Kaieteur News

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Former GRDB NEWS accountant loses all extradition appeals AIETEUR

Tuesday Edition March 05, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 11

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

- to come home tomorrow Peter Ramcharran

Online readership yesterday 120,130

Rusal again refuses to sit with union - Workers continue blocking of Berbice River

Barbados, Guyana Two men, police ranks charged in connection with bird-smuggling to US business chambers

formalise MOU to improve trade relations

Nanda Gopaul grilled in second NBS wrongful dismissal suit Mechanic jailed for cocaine trafficking released on bail pending appeal Pilot project approved Guyana to produce 1M for hearing impaired to participate barrels of oil by 2025 in Drivers' Exam - Finance Minister tells Canadian forum Constable Alex Heywood

Special Constable Denzil Williams

Premraj Ram

Gregory Ramkellawan

Region Seven communities reeling from 'complicated' Venezuelan influx - Toshaos Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Former GRDB accountant loses all extradition appeals - to come home tomorrow A

f o r m e r accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), wanted here by the police on fraud charges, has exhausted his appeals against extradition in Canada. Peter Ramcharran is expected to be flown in tomorrow, accompanied by Canadian border officials.

According to Canadian o f f i c i a l s y e s t e r d a y, Ramcharran had sought a stay in the court order to send him back to Guyana.

The last possible appeal process ended with an Ottawa court yesterday refusing the stay.

In December, a Canadian court denied an application for refugee status in the case involving Ramcharran. The man has also been ordered deported.

Guyana had applied for

the extradition of the official who is wanted on a number of charges.

S p e c i a l p r o s e c u t o r, Patrice Henry, had late last year told a city court, headed

by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, that the immigration hearing has been concluded.

Ramcharran had remained on a bail bond in Canada pending the outcome of the ruling in the Canadian Court.

Ramcharran is wanted in Guyana for alleged accounting breaches at GRDB, an independent state agency that regulates the rice industry.

Already, six former officials who were part of the former State entity's board have been charged and released in relation to the said alleged breaches.

The Special Organised

Peter Ramcharran Crime Unit (SOCU) had successfully moved to the local courts, asking for an arrest warrant for Ramcharran.

In 2017, the Chief Magistrate issued the warrant after charges were filed against the fugitive.

The Government of Guyana in turn had asked the Canadian authorities to send Ramcharran back.

The GRDB found itself in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed

among some of the “anomalies� found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, the former accountant is heavily implicated in the probe with regards to the six former GRDB board members who have pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The officials charged are former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General Manager of GRDB Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Producers

A s s o c i a t i o n ( R PA ) , Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company Badrie Persaud and the Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine.

The charges against Ramcharran were read in his absence.

Ramcharran had reportedly been studying in Canada, when authorities swooped down on him in June 2017 following a request for his extradition.

A forensic audit, one of

several ordered by the Coalition Government, had found several alarming things at GRDB. From about 2009 to 2015, Guyana, under the administrations of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, had entered a multi-billion-dollar oil-forrice arrangement where GRDB was clearing out for farmers. However, millions of dollars of those monies were reportedly siphoned off via third-party arrangements including rental of ships and other sweetheart deals for a few millers.

SOCU is investigating other aspects of the audit report.

Man admits to killing over bicycle

A

lmost three months after the Court of Appeal overturned a murder conviction and 57-year jail sentence against 27-yearold Ravindra Paremdass, he was slated to face a new trial yesterday at the High Court in Georgetown.

However, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence, manslaughter.

Upon his arraignment before High Court Judge James Bovell-Drakes, Paremdass admitted that between December 20 and December 21, 2012, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, he killed Roopram Jagdeo, called 'Lil Baby' and 'Rabbit'.

The confessed killer will be sentenced on March 25, after his Counsel asked that a probation report on his client be presented to the court. The case for the prosecution was presented

by State Counsel Tameika Clarke.

According to reports, Jagdeo was killed following an altercation with

Ravindra Paremdass Paremdass who dealt him several blows to the head with a length of wood during an argument over a bicycle.

During his trial in 2015, Paremdass had told the court that the incident was as a result of a fight, which Jagdeo started.

