinds cautioned that this Petroleum agreement is literally burying the hopes and aspirations of Guyanese and their children. He said that they should immediately seek renegotiation of the petroleum agreement to obtain a 10% Royalty; remove the baseless US$460 Million invoice from the contract with Esso and Company; immediately table all oil contracts and endeavour to make the contracts fair to Guyanese. He opined that this is far worse “than bones jammed in our throats.”

Mash celebrations culminate in Linden with grand float parade Mashramani activities culminated in the Mining Town of Linden yesterday with a massive float parade despite intermittent showers. Thousands of revellers resplendently decked in flamboyant gear wended their way from the Mackenzie shore across the Mackenzie / Wismar Bridge all the way to the Bayroc Community Centre Ground where the event culminated in grand party mode. They were undaunted by the sporadic rainfall which turned torrential as the parade made its way into the Bayroc Community Centre Ground. Among those leading the floats and gyrating to the infectious soca music was Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes. There were floats from the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Linden Mayor and Town Council. FIRST TIME Just last week, the combined Children's Float parade was held on the Wismar shore for the first time. The event saw the Winifred Gaskin Highway transformed into a sea of kaleidoscopic colors and excited children exhibiting intricate

dance moves as they wended their way up the thoroughfare. Participants from the Primary and Nursery Schools across Linden donned colorful costumes depicting various themes in celebration of Mashramani. It was the Region Ten Education Department Children's Mashramani Float parade celebrating the country's forty eight year as a Republic. Sonia Fraser Pearse, Education Officer from the Region Ten Education Department said that a decision was taken by the Department to host the activity on the Wismar Shore, after it was recognized that most events were hosted at Mackenzie..."So we decided this year to go across to Wismar. " The Primary schools moved off from the New Silver City Secondary School, and the Nursery Division moved off from the One Mile area. Both divisions made their way to the Bayroc Community Centre Ground where the costumes were paraded for the benefit of the appreciative crowd that had gathered, and for judging. Wismar Hill Primary was adjudged winner in the Primary division while Pine Street Nursery gained supremacy in that division.

The Coomacka Primary copped the second position for Primary schools, while Mackenzie Primary had to settle for third place.

Burnham Drive Nursery and Republic Avenue Nursery copped the second and third places respectively in the Nursery Division.

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Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM? Our constitution which has been modelled and inspired by the British is uninspiring and flawed. It has not stimulated the population, but interestingly, it has instilled power in the ruling elites who have benefited immensely from it over the years. The constitution was created by politicians for politicians, but this seminal document is soulless. On many occasions it did not protect the people from the abuses by the state. The present constitution originated from the May 1966 constitution on the attainment of independence and was enacted in October 1980 following a nation-wide referendum that was boycotted by the PPP. Among other things, the Constitution reaffirmed the principle that Guyana is a democratic state founded on the rule of law, with executive power vested in the President. It created a number of organs that were consistent with the socialist political system in Cuba and a presidency with supreme power who is immune from prosecution while in office. While in opposition, the PPP cabal had criticized the constitution and dubbed it as the “Burnham constitution.” It had vowed to amend it in order to reduce the powers of the presidency if elected to office. However, during the PPP’s 23 years reign from 1992 to 2015, it did not fulfill its promise to amend the constitution. Instead, the PPP made some cosmetic changes, but kept the powers of the Presidency intact and used them to its advantage to strengthen its autocratic rule on the nation. It also praised the Constitution as one of the most progressive in the Caribbean. The current administration, when in opposition did the same. It criticized the PPP government for abusing the Constitution and promised to amend it if elected. The APNU+AFC opposition claimed that the Constitution in its existing form did not serve the interest of the people but those in power and promised to appoint a Commission to amend it within three months of taking office. Their intent was to reduce the power of the Presidency and include the Bill of Rights in the constitution to protect the ethos of the nation’s liberal democracy and individual rights and freedoms. Now in office for almost three years, the coalition government seems to renege on its campaign promise to amend the Constitution, which was one of the key items in their Manifesto. Instead of appointing a Commission to examine the Constitution and recommend changes, the government appointed a Steering Committee which suggests that it was serious about amending the Constitution in a two-stage approach, first, a Steering Committee followed by a Commission.In April of last year, the Steering Committee handed its recommendation to the Prime Minister with the belief that it would have been debated by the cabinet. Included in the recommendations are the reduction of the powers of the President, decentralization of power to the municipalities and the ten regions and the reorganization of the electoral system from proportional representation to first-past-the post. The goal of the latter is for the constituents to know their representatives and to hold them accountable. However, the recommendations hit a raw nerve with the President who stated that he did not want a “boardroom constitutional reform” which means he did not want a group of people to sit in a boardroom and make changes to the constitution. He wanted the voices of the people from the various communities to be heard. The nation’s worst fears were realized because there seems to be different positions between the coalition partners on constitutional reform. This threw the entire reform process of the constitution into a tailspin and dampen all future prospects for Constitutional reform. Since then, there has not been any serious discussion of constitution reform by this government. It is rather unfortunate that Constitutional reform which has been a major plank of the coalition parties in the last election has been stalled. The truth is no president, past or present wants his powers to be reduced while in office because they believe it will inhibit their authority.

Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and the Crime of Aggression DEAR EDITOR, My name is Giuseppe Biundo, I am hard working, determined, dedicated and focused individual with the drive to succeed. Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Bearing in mind that the peoples of the United Nations have, in the Charter, reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person, and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, Recognizing that the United Nations has, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenants on Human Rights, proclaimed and agreed that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, Recalling that, in the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights, the United Nations has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance, Convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community, Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, Considering that the child should be fully prepared to live an individual life in society, and brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity, Bearing in mind that the need to extend particular care to the child has been stated in the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1924 and in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly on 20 November 1959 and recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (in particular in articles 23 and 24), in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (in particular in article 10) and in the statutes and relevant instruments of specialized agencies and international organizations concerned with the welfare of children, Bearing in mind that, as indicated in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, “the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth”, Recalling the provisions of the Declaration on Social and Legal Principles relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children, with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally; the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules); and the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict, Recognizing that, in all countries in the world, there are children living in exceptionally difficult conditions, and that such children need special

consideration, Taking due account of the importance of the traditions and cultural values of each people for the protection and harmonious development of the child, Recognizing the importance of international co-operation for improving the living conditions of children in every country, in particular in the developing countries, Have agreed as follows: States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or family members. To maintain international peace and security, all States shall take effective collective measures for the prevention Continued on page 5

MARCH 6.... A SIGNIFICANT DAY DEAR EDITOR, March 6 is a significant date - it is a date when two heads of Government in the Caribbean died and the date when the first African state gained independence from Britain. Guyana’s President Dr. Cheddi Jagan passed away at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D,C on March 6, 1997 and later the same day Michael Manley former Prime Minister of Jamaica succumbed to cancer. Both of these leaders were socialists and were close to Cuba’s President, Fidel Castro. Dr. Jagan was considered father of the nation, having served as Chief Minister, and Premier of British Guiana, but it was Forbes Burnham who was in office when the British granted independence to the land of many waters. Jagan was out of power for 28 long years, but regained power in October 1992 and served as President until his death. He was born on March 22, 1918 and several organizations will observe his 100th birth anniversary. In fact, the Guyana government will issue a commemorative

stamp in his honour. Cheddi founded the People’s Progressive Party in 1948 and in 1953 his party with stalwarts like Forbes Burnham, Ashton Chase, Sydney King (now Eusi Kwayana) Jai Narain Singh, Martin Carter, Dr. Latchmansingh, and others swept the polls, but 133 days later the British suspended the constitution contended that the PPP was a communist movement. British troops were flown into the country although there was no need for such a move. A few years later, Burnham who was deputy to Jagan, left the PPP because of leadership and later formed his own party the People’s National Congress (PNC). The PNC later merged with a small right wing party, the United Force and formed the government under a new Proportional Representation electoral system. Over in Jamaica, Michael Manley, son of Norman Manley, a charismatic leader, later became Prime Minister was known for his socialist policy and his association with Cuba’s Castro, was

defeated by right wing leader Edward Seaga, who became Prime Minister. Manley later suffered from cancer and died hours after Dr. Jagan. The West African state of Ghana, headed by Kwame Nkrumah was the first African state to gain independence on May 6, 1957. Five years

later on August 6, 1962 Jamaica, was the first Caribbean country to severe ties with Britain followed by Trinidad and Tobago three weeks later on August 31, 1962. Guyana followed on May 6, 1966 and Barbados on November 30, the same year 1966. Oscar Ramjeet

UNITED AT LAST DEAR EDITOR, Our Guyanese, Hindu brothesr and sisters across the length and breadth of Guyana, were happy, that Phagwah or Holi had been celebrated by all the Hindu organizations on Friday 2nd March,2018. Phagwah was celebrated, forty days from the planting of Holika (castor oil tree). The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and spring marks the ending of winter. The festival of colours is popular with non Hindus participating . The burning of Holika took place on the evening of Purnima (full moon) Thursday 1st, March, 2018 and thereafter the actual celebration began. On the morning of Phagwah, Friday 2nd March,2018, all mandirs or temples had their services (pooja), singing of chowtal and the commencement of playing with clean water, colour of abeer, abrak, powder and sharing of sweet meat made the day. The occasion was celebrated with the true meaning and spirit of Phagwah. I take this special opportunity to commend the Guyana Pandits Council, who worked assiduously with other organisations to make our main festivals a reality, by observing on the same date by all organisations. Yours Truly, Parmanand Ram

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Kaieteur News

Remaining Oil Blocks Should Persecution of the Baha’is be Marketed only after Exxon Contract is Renegotiated DEAR EDITOR, Warren Buffet: “You cannot produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant.” Agreeing to more oil agreements will not compensate Guyana for the unpatriotic and seemingly treasonous Petroleum Agreement with Exxon, Hess and CNOOC. What we need is to renegotiate the June 27, 2016 Petroleum Contract – posthaste. Thus, the Stabroek News article dated March 4, 2018 and captioned “Chevron, Petrobras among nine seeking remaining oil blocks -Trotman says direct engagements, bidding to determine selection”, should give us grave pause at this abominable suggestion that we enter into other oil agreements, before renegotiating the Exxon Petroleum Agreement for 10% Royalty and Removal of the asylumatic US$460 Million Charge for PreContract Cost. Paraphrasing Roman General, Mark Anthony: “Friends, Guyanese and countrymen, lend me your ears; we do not seek to bury Guyana only to make her citizens wealthy.” This should be the mantra of our Government. The government is not the enemy of the people, there are many astute and admirable leaders in our government; these officials should act as “servant” leaders. We all know that the contract with Exxon is lopsided, asymmetric and has striking features of mental madness or suchlike deformities. Comparatively, there is no Petroleum Production Agreement in the world that is so absurd and silly.

Each Member of Parliament in Guyana should be questioned by our journalists for their views on the Exxon contracts and have their response recorded and published for future generations. I suspect shame or contrivance will invariably cause them to provide crutch answers and hide behind the party line, if access or answers are obtained. Though silence does speak volumes! Exxon has announced oil discoveries at eleven wells so far: Liza 1, Liza-2, Liza-3 Payara-1, Liza Deep, Snoek, Liza-4, Payara-2, Turbo-1, Ranger and Pacora in the Stabroek Block of 6.6 Million acres, the crème de la crème of Oil Blocks in Guyana, producing the world’s largest and most valuable oil find in the 21st century. Resulting in Exxon’s conservative announcement on February 28, 2018; of 500,000 Barrels of Oil Production per Day in Guyana by an undefined date. It is obvious to many that Exxon can produce 1,000,000 Barrels of Oil per Day by that undefined date - from the Stabroek Block or in my opinion, within five years, without any further “discoveries”. Exxon published their last announcement as their seventh oil discovery, which is obviously not true. Not surprisingly, Exxon no longer provides specifics or Barrels of Oil Reserves Discovered, as they did for the initial oil discoveries. It appears that the oil bounty is too plentiful for Guyanese to assimilate. O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive! – Walter Scott. In the days of Scott, whose life spanned 1771- 1832, and who

lived in a period of state executions in Britain, Scott is also quoted as saying “One or two of these scoundrel statesmen should be shot once a-year, just to keep the others on their good behaviour. However, we in Guyana have no such scoundrel statesmen! Therefore, it is best to again embrace the reworded thoughts of the Roman General, Mark Anthony: For Guyana has an Honourable Government, thus, our Ministers are also Honourable”. It is good that Exxon Mobil is our major oil contractor; being the undisputed King of the Integrated Oil Industry where Exxon leads, others in the Industry follow. We in Guyana, with a relatively small and poor population of between 750,000 and 800,000; now appeal for Exxon’s compassion, mercy and kindness to renegotiate the June 27, 2016 agreement, signed three days before Exxon’s June 30, 2016 announcement of 1.4 Billion Barrels of Oil discovered at another Liza Well in the Stabroek Block. W h e t h e r, the representatives of Guyana knew of this 1.4 Billion Barrel find on that fateful day of June 27, 2016, when the Petroleum Agreement was signed, would undoubtedly have made no difference to the contents of the agreement, as our Government has defended the Petroleum Agreement; strenuously, hoarsely and ad nauseam. Mr. Darren Woods, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil, kindly heed the pleas and prayers of the Guyanese people. Nigel Hinds

Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes... From page 4 and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of aggression or other breaches of the peace, and to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace. European Leaders have deliberately inflicted on African populations conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part

and causing them serious bodily and mental harm, Killing members and forcibly transferring children of the these communities to European communities. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts o f l a w, a d m i n i s t r a t i v e authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. States Parties undertake to ensure the child such protection and care as is necessary for his or her

well-being, taking into account the rights and duties of his or her parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for him or her, and, to this end, shall take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures. All States shall develop friendly relations among themselves based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of all peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace. Yours sincerely Giuseppe Biundo

DEAR EDITOR, Five Baha’i citizens of Iran were sentenced to one year in jail, each, by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad Iran in recent weeks. According to Human Rights Activists’ News Agency in Iran Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, presided over by Judge Soltani, sentenced four Baha’i citizens of Mashhad to one-year imprisonment each, on charges of propaganda against the regime. Those sentenced were Dori Amiri, May Kholousi, Saghi Fadaei, and Shayan Tafazoli. Their case has been in motion since 2014. Last month, another Baha’i citizen of Mashhad, Fataneh Nabilzadeh, was sentenced to one year in prison by the same court. Dori Amiri, May Kholousi, Saghi Fadaei, and Shayan Tafazoli were arrested in June 2014 by Mashhad’s security forces. They were released on bail, and tried in two court hearings, December 14, 2014, and June 17, 2017. Judge Soltani convicted these people for propaganda against the regime and sentenced each one to one-year imprisonment. The verdict was communicated to these citizens in recent days. The sentences are not definitive and are eligible for review within 20 days. Reports received by HRANA (News Agency), Fataneh Nabilzadeh, also a Baha’i citizen in Mashhad,

was arrested in August 2014, along with Peyman Sarraf and Diane Teimuri, in her private home in the city. Ms. Nabilzadeh was sentenced by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad last month to one year in prison for propaganda against the regime. Baha’i citizens in Iran are systematical deprived of religious freedoms and civil rights. This systematic exclusion is carried out contrary to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; “Everyone has the right to freedom o f t h o u g h t , conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.” According to unofficial sources in Iran, there are more than three hundred thousand Baha’is, but the Iranian constitution recognizes only Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism and does not recognize the Baha’i Faith. For this reason, Baha’is rights in Iran have been systematically violated throughout the Religious persecution is the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group of individuals as a response to their religious beliefs or affiliations or lack thereof.