He had claimed that Jagdeo had threatened to kill him with a piece of wood after he refused to lend his bicycle. Paremdass

Killed: Roopram Jagdeo explained that during the confrontation with J a g d e o , h e s u s t ained injuries to the head. He said that he then went into Jagdeo's yard and dealt him lashes with another piece of wood.

However, being dissatisfied with the conviction and sentence, Paremdass asked the Court of Appeal to review his case on the grounds that, among other things, the trial judge failed to put his defence of self-defence in accordance with the law to the jury.

After deliberations, the appellate judges, including Chancellor of the Judiciary Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s Edwards, agreed that the trial judge was duty bound to do so.

In the interest of Justice, the Court of Appeal set aside the conviction and jail sentence and ordered that Paremdass be retried for the offence at this session of the Demerara criminal assizes which commenced on January 8.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 03

Rusal again refuses to sit with union — Workers continue blocking of Berbice River Union President, Lincoln Lewis

Rusal representatives, Vladimir Permyakov and Mikhail Krupenin leaving the office of the Department of Labour

P

ack up and ship out if you don't want to talk.

That is the message trade unions of Guyana have sent to Rusal/Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) after another attempt to bring the company and the union to the table failed once again.

Rusal officials insisted yesterday that they are not talking to the union once Lincoln Lewis, the General Secretary, is there.

Rusal fired 61 workers last month after objections to a measly one percent increase. Some 30 more were let go even as Government tried to intervene.

Workers were angry that their bargaining representative, the Guyana Bauxite and General Wo r k e r s U n i o n (GB&GWU), was not consulted and worse yet, the union has been derecognized.

The company and workers are at a standoff with operations at almost a standstill. The company has attempted to work with a skeleton staff, but residents of Kwakwani, a nearby community to the Kurubuka mine, in the Berbice River, have blocked the waterway with wire ropes and drums.

Fired workers have been refusing to leave the Aroaima location where Rusal is providing housing.

The Department of Labour and Government had met to diffuse the situation, but in vain.

Yesterday, a meeting was scheduled at the Department of Labour between Chief Labour Officer, the union and the company. However, Rusal stuck to its guns and insisted no meeting would be

held with the union.

General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald, who was one of the representatives of other unions that are attempting to diffuse the situation, and who was present for the meeting, was exasperated.

She said that the union rejected calls for unblocking of the river.

“Unless the union is recognized, there will be no talks…no unblocking of the river,” she told Kaieteur News. The Berbice River is where their mined bauxite is moved to vessels at the New Amsterdam area.

According to McDonald, Rusal is to submit a document to Government now and this will be transmitted to the GB&GWU. “We appreciate the stand of Government. However, we are disappointed that the necessary clauses and laws that can be invoked, were not. The Department of Labour is a little too slow and is accommodating them, where the company does not want to sit and recognize the union.”

According to the union leader, it is a show of disrespect for Guyana.

“If it was the other way around…if Guyanese had owned a company in Russia…a quarter of what they did would not have been tolerated.”

She said that from indications, the company is willing to pay a number of vessels loaded with bauxite, $1M a day, to stick around, rather than engage the workers.

“Workers saying to them sit at table and bargain or pack up and ship out.”

A government statement said that Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, shortly after meeting with the parties separately, made it clear that Rusal will eventually have to meet with the union.

According to Minister Scott, Rusal will have to meet with the union to return to the “status quo.” He restated that the government's core interest at this point is the well-being of its citizens.

“As a government, our biggest concern has to be our workers, and that comes first. While we are proinvestors and like to encourage investment, we must maintain a stable

Minister Keith Scott speaking to the media yesterday industrial climate. Our country comes first, and that is a priority,” he told the media.

Minister Scott said the aluminum company is expected to present some proposals they have to the government which will be shared with the union. He said a decision will be made soon after.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, had argued at previous meetings with workers and Rusal, that the GB&GWU is a legitimate body and must be respected by any company operating in Guyana.

Without prior

notification, the two representatives, Director of Aluminum and Bauxite Department, Vladimir Permyakov and Personnel Manager, Mikhail Krupenin, turned up at the Labour Department's Brickdam office, but told Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, that they will not meet the workers' representative in the presence of Union President, Lincoln Lewis.