The tendency of societies or groups within society to alienate or repress different subcultures is a recurrent theme in human history. Moreover, because a person’s religion often determines to a significant extent his or her morality, worldview, self-image, attitudes towards others, and overall personal identity, religious differences can be significant cultural, personal, and social factors. Religious persecution may be triggered by religious bigotry that is members of a dominant group denigrating religions other than their own or by the state when it views a particular religious group as a threat to its interests or security. At a societal level, this dehumanisation of a particular religious group may readily turn into violence or other forms of persecution. Indeed, in many countries, religious persecution has resulted in so much violence that it is considered a human rights problem. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, Baha’is have been systematically persecuted as a matter of government policy. During the first decade of this persecution, more than 200 Baha’is were killed or executed, hundreds more were tortured or imprisoned, and tens of thousands lost jobs, access to education, and other rights – all solely because of their religious belief. Yours faithfully Rooplall Dudhnath

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LET’S READ BETWEEN THE Time to discuss transforming LINES LINCOLN LEWIS the country and improving the lives of the people

DEAR EDITOR, Lincoln Lewis’s letter on Sunday 25 February Stabroek News laments the Governments silence and stance on the matter of the EXXON contract and the public demand, including me. I stepped back and as always rely for explanations from history while taking a deeper look at all that is going on. I too am self employed, and bread and butter gets in the way of applying those hours of going over the evidence to evolve with what seems irrational from very rational people, in this case, the APNU-AFC administration. You indicated that “Government may very well have justifiable reasons [...]”. You do understand that there are no freebees in real life, in the world we live in over the past hundred years. Things don’t happen from altruism. So let’s read between the lines Lincoln and say what the government can’t say. Two things are going on here, a border dispute and Exxon. It is not by magic that so far a repeat of what happened with the first appearance of a drill ship has not so far occurred, that Venezuela by force has not removed Exxon as they did before. I’ve been going over oil and conflict from the time Hitler invaded Russia to Iraq. Oil is not a commodity powerful nations play with. If not so favourable contract enables us to be

free of the dooku that Venezuela has placed on our backs, and has used time and time again to intimidate and to economically suffocate us is lifted, then so be it with me. We will benefit, and you know as well as I do that we have other important resources that can be tapped into, once the money is available. If my research is accurate and I am certain it is, the evidence is glaring before us. Should we step back and pay attention. We lost our manufacturing industry because of that border dispute and the oil crisis of the 70’s coupled with our choice in the cold war politics. In the 80’s I took rice and sugar to trade with Venezuelan traders. One told me in a shop at Morawhanna, the stop before Kumaka, that the border dispute was the Government’s, and that they say “that Venezuela is beautiful without the Venezuelans”. This was before Chavez. They are still fighting ethnic colonisation, but this claim to our Essequibo though ridiculously porous is intoxicating political mythology in that country. Our responsibility may be to explain to our countrymen, that we have the best that our country has to offer in leadership and some hard choices stand before them and us, it’s not as simple as it seems. Barrington Braithwaite

A labour office is needed DEAR EDITOR, The residents of Region N are calling on the Government to permanently place a Labour Officer in the Region to address issues of conflict between employers and employees. We are also calling on the Regional Tender Board to pay strict adherence to the laws governing the tendering process, so as to avoid subcontractors and employees of contractors being robbed of payments due, because of lack of due diligence carried out on the contractor. In October of last year I was sub-contracted to carry out part of a contract on the Sand Creek Agricultural Extension building, for electrical installation including a solar-electric system to supply power. After coming to agreement on the price for the job, the contractor paid me a mobilization fee and I proceeded to commence the work. Because the batteries and other components of the solar-electric system were not yet sourced, I was only able to complete 95 per cent of the contract before returning to

base. I expected to be paid on my return from Sand Creek for the work carried out, but was told by the contractor that he was awaiting payment from the Government for the entire contract. From then up to recently, this is the excuse he gives every time I enquire about my payment, amounting to $100,000. I have learnt that the same contractor owed money totalling over $400,000 to five other persons for work they carried out on his Government contracts, and they are given the same excuse that he gives me. Because there is no Labour Officer in the Region, the six persons owed monies by this contractor wrote separate letters to the Chairman of the Regional Tender Board complaining of the situation and asking for his intervention to ensure payment. Copies of those letters were given to the Regional Chairman, and copies addressed to the Minister of Labour were delivered to the Welfare/Probation Officer of the Region. Up to now I have not been updated on the situation by the Tender Board or the Regional Chairman, but the Probation Officer was quite sympathetic. In her efforts to help, she introduced us to the

Community Development Officer of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, who requested to meet with the contractor, who told him that I refused to return to complete the remaining five percent of the work, making him contract someone else to finish the job. That statement was clearly untrue, because on checking two weeks ago I found that the batteries and other components were still not installed. It makes one wonder whether he was paid in full for the contract although it is not yet completed. This can also be the case with the five other persons owed monies by this same contractor. It also raises a conflict with the recent public assurance by the Regional Executive Officer that all contracts awarded in 2017 were successfully completed. Even further, doubt is cast on the recent declaration by the Minister of Finance that Fip Motilall-type contracts were a thing of the past. It would be absurd and a disgrace if more Regional contracts are awarded to contractors with a reputation for not paying workers and not completing contracts, but up to the present that seems to be the normal practice. Yours faithfully Patrick Fitzpatrick

DEAR EDITOR, I welcome the forwardlooking attitude in Barry Braithwaite’s letter in SN, 3rd March “We will be liberated economically by our oil resources”. A 50:50 split in revenues from our oil bonanza and the ongoing rapid pace towards production can only mean economic liberation for our country. But this transformation will call for vision and passion among both our citizenry and the top local and national decision-makers. We should already be planning not only for servicing and overseeing the oil sector but also for the wider economy and society. This is not the time for the small-mindedness of Peeping Tom and his KN editors in their clamoring that our future revenues are enough only to buy each of us a loaf of bread. At least, we know for sure we can’t put the money in their hands. This is a time for big goals.

This is a time for developing growth industries in areas such as agribusiness; a time for making Guyana a cheaper place for living and doing business (small and big) by reducing the cost of energy and transportation; a time to open up the hinterland and to link up the country through Guyana-21 type road networks; a time to create a truly opportunity society for all; a time to leave no Guyanese behind. I therefore noted with encouragement the comments of Minister Joe Harmon a few days ago on some development ideas the government had in mind. Unsurprisingly, none of the major newspapers picked up his statement. Criticizing the oil contract, not discussing development plans, seems to be catchier. That said, the government needs to step up its game on this front. It must not remain timid in articulating its grand plans, its vision. People only want to be reassured that the

oil revenues will make a difference to their lives—and make that difference soon. That message and energy are not coming out from the coalition. I, for one, have suggested that the government need not wait for 2020, but should start planning and financing development projects now based on pre-production, resource-based borrowing to be repaid by future oil proceeds. If there exist, as the Minister of Finance keeps reminding us, bottlenecks in expending budgeted funds even now, it is a problem we cannot keep living with. We have to fix it. Otherwise, these bottlenecks will keep us on square one forever, even with billions of dollars pouring in from oil revenues. Enough from the so-called “oil experts”. Time to discuss and act on transforming the country and improving the lives of the people. Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe

Guyana must move to a marijuana Industry DEAR EDITOR, On February, 28 it was announced that the world’s largest Marijuana Company has signaled its intention to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Also more than thirty-three states in the USA have legalized Marijuana either for medical and or recreational use. Uraguay, North Korea and other countries have fully legalized Marijuana. What these states and countries have in common are strong and growing economies because of the revenue being collected from taxes and trade. It is also important to note that the Netherlands, which was one of the first to legalize Marijuana, has a lesser crime rate than most countries in the world, to the point where it is actually closing some of its prisons. If Guyana wants to find a viable alternative to the sugar crisis why not invest in Marijuana as an agricultural, research and product manufacturing economy? We

have the land and the agricultural know how to transition to this crop very easily and its return on investment will be much higher than rice and sugar combined. The Marijuana industry has generated US$ 6.7 Billion in revenue in North America in 2016 and projected to grow to US$20 Billion by 2021. In Colorado alone, the industry generated US$1 Billion in sales in 2015 and the state collected US$150 Million in taxes and fees. All this in just a few years while countries like Guyana are doing the opposite by spending taxpayers’ money to send people to prison while other countries are using those people to grow their economies. Any Government that does not reform the Marijuana laws is doing an injustice to its citizens and I am surprised that we have not yet table a bill to reform our laws to pave the way for a Marijuana industry. We should be thinking of

ways to replace the sugar cane fields with Marijuana plants and setting up research facilities and factories to produce all the countless products that come from marijuana that includes medicines, clothes, cosmetics and other industrial products. We should be setting up Marijuana resorts for tourism like the Netherlands and differentiate ourselves as an organic producer of quality weed. Once again we are not taking the opportunity to seize a moment to diversify our income streams for the country; instead we are all focused on Exxon and the 1% oil contract. We must open our eyes and see that most if not all countries of colored people, with the exception of some Middle Eastern states, have not seen much prosperity from oil. The list is long ranging from Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and others. Let’s not depend solely on our politicians to bring you economic liberation because you will be waiting for a very, very long time. We must start thinking of our country as our own and demand a better future. Malcolm Watkins

Monday March 05, 2018

Woman, 87, struck dead by bus on way to church An 87-year-old woman was killed at around 06.00 hrs yesterday after she was struck by a minibus while heading to church. Dead is 87-year-old Lydia Rodrigues of Lot 51 North Melanie, East Coast Demerara. She was on her way to attend a service at the Universal Church when the tragedy occurred on the Melanie Public Road, East Coast Demerara. Police said that the vehicle, BKK 6714, is owned and was driven by Narsingh Jagsar, According to a police

statement, the minibus was proceeding west along the southern driving lane of the road while Rodrigues was standing on the northern side of the road. As the minibus approach, Rodrigues tried to cross the road and was struck by the vehicle. Rodrigues sustained head injuries and was pronounce dead on arrival at the GPHC. A breathalyzer test conducted on Jagsar showed no trace of alcohol in his system. He is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

The dead Lydia Rodrigues

Following Leonora Hospital flooding…

Dem Amstel Health Centre to open 24 hours Region Three Officials and the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings have taken the decision to temporarily close the Leonora Diagnostic Centre following flooding of the facility’s lower flat. The hospital is inundated with at least 14 inches of water after extreme high tides overtopped the seawalls in some areas along the West of Demerara Coast (WCD). Following an assessment by Minister Cummings and the Regional Health Officer, it has been determined that Mildred Cox-Younge Health Centre, also known as the Den Amstel Health Centre, over the next three to seven days, will function in place of the Leonora facility, facilitating outpatients as well as emergency cases while the West Demerara Regional Hospital will take the more serious cases. Senior Health Visitor (ag) at the Health Centre, Bhagpattie Ramnarine told the DPI that the health centre’s capacity is adequate to address the needs of the nearby communities, as well as the affected hospital in the interim, while the Leonora diagnostic centre remains closed. “We have a large waiting area for patients; four rooms where we can accommodate doctors; a dressing room with a large capacity, a vaccine room with a fridge with a large capacity to also store drugs and so on”, Ramnarine explained. According to Regional Health Officer of Region Three, Ravindra Dudhnauth, the Mildred Cox-Younge Health Centre has been opened on a 24- hour basis, offering the same services that would have been accessible at Lenora Diagnostic Centre except for x-rays and lab work.

Those services, he said, will be diverted to West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). Minister Cummings, who visited both the Leonora and Den Amstel facilities, said, “I was on spot to see the damage that has been done after the flooding caused by extreme high tides… We were able to mobilise a team – Public Health working with CDC – so we were able to address the situation very quickly.” Most of the lower flat of the Leonora Diagnostic Centre was affected, including the male and female observation wards, the sterilization room, the Accident and Emergency Unit, the Eye Care Unit and both the old and new health centre units. The operating

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theatre on the ground floor was unaffected. Meanwhile, the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) led by Director General (ag) Colonel Kester Craig has been mobilised to render assistance to the staff of the Leonora Diagnostic Centre. The Guyana Fire Service (GFC) has also deployed 51 ranks to assist in the clean-up process at the hospital. There is another high tide expected which is said to be higher than the ones previously experienced. To this end, the CDC has acquired sandbags to fortify the hospital as well as to be distributed to residents along the affected coast to prevent further flooding and damage.

GFC implements all “relevant” changes recommended in forensic audit report The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has reportedly implemented all the recommendations that former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran made in his forensic audit report of the entity. Goolsarran was contracted by the Government of Guyana in 2015 to carry out a forensic audit on some state agencies, including the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) and GFC. Both reports were damning. Both entities responded to the findings. NICIL had reported that it implemented almost 80 percent of the recommendations. Recently, GFC hosted a press conference at which Commissioner James Singh was asked about the implementation of the recommendations. He said, “The GFC Board of Directors had a detailed review of the forensic audit and they have implemented the measures that they thought were relevant; so yes, the recommendations of the forensic audit have all been implemented.” The recommendations made by Goolsarran were vast and detailed. In relation to the functioning of the Board, Goolsarran recommended that the Minister, acting in accordance with Section 2 (3) of the Schedule to the Act, revokes the appointment of a member for absence without approval for more than three consecutive meetings of the Commission, or for more than four meetings

in any one year. It may be desirable for the Schedule to be amended to make attendance at board meetings a statutory requirement. This recommendation was made in view of the fact that most members in the previous system used to be absent from meetings very often. Goolsarran also recommended that the tenure of appointment of the Commissioners should be for two or three years, as opposed to the oneyear tenure, to allow for continuity, notwithstanding that there is provision for renewal and Given the detailed responsibilities of the Commission for ensuring that Guyana’s forest resources are sustainably managed and conserved as well as for encouraging the development and growth of forestry, consideration should be given to the appointment of a full-time Chairman to oversee the management of the organization and to lend additional support to its efficient and effective functioning, without getting involved in policy execution. There have been no reports of a full time chairman and there continues to be yearly renewals. Goolsarran has recommended a restriction on the exportation of certain species of forest produce in log form. This has been done. His recommendations on BaiShanLin were vast. All have been implemented and BaiShanLin no longer operates legally in Guyana. Goolsarran has recommended that GFC secure mem-

GFC Chairman, James Singh bership of the Institute of Internal Auditors in order to ensure compliance with the IIA Standards in the conduct of its audits. There has been no report of this happening. He said too that the Commission should take urgent measures to set up a reserve fund not only to ensure compliance with Section 16 with the GFC Act but also to provide funds in event of financial difficulty in any particular year. Goolsarran said that this is likely to obviate the need for recourse to the Consolidated Fund to meet any shortfall in funding. Nothing has been heard about the establishment of a reserve fund.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

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Monica Reece, other unsolved murders await establishment of Cold Case Unit Crime Chief Paul Williams says the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is awaiting the establishment of a Cold Cases Unit to pursue investigations into several yet unsolved murders. “We still have Monica Reece as a priority. We still have the matter of the young lady (Rainella Benfield) that was found in the cemetery in by Beterverwagting. We still have (Trevor) Rose’s matter, the designer who was shot. We still have his matter as priority. We are waiting for the establishment of our Cold Case Unit so that we can invoke that matter because that will require some special attention. It is not that we put it away”, Williams explained in an interview with the Department of Public Information(DPI). Further, Williams reassured that like the death of Monica Reece there are several other cases being actively pursued. “There are numerous matters that we have as priority so as soon as the Cold Case Unit is established, definitely, we will go with those matters and several others that are there, that have been awaiting that special attention for quite some time. Now it’s a matter of national concern and definitely it is not a matter we have discarded or have put away. It is a matter that we still have our eyes on because it is a part of

Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

- Crime Chief Paul Williams

Rainella Benfield our cases” Monica Reece was killed and dumped in Main Street, on Good Friday almost 25 years ago while 33-year-old fashion designer Trevor Rose was fatally shot at the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while travelling in a taxi with the mother of one of his children, Latoya Towler in 2014. The body of 18-year-old Qualfon receptionist Rainella Benfield of Lot 99 Canterbury Walk, Beterverwagting was on the morning of December 11, 2017 found in a cemetery at Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with her face bashed in and the skin ripped from it. Despite the arrests and questioning of several suspects in the named cases, they all remain unsolved.

Crime Chief Paul Williams

Trevor Rose The Force’s Major Crimes Unit, however, has managed to solve several cases, including the murder of Babita Sarjou, whose skeletal remains were dug up from a backyard several years after she disappeared.

Integrate Procurement rules with local content efforts In order to ensure that a significant portion of local services and products are utilized by foreign companies in the oil sector, procurement rules/guidelines and strategies must be employed at all times. This advice is what Chatham House has passed on to many countries seeking its help in the oil and gas sector. Chatham House is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in London whose mission is to analyze and promote the understanding of major international issues and current affairs. Government has claimed that it is consulting with and using the advice of the organization. The organization has strong rules and principles when it comes to local content. Chatham House notes that in a company’s operations, local content strategies sometimes reside in separate units or in the CSR department. This means local content is often a later consideration in the planning process. The organization says that a requisite local content ramp up of supplier skills and capacity may be developed too late in the design and engineering process to provide timely local goods and services to the project.

- Int’l Oil and Gas Consultant

It notes that operators have considered various organizational models for handling local content. Industry discussions recognize the risk that if local content sits with the procurement unit, opportunities for optimizing local content are missed. To avoid this, Chatham House says that different models are being considered to front-load strategic thinking in regard to local content and to better assess the trade-offs that companies must consider between different objectives, such as managing long-term risks versus minimizing costs. To ensure early consideration of local content, Chatham stressed that governments can request that

companies embed local content in their initial procurement strategy when preparing their field development plans. It said that integrating local content objectives into procurement strategies and engineering plans can significantly increase the impact of efforts to benefit the local economy. GUYANA’S CONTRACT Several Production Sharing Agreements around the world have embedded in them, strict procurement rules which must be followed by oil operators. This is the case with Ghana for example. Guyana’s contract however, mentions NOTHING about procurement laws that ExxonMobil must follow.

Rape horrors in Guyana...

Twelve cases of rape so far at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts Ten years ago Stacy (not her real name) was walking home from work when she was attacked by a man through a lone alleyway about 20 feet from her home. The woman recalled that she would normally walk through the lonely alleyway five times per week. “It was a norm for me because I would normally walk there all the time. It was 22:45 hrs a Sunday evening.” She said. The woman, who is now 40, said that even though the alleyway was dark, because of the lack of street lights; it was normally the fastest way for her to reach home to be with her three daughters. “I never thought that I could be raped. I always said "It could never happen to me." But it did. And to this day, I live with the regret that I thought nothing like that could ever happen to me.” Stacy said that a man dressed in a black t-shirt and a black legging sneaked up behind her and grabbed her arms and dragged her into a clump of bushes. “He covered my mouth with a piece of cloth and undressed my pants. I froze, my

whole body went numb and I was unable to move.” She added that the entire ordeal lasted for about seven minutes and after he was finished he told her “don’t walk back here so late.” Those words she said stuck with her. The woman said that after the man left she quickly picked up her lunch bag and ran home. While running home she recalled smelling cooking oil and marijuana since that was the scent she got from the man that raped her. While in her house the woman said that she went straight to the bathroom, where she showered and then went over to her mother’s house where she broke the news to her. At about 23:15 hrs, Stacy and her mother went to the hospital where they told the nurses what had happened and she had a rape kit done on her. She added that she never told her children what had transpired on that sad night, because she does not want them to be fearful. “Only my mother and the nurses that looked me after knew what transpired.”

She added that for months after the incident she had negative thoughts going through her mind. “I was shame and was in disbelief that something like that could happen to me. Thinking about that night sick my stomach.” Stacy said that as the years go by, things are getting better and better and she is not thinking about what happened ten years ago. She said that now she only talks positively about herself and looks at life more positively. Stacy said that now she is happily married and living life to the fullest with her family. As for that dark alleyway she doesn’t walk there anymore and she told her children to stay away from there also. Sexual assault and rape are devastating for the victim and can cause many emotional, physical, and mental problems. Counseling is recommended for victims to help deal with the trauma of the experience. So far for this year, 12 persons, including police officers, taxi drivers and a pastor have been placed before Chief Magistrate Ann (Continued on page 19)

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PSAs are about national sovereignty Someone described by the Guyana Chronicle as the chief spokesperson for ExxonMobil. It is quoted as saying that petroleumsharing agreements as opposed royalties and taxes agreement are common in frontier markets seeking to grow their economies through foreign investments. This statement propagates two falsehoods. Firstly, that there is a distinction between production sharing and agreements and royalties and taxes, and secondly, that petroleum sharing agreements are means by which first oil countries grow their economies. Production- sharing agreements (PSA) are not distinct from agreements on royalties and taxes. But more important the origins of PSAs have nothing to do with economic growth. As the Kaieteur News has pointed out, PSA’s emerged in Indonesia in 1966 in order to

give independent states greater control over their petroleum resources. National ownership of oil was the reason for the emergence of PSAs, not economic growth. Indonesia was concerned about exercising sovereignty over its oil resources. PSA’s, which are the most common petroleum agreement in force today, emphasize national ownership of a resource. The state, and not the foreign oil companies, holds the advantage and is supposed to hold the advantage because the oil belongs to the country. The oil company is not doing anyone a favor by signing a PSA. It is disingenuous for any spokesperson of any oil company to make a distinction between a PSA and oil and royalties agreements. A central feature of most PSAs is the provision of royalties and taxes on the oil

DEM BOYS SEH

company’s profit oil. In other words, royalties and taxes are a part of PSAs. Unlike what ExxonMobil is trying to imply there is no trade-off between royalties and taxes and oil revenues. Under a PSA a country is entitled to negotiate for all three – royalties, taxes and oil revenues - as many countries have and are doing. Therefore, the statement that a PSA implies that the government receives revenue mainly from the sale of oil and not taxes or royalties is misleading. Most PSAs offer royalties off the top, cost recovery, and then taxes, after which profit oil is divided. In the case of Guyana, there is royalty of 2%, high thresholds for cost recovery and virtually no taxes on cost oil. What are the taxes which ExxonMobil will pay? It will have to pay some withholding taxes, income tax earned by its expatriate workers and local authority taxes on land. However, it

DE WINNERS’ CONCEPT IS DE WAY TO GO

There is an old saying that de brave concept is to do or die. De practical concept is to do before you die and de winners’ concept is don’t die until you do it. Soulja Bai always tell he people to do or die. He use to be an army man and that is why he tell people to do or die. Nuff of dem dead before de do because den didn’t know what to do. That is because dem didn’t understand de concept of life. Jagdeo understand de practical concept which is to do before you die. He do nuff thing. He tek de radio licence and give he friends and family; he give away de cable; he give way three-quarters of Guyana, Then tun round and tek over de whole Pee Pee Pee from de dummy. De winners’ concept is wha dem boys believe in. That is de concept which seh don’t die until you do it. That is why dem putting

pressure pun Exxon to change de oil contract and dem ain’t gun dead until de contract change. Dem also plan to change de nonsense that going on at Ogle wheh only one family getting all de sweet. Dem got local people who trying to get space at Ogle and dem can’t get. One local man want a 100 by 100 plot of land, de size of a house lot to park he plane and he can’t get. But dem coulda find 10 acre fuh give Exxon. Is a good thing de Lands and Surveys boss man step in because dem boys believe dem got to do before dem die and dem woulda never sit down and watch Exxon get that land. Soulja Bai got to get involve in de winners’ concept. Don’t die until you do it. Talk half and know that dem boys ain’t done do yet.

does not have to pay import duties, VAT, excise taxes on its petroleum operations. These latter fiscal concessions are not the core of the problem. Foreign companies do negotiate generous fiscal concessions as a means of reducing the cost of their investment. The issue is not so much the import taxes, VAT and excise taxes but rather the absence of taxes on profit oil. The spokesperson went on to emphasize that Guyana will receive 50 per cent of profit oil. Two things need to be said here. All the oil is Guyana’s oil and in any event ExxonMobil is gaining 50% of the profit oil for an investment which Guyana has to repay. In fact, Guyana is also repaying pre-contract costs of over US$400M. Secondly, this 50% which Guyana receives is not 50% of the supposed 120,000 barrels which is projected to be produced per day. Exxon has the option of using as much as 75% of the oil produced or 90,000 barrels per day for recovering its costs. The remaining 25% of 30,000 barrels will be split half and half between ExxonMobil and Guyana. This means that Guyana will gain 12.5% profit

oil or 15,000 barrels per day. Guyana will gain no taxes, on ExxonMobil’s 15,000 barrels per day. Why? Exxon says that the petroleum agreement will allow Guyana to grow its economy through foreign investment. Omai sung the same tune when it came here. The litmus test of investment is the extent to which it feeds back into the local economy. The contract between ExxonMobil and Guyana does not provide for value added activities. Exxon is not refining any oil. It will not be investing in natural gas, except possibly for a pipeline to bring the gas to shore. No refineries are going to be built by ExxonMobil and not many local jobs will be available for Guyanese on the rig.

This is what the IMF had to say about the effect of oil on the local economy. “ The oil sector is fairly isolated from the rest of the economy with no significant spillovers at this time. ..Oil will have a large impact on GDP but a much smaller on GNP.” What the IMF is saying that oil production will significantly increase the total value of goods produced by all the people and companies operating within Guyana, whether they are locally owned or foreign owned but this will be far less for the value of goods produced by Guyanese.

Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Make Guyana safe again…

Appoint proper Top Cop, fix OPR, says Ramkarran The police force needs to rebuild its relationship with the public. It is hoped that whoever takes over next as top cop recognizes the importance of having the public on board in efforts to promote a safe Guyana. That, in a nutshell, is essentially what veteran politician, Ralph Ramkarran said in his most recent column published on his website. Follow this link to read full column: http://conversationtree.gy/ the-police-and-the-public/ #more-1642. Ramkarran said that a fit and proper top cop will soon see that there are a few key things that need to be addressed before Guyana can be made safe again. These things, according to the politician, would include efforts that need to be made to build public trust and cooperation. Ramkarran said that without the cooperation of the public which provides information and intelligence, the capacity of the Police to solve crime would be severely diminished. While most are focused on the wrongs allegedly committed by former top cop, Seelall Persaud, especially the fact that he attempted to grant himself gun dealership license, Ramkarran pointed to one of his successes. Ramkarran said public cooperation was significantly enhanced during the Persaud’s tenure. He said that the cooperation saw a heightened crime

Former Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud

Veteran Politician Ralph Ramkarran

solving effort by the Police. Ramkarran noted too that that relationship and related crime solving efforts “deteriorated as soon as the Police came under public attack at the recent inquiry and the negative consequences of that inquiry.” The veteran politician said that he hopes that under new leadership the Police will revive its effort at good community relations which is recognized all around the world as vital to crime-solving. Ramkarran said that it is also hoped that the new Commissioner of Police will understand that good relations with the community depends on fair and balanced investigation of complaints by members of the public against the Police. There are two bodies which are linked to such investigations: the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Police Complaints Author-

ity. Ramkarran said that the jurisdictions and mandates of these two bodies are not clearly delineated in the public mind. He said that his own experience with the Office of Professional Responsibility is that it exists solely for the purpose of protecting and defending the Police. “I have made a complaint and I have encouraged others who have had outrageous experiences with the Police to complain. The results have been on every occasion a complete whitewashing of the behaviour of the Police.” Further, Ramkarran noted that recently, a young lady complained that she was made to completely undress during a drug search and her body was allegedly invaded by Police at the Correia International Airport. The politician said that the young lady’s complaint was

credible “including the request that she cough, before the intrusion. The complainant, a 17-year old, can hardly make that up. The ruling of the Office of Professional Responsibility, to which the matter has been referred, can be predicted from now. It will completely exonerate the Police, and so long from now that the matter would have receded in the public consciousness.” Ramkarran said that if the new Commissioner of Police believes that public support for the Police is necessary for it to continue to enhance its ability to solve crime, he or she would act urgently to make the bodies, designated to investigate complaints against police, become more

ies to constitutional offices, the position of Chair of the Police Complaints Authority has been vacant for about a year since the former Chairman was asked to retire because he was in his eighties.” That person who was asked to retire is former Chancellor, Cecil Kennard. Ramkarran said that throughout his term as Chairman Kennard complained of lack of investigative capacity, under resourcing and dilatoriness of the Police in responding to him. “There appeared to have been some modest improvement before he was retired. It is hoped, firstly, that a person as credible and reputable as the former Chancellor, Mr. Cecil Kennard, will be ap-

“Whilst the Government continues to appoint persons in their eighties to constitutional offices, the position of Chair of the Police Complaints Authority has been vacant for about a year since former Chairman was asked to retire because he was in his eighties”. - Ramkarran credible and transparent by having known rules, by being outside the control of the Police and by including members of the public. Further, Ramkarran said that government has its part to play. He noted, “Whilst the Government continues to appoint persons in their eight-

pointed to fill the vacant post as soon as possible,” said Ramkarran. The politician said too that he hoped the office will be fully resourced in financial, material and personnel terms (selected by the Chair) to enable it to carry out its functions in a timely manner.

He said that as far as the cooperation of the Police goes, in the absence of statutory sanctions, which should be considered by the government, the new Commissioner will need to implement administrative sanctions where cooperation with the Police Complaints Authority is not treated as a priority by his officers. Ramkarran did not shy away from accepting that public confidence in the Police is always a challenge. He noted that it took several years for the Police to clamp down on carjackers and implied that lack of public support was one of the reasons the police took so long to clamp down. Ramkarran said “a similar situation currently exists, and has existed for many years, in relation to armed robberies generally and the robberies of persons who withdraw monies from banks. In the latter case, these persons, like overseas visitors, are followed to their homes or business places and robbed and sometimes shot, on occasion fatally. The public is awaiting a solution to this old and growing problem by a similar dismantling of the gang or gangs involved. Maybe one issue is the lack of intelligence from the public. If so, the Police would do well to consider its relations with the public and the implementation of measures to improve those relations.” (Abena RockcliffeCampbell)

Govt. inspectors move to halt Importation of sub-standard electrical items The Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) has started work with the National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and plans to enlist the assistance of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to prevent the importation of sub-standard electrical fittings and appliances. Arnold Barclay, the Chief Electrical Inspector at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure told Kaieteur News that the GEI has engaged electricians across the country on improving the standards of the industry.

The GEI is the electrical safety body within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, set up to protect users of electricity against the hazard of unsafe and unsound electrical installation. “What we are doing is taking it to the next level to safeguard citizens and their investments. We are undertaking an exercise with the Bureau of Standards to create a list of pre-approved items which are certified by a recognized testing laboratory. This list will have things like electrical fittings, cables,

switches, circuit breakers and bulbs which have been tested to withstand the purpose of its intended use,” Barclay explained. He stated that currently the list being used by GNBS, which ensures imported products meet required standards, needs revamping. Barclay noted that there are also allegations that importers are not declaring electrical items. He said the GEI plans to request a list of importers of electrical items from GRA. The list, he explained, will be used to develop a strategy to ensure that all electrical items are properly inspected before they are allowed to enter the country. “We recognize that we cannot do it alone. We have to work with other agencies as we move forward,” Barclay stated. He stressed that GEI will meet with importers to edu-

Arnold Barclay, the Chief Electrical Inspector at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure cate them before moving to full enforcement. Barclay also appealed to electrical contractors to restrict the use of inferior electrical items. “We are not shifting re-

sponsibility to the contractors, but that would be part of their responsibility because once there is better enforcement and you request an electrical inspection, if a cable is not on the list we will not certify the job,” Barclay stated. Speaking at the 5th Electrical Safety Seminar on Thursday last, Barclay explained that there is the myth that all fires are electrical in nature. “Follow the guidelines of the electrical codes, use listed and labelled materials, divorce procrastination, marry knowledge, develop proactive attributes and raise your esteem as a person in fraternity of the electrical industry,” he stated at the opening of the seminar. It was noted that Guyana does not have its own National Electrical Codes as such, but has over the years, adopted the National Electric of the USA, authored by the National Fire Protection of America (NFPA).

Minister with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson told the seminar that all electrical products must be in compliance with GEI and GNBS standards. The Minister noted that for too long, we have been hearing of homes destroyed by fire and most of the times it is not a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) problem, but faulty electrical products sold by stores across this country. “They are circuits, and switches, and panels etcetera so faulty that when electrical current passes through them, they get overheated and burst into flames,” the Minister stated. She also said that reportedly they are a number of persons going around the country, calling themselves electrical contractors, when they know they are not certified by the GEI.

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Fresh from the West…

Love equals successful farming, says Linden farmer, Pierce Ifill ‘Fresh from the West’ is a popular brand associated with quality vegetables in Linden, Region 10. At least four days of the week, residents can purchase fresh tomatoes, cassava, lettuce, cabbage, bora and other vegetables and root crops at Pine Street, Central McKenzie. The man behind this operation is farmer Pierce Ifill, owner of one of the largest farms in the mining town. His farm is a mixture of open field and shade. It is neatly kept and has a uniformed look. At any time, there are beds of healthy crops at different stages of maturity. This enables a ready supply of vegetables to his many customers. Simply put, Ifill’s farm is always bustling with activity. Harvesting is done regularly. The vegetables are transported to the Pine Street location. They remain fresh for extended periods. No force ripening, hence the brand name ‘Fresh from the West.’ “I hardly have spoilage…I don’t force ripen my vegetables…Because I use calcium for the soil my vegetables are healthy and stand up for long…For example, my tomatoes can stay out of the fridge for weeks and I am not just saying this for talks…It is the truth…It was tested,” Ifill said. The freshness of Ifill’s crops is his competitive advantage. He vows not to reveal the secret behind the freshness. Most of his knowledge about good agricultural prac-

tices was learnt through workshops hosted by many agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), LEAP and IPED. Just revealing a tiny part of the secret, Ifill said “I attend these workshops with an open mind to learn and when I return to my farm I get to action…I don’t have a secondary school education but I surround myself with information from the internet, books and resource persons…That is how I learn…Many farmers would see increased yields and fresher crops if they just incorporate what they learn.” Another contributing factor for his success is love. Ifill believes that a farmer needs to genuinely love farming to be successful. If love is missing from the equation the crops will not grow healthy and the harvest will not be bountiful. His love for farming dates back to childhood. Ifill grew up in Berbice where farming was his family’s main business. And, even though he had migrated for a while, the passion remained with him. Nineteen years ago, Ifill returned to Guyana and decided to move to Linden. He opened a grocery shop but that failed. So, he did what he loved and knew best- farming. For him failure was an opportunity to do what he was good at. Over the years, he has gained significant respect from the people of Linden. To

Pierce Ifill in a section of his farm

Some of Ifill’s neatly-kept beds the extent that secondary school students obtain data from his farm for their School Based Assessment (SBAs) for CSEC. This has allowed him access to farmhands, which is difficult to source in a mining town. He maintains a small workforce, thanks to technology and sometimes offers short-term contract employment. “To bring down cost and deal with the labour issue I use technology…Several years ago I was one of the first set of farmers in Linden to benefit from NAREI’s drip irrigation programme…That was a good initiative…Because of that exposure, I am using drip irrigation and the sprinkler hose to water my crops…I also use land tiller for land preparation and shade mesh for my tomatoes,” he said. Ifill will soon enhance his operations using shade house technology. This will be built particularly for his tomatoes and celery; two of his main crops. “To prevent fungus and other diseases (for my tomatoes) I will build shade houses…I know it will worth the investment,” Ifill noted. The farmer revealed that one of his main challenges is flooding. The lower part of his farm is susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall. Even though his crops are planted on raised beds they are still affected. He believes that if the drainage canal neighbouring his farm is excavated the flooding would be eliminated. That aside, the future looks bright for the Fresh from the West brand. Ifill has his sights set on agro-processing. He plans to supply supermarkets in Linden and possibly in other Regions with freshly chopped and neatly packaged

vegetables. He has commenced research and will consult with NAREI for additional information. This component of the business would allow him to utilize some of his teachings from IPED.