Meanwhile, Lewis, who is also General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, said that while the request is unfortunate, he will not heed the call from Rusal. “I am not prepared to

do that. Recuse, for what?” he asked. “They came and met me here; they will have to leave me here.”

He said it is clear his stance has made the c o m p a n y v e r y uncomfortable.

The union has been resolute in its request to meet with the aluminum company, especially since there has not been a C o l l e c t i v e B a rg a i n i n g Agreement within the last ten years.

It would not have been the first time that Rusal has fired staffers on a mass scale.

In 2009, 57 workers, including supervisors, were fired for participating in a strike for better pay and conditions. The current situation has raised troubling questions about the seemingly soft attitude by Government against a company that has shown no respect for workers.

The unions have all banded together in a show of oneness against Rusal.

They picketed Rusal's Queenstown office last week. Rusal has operations in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10, with over 540 workers.

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Tuesday March 05, 2019

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

5,000 Venezuelans (and counting) The latest is that approximately 5,000 Venezuelans refugees have taken up residence inside Guyana. From afar, it sounds like a simple handful; one of little significance, and less consequence. This sensitive issue could be well-served with a bit more probing through the layers, and peeling back some of them.

It is a number, this forlorn 5,000 fleeing to survive, seeking shelter, sustenance, and any safety that can be had. It is only an official number, though; and it is one fraught with the feeble, which succumbs before any vigorous scrutiny.

The larger reality has to expand to, and encircle, the big picture of those unaccounted for, and who may have slipped into Guyana under the radar. The question is: how many of these desperate, incoming Venezuelan neighbours can poor, struggling Guyana absorb?

There is news that numbers of crisis proportions have massed in other bordering countries. And with due consideration to the continued deterioration of the situation inside Venezuela, and what that means for hapless civilians living a horror story, the exodus could very well transform into an even bigger flood.

From a Guyana perspective, the humanitarian response has to be measured and balanced against its own not-toorobust circumstances. To begin with, there is the inevitable impact on near destitute communities, sometimes operating close to subsistence levels, and with little room and opportunity for upward mobility.

Next, there has to be reasonable and legitimate concerns over official integrity and professionalism, which is certain to be swamped from the sheer weight of numbers.

These are very thin operational presences. Then, there could arise issues over possible trafficking of minors and females, and exploitation of the vulnerable, be they Guyanese citizens or from the ranks of the newcomers.

These are standing and known problems, and would not be aided by more prey and the watching predatory.

Further, the situation is readymade for infiltration by criminal elements pretending to be in search of relief, but, in actuality, craftily using the crisis and moving bulk of people as cover. It is perfect. It is perfect, also, for narcotics smuggling, arms movement, gold smuggling, and a litany of illicit activities, which could, either individually or in aggregate, prove overpowering for the meagre government human resources on hand.

The long, porous, and largely unmanned border leaves only the troubling on the table and on the mind. This is trouble for this small ill-equipped society, struggling to get its own bearings. It is a brewing, indefinable storm amidst other more finite storms.In a nutshell, what has already assumed the contours of the unpredictable holds the distinct possibility of becoming quickly unmanageable.

It can creep up on this society unknowingly. There is the challenge of how to be welcoming and hospitable, with an eye to what is pragmatic and feasible, all local circumstances considered. In the first and last analysis, matters distill to a simple place: how much is too much?

Still further, there has to be another consideration in the mix; it is more of the strategic. Those who come here to escape the terrors and perils have to be viewed from two distinct points. The first is whether they come to Guyana to take up temporary residence, and in the hope that the travails in the Venezuelan leadership milieu blows over. The key word here is temporary. Meaning that once things settle down in the place of their birth, they have every intention of returning to their homes and what they know.

On the other hand, if the stream of arrivals is coming here to live permanently, then that shifts the goalposts in a new and different direction. Given the sharp border issue between Guyana and Venezuela, the loyalty factor looms and cannot be dismissed. This could be a problem later, when circumstances intensify. It is a dilemma: doing little can encourage a tide, and attach yet another claim to Guyana’s land. Being too harsh can imperil those most in need.