A proud Ifill surveys his crops

PAGE 14

Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

After 40 yrs, can Ann Stewart’s murder be solved? By Michael Jordan Of all the cold cases that I have written about, the murder of Sandra Ann Stewart is the one that is closest to my heart. Perhaps it’s because we lived in the same community. Perhaps it’s because it was the first time I had ever been so close to a murder case. Perhaps it’s that photo of her in the alleyway, the ‘wrongness’ of it, that’s made this case stick in my head for 40 years. Perhaps it’s because I know the prime suspect. I guess it’s all of this. On Thursday, December 9, 1976, at around 7:30 a.m., Ann caught an East La Penitence bus that took her to Alleyne’s High School in Regent Street. She returned to her parents’ South Tucville home at around 3.30 p.m., and, dressed now in a white blouse and matching mini-skirt, headed for basketball practice at the Parade Ground in preparation for a league competition. Ann was a member of the Bristol Celtics and her basketball sessions usually ended late in the evening. This had caused her mother, Stella Knights, some concern, but Mrs. Knights had eventually consented to allowing Ann to have her way, after friends and relatives persuaded her that she was being over-protective. Ann’s neighbours usually knew when she was passing by the sound of her bouncing her basketball on the roadway. But when 9 p.m. came and Ann had still not arrived home, her parents began to suspect that something was amiss. After checking at relatives and friends, the parents went to the Ruimveldt Police Station to report her missing. They also visited the Georgetown Hospital to see if she had been admitted there. The teen was still missing next day when, at around 8 a.m., Stella Knights, on her way to the police station, spotted a crowd of schoolchildren standing near an alleyway about a hundred yards from her home.

She was so consumed by her own troubles that she thought nothing of it. But when she was returning from the station, the children were still there. This time, she went to look and saw something that made her faint. In the alleyway, propped up against a fence, was her daughter Ann. She was fully dressed, except for her underwear, which lay about three feet away. She was still wearing a pair of gold earrings and a ring. Ann Stewart had died violently. Someone had bitten her just below the left eye. There were bruises on the left side of her chin. A post mortem would later reveal that someone had broken her neck. The story of Ann’s murder, written by a reporter named Albert Alstrom, was on the front page of the evening paper called The Citizen. It was accompanied by the photograph that still sticks in my memory. There was the dead Ann Stewart in the alleyway, with her head tilted to the left, long, thin legs outstretched. From the boys who gathered under our house to play table tennis, I heard rumours that Ann had been walking with her boyfriend, who also lived in Tucville, when a gang of youths attacked them. The boyfriend reportedly fled, leaving Ann to the mercy of the young men. A few days later, detectives rounded up several youths from Tucville and the neighbouring communities of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Meadowbrook and Festival City. One of the prime suspects was ‘Fat Man’, a young man who sometimes played table tennis at my home. I learnt that the police believed that ‘Fat man’ had killed Ann Stewart. The word back then was that he had broken her neck with a karate chop. ‘Fat Man’ was never charged. Years later, I became a crime reporter, and I again turned my attention to the Ann Stewart murder. I began by enquiring about her parents, only to learn that they had migrated. And it seemed that most of the Tucville residents who

Ann’s grief-stricken parents

had information about the murder were either dead or were living overseas. I was surprised to discover that the few who remembered were still apprehensive about speaking of the case. One old resident even cautioned me, half-jokingly, about awakening a ‘sleeping murder.’ Fortunately, I managed to contact two of Ann’s relatives. They managed to fill me in on her movements on the day she was slain. I also tracked down Ann’s coach. He told me that hours before her murder, Ann had turned up at the Parade Ground, but then complained of having a sprained ankle. He recalled that she then walked off the ground and left in the company of a young man who was waiting for her. One of the detectives who had worked on the case said that the boyfriend admitted leaving the ground with Ann. But he said she was still alive when they parted company. The detective also explained why they had zeroed in on ‘Fat Man’ as the prime suspect. At the time, ‘Fat Man’ had lived a few houses away from Ann. The alleyway where the body was found was behind his home. ‘Fat Man’ also practiced karate and judo, skills that the police felt made him capable of snapping Ann’s neck. They found out that Ann’s death coincided with the suspect’s birthday. He had been drinking heavily on the night that Ann went missing. Police believe that on the night of December 9, 1976, Ann Stewart was passing ‘Fat Man’s’ house when he either lured or forcibly carried her into his yard. They believe that she was taken upstairs, sexually assaulted, slain and dumped in the alleyway. They also believe that the teen was killed during a struggle or because she knew her assailant. “We have always believed that the act was committed by the suspect and others,” the detective told me. “In fact, I think he came close to confessing one night when I showed him the newspaper

Ann Stewart

with her photograph. “However, no one confessed to the murder. No eyewitness came forward with information about the crime. People in the area were reluctant to talk to the police and nothing of evidential value was ever found.” While the clothing of the suspects was checked for bloodstains and their bodies examined for scratches and other recent injuries, no checks were made for fibres and other forensic evidence from Ann Stewart’s garments. Finally, I mustered the courage to speak to ‘Fat Man.’ I had not spoken to him since Ann Stewart’s death. He was now a grey-haired, dreadlocked man; a virtual outcast in Tucville. After some persuasion, he gave his version of the events that had occurred so many years ago. Yes, he had celebrated his birthday on the night of the murder. Yes, he had practiced karate and judo. Yes, back then he had a reputation of being a ‘bad man’- for ‘representing’ youths who were being bullied. But he was not the only martial arts exponent in the community back then. And he had not killed Ann Stewart. In fact, ‘Fat Man’ claimed that he had not even known Ann, although they had lived just a few houses apart. On that fateful birthday of December 9, 1976, he had gone drinking with two friends. The ‘session’ had begun at around 3.00 p.m. in Georgetown. They had then driven in a ‘Mini-Moke’ to

Tyrone’s liquor shop in Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, where they remained until around 9 p.m. The friends then parted, and ‘Fat Man’ said that he headed home, jogging all the way as was his custom when he was ‘high’. His ‘child mother’ and one-year-old daughter were at home when he arrived. According to ‘Fat Man’, he went to work the following day, unaware that Ann’s body had been found in the alleyway behind his home. He said that two days later, policemen came to his home and said that they wanted to question him about a murder. He was taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where detectives accused him of breaking Ann Stewart’s neck. “They said that is only somebody who know karate could do that. I keep telling them that I don’t even know the girl, but they keep telling me that I kill her. They also said that the boyfriend claim that he and Ann were by the National Park (on the night of the murder) and that they saw a ‘fat man’ riding behind them. The boyfriend claimed that he ran away.” According to him, the detectives made him remove his clothing and examined him for recent injuries. None were found, he said. His clothes were examined and returned to him a few days later. The friends that he had gone drinking with were able to support his alibi for the night of the murder, he said. He was kept at the station

for another 24 hours before being released. He was picked up again in 1977 and held for a day. Police then told him he was free to go, and he had not been questioned since. But by then, his old life in Tucville had been wrecked. He lost his job as a heavy-duty operator. Children pointed him out in the streets. Friends shunned him. And according to ‘Fat Man,’ he continued to receive threats from Ann’s boyfriend, who occasionally returned from the US where he now resided. ‘Fat Man’ said that he is as eager as everyone else to have the murder solved. “Nothing don’t hide,” he said. “Time will tell.” I surely hope so, guys. I hope that this story reaches you, and awakens someone’s conscience. No DNA or forensic samples remain from this case. Only eyewitness testimony or a killer’s confession can help us find Ann’s killers. An expert who has studied profiling techniques used by the FBI says that the way the killer positioned Ann’s body (sitting upright, and with feet together and hands in her lap) indicated that he knew and respected her, and wanted her to ‘look decent’ when she was found. This suggests that he may have some remorse. This also means that there is still some hope that the individual will confess if pressed, and we will finally know who killed 14-year-old Sandra Ann Stewart 40 years ago.

Monday March 05, 2018

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

West Ruimveldt residents benefit from urban agriculture project The West Front Road community conducted its second seed planting exercise at their cooperative garden in the compound of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) office at Lot 274 Ebenezer Drive. According to YCG’s Executive Director Dimitri Nicholson, the Urban Agriculture Project is aimed at developing the skills, knowledge and talent of the residents to advance food and nutrition security in the community. It has seen residents cultivating beds of ochro, bora, tomato and callaloo. This second seed planting exercise is aimed at expanding the yield production for those participating in the community project. Nicholson noted that the “cooperative garden has been a great initiative for those who wish to create their own little garden filled with seasoning and vegetables”, as a way to move away from chemically-produced crops. According to the YCG Director, the venture is supported of the Guyana School

Dimitri Nicholson, Executive Director, Youth Challenge Guyana of Agriculture (GSA) who provided the seedlings to start the West Front Road Community Urban Agriculture Project. GSA representative Oswald Nurse has been equipping participants with the necessary technical skills to cultivate the garden. Nurse said this is in keeping with GSA’s mission of offering

theoretical and practical training in agriculture and helping to develop, manage and operate farms and undertakings of an agricultural nature. Currently, the bora cultivation at the garden is covered by ant borne Aphids, a common enemy to bora, that sucks the sap of the plants. The insects have a symbiotic relationship with ants which ‘milk’ the Aphids to retrieve some of the sap. Nurse explained that the residents will be using an organic solvent that includes onion juices, garlic among other ingredients to remove the insects, and later tackle the ant issue to ensure the crops’ safety. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to a few of the participants who were grateful to be involved in the project. They said that much was learnt through the project especially with regards to the protection of garden crops through organic means as opposed to chemical. (A DPI feature)

An overview of the garden

Twelve cases of rape so far at the Georgetown... (From page 8) McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to rape charges. Most rape accusers are granted bail, while a few are remanded to prison on his/her first court appearance depending on the circumstances surrounding the situation. Most rape victims thus far for the year are between the age of three to 18 and the perpetrators are often family members and persons they know and trust. All rape matters are held in-camera and the media and the public are asked to leave

the courtroom. In a most recent case a North West District man was charged for raping his six year-old relative and was released on $200,000 bail. According to information, the victim was left in the care of the accused and she requested to use the washroom. While the child was in the washroom, the accused allegedly went in behind her and indulged in sexual activity with her. In another case, a City Constabulary rank found himself before the Chief Magistrate, for allegedly forcing a detained 15-year-old boy into

Saving the nation... (From page 17) has plugged millions of dollars into the audiological sector to help restore hearing among Guyanese. In the past two years, Starkey has given out some 700 hearing aids to Guyanese and will be back this week to donate another 400 to hearing-impaired persons. On March 6th the team will be at Fort Wellington Hospital, Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) and at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in the capital city on March 7th. The free gift of hearing devices comes with lifetime warranty and free batteries for each recipient, and Dr. Quaicoe is hoping that future visits by Starkey will target other Regions of which also desperately need their hearing restored. DOS AND DON’TS Dr. Quaicoe reiterated that while early screening is best practise in preventing hearing loss, there are simple dos and don’ts to follow for maximum care of the human ear. “Don’t clean your ears with cotton swabs; avoid listening to loud music; and when necessary, wear ear protection while working at industrial plants. “DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL,” Dr. Quaicoe warned pregnant women. No one wants to cut off from things or people, especially the latter. Guyanese must pay heed to Dr. Mark Ross statement that “when someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem.” (A DPI feature)

a sex act. He is alleged to have committed the offence at Regent Street Enquiries Outpost at City Hall. According to reports, on the day in question the juvenile was arrested and taken into custody for loitering and placed on a bench to sit. It was reported that around 23:00 hrs, a male constable woke the juvenile and told him to lie on his back, which he did. Shortly after the male rank returned and told him to stand by the washroom. It was reported that the Lance Corporal returned and unbuttoned the juvenile’s pants, placed a condom on the juvenile’s private parts and instructed the teen to have sex with him. A self-styled Bishop of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara church will soon be going on trial for allegedly raping a female church member. The incident allegedly occurred at his East Bank Demerara residence. It was while the victim was at the pastor’s that he allegedly had sexually intercourse with her against her will. And an ex-cop charged with raping a three-year-old was remanded to prison after being charged for having sex with the victim. A taxi driver was also charged for rape and sexually assaulting two sex workers. It is allege that he tied up the sex workers and engaged in sexual penetration without their consent. A 21-year-old police constable who allegedly raped an

underage girl is also currently before the court. The Georgetown-based accused is alleged to have engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. It was reported that the accused and the teen used to communicate

ing to information, on the day in question , the rank and an18-year-old Special Constable booked in at a hotel around 03:45 hrs, reportedly after a night-out together. The victim alleged that the accused had sexual inter-

via a social media group. The teen’s parents allegedly found out about a sexual encounter between the two and reported the matter to the police. A sixteen-year-old was also remanded for raping his seven-year-old cousin. According to information, the accused and the child live together and it was during the month of January last, he engaged in sexually activity with the child. The child then told his mother of what transpired and she reported the matter to the police. An investigation was then carried out and the teen was arrested and charged. A cop was also charged for raping his colleague. The 20-year-old was charged for having sexual intercourse with one of his colleagues at a city hotel against her will. Accord-

course with her against her will. The matter was then reported and the accused was arrested for the offence. Several reports suggest that rape accusers, when re-

manded to prison, are badly beaten by fellow inmates. A bus driver who is accused of raping his three year-old relative recently received a severe beating in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts at the hands of his fellow inmates. Minutes after the accused was taken into the court lockups, police officer had to forced their way into the lockups and rescued him from the other inmates after they dealt him several kicks and punches about his body. After being escorted to another holding area, blood was seen gushing from his mouth and several missing teeth were seen in his hand. According to information the child was spending some time with the accused after she was left in his care. When the child returned home to her mother she was crying and the mother, upon checking the child, observed that she was sexually assaulted.

Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

Austria and Antigua to forge closer relations ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The Government of Antigua and Barbuda says Austria has expressed interest in cooperating with the twin-island state in the areas of tourism and diplomatic training. This was conveyed in a statement on Saturday, to Prime Minister Gaston Browne during a visit to Antigua and Barbuda by Marianne Feldman, Ambassador of Austria to the Eastern Caribbean. “In his response, Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s full commitment to cooperating with the Austrian Government,” the Antigua and Barbuda Government statement said. “He further made a request to the Ambassador of Austria to consider opening an Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda,” it added. Feldman recently presented letters of credence to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Marianne Feldman Antigua and Barbuda and Austria formally established

diplomatic relations on March 25, 1985.

Haiti cancels participation in UN cholera meeting

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti - (CMC) — A day after recalling its United Nations ambassador for consultations in protest over a UN official’s remarks about oil-loan corruption allegations, the Haitian government has cancelled its participation in a high-level UN retreat on cholera in New York. Hosted by UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres and his Special Envoy for Haiti Josette Sheeran, the overnight retreat at Greentree on Long Island opened last week. The gathering involved some of the world’s leading innovators in public health, finance and business, who discussed eradicating the deadly waterborne disease from Haiti. Several Haitian government ministers were scheduled to attend, along with Haiti President Jovenel Moïse, who was to give the keynote remarks, along with Guterres at dinner on Wednesday, and open and close Thursday’s session. However, following a recent diplomatic row with the UN, the delegation’s appearance at the cholera meeting was cancelled. The dispute erupted after Guterres’ special representative in Haiti, Susan D Page, issued a statement welcoming a judicial

Jovenel Moïse

António Guterres corruption inquiry into how US$2 billion in oil loans from Venezuela was spent by former Haitian government

officials, the Herald said. Page is the head of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti — known by the French acronym MINUJUSTH. Haiti Foreign Minister Antonio Rodrigue said Page’s communiqué, which also called on authorities to look into alleged human rights violations by Haiti National Police, went beyond the UN’s role to support the Frenchspeaking Caribbean country in the enforcement of rule of law and justice, the Miami Herald said. Moïse later told reporters that he pulled his ambassador to protect Haiti’s image. “The country is fighting to defend its image,” said Moïse. “I will do all I can do to ensure that Haiti’s image is respected.” “People have to speak well of the country,” he added. “When you look at a glass of water, do not see it as half empty, but half full. It is this Haiti that we dream of, and it is what we are working on.” During a morning briefing with reporters in New York, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, “the Secretary General stands in full solidarity with the people and the government of Haiti,” making no mention of the Haitian government’s decision not to attend the Continued on page 22

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Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY-$19,000PERPOUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Supari palm, Lipstick, Royal, Foxtail. Exora 4 for $1000 Ficus 4 for $1000. Organic potting soil. Tel: 626-1044 Parts for Tacoma Tundra Titan for sale. Tel#686-9608. 6000 pound ice box (1) 48 Yamaha engine 13.4 length fishing vessel. Four hundred pound sein. Tel#690-8089 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 (1) new Mistubishi canter with excellent conditions with type of engine 4msl, long base, 2004 model, contact: 6967664 1- 320 BL cat Excavator 1- 215 B cat Excavator 1- 428 cat Back-hoe 1- 450 Honda Atv. Contact: 275-0367, 683-7225 1 Double steel wheel roller 1Pneumatic roller 1- Leyland Daf truck 1- Hand spray bitumen kettle. Contact: 2750367, 683-7225 1-320 CL- Bucket 1, Hydraulic pump 1, 4 Hydraulic Ram. #628-1832 Use Daff 620 truck parts. Contact: #650-0402/603-1402 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flat Bed, Flat bed with Crane & Hauler. Call: 659-3100 New Triangle truck tyres, front & all wheel drive, size: 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022

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Haiti cancels...

FOR RENT

WANTED

VACANCY

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

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Hair station & Barber station rental, New market street #638-1106. Experienced persons preferable.

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One fully furnished apartment to rent in South Riumveldt $25,000 weekly. #694-7817, 668-0306

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Yorrowkabra, Linden Highway, House, Chicken pen, New foundation, Land 200' x 100' Fenced, water & light. 6.5M neg. Contact: 6867180

TOLET

1 bedroom Apt ($45,000) Haley and Durban street 2 bedroom ($40,000) 3 bedroom $75,000 ‘B’ Field Sophia. #622-0036, 223-1273

From page 21 retreat, calling it “an opening of a new relationship between the government of Haiti and the United Nations.” “Defeating cholera in Haiti is not only a matter of saving lives but of justice,” Dujarric said. “The dream here is that this terrible tragedy can be alchemised into a new beginning for Haiti and become an example for the world that big goals can be achieved in targeted, measurable ways by marshalling the world’s best practices and ideas.” While the incidence of cholera in Haiti has declined by 99 per cent, according to the UN, it still remains a threat almost eight years after it was introduced to Haiti by UN peacekeepers after the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake. Cholera has killed more than 9,000 and sickened one million Haitians. The UN which has promised to eradicate the disease has struggled to raise US$400 million from donor countries to finance its cholera plan. It noted that the Trump administration opted not to reassign US$11 million in unspent Haiti peacekeeping money to the UN’s cholera fund.

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Monday March 05, 2018

China says it does not want a trade war with U.S. BEIJING (Reuters) China does not want a trade war with the United States but will defend its interests, a senior Chinese diplomat said yesterday, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to put tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Trump struck a defiant tone on Friday, saying trade wars were good and easy to win, a day after he said he intended to put duties of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum products. Trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies have risen since Trump took office in 2017, and although China only accounts for a small fraction of U.S. steel imports, its massive industry expansion has helped produce a global glut of steel that has driven down prices. Negotiations and mutual opening of markets were the best ways to resolve trade frictions, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said at a briefing ahead of China’s annual session of parliament, which opens this week. “China does not want to fight a trade war with the United States, but we

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Zhang Yesui absolutely will not sit by and watch as China’s interests are damaged,” Zhang, who is a spokesman for parliament and was formerly an ambassador to the United States, said. “If policies are made on the basis of mistaken judgments or assumptions, it will damage bilateral relations and bring about consequences that neither country wants to see,” he said. Trump believes the tariffs will safeguard American jobs, but many economists say the impact of price increases for users of steel and aluminum, such as the auto and oil

industries, will destroy more jobs than curbs on imports create. Nonetheless, there is growing bipartisan consensus in Washington, and support within the U.S. business community, for the U.S. government to counter what are seen as Beijing’s predatory industrial policies and market restrictions on foreign firms. Trump has long sought a way to a more balanced trade relationship with China and is also considering potential trade sanctions against Beijing under a “Section 301” investigation into China’s intellectual property practices and pressure on foreign companies for technology transfers. His administration has said the United States mistakenly supported China’s membership in the World Trade Organization in 2001 on terms that have failed to force Beijing to open its economy. Diplomatic and U.S. business sources say the United States has all but frozen a formal mechanism for talks on commercial disputes with China because it is not satisfied Beijing has met its promises to ease market restrictions.

South Korea sending envoys to North Korea as Trump suggests U.S. willing to talk

President Donald Trump

Chung Eui-yong

Kim Jong-un

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea will dispatch a delegation led by senior security officials for a two-day visit to North Korea starting today, the presidential Blue House announced yesterday, as U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that he is ready to talk to Pyongyang. For its part, North Korea said it was not begging to talk with Washington and denounced upcoming U.S.South Korean joint-military exercises, warning that it would take counter measures against the United States if they went ahead. The drills will take place next month, a South Korean presidential security adviser

said according to the Yonhap news agency. They had been delayed until after the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games in South Korea. South Korea’s presidential Blue House said in a statement that National Security Office (NSO) head Chung Eui-yong and National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Suh Hoon, a veteran of past negotiations with the North, will be among the 10member South Korean delegation visiting Pyongyang. The visit was part of an effort to lower tensions on the Korean peninsula as well as possibly arrange talks between North Korea and the

United States, it said. After the visit to North Korea the envoys will travel to the United States to brief officials, and Seoul said it would also coordinate closely with officials in Japan and China. During a joke-filled monologue at a dinner with journalists in Washington yesterday, Trump suggested that the United States will be meeting with North Korea but has told Pyongyang it must first “denuke.” “We will be meeting and we’ll see if anything positive happens,” he added. It was unclear if Trump was joking or if formal U.S.North Korea talks were imminent. Speaking yesterday in Beijing ahead of the opening of China’s parliament, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui said China hoped the United States and North Korea could begin dialogue too. “War and chaos on the peninsula in not in the interests of any side,” Zhang said. Last month, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to meet with North Korean officials, including leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, while in South K o r e a f o r t h e Wi n t e r Olympics but the North Koreans canceled at the last minute, U.S. officials said in February. North Korea reiterated on Saturday that it was willing to talk to the United States but said it would never sit with any precondition. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman was quoted by KCNA as saying “we will neither beg for dialogue nor evade the military option claimed by the U.S.” A commentary published by North K o r e a ’s o ff i c i a l K C N A news agency warned that North Korea would” counter the U.S.” if joint military drills go forward.

First Math Olympiad sees robust competition Students from Grades Six and Nine, from several schools in Region Four yesterday tested their knowledge of Mathematics as they competed in the inaugural Math Olympiad created by the Brain Central (BC), an online educational portal. The two-day (February 34) collaborative initiative between BC and Scotiabank saw 45 students, going online and simultaneously take two (2) timed quizzes, consisting of 40 questions set to be completed within 50 minutes. Lance Hinds, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), BC, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the implementation of such an initiative aims to help the students prepare for their examinations. Hinds noted that the participants answered the question in “exam-like conditions” on both days “and based on their results, they will receive prizes.” The event held at the University of Guyana’s (UG) Information Communication Center, quickly dwindled down to six participants, as opposed to the anticipated

From left: Haresh Rameshwar (Winner), Daniel Jacobs, Hanifa Ali, Daniel Singh (runners-up) BrainCentral (BC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lance Hinds and Scotiabank, Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani along with their team. five finalists. This was due to a tie for fourth place. Haresh Rameshwar was adjudged the winner while Daniel Singh, Daniel Jacobs, Hanifa Ali were the runnersup. They were all awarded tablets. Responding to inquiries regarding those participants, who did not attend the second and final round of the examination, Hinds opined that, “these things happen,

sometimes they may have felt little jitters, nervousness or they may not have liked taking live rounds .” The CEO said following the conclusion of the competition his team will conduct a post-mortem and analyse each step taken during the event. This review will also include the advertisement of the competition using Facebook. The CEO noted that based on

the conclusion, decisions will be made on whether there is a need for any adjustments to be made going forward. Jennifer Cipriani, Marketing Manager, Scotiabank, said that sponsoring the initiative is “a great fit” for her organisation, as it aims to become more technologically-ready in its services. “We are a bank that is striving in technology and banking. And since

technology is the future for all, we can also use it to teach our children. So we can promote technology among our future customers who are those children that are competing right now, that will help us as a bank,” Cipriani said. Additionally, Hinds said that his organisation also plans to launch an English language competition similar to the Math Olympiad.

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NGC, CNC return to the table Trinidad Guardian - The National Gas Company Limited (NGC) and Caribbean Nitrogen Company (CNC) have quietly returned to the negotiating table after a major stand-off that resulted in the NGC cutting off natural gas to the company and CNC taking the State-owned enterprise to the UK Court of Arbitration. The stand-off earlier this year, led to the Government accusing CNC of trying to bully the NGC for gas and saying it is not a secret that NGC will have to pay significantly higher prices for gas in 2019. “The behaviour of CNC which has shareholders who hold significant shareholding in other plants in Point Lisas is instructive and disappointing,” the ministry had said. CNC had called for the NGC “to be transparent and stop hiding behind vague statements that don’t have any basis in reality.” It also accused NGC’s chairman Gerry Brooks of high handedness in the negotiations: “Even though NGC is in effect owned by the people of Trinidad and

NGC’s chairman Gerry Brooks Tobago, Mr Brooks’ precipitously heavy-handed tactics have just negatively affected the livelihood of more than 400 people, thereby threatening to wreak further havoc on the economy of the country.” In a memo to its staff, CNC revealed that its negotiating team had resumed talks with the NGC and was working feverishly to get a long-term gas supply contract with the NGC. The negotiations resumed just after Carnival and bring some hope to 400

workers who are likely to go on the breadline if no agreement can be reached. The shutdown has already resulted in millions of dollars in losses to CNC and potentially millions of US dollars in foregone revenue to the Government because of no production from the plant. Both CNC and the NGC are remaining tight lipped on the negotiations. Saturday, the Sunday Guardian sent the following questions to Brooks. 1) Have the NGC and CNC returned to the negotiating table? 2) If so are the parties any closer to reaching an agreement? 3) Is the price of gas still the major point of disagreement? 4) Do you feel confident that an agreement will be reached? 5) Has either party given a timeline for a resolution? Brooks did not respond, but the company’s communication’s manager Lisa Burkett told the Sunday Guardian, “The matter is still sub-judice and NGC would prefer not to make a comment at this time.”

ACM selects new executive BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Association of Caribbean Media Workers on Saturday elected a new executive. During the meeting held her, Anika Kentish from the Antigua Press Association was elected president, while Nazima Raghubir from the Guyana Press Association was elected vice president and Kern Mason from the Grenada Press Association is second vice president. Meanwhile General Secretary is Jewel Forde and Floor members include Wesley Gibbings and Dennis Chabrol.

Jean Phares Jerome from Haiti is now the Assistant General Secretary. Gibbings, the past president, did not seek re-election. Founded in Barbados in 2000, the ACM is an umbrella of media associations and journalist organisations in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is affiliated to several international organisations that promote press freedom and free expression, including the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Article 19.

Magnitude 6.0 aftershock rattles quakehit Papua New Guinea Highlands S Y D N E Y / WELLINGTON (Reuters) Strong aftershocks rocked Papua New Guinea’s remote and rugged highlands today, a week after the largest quake to hit the region in almost a century killed at least 31 people. Three aftershocks stronger than magnitude 5

shook the mountainous Southern Highlands, about 600 km (370 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby early this morning the U.S. Geological Survey said, including a shallow magnitude 6 quake. “We haven’t slept. It’s been shaking all through the night,” said William Bando,

provincial administrator of Hela Province, by telephone from Tari, about 40 km from where the shocks hit. “What we experienced this morning could have caused more damage, but we don’t know ... it almost threw me out of bed.” The national disaster centre in Port Moresby could not immediately be reached by telephone. The strong tremors hit a region already badly damaged by the magnitude 7.5 quake that struck on Feb. 26, triggering landslides, flattening buildings and closing oil and gas operations. While the region has no major urban centres, around 670,000 people live within 100 km (62 miles) of the epicenter, according to the Red Cross.

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Florida Senate rejects ban on assault weapons, votes to arm teachers FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Reuters) - The Florida Senate rejected a proposal to ban assault weapons, and voted for a measure to arm some teachers, weeks after 17 people were killed in the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. An amendment that would have banned assault weapons attached to a wider bill failed on Saturday in a largely party-line vote, in response to the Feb. 14 killing of 14 students and three faculties at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Parkland. The vote was 20-17 against the assault weapon ban, with two Republicans joining all of the senate’s 15 Democrats in support of the proposal, the Miami Herald reported. The full bill, the

Activists hold signs at the Capitol as they rally for gun reform legislation on Feb. 26, 2018, in Tallahassee. Don Juan Moore Getty Images Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety

Act, is expected to pass the state Senate today, then go

Assad vows to press Ghouta assault, as civilians flee government advances

A handout picture released by the official SANA news agency shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad talking to reporters in Damascus (AFP Photo/HO) BEIRUT/GENEVA (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad vowed to continue an offensive in eastern Ghouta near Damascus yesterday as his forces advanced into the last major rebel enclave near the capital. The offensive is one of the deadliest in the war and one local insurgent group called it a “scorched earth” campaign. The government is pressing on despite Western calls for it to abide by a 30-day, countrywide ceasefire demanded by the U.N. Security Council. “We will continue fighting terrorism ... and the Ghouta operation is a continuation of fighting terrorism,” Assad said in comments to journalists broadcast on state TV. The advances have forced thousands of civilians to flee deeper into the rebel-held territory, where some 400,000 people live, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and a resident said yesterday. Government forces need to advance just a few more kilometres (miles) further to split the enclave in two, said a commander in the military alliance that backs Assad. The Observatory said government forces had seized a quarter of the territory. Assad said there was no contradiction between daily, five-hour humanitarian ceasefires called by his ally Russia, and ongoing combat operations, noting that advances by government forces in the last few days had occurred during the truce.

The Russian ceasefire plan calls for fivehour pauses to allow for aid deliveries and evacuations of civilians and wounded. The U.S. State Department has called the Russian plan a “joke”. Assad, in his first comments on the offensive, said most people in Ghouta wanted to return to state rule. “Therefore we must continue with the operation and in parallel open the way for civilians to leave,” he said. Russia and Damascus have accused rebels of preventing civilians from leaving eastern Ghouta during the daily ceasefires. Rebels have consistently denied this accusation and say people will not leave because they fear the government. A U.N. humanitarian official said people in eastern Ghouta were being subjected to unacceptable”collective punishment”, which is illegal under the Geneva Conventions. Assad dismissed Western statements about the humanitarian situation in eastern Ghouta as”a ridiculous lie”. With the war entering its eighth year, capturing the eastern Ghouta area would be a major victory for Assad, who has steadily recovered control of rebellious areas with Russian and Iranian support. French President Emmanuel Macron asked his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani to put pressure on the Syrian government to end attacks against the Ghouta region and to allow humanitarian aid to flow.

to the Florida House. After the Senate rejected the ban, Stoneman Douglas student Jaclyn Corin tweeted,”This breaks my heart, but we will NOT let this ruin our movement. This is for the kids.” Fellow classmate David Hogg, who has become one of the school’s leading activists on gun safety,

tweeted,”Elections are going to be fun!” Also, an amendment to remove a provision to train

and arm some teachers failed. The bill raises the minimum age to buy a rifle or a shotgun to 21 from 18 and bans the use, sale or possession of bump stocks, which were used in the Oct. 1 shooting deaths of 58 people in Las Vegas. The device effectively turns semiautomatic weapons into automatics. The bill includes $400 million in funding for schools to address mental health issues, the Herald reported. Nikolas Cruz, the accused 19-year-old killer who was expelled from Stoneman Douglas, had a history of runins with the law and school officials. The Broward County school system and sheriff’s department have been criticized for not acting on red flags on Cruz’s mental health problems and potentially violent behaviour.

Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?

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FAO regional conference to focus on food security KINGSTON, Jamaica – CMC - Officials from the 33 Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) member nations across the Americas will converge in Montego Bay in the western parish of St. James today for the 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean. The three-day meeting is expected to attract ministers of agriculture, social development, education, health and environment and other high-level officials to discuss challenges and priority matters related to food and agriculture. FAO Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, Dr. Gillian Smith, said that this year’s staging is particularly important, because the region is at a crossroads in terms of food security. The conference will also focus on four main areas – eradicating hunger, overweight and obesity; ending rural poverty; promoting climate resilient and sustainable agriculture; and creating a new FAO to move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda said

Dr. Gillian Smith that the country is happy to be hosting the regional conference. “I think this is a signal honour to Jamaica, because Jamaica is on the right path, and we have the measures that are important to move agriculture forward in our entire region,” he said. “We welcome this opportunity, and we look forward to this tremendous exchange where the conference will give all of our colleague agricultural ministers and other very distinguished people from the Caribbean and Latin American region the

opportunity to put on the agenda the concerns that they have, the ways in which they are approaching them, the strategies they think can assist, and the extent to which the FAO can be of help,” he added. Information provided by the FAO indicates that hunger has risen in Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time in decades, reaching 42.5 million, while obesity affects 96 million people. According to Smith, in addition to the rise in hunger and chronic noncommunicable diseases, “climate change is affecting and exacerbating the issues that are related to our agricultural productivity and our production, and affecting the diversity of rural livelihoods that are available to our people”. She noted that the organisation remains committed to collaborating with the people and the Government of Jamaica “to address fundamental issues relating to the country’s national development in the areas of food and nutrition, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, forestry, decent employment and social protection”.