Way more involved than just a date DEAR EDITOR, I notice that the erudite and seasoned presence of Dr. David Hinds has taken to the media to raise that very specific issue, which I have been pounding, in my little way, for a while now. Finally, someone has lent voice and pen and weight, at least in the spirit, to point to the farce of prioritizing an elections date as the alpha and omega to Guyana’s political crisis.

For maybe the fifth or sixth time, I ask publicly: an elections date is settled, then what? There is an elections and the results are announced and made official, then what? Where to? And how? I am shocked (and I thought that I had passed that stage in this country and life itself) to observe learned men, once-believed wise men, definitely sensible men and women highlight and emphasize the be-all and endall of an elections date. At all costs. And without looking beyond. There is nothing that reiterates in the most embarrassing manner the narrow-mindedness, the backwardness, and uselessness of such an emphasis and insistence. It is a date with the devil.

Editor, I take this in another direction besides the ones I usually travel. I will not speak today about the response in the streets or elsewhere to whatever result

is finalized with regards to which party is victorious.

Instead, I approach from this angle: first, there is a date; second, there is a winner; and third, there are the best of circumstances, and there is an actual government in hospitable times. Then I foresee, and am willing to guarantee, that whatever follows would be along the identical lines with regards to the philosophy, place, priority, and commitment behind the rehabilitation of the existing constitution. A constitution damned by one and all, except when they end up in the winner’s circle. To be sure, the victorious can be trusted to get around to it in due course. That clock is still frozen way below subzero temperatures; it is part of the political permafrost so pervasive in this land, and which aligns well with the political machinations, political wickedness, and political irresponsibility and reckless prevailing around here. Is it any wonder that this society repeats the political circus and political crisis every five years? Now every four years? And, of course, while living with the smaller crises in between?

Editor, I am ready to make a concession. Let there be the assumption and willingness to believe that some form of constitutional reform is embarked upon; that there are

some energies dedicated to get to some place on this. The first thing I would say is that reform is not what is going to be the result.

Those entrusted with this sacrosanct task are too cunning and slick to deliver something that approaches some vestige of reform.

Rather, there will be a replacement document that is more about reengineering than reforming.

Such reengineering would be nuanced and deceptive, and most likely contain more loopholes than Swiss cheese.

I see such a development as erecting safe havens to immunize wily politicians and give them the respite to meander, pontificate, and live many other political days and lives.

Editor, what is called for, what is demanded, is a plain language constitution that removes all the interpretive uncertainties, the linguistics minefields, and the bloodless sword fencing engaged in by every political group, of every political stripe; they are the only ones unbloodied. Since the elites at the helm are so perverse, and cannot be trusted, I would go so far as to recommend that each clause and provision come fully accompanied by its own subtitles. Meaning that this is what this means, and only this. Let there be the will and eagerness to eliminate the

subterfuges and deviousness that pass for intellect and the scholarly in this country. I think that we are so dumb (but think we are so smart) that this kind of handholding and interpretive crutch are absolutely necessary and should be non-negotiable. Otherwise, it is the same song and dance for the future cycle of the next 40 years, but this time with new language and new political and legal jumbie stories through which to generate perpetuation, iniquity, and injustice.

Editor, as should be clear by now, I have little interest in any damned date. That encompasses all the threnody and poignancy of a long-delayed funeral. This interlude with its cacophonies and tumults are but the shrill shouts characteristic of a drunken wake. Meanwhile, the body politic that is Guyana lies prostrate and un-embalmed and in plain sight. It is a sight isn’t it? It smells, doesn’t it?

It agitates and upends, doesn’t it? Well, that is all Guyanese hanging on by the thread of a fingernail and praying for the best. There is one problem: God is not listening. And don’t believe Al Green: God is not standing by. Not for this troubled place.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Guyana seems to be a haven for the bizarre DEAR EDITOR, Regrettably, Guyana seems to be a haven for some of the most bizarre events ever witnessed.

Those of us who have lived here for our entire life would find such events a regular occurrence as we go about our daily lives.

A most recent case in point was the editorial of the Guyana Chronicle published on Thursday, February 28, 2019 headlined; ‘Putting country first.’