Govt. looking to improve marijuana licensing approval process KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Andrew Holness led administration is seeking to improve the approval process for licences to be issued to stakeholders in the local cannabis industry. According to Industry Minister, Karl Samuda, the industry has not progressed as anticipated. “We are not satisfied with the pace at which approvals are made (nor) the manner in which we anticipated that this industry would take off,” he said. He was responding to questions from opposition legislator Peter Bunting, regarding the J$113 million (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) set aside in the 2018/19 Estimates of Expenditure for cannabis product development. The queries were made during the recent meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament. Samuda said many stakeholders are of the view that the approval process is too “cumbersome” and “lends itself to unnecessary bureaucracy and delay, and I certainly anticipate that we

Industry Minister, Karl Samuda will see some significant changes”. He noted that while two licences have been approved and the licensees have started production, “I think there is a lot more that can be done if some of the bureaucracy is removed”. “It is an industry that can take off and earn massive amounts of foreign exchange, and that is why we are going to pay particular attention to loosening up all the knots that have plagued us over the last year.”

Samuda, who is also Agriculture Minister pointed out that one of the challenges being experienced by the sector is the lack of funding, noting that local financial institutions are unwilling to “bank any of the (industry’s) activities” due to what is deemed the informal nature of the business. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Audley Shaw said that Bank of Jamaica Governor, Brian Wynter, recently met with several licensed members in the industry, “because he recognises the dysfunctionality (in) having an informal industry which is increasingly being formalised globally”. Samuda added that the Cannabis Licensing Authority’s (CLA) role in the industry’s overall development is to be strengthened. The CLA, which is an agency of the Ministry, is tasked with establishing and regulating Jamaica’s legal ganja and hemp industry. “We have had discussions within the Ministry, and we have decided that we would look seriously at the entire construct of the (CLA) Board,” Samuda indicated.

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CFW Entertainment aims to revive drumming in Guyana

Some of the drummers at the Launch of Drum Fest.

Guyanese urged to remember their history at 8th Annual Ghana Day Celebration

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carl Greenidge and Former Mayor, Hamilton Green seated in the front row at the Ghana day Celebration. This year’s Ghana Day Celebration was well attended and commenced yesterday morning with a parade moving from the Square of the Revolution proceeding along Durban Street, Lodge and culminating at Congress Place, Sophia, for the grand cultural show. The Ghana Day Queens and Courts were greeted with the sounds of African drums. This was followed by the cultural programme which featured dancing, singing, poetry and more drumming. Feature speaker at the event, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, reflected on the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and how slavery impacted Caribbean Culture and lifestyles. He told those gathered that in order to know where they are going, they must learn and have an appreciation for history. Ghana day is celebrated in Guyana, since it was the first country on the African Continent that attained Independence. Minister Greenidge said most of the remnants of African culture in the form of music, dance, food and dress in Guyana, was adopted from Ghana. He explained that, “Guyana and Ghana have in inextricably linked not always visibly but they have been inextricably yoked and that yolk has touched on many aspects of our lives, what may be called the Rights of Passage for example. The process of growing up, marriage, funerals, culinary things, the foods we prepare and consume, the songs and the mode of dancing.” The Minister noted too that the structure of Caribbean English has been affected by the African influence on it, particularly that of the Creole dialect. The work and influence of Ghanaian politician and revolutionary Kwame Nkrumah was highlighted by the acting Prime Minister during his address. “Nkrumah himself had been an icon to much of the world leading his nation inspiring West Africa and elsewhere in Africa to seek

their independence, to value their cultures … and on the political front [he] was very inspirational, publishing the Class Struggle in Africa for example, which addressed the challenges of trying to live through domination,” he pointed out. Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister and president of Ghana, having led it to independence from Britain in 1957. An influential advocate of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962. Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green in his address at the Ghana Day echoed similar sentiments, while pointing to the negative effects of the slave trade, specifically the exploitation of natural resources. He noted that, “the British decided that they will control all of West Africa and so when the Asante King died, who has been the catalyst of the resistance movement, they saw the opportunity to continue the process of accumulation. They increased their effort of exploitation of four items…gold, cocoa, timber and palm oil, they virtually raped the gold coast.” Green too called for an appreciation of culture and history. The event also featured an education talent pageant, performances by Queen Makeda, and the audience participating in a fashion show. An exhibition was held on the lawns with a colourful display of African wear, accessories, pottery, figurines and more. African foods such as cook-up, white and black pudding, drinks and other treats were on sale. This year’s event was held under the theme, “Designing a strategy in recognition of our rights to demand justice over two hundred years of unrewarded labour and for affecting our development through unity.” (A DPI feature)

In a bid to resuscitate the art of drumming in Guyana and to make Guyana the number one drumming location in the Caribbean and the world, the Corwyn Fitzroy Williams Entertainment (CFW), headed by Corwyn Williams is seeking to create a platform for drummers. Yesterday, the organization hosted the first ever Drum Festival to enable Guyanese drummers to gain recognition and to share their talents. The festival was officially launched yesterday with a sterling performance by the Akishta drummers from Georgetown, Congo drummers from Berbice, Pouderoyen drum group, Stewartville drum group; Den Amstel drum group, along with Georgetown drum group. CFW representatives have already reached out to

persons who drum on the streets, in church, temple and other places to inform them of the event. “We will be targeting those in the streets, those who are well organized, those who are dying for recognition,” said Alex Williams, Public Relations Officer at CFW Entertainment. “If you are doing the tassa drums, if you’re Chinese and you’re drumming…it will all be combined together,” Williams added. He explained that drummers have been crying out for years that their talents are not being recognised and thus, the creation of Drum Fest is necessary to give such resignation. Drum fest, which is expected to be held on June 3, at the National Park, will

not only be about exposure, Williams said— even though that is one of the main reasons for the festival—but drummers will also be competing against each other for $1.1million in cash and prizes. Wi l l i a m s n o t e d t h a t such incentives are necessary since it gives motivation and encourages persons to participate. Even though the event is slightly competitive, Williams explained that the event is a drum festival which would give exposure to talented drummers who may need recognition in Guyana. It is his hope, he adds, that Guyana becomes the premier location in the world for drumming events and to also attract tourists to the country.

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Swinging Starc moves Australia Taylor shines but Windies one wicket from victory narrowly miss out

South Africa were led by Aiden Markram with an attacking century... ©AFP DURBAN (Reuters) Australia moved one wicket from victory in the first test against South Africa yesterday after Mitchell Starc’s swing bowling decimated the hosts’ lower order and dampened their hopes of an unlikely recovery. South Africa were 293-9 at the close of the fourth day, still 123 runs adrift of Australia, who will return on Monday to wrap up what appears an almost inevitable victory and a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. South Africa’s opener Aiden Markram provided some stout resistance, scoring 143 runs, while Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 81 also

helped frustrate the visitors as South Africa recovered from a horrid start to their second innings. Australia looked to be heading to an easy win when they set South Africa 417 for victory before taking four key home wickets for just 49 runs before lunch as they devastated the home team’s top order. Dean Elgar was the first to go for nine before Josh Hazlewood claimed the wicket of Hashim Amla — the sixth time he has done so in the last four tests between the two countries. AB de Villiers was run out after facing a single ball and then captain Faf du Plessis

scored only four before having his stumps knocked out of the ground by Pat Cummins. Yet the 23-year-old Markram proved a bulwark with a knock that belied his inexperience and gave the home fans a tantalising glimmer of an improbable victory. He was the mainstay in an 87-run partnership with Theunis de Bruyn, who scored 36, and added 147 more runs with De Kock for the sixth wicket. South Africa were 135 runs off their victory target when a tired Markram tried to guide the ball down to third man and was caught behind by Tim Paine off Mitchell Marsh’s medium pace bowling. Starc then returned to the attack, deciding to forego the second new ball in favour of swinging the old one, and had immediate success by claiming three wickets in a single over. Vernon Philander (6) was caught behind, followed by the wickets of Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, who were bowled with successive deliveries. Yet Starc was denied a chance to complete his hattrick — and take his tally to 10 wickets in the match — due to bad light with the umpires only allowing play to continue if Australia used spinners. Tailender Morne Morkel held off for 27 deliveries, without scoring, to force play into the final day. Scores: South Africa 162 and 293 for 9 (Markram 143, de Kock 81*, Starc 4-74) need another 124 runs to beat Australia 351 and 227 (Bancroft 53, Maharaj 4102, Morkel 3-47).

Mitchell Starc roared in to remove the tail ©AFP

Captain Stafanie Taylor … top-scored with 90.

LINCOLN, New Zealand, CMC – Captain Stafanie Taylor missed out on a sixth One-Day International hundred as West Indies Women narrowly went down by a single run to New Zealand Women, in the opening One-Day International here yesterday. Asked to chase a challenging 279 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, West Indies ended on 277 for nine off their 50 overs with Taylor carving out a top score of 90 off 93 balls. The Caribbean side required 11 runs from the last over with Kyshona Knight and tail-ender Tremayne Smartt (5) at the crease but only managed to eke out nine, after losing Smartt and failing to get the four runs required for victory off the final delivery. Kyshona Knight chipped in with a busy 44 off 31 deliveries while twin sister Kycia Knight, struck a patient 38 at the top order and Chedean Nation, 29. Sent in earlier, the White Ferns had earlier piled up 278 for nine off their 50 overs, with veteran Sophie Devine striking 108 – her third oneday century – and opening partner and captain Suzie Bates getting 44. Off-spinner Taylor (3-54) and leg-spinner Afy Fletcher (3-55) claimed three wickets apiece while off-spinner Hayley Matthews supported with two for 68. It was the opening stand between Devine and Bates which put New Zealand on their way, as they added 76 to deny West Indies any early success. The right-handed Devine stroked eight fours and two sixes in a 103-ball knock while Bates faced 46 balls and

counted four fours. Matthews got the breakthrough in her third over – the 15thof the innings – when Bates paddled swept an ordinary delivery to give Nation a simple catch, standing next to the squareleg umpire. The Windies failed to capitalise, however, as Devine anchored two successive half-century stands to keep New Zealand on top. First, she put on 60 for the second wicket with Amy Satterthwaite who made 27 off 34 deliveries before pulling Fletcher to square leg where Matthews took a sharp chance. Katey Martin (22) then joined Devine to add a further 63 for the third wicket, a stand which took the hosts to the verge of the 200-run mark. However, once Martin perished in the 35th over, lbw to seamer Deandra Dottin, New Zealand lost seven wickets for 52 runs to decline. Devine reached her halfcentury off 53 balls in the 20th over with two consecutive boundaries off Fletcher, and raised three figures off 99 balls in the 36th over when she sprinted a single to short mid-wicket. She eventually departed, stumped by Merissa Aguilleira after missing a charge at Fletcher in the 37th over. In reply, Windies Women lost Matthews cheaply for 18 off 19 balls with three fours, bowled off the fourth ball off seamer Holly Huddleston’s (2-40) opening spell, after being kept scoreless off the first three deliveries. The right-handed Taylor, arriving at number three, then hauled her side back into the contest in an innings dotted

with eight fours and a six, as she put on 57 for the second wicket with Kycia Knight and a further 64 for the third wicket with Nation. Knight faced 74 balls and counted five fours before falling in the 21st over, lbw to off-spinner Leigh Kasperek (2-51) missing a defensive prod. Nation, whose knock required 44 balls and included three fours, departed in the 35th over after failing to beat a throw to the non-striker’s end in an attempted quick single with Taylor. When three wickets fell for 33 runs to leave Windies Women on 185 for five in the 39th over, a couple of small partnerships kept them in the hunt. Taylor posted 30 off 25 balls with Aguilleira (20) for the sixth wicket before scooping a catch to short backward point off seamer Kate Ebrahim, and Aguilleira added 33 with Kyshona Knight for the seventh wicket before holing out to long on off Huddleston. With Kyshona Knight still at the wicket, the visitors kept the White Ferns honest to the end but she took a single off the penultimate delivery of the match and Shamilia Connell (2 not out) was unable to muster the winning runs. Scores: NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 278 for nine off 50 overs (Sophie Devine 108, Suzie Bates 44, Amy Satterthwaite 27; Stafanie Taylor 3-54, Afy Fletcher 355, Hayley Matthews 2-68). WEST INDIES WOMEN 277 for nine off 50 overs (Stafanie Taylor 90, Kyshona Knight 44 not out, Kycia Knight 38, Chedean Nation 29; Holly Huddleston 2-40, Amelia Kerr 2-49).

Monday March 05, 2018

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Young karters steal the show in opening GT Motorsports action for 2018 The future of motorsports in Guyana looks secure judging from the performances on Saturday night when the lit up the GT Motorsports track at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) venue, Thomaslands, at the season-opening Georgetown Grand Prix. The usually fun-filled 60cc category, sponsored by Sun Burst Juices, was split into two groups- the Kids Cup, which catered for the more experienced youths, and the Baby Cup, which featured newcomers and the crowd were in for a treat, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Nathan Rahaman, who ended the last season strongly, finished as champion driver, working his way to two wins and a second place finish. Jeremy Tenpow, who was crowned overall champion of the Kids Cup last year, had a night of mixed returns. Starting with a win in the opening race, he finished second to Rahaman in race two and suffered some mechanic issues on the final lap of race three when he was leading and had to retire. His brother Justin got a second place finish, while their Pure Racing teammate Paige Mendonca, the lone female racer of the night, took two third place finishes. The Baby Cup, which was based on lap time rather than position, was a very competitive affair, with Nicholas Sawh, who could hardly contain his excitement on the podium, emerging as champion driver.

Champion drivers! From left: Shan Seejatan, Kristian Boodoosingh, Stefan Jeffrey and Gianni Carpenter. (GT Motorsports) The enthusiastic youth won two races, clocking fastest times of 35.772s and 35.363s, and ended second in the other, while Ben Phang clocked 34.814s to win the other race, to go with a second and third place finish. Caleb Paul got a second and two third place finishes. The 125cc Juniors was a very competitive field, with Gianni Carpenter copping the champion driver award after chalking up a win and a third place. However, it was Faraud Mohamed who impressed on the night, earning a podium spot in all three races. Mohamed gained two seconds and a third, while

The summarised results: SUN BURST KIDS CUP 60 CC First Race 1 Jeremy Tenpow Race 2 Nathan Rahaman Race 3 Nathan Rahaman 125 CC JUNIORS Race 1 Elan Rahaman Race 2 Gianni Carpenter Race 3 Rayden Persaud 60CC BABY CUP (TIME RACE) Race 1 Ben Phang 34.814s Race 2 Nicholas Sawh 35.772s Race 3 Nicholas Sawh 35.363s EASY CUP SUPER Race 1 Stefan Jeffrey Race 2 Dharmendra Dharmo Race 3 Stefan Jeffrey 125CC MASTERS Race 1 Shan Seejatan Race 2 Haniff Mohamed Race 3 Shan Seejatan 125CC SENIORS Race 1 Mikhail Persaud Race 2 Kristian Boodoosingh Race 3 Mikhail Persaud CHAMPION DRIVERS 60cc Kids Cup- Nathan Rahaman 125cc Juniors- Gianni Carpenter 60cc Baby Cup- Nicholas Sawh Easy Cup Super- Stefan Jeffrey 125cc Seniors- Mikhail Persaud 125cc Masters- Shan Seejatan

Elan Rahaman and Rayden Persaud managed a win apiece. Rahaman got a third as well and John Phang a second place finish. Stefan Jeffrey, with two wins, lifted the champion driver title in the Easy Cup Super, with Dharmendra Dharmo winning the other race. Steven Nobrega finished second in all three races, while Brian Tenpow finished third twice and Sachin Narine got a third place in the other race. Shan Seejatan ruled the roost in the 125cc Masters, walking away with the champion driver accolade after two wins and a second.

Second Nathan Rahaman Jeremy Tenpow Justin Tenpow

Third Justin Tenpow Paige Mendonca Paige Mendonca

Faraud Mohamed Faraud Mohamed John Phang

Gianni Carpenter Elan Rahaman Faraud Mohamed

Nicholas Sawh Caleb Paul Ben Phang

Caleb Paul Ben Phang Caleb Paul

Steven Nobrega Steven Nobrega Steven Nobrega

Brian Tenpow Sachin Narine Brian Tenpow

Haniff Mohamed Shan Seejatan Haniff Mohamed

Raj Boodhoo Raj Boodhoo

Kristian Boodoosingh Matthew Phang Zachary Boodram

Zachary Boodram John Phang Matthew Phang

Haniff Mohamed got the other win, along with two second place finishes, while Raj Boodhoo finished third in two of the race. Mikhail Persaud continued his great driving

from 2017, winning the champion driver award in the 125cc Seniors by winning two races, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Kristian Boodoosingh won the other race and also claimed a

second place finish. Matthew Phang and Trinidad and Tobago’s Zachary Boodram got a second and third place finish each, while John Phang also copped a third.

The young drivers being briefed on the rules before the event got underway. (GT Motorsports)

Ruthless Manchester City march on... From page 35 Cesar Azpilicueta. Nicolas Otamendi put the ball in the net for City, after Sergio Aguero had hooked on a quick free kick but the effort was ruled out for offside and the teams went in for halftime with a disappointing game scoreless. It took just 33 seconds of the second half for that to change, however, Aguero finding David Silva on the left and the Spaniard’s low cross was turned in at the back post by Bernardo Silva. If Chelsea fans expected that goal to

force a change of approach from Conte they were disappointed as they had to wait until the 78th minute for Giroud to be brought on for Willian. But neither the French forward nor Morata, who came on in the final minute, made an impact with only an optimistic effort from Marcos Alonso in stoppage-time which flew wide troubling City’s underworked defence. City completed 902 passes, more than any other team in a single Premier League match since 2003-04 when such statistics were first officially recorded.

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Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

Petra’s third annual Corona Futsal tourney

GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 League – Berbice FA

Corriverton Links, Orella Falcons Xtreme Campbellville and Tiger Bay win big on night three (2), NA United, Monedderlust & THERE were big wins for Xtreme Campbellville and Tiger Bay as the Corona Beer Futsal competition continued on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium. Playing the second game of the night, Xtreme Campbellville downed New Market Street 10-2 in a goal fest. A pair of hat-tricks from Oziel Small (10th, 14th and 16th) and Shane Jones (6th, 16th and 18th) gave the Campbellville side the impetus they needed for a big win. That, coupled with two braces each for Ceon Richardson (12th and 15th) and Carl Griffith (11th and 13th) was enough to ensure the largest margin of the night In the opening game, Alexander Village beat Broad Street 6-0 with four goals coming from Leon Yaw (13th, 14th, 15th and 18th), while Gordon Henry and Leroy Jonas chipped in with strikes in the 19th and 28th. Game three featured Tiger Bay mauling Plaisance 10-3. Deon Alfred was unrelenting in his onslaught, scoring four goals in the 7th, 10th and two in the 16th to lead the charge. Jeffrey Newton added a hat-trick to foray (9th, 11th and 14th), while Jermaine Scott scored a brace in the 3rd and 17th and Orin Moore’s lone strike in the 13th brought the total to 10. On the opposing end, there were single strikes each from Akeem Thomas (8th), Denzil King (15th) and O’Neil Clarke (18th). California Square overturned the challenges of North East in an 8-5 contest where Dillon Kelly (11th and 18th) and Ned

Fraser (9th and 13th) each scored braces. The other goals came through lone strikes from Levi Canterbury (2nd), Meshack Brandt (14th), Christian Benjamin (11th) and Wesley Garraway (6th). For North East Kelvin Moore (3rd and 12th) along with Keifer Brandt (1st and 7th) and Carl Tudor (18th) accounted for the 5 goals scored. Sparta Boss were on the delivering end of a beating in a 6-2 beating of Mocha in the fifth game of the evening with Jeremy Garrett and Jermaine Junior scoring braces (17th and 18th) as well as (5th and 7th) respectively. Court Birthin’s 29th minute strikes coupled with an own goal in the 19th accounted for Sparta’s tally. Mocha had Teon Jones and Amos Ramsey on target in the 13th and 4th. Old School Ballers went down 3-4 to Future Stars in the last game of the night. Aaron Anthony spurred Future Stars on with a hat-trick in the 2nd, 3rd and 12th, while Shane Morris iced the cake with his lone strike in the 8th. Old School had Omari James, Fabian Crawford and Rashuan Ritch on target in the 15th, 13th and 17th. The tournament continues tomorrow with six more thrilling, group stage, round robin matches. The winner of the competition will pocket $600,000 and the MVP along with a lucky fan will walk away with a Hero Honda 150cc motorcycle, compliments of Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales.

Bremar the hero as Bermuda edge Cayman in thrilling finale BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, CMC – Steven Bremar smashed two successive sixes in the final over as Bermuda avenged an earlier defeat to beat Cayman Islands by four wickets with one ball to spare, in a nail-biting finish to the concluding game of the ICC World T20 Americas Sub Regional Qualifier tri-series on Saturday. Both teams finished with a 3-1 record in the tournament, which also featured hosts Argentina (0-4), but Bermuda took the title by virtue of a superior run rate. Bermuda, who were outplayed in Wednesday’s first meeting, which they lost by 62 runs, bounced back to limit Cayman Islands to 134 for seven before replying with 136 for six off 19.5 overs at the Belgrano Athletic Club ground here. Cayman Islands appeared to hold the upper hand again but Bremar, who made 26 from 14 balls, had other ideas. Needing 11 to win from the final three deliveries, he hammered the next two balls for six off seamer Conroy Wright’s final over to seal a dramatic victory. Ramon Sealy, the captain, led the Cayman innings with an unbeaten 26 from 21 balls at number eight. Cejay Outerbridge and Janeiro Tucker each took two wickets for Bermuda. In reply, opener and wicketkeeper Okera Bascome gave Bermuda a decent start by making 20 before Kamau Leverock, in at number four, was fourth out at 98 after topscoring with 31 from 30 balls to set up the nail-biting finish. Adrian Wright was the pick of the Cayman attack with two for 16 from three overs while Conroy Wright finished with two for 35 after his last-over mauling.

Kamau Leverock … top-scored for Bermuda.

Originally the group had five teams but Brazil and Suriname dropped out. Bermuda and the Cayman Islands have both advanced to next year ’s regional qualifiers which are the next step on the way to the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia in 2020. Bermuda face the Cayman Islands again on Sunday in the first of three 50-overs matches as the teams switch their attention to the longer form of the game. Argentina will play the Cayman Islands today and Bermuda tomorrow.

Cougars post victories

Mortland Peneux (right), Matthias Lewis and Mhichah Gurdin - Corriverton Links FC. A pair of goals from Matthias Lewis orchestrated a comfortable 4-0 win for Corriverton Links over Hearts of Oak in the lone match on Saturday last when competition in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) leg of the GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League continued at the Esplanade Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Lewis hit the back of the nets in the 12th and 60th minutes of a match that saw Hearts of Oak, outplayed. The first goal was scored by Mortland Peneux in the 10th minute, while the third was converted by Mhichah Gurdin in the 37th minute. The win was the second in as many matches for Corriverton Links. Meanwhile, the GFA has informed that following thorough investigations which included a check of school records, the drawn match between Hearts of Oak Latest Points Standing Teams Orealla Falcons N .A United Cougars Corriverton Links Monedderlust Hearts of Oak Young Strikers Rosignol United Arsenal Hopetown United East Bank Gunners

P 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2

and Young Strikers has been awarded to Hearts of Oak Football Club. This is due to the fact that the club has been found guilty of fielding an over age player. No matches were played yesterday due to Mashramani celebrations in the Ancient County. On Friday last at the same venue, there were wins for Orealla Falcons (two in back to back matches), New Amsterdam United, Monedderlust and Cougars. Orealla Falcons trounced Arsenal 6-0 with Xavier Edwards netting a double (6, 47), while there was one each from Brett Sarius (25), Rayon Peneux (34), Shano Edwards (52) and Carlton Hamilton in the 59th minute. New Amsterdam United swamped Hopetown United Rangers 9-0, Jamal Lyte rocking the nets on five occasions (3, 5, 25, 30, 60), Tyrick Ogleton supported with a brace in the 36th and 54th minute, while Nicquan W 3 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 2 2

Samuels inked his name on the score sheet in the 20th minute. Monedderlust was also in dismissive form when they trounced East Bank Gunners 8-0 on account of a hat-trick apiece from Michael Jordon (14, 15, 36) and Tyrone Delph (27, 28, 47). Scoring one each was Jaden Fraser in the 41st minute and Rayon Casey in the 51st minute. Another hat-trick was recorded on the day when Keron Hamilton scored all three in Cougars’ 3-0 triumph over Young Strikers. Hamilton hit the target in the 1st, 8th, and 57th minute. And in Orealla Falcons second match of the day, which is due to their travelling situation, they defeated Rosignol United 5-0. Daniel Alexander led with a double in the 19th and 47th minute, Shano Edwards (40), Ronaldinho Felix (44), Carlton Hamilton in the 48th minute completed the scoring for Orealla. F 20 10 7 7 8 1 0 0 0 0 0

A 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 5 9 13 17

GD +20 +10 +7 +7 +7 -3 -4 -5 -9 -13 -17

Pts 9 6 6 6 3 3 0 0 0 0 0

Monday March 05, 2018

GCA’s Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall & GISE 2-day cricket

Griffith’s 93, Sankar’s 4-35 in vain for DCC

Fifties from Boodie & Savory give Police a draw On a day where there was no play on day two of the GCA’s Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall & GISE two-day cricket match at Everest between MSC and Everest, who had ended the first day on 195-9, DCC strangely opted not to enforce the follow-on and allowed Police to hold for draw. When the second day finally began at 13:00hrs, Police, overnight on 44-4 in reply to DCC’s 261-7, fell for 123. DCC elected to bat again instead of enforcing the Follow-on and declared for the second time in the contest at 156-4 when the 26-year-old Trevon Griffith fell to Kelvin Leitch, seven short of his century in an entertaining knock which was decorated 10 fours and three sixes. Set 309 to win in just under 90 minutes, the Cops were 166-1 from 15 overs when played ended in fading light. Led by an unfinished shot-filled 116-run second wicket former DCC players Kevin Boodie, slammed seven fours and three sixes in a pugnacious 59 and Kemol Savory, who blasted a blistering 55 with six fours and three sixes.

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Steven Sankar captured 4-35 for DCC. Andrew Lyght followed up his first innings three, with a second ball duck after he was bowled by West Indies U-19 left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd in the first over. But that was to be the last taste of success for the Queenstown side as boundaries rained at the small ground as no bowler was spared the sound spanking from the flashing blades of Boodie and Savory who left DCC last year. Watched by a vocal, partisan DCC support group led by ‘Norman the Juice man’ and including GCA President Roger Harper, his elder sibling, former Guyana batsman Mark and several past and present Guyana cricketers, the atmosphere was charged with taunts directed at both teams flying left, right and center. Batting in glorious sunshine after the morning session was ruined due to overcast skies and showers, Boodie and Savory, urged on by a gathering which included family members at a venue which they once called home, the pair launched a

murderous assault on the DCC bowlers. Savory charged Sherfane Rutherford and deposited him twice over his head on the Road behind the Northern sightscreen before an effortless six over extra cover off Chris Barnwell got the Police supporters going and when Boodie stroked Barnwell imperiously to the cover boundary the noise level among the Police fans reached a crescendo under a clear blue. Earlier, Police quickly lost their last six wickets yesterday for 87 runs although Parnell London reached the boundary six times in an even 50. But only Vishaul Jaigobin (17) past 15 as Nedd and Rutherford, with two wickets each, supported leg spinner Steven Sankar who grabbed 4-35. DCC, in their second innings lost West Indies U16 Captain Sachin Singh (7) when he was bowled by Raun Johnson at 12-1 before Tevin Imlach, who hit a four and three sixes in 40 and Griffith carried the total to 120 with an array of scintillating shots before Imlach was removed by Leitch. When Johnson dismissed Barnwell (1) at 136-3, the Police brigade, l e d b y Ly g h t , g a v e Barnwell a vocal send off in a game dubbed ‘Police vs Barnwell’ sparked by a ‘flair up’ between the Guyana all-rounder and the Police players in the Essequibo Franchise at Tuschen. Griffith took a liking to Johnson; depositing him for four of his 10 sixes, and along with Rutherford, carried the score to 156 when the demise of the left-handed Griffith triggered the declaration to start the Boodie, Savory show. (Sean Devers)

GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 League – EDFA

Buxton United and Mahaica notch full points When play in the GFF/ Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League continued in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) at the Golden Grove ground on Saturday last, there were wins for Buxton United and Mahaica Determinators. The other match saw Buxton Stars sneaking back to draw with Golden Stars 11. Victoria Scorpions could not stand up to the Buxton United lads and they lost 4-1, Mahaica bagged full points from Buxton Youth Developers which failed to show up for their match. Buxton United took the lead in the 12th minute on account of Colin Henriques’ goal but on 25 minutes they gifted the equalising goal to Victoria Scorpions through an own goal from Rickford Sutton. Scoring against themselves did not come back to harm the Buxton lads as they stung the Scorpions with three more goals without a response. Antwone Sullivan placed them ahead again in the 34th minute after which, Anyika Headley in the 69th and Makhya Jarvis in the 74th sealed the deal for Buxton United. Golden Stars took the lead against Buxton Stars on the stroke of half time

Japhet Sam Golden Stars FC

Kubina Thomas Buxton Stars FC

through a Japhet Sam strike in the 35th minute. But the Stars equalised two minutes into the second half to end with an

equal share of the points; Kubina Thomas netting in the 37th minute. Matches will continue on Saturday at the same venue.

Schultz to Captain BCB Under-17 Team in Guyana Cricket Board Tournament

Trevon Griffith scored an entertaining 93 yesterday.

The Berbice Cricket Board has announced a fourteen man squad to play in the Guyana Cricket Board Under-17 Cricket Tournament. The team would be led by Jevon Schultz of the Young Warriors Cricket Club and the rest of the team consists of Ricardo Ramdehol, Fawaz Gafoor, Jarron France, Marvin Prashad (Vice Captain), Nigel Deodat, Seon Glasgow, Chanderpaul Govindan, Mohabir Seeraj, Abdul Ramsammy, Gourav Ramesh, Doorasammy Mahadeo, Saif Amoi and Quincy Auldles. The Stand-by Players are Anthony Williams, Nikeem Noble, Farouk Subhan and Leon Swammy. The Manager is former National Player Delbert Hicks, while Andre Percival is the Coach.

Buxton United marksmen from right, Antwoine Sullivan, Anyika Headley, Colin Henriques and Makhya Jarvis.

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BCB and RHTY&SC honours Berbice Under-15 Team - unveils ambitious plans for 2018 The newly elected Executives of the Berbice Cricket Board on Saturday last joined hands with Guyana’s leading Youth and Sports Club to honour the Berbice Under-15 Team which recently won the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-county Tournament. The Players along with their Manager and Coach were hosted at a Special Luncheon and Award Ceremony at the St. Francis Community Developers Boardroom in Rose Hall Town by Berbice Cricket Board President and his Executives. The entire team and Management received a Championship Medal and Souvenir Polo T/Shirt with the words “Guyana Under-15 Cricket Champions”. Each player also received a collection of educational items to assist them in their school work and educational cricket posters to aid their cricket development. Additionally, Man of the

Tournament Jonathan Rampersaud was honoured with a trophy, Medal, a book on the history of Berbice Cricket and a Special Gift. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster hailed the Champions as heroes of Berbice Cricket and stated that the Under-15 Championship was the perfect start to the year as 2018 promises to be a historic year for Berbice Cricket. He praised the work ethics and discipline of the team and for being outstanding ambassadors for the ancient county. He told the attentive youths that they were privileged to be following in the footsteps of legends such as Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, John Trim, Alvin Kallicharran, Roy Fredericks and Ivan Madray. He committed his administration to making sure that cricket is played at all levels and that the players are given equal opportunities to fulfill their

Members of the Berbice Under-15 Team pose with BCB Executives and National Players Veerasammy Permaul and Anthony Bramble. potentials on and off the cricket field. Foster also announced his ambitious plans for 2018

2018 Milo Schools’ football tournament

Uitvlugt, Morgan’s and CWSS win yesterday at MOE ground

which include tournaments at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Female, Intermediate, Second Division 20/20 and 40-Overs and several at the First Division levels. 20/20 and 40Overs Tournaments would also played in each of the zones. An Under-19 InterSecondary School Tournament would also be hosted an Inter-Primary School Softball Tournament and a Double Wicket Cricket Tournament are also on the cards. Foster announced to great applause that sponsorship for 90% of the tournaments have either been received or pledged, while sponsorship has already been acquired for a Countywide Coaching Programme.

Other major plans announced were Award Ceremony, Annual Magazine, Education posters, Tribute to Heroes, Gears for Clubs, TV Programme, Subventions to Clubs and a Coaches Seminar among numerous others. The Berbice Cricket Board has already established an information Facebook account as part of its transparent policy. Foster also committed himself to running an administration that would not discriminate against anyone. Executives of the Berbice Cricket Board Albert Smith, Qualis Winter, Rabindranauth (Robby) Saywack, Winston Roberts, Dr. Cecil Beharry and Ameer Rahaman all congratulated the team and its Management. National

Players Veerasammy Permaul and Anthony Bramble also offered words of advice to the team. Captain of the team Zeynul Ramsammy, in expressing gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board for honouring his team, stated that the Berbice Cricket Board made every player proud by recognising their efforts. Ramsammy noted that the team worked hard as a collective unit and as such reaped the fruits of success. The Players, Berbice Cricket Board Executives and Special Invitees were then treated to a special luncheon. The entire Ceremony and Luncheon was sponsored by the Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS.