In a sudden, uncharacteristic departure from its usual anti-opposition, pro-government propagandistic vitriol the Chronicle editorial, in a record number of pronouns totaling 19 ‘ours’ and 22 ‘we’s’ made a surreptitious appeal to the nationalist sentiments of its readers.

The highly suspect call that ‘we’ must do this and ‘we’ must do that, along with numerous references to ‘our’ this, and ‘our’ that, was so pathetic that the end result was that editorial must have failed miserably to achieve its objective.

The vagueness as to who the ‘ours’ and ‘we’s’ are was

so striking that any fifth form student would be at a loss to recognize who it was that the editorial was really targeting with the aim of influencing them.

The long and short of the ill- fated message in the editorial was that it must have gone completely over the head of the average Guyanese.

In this regard, it is left to wonder whether the editorial’s author is a crew member on the ‘Starship Enterprise’ usually featured in the fictional Star-trek serial.

Another bizarre characteristic of the editorial was its timing.

The editorial was published at a time when the Granger administration has found itself trapped in a game of its own making.

Now, in an attempt to temper the deep concerns, if not anger of Guyanese over the disturbing state of affairs obtaining in our country, the government, through the Chronicle editorial, sought to way-lay readers by appealing to their sense of nationhood at a time when the government is staggering to find its way out an impending

constitutional crisis.

Further, what was bizarre about the editorial was this strangely concocted and convoluted diatribe about ‘political disagreements becoming political liabilities’ and Guyanese being ‘trapped by different approaches to national development.’

The editorial engages in ‘word-smithing’ as regards the ‘search for the magic touch of national harmony, but in the same breadth, laments the ‘giving way to disharmony, which in the editor’s view, ‘stands in the way of national development.’

The editorial regrets the number of times ‘we’ have been on the ‘edge of ruin’ but its author avoids any mention about who is responsible for bringing the nation to its socalled ruinous ‘edge.’

The editorial laments that ‘we’ have become so ‘wedded to the politics of unreason ‘ so much so that ‘we’ have become victims of the ‘politics of unreason which has overtime become normative.’

Wow! To this lamentation, the question should be asked; from whence, in

today’s context, when the country’s constitution is being violated, has unreasonableness become normative?

‘And as though to add insult to injury, we are told, ‘there must be a way out of this vicious cycle of aggression and victim hood.’

Yet another combination of suggestion and condemnation that points the ‘we’s’ and the ‘us’s to seek first the kingdom of ‘nationhood’ as the only means for survival.

Then comes the bizarre suggestion that somewhere out there exists a ‘zone of satisfaction’ like Lemuria is not only lost, but like a utopia, is where ‘most of our leaders flattered to deceive’ those who fell prey to the practitioners of flattery and deception.

In the final analysis, however, one is tempted to concede that notwithstanding the editorial’s ‘word-smithing’, at the end of the day, it is a litany of mere sophistry.

And when the editorial suggests there is a shortage in supply of ‘the essence of (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Drug Ecstasy: Bringing Misery and Agony to the Guyanese Nation DEAR EDITOR, Firstly permit me to offer condolences to the grieving family of Vanica Schultz, the 15 year old student of Mae’s School, and also to a nation that should certainly be in mourning for one of its potential future leader.

Needless to say, her demise has brought many issues to the fore, issues that not only highlight the modus operandi of current governmental agencies in Guyana, their lethargic molasses-type manner of action, but above all reflects the country’s level of commercial progress.

Just a mere three months ago on September 18, 2018, the Deputy Head of Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU), Leslie Ramlall, sounded the clarion, making the nation aware that the said drug Ecstasy was gaining a strong foothold among the young population especially children attending schools.

He further asserted that the drug was readily available at many nightclubs and parties, which was a new trend but an extremely worrisome one for the nation.

Investigations into several schools in Regions Three and Four revealed the use of Ecstasy among students of Regions Three and Four, as well as popping up in several schools across the nation. https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2018/09/18/ectasy-found-inschools-we-are-losing-thebattle.