Coleman roars to world indoor 60 meters triumph Some of the action in last weekend’s play in the Milo school’s football tournament. The Milo schools’ Under-18 football tournament which is also being sponsored by Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) continued yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue with a triple header. The day’s play kicked off in fantastic fashion as Uitvlugt trounced Cummings Lodge 11-2. Ruben Danty bagged a hat-trick, while Jonathan Leitch and Seon Price both netted doubles in the massive win. Charles Benn, Tadius Edwards, Michael McKend and Moses Best each scored once in the 11-2 victory for the West Demerara school. Meanwhile, Christianburg Wismar

Secondary School (CWSS) that have had many successes in the Digicel Nationwide schools tournament have made a great impact in their first season in the Milo tournament. They defeated Annandale 20 to maintain a perfect record after three games. Scoring for CWSS was Jermaine Mason who netted a first half brace. In the final match of the day, Morgan’s Learning Center needled Pure 1-0 thanks to Derwin George’s 14th minute Stunner. The action will return next weekend in the tournament which is being played under theme,”There is no excuse for violence.”

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) Christian Coleman demonstrated just why he is the man tipped to lead sprinting into the post-Usain Bolt era when he roared to victory in the 60 meters at the world indoor championships on Saturday. The 21-year-old U.S sprinter, who set a world record of 6.34 seconds last month, was in a different league to his rivals as he triumphed in a championship record 6.37 seconds, equaling the second fastest run of all time which he had also set in January. Su Bingtian, of China, took the silver in an Asian-record 6.42 with Coleman’s U.S. team mate Ronnie Baker winning the bronze in 6.44. Coleman, who lost only to compatriot Justin Gatlin in last year’s 100 meters in London, was never beaten by the great Jamaican Bolt in their three meetings. “You work so hard and put so much emphasis into running and you’ll never get tired of the feeling of winning,”

Coleman said. “This year I didn’t come here to chase a world record but I knew I’d put in a lot of work and executed it through practice. “When I’ve put things together during the meets special things have happened but I’m excited for the outdoor season. I won’t put a limit on myself. We’ll just see what happens. “I have a good chance to lead the sport in the post-Bolt era but like I’ve told so many others, loads of guys have the talent. “I have to make sure I keep working to stay on top and when I get the opportunity to take gold medals you take them.” Coleman had looked magnificent in winning his semi-final in 6.45 seconds but he was even quicker away from the blocks in the final. Indeed, he suffered only one setback all day when he stumbled on the third step of his morning heat before easing to victory in a modest 6.71 seconds.

Monday March 05, 2018

Berbice Cricket Board honours Hetmyer, Shepherd, Permaul and Bramble

The Awardees pose with Berbice Cricket Board Officials. “The Management of the Berbice Cricket Board are very proud of you for being outstanding ambassadors of Berbice and for keeping the ancient county’s flag flying high. As long as I head the Berbice Cricket Board, every hero in Berbice Cricket would be recognised and honoured.” Those were the words of newly elected Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster as he gave the Feature Address at a Special Ceremony to honour four outstanding Berbice Cricketers. The Berbice Cricket Board with sponsorship from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and its ten cricket teams honoured Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd. Hetmyer was honoured

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Kaieteur News

for becoming the Berbice 17th Test Player and for also playing One Day International and 20/20 for the West Indies. Shepherd of the Tucber Park Cricket Club was honoured for becoming the latest Berbicians to gain selection on the West Indies ‘A’ Team. Veteran left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, both of the Albion Cricket Club, were honoured for their outstanding performances for Guyana during last year’s Four-Day West Indies Cricket Board Tournament. Permaul was the highest wicket taker with 50 wickets which included fourfive wicket hauls. Bramble was the best wicketkeeper with 45 dismissals which consists of 42 catches and 3 stumping. Foster expressed disappointment that Hetmyer had not been honoured to date by the Berbice Cricket

Board as it was since early 2017 that he made his Test Debut. The Berbice Cricket Board President also took the West Indies Selectors to task for failing to recognise the successes of both Berbice Players with at least a West Indies ‘A’ Team selection. Selection to the West Indies Team should be done solely on the basis of performance, fitness and personal discipline and both players have ticked each one of the boxes, Foster stated. The Players were reassured that the Berbice Cricket Board would support them all the way and were urged to keep knocking down the door with continued outstanding performances. Shepherd, who was represented by his Coach Julian Moore, was urged to grab the opportunity in the West Indies ‘A’ Team and

strive to become the next West Indies Test Player in the near future. Each of the four players received a Special Trophy and Medal from the Berbice Cricket Board. Hetmyer’s father expressed gratitude to the Board for honouring his son and the other players. Berbice Cricket, he stated was on the move and expressed confidence that the future was bright with numerous talents coming through the system, as was evident with the Berbice Under-15 Team. He urged the Berbice Youth Cricketers present to develop a culture of batting long and listening to the advice of senior players. Both Bramble and Permaul also expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board and stated they felt humbled to be honoured by their County Board.

Farah wins inaugural Big Half

Sir Mo Farah boosted preparations for the London Marathon as he won the Big Half yesterday. (PA)

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s top long distance runner Mo Farah won the inaugural Big Half 13.1-mile half-marathon yesterday in his build-up to next month’s London Marathon. Farah won a sprint to the finish line in the London district of Greenwich, ahead of Kenyan Daniel Wanjiru, winner of last year’s London marathon, with Scot Callum Hawkins in third. The 34-year-old Farah has been training in Ethiopia and arrived in London on Thursday. He managed to adjust to a huge drop in temperature for Sunday’s race, his first for six months. “It wasn’t too bad, I was comfortable,” Farah told BBC radio, but added with a laugh “I have to do double the distance (in six weeks’ time).” Farah has turned to marathon racing after a glorious career on the track winning gold medals in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. He is targeting the marathon at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, training with Gary Lough, husband of former women’s great long distance runner Paula Radcliffe.

Paradise Sports Club ground, West Coast Berbice, rehabilitated The Paradise Sports Club Ground on the West Coast Berbice was once a hive of activity. The Sports Club was one of the top sporting facilities in Berbice especially in the areas of cricket, football, circle tennis and other outdoor sports. However, the venue was left to run down by the previous administration with hardly any activity taking place there. That phenomenon will now end as the Ministry of Social Cohesion in collaboration with the Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) Regional Democratic Council recently commissioned the recreational ground which was recently rehabilitated. The ground was commissioned by Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Youth, Culture, and Sport, Dr. George Norton. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony Minister Norton, recalled that the ground’s rehabilitation was a commitment made to residents years ago and added that… “More will be done in time to come.” He added that plans are on stream to donate some gear balls, cricket gear and football uniforms soon to the NDC. He urged the residents to take care of the ground and parents, to encourage their children to play a sport, and

develop their skill set in a sporting area. Director of Sport, Christopher Jones in his speech stated that measures will also be put into place soon for the ground to have lights. He also explained that teams are currently disseminated around the country, conducting field assessments to best determine which grounds should be enhanced this year. Regional Community Enhancement Officer, Dolston Huston said the ground, will expand the sporting fraternity of the Mahaica-Berbice region beyond their dreams. The ground was fenced to the tune of $7M with works commencing November 22. Its completion was slightly delayed due to adverse weather conditions. “Not only does the community have a fenced recreational facility, but 85 percent of labour force during the rehabilitation was from the community, even the blocks were bought in the very community”, Huston explained. “The project is a dream come through for many,” Chairman of the Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) Emile Wilson highlighted and expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the residents. (Samuel Whyte)

GTT runs with Rekie Williams in quest to qualify for Carifta Games Fulfilling one of its corporate commitments, GTT made possible for its Pinktober 10K race winner, Rekie Williams to fulfill his desire to qualify for this year’s Carifta Games which will take place in Bahamas from March 30 to April 2, next. Williams, this past weekend travelled to the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the Carifta Games 5000m trials, thanks to GTT which provided his air fare. Williams was confident he would make the qualifying time. GTT’s Chief Executive Office, Justin Nedd presented the ticket to Williams and wished him every success.

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Monday March 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

Kalyan Tiwari wins Kissoon’s Golf Tourney

MacLeod’s 157* downs Afghanistan in opening-day upset

Several members of the Kissoon family stand behind the day’s trophies before the presentation. Undaunted by the early morning heavy showers that did little to prevent the Course from being playable due to the great improvements of drainage and dams now in place, Past Golf Club President Hemraj Kissoon, with some members of his family, was on hand and participated in the tournament when veteran golfer Kalyan Tiwari beat off all competitors to win the coveted Kissoon’s Mega Store Tournament trophy and one of four gift vouchers, on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Course. The winner explained that, “The Course was good, the weather was fine and I had consistently good driver strokes, along with a great short game,” so he was able to produce a net 67. Winning

performances for the tournament were Longest Drive – Richard Haniff – 320 yards; Closest to The Pin – Mike Mangal; Best Gross – Mike Mangal - 78; and Net Scores: 4th place – Gavin Todd, 71/19; 3rd place - Mike Mangal 70/8; 2nd place – Shanella Webster, 69/17; and 1st place – Kalyan Tiwari 67/ 12. Other notable contenders in the top 10 net performances were Parmanand Persaud 72/ 11; Aasrodeen Shaw 73/17; Brian Hackett 73/18; Mohanlall Dinanauth 74/6; Roy Cummings 74/11; David Harry 74/12 and Aleem Hussain 74/12. Mr. Kissoon, in his congratulatory remarks to the winners, again noted the Kissoon Group of Companies

delight in assisting the Golf Club via sponsorship and in whatever way they could, and reiterated his support for all the improvements taking place at the Lusignan Golf Club under President Aleem Hussain. Kissoon’s Furniture Complex - also officially known as Modern Industries Limited - of Lot #3-6 Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Tel:(592)2230958/59; Fax: (592)227-5265, is a Guyana Household name with the memorable slogan “never knowingly undersold” as well as being a proud Guyanese Business producing world class furniture. Kissoon’s has been associated with the LGC for some 50 years, and is still a valued and faithful supporter

of the LGC. Mr. Kissoon also commended Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whom he noted was one of Guyana’s greatest sportsmen, for being on hand to observe the day’s play. Shiv indicated that he was happy to be part of golfing in Guyana, and he was very pleased at the great improvements he saw at the Golf Club compared to his last visit, a while ago. He gave his commitment to having a Celebrity Tournament, in the next few months (August 2018), which would involve many great cricketers who also play golf. He assured those present that once that tournament is a success he would be mindful to have it become an annual feature of the LGC calendar of events.

Messi hits 600th career goal in Barca clash with Atletico

Messi’s free-kick was his 28th league goal of the season. (Getty Images) BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi struck a remarkable 600th professional goal for club and country yesterday by scoring the opener in his side’s Liga clash at home to nearest challengers Atletico Madrid. The Argentine slammed a free kick right into the near top corner in the 26th minute to break the deadlock in the top-ofthe-table clash and put league leaders Barca 1-0 up at halftime,

scoring from a set piece for the third game running. Messi is the leading scorer in La Liga this season with 24 goals and is also the all-time top marksman in Spain’s top flight. He is also the top scorer in the history of Barcelona and Argentina. The Argentine, 30, has scored 539 goals for Barca in all competitions and 61 for his country.

Calum MacLeod swats one away. (IDI/Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - It only took one match to affirm the wide-open nature of the World Cup Qualifier. In a spectacular opening-day heist, Scotland downed Afghanistan by seven wickets, with Calum MacLeod scoring his sixth ODI hundred and subjecting Rashid Khan, the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler, to one of his worst days as an international cricketer. Chasing 256, Scotland got there with 16 balls to spare, with MacLeod scoring an unbeaten 157 off 146 balls. He scored 108 off 118 against Afghanistan’s other bowlers, and 49 off 31 against Rashid’s legspin, off which he hit eight of his 24 boundaries. Rashid finished with figures of 1 for 68 in nine overs - this was the first time he had ended up with an economy rate of above 7 in his 38-match ODI career. He also scored a first-ball duck. All this happened on a day when, at 19 years and 165 days, he became the youngest man to captain an ODI side. MacLeod came in with Scotland 16 for 1; they lost their other opener two overs later to slip to 21 for 2. Both wickets had fallen to the mystery spin of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. It was here that Richie Berrington joined MacLeod. The two proceeded to add 208 in 223 balls, with MacLeod by far the dominant partner, Berrington scoring 67 off 95 balls before falling lbw to Rashid in the 43rd over of Scotland’s innings. By then,

they only needed 27 off 44 balls, a task MacLeod and George Munsey completed with ease. Sent in to bat, Afghanistan made a plodding start, losing three wickets - two to Berrington’s medium-pace while only scoring 49 in their first 15 overs. Berrington picked up his third wicket in the 19th over, getting Mohammad Shahzad out for an uncharacteristic 30 off 54 balls, leaving Afghanistan 71 for 4. Afghanistan needed to stop losing wickets, but they also needed some urgency. Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran achieved both, putting on 149 for the fifth wicket in 136 balls. At the end of the 41st over, Afghanistan were 219 for 4, and a total in the 280-300 range seemed within reach. But both set batsmen fell off successive balls, Najibullah for 67 off 69 balls and then Nabi - run out - for 92 off 82. The back-to-back wickets were a body blow to Afghanistan’s innings, their lower order collapsing in a heap to Safyaan Sharif and Brad Wheal. In all, the last six wickets fell while adding only 35 runs in 51 balls, leaving Scotland a far smaller target than they might have envisioned chasing at one point. Scores: Scotland 256 for 3 (Macleod 157*, Berrington 67, Mujeeb 2-47) beat Afghanistan 255 (Nabi 92, Najibullah 67, Wheal 336, Berrington 3-42) by seven wickets.

Kaieteur News

Monday March 05, 2018

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee Triple Crown Horseracing Championships

Adverse weather forces postponement to yesterday’s Triple Crown first leg All was set for yesterday’s opening leg of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Triple Crown Horseracing Championships at the Rising Sun Turf Club, but the adverse weather conditions left the racetrack in a terrible state forcing the organisers to postpone the day’s proceedings. Most of the top racehorses in the country were listed to compete and an exciting day of top class horseracing was anticipated, but fans will have to wait a bit longer. The organisers are set to meet and to come up with another date shortly. The other race dates were set for April 1st at Port Mourant and April 29th again at Rising Sun Turf Club. However, following whatever meeting is held the organisers will determine if additional changes will be made to the series. Over $20million in cash prizes are up for grabs in the threeday event. Any information on the changes to the event can be sourced by contacting: Chandu Ramkissoon: 624-9063/6089063/232-0633; Alan Podmore: 232-9115/ 619-1909 and Nikita Ross: 662-4668.

Ruthless Manchester City march on as Chelsea woes continue MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) Runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City beat champions Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium yesterday to extend their lead to 18 points and leave the London side further adrift from the Champions League qualification spots. Pep Guardiola’s City, who have now won 14 straight home games, need just four wins from their remaining nine matches to be crowned champions. “It was so important, a win today is another step closer,” Guardiola said. “We need four victories to be champions, it is in our hands and if our behaviour is like today we will be champions”. After Chelsea’s defensive approach resulted in a first-half stalemate, City went ahead 33 seconds into the second period when Bernardo Silva turned in a low cross from David Silva. Chelsea have now lost four of their last five Premier League games and are in fifth place, five points behind Tottenham Hotspur who occupy the fourth Champions League spot. It was far from a classic game with Chelsea showing little ambition and City happy to play within themselves for large stretches, but that was perhaps a consequence of a title race that has effectively been over for months.

Still Chelsea hardly approached the game like a team who needed points to get back in contention to qualify for Europe’s elite competition. Antonio Conte left both Chelsea’s recognised strikers – Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud - on the bench and opted to play winger Eden Hazard as a lone striker. Conte defended his approach, saying he was concerned about the risk of a heavy defeat. “When you play against a team that has shown to be stronger than you - because 25 points is a big difference you have to think with your brain and not your head because otherwise you finish with a bad loss and that’s not good for the players,” he said. FEW OPENINGS The Londoners defended deep and in numbers from the outset but, missing the tenacity of the absent N’Golo Kante showed little willingness to press in midfield and the result was a first half dominated by City possession but with few openings. City, who had played Arsenal on Thursday, lacked their usual sharpness in midfield although they went close to an opener when a deep cross from Kevin De Bruyne was brilliantly taken down by Leroy Sane but the German’s goalbound shot was cleared off the line by Continued on page 29

Race was called off due to weather conditions that left it in a terrible state.

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rt o p S Petra’s third annual Corona Futsal tourney GTT runs with Xtreme Campbellville and Rekie Williams in Tiger Bay win big on night three quest to qualify for Carifta Games

Sparta Boss (Grey) defeated Mocha during Saturday night’s action at the National Gymnasium.

GTT CEO Justin Nedd presents the ticket to Rekie Williams.

Kalyan Tiwari wins Kissoon’s Golf Tourney

Winners and officials pose with the sponsors at the presentation. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.