Also throwing in his two bits to further strengthen this admonition, the Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan said, “To see it in schools means that we are losing the battle. It is a bad thing.” He implored parents, religious institutions, and communities to assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against the illicit and licit drugs. We’ve become too individualistic and even don’t care about some of our children.” https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2018/09/18/ecstasy-found-inschools-we-are-losing-thebattle-khemraj-ramjattan/. An old adage runs thus: If shark say sea deep, believe him, he live ‘ah’ sea. The premonitory words were being uttered unbridled from the horse’s mouth, why was credence not applied.

Now here we are, four months later surrounded by increasing sensationalism over something that we had been prior forewarned and should have acted upon if we wanted to forestall harm.

Were any of the aforementioned recommendations acted upon? If so, what form did the follow-up take? The nation should hang its head in collective shame as this case emphasizes and strengthen Ramjattan’s plea.

Now drug education should be made compulsory for all schoolchildren, for the fewer children comprehend the effects of drugs, the more likely is a recurrence of such

incidents. The death should galvanize public debate.

In 1912, a chemist attached to the German pharmaceutical company Merck created Ecstasy, originally known as “Methylsafrylaminc,” and in close social circles as “Molly”, with the intent being to amalgamate medications that control bleeding. The drug proved to be a failure and was relegated to a shelf life until the 1950’s when the government experimented with it and other drugs. https:/ /www.clarionledger.com/ story/news/2018/02/23/ ecstasy-90-s-party-drugmakes-roaring-comeback/ 329259002/. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it gained a small following among psychiatrists, despite not having been tested or received approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration for use in humans.

It was the belief by some psychiatrists that during patient sessions the drug improved communication and permitted the patients to gain insight into their problems. It was also during this time that the drug became more widely available on the streets.

In 1985, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) declared an emergency ban on the drug, and placed it on the list of Schedule1drugs, which are defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

From since then remained a Schedule I substance since then, with the exception of a brief period of time between 1987 and 1988. The FDA endorsed the first human trial exploring whether Methylsafrylaminc (MDMA) could help relieve pain in terminally ill patients, as well as serve as an adjunct to psychotherapy. In the early 1990s, the FDA approved the first human trial exploring whether MDMA could help relieve pain in terminally ill patients, as well as serve as an appurtenance to psychotherapy.

Many associate Molly’s resurgence to the return of electronic Dance Music and pulsating Euro Beat that has infiltrated the sound of pop radio acts like Rihanna, Kesha and Katy Perry. Madonna was criticized at the Ultra Music Festival for asking the audience, “How many people in the crowd have seen Molly?’’. Rappers have also embraced Molly with references to Molly appearing in lyrics by the likes of Kanye West and Lil Wayne who raps: “Pop a Molly, smoke a blunt that means I am a high roller. Singer Miley Cyrus has two songs glorifying the drug Molly ”Popped a molly and you know, you know you’ll never stop, you think I’m turnt up, wait until my album drops,” the 20-year-old raps on the remix of “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’.”

This followed her single “We Can’t Stop” which included a line about “dancing with molly.”

The nation cannot allow parents to undergo further higher personal losses, with a resultant diminution in the number of future leaders.

The taxpayers should lobby immediately for changes in the way the seemingly laughable courts operate.

This case may be used as the test case. It is my expressed hope that the pharmacist with whom the deceased shared a relationship be held accountable both by the legal system, and also face harsh punitive action by his licensing body. Reportedly, he was also a drug merchant as he claims to have given Vanika drugs to sell to those at her school. Such an action not only opens a different kettle of fish, or can of worms but also leaves ajar the

question of the observance level of those in the immediate pedantic environment, and by extension the home environment.

The Director of Mae’s School, Paul Burnette, has announced that the students will now be subjected to random drug testing following obtaining prior parental authorization. While such a gesture may appear as a move in the right direction, nevertheless it pales in comparison to other moves that should precede it. The home environment is of prime importance as well as those in immediate contact with the student within the home environment. Psychologists claim that if teens are in a place where they are looking for acceptance and a sense of belonging, then they are most likely at a greater risk of abuse.

Yvonne Sam

PAGE 6

Mr. President, you are losing critical support; set a date for elections DEAR EDITOR, I do not envy President David Granger’s job at this point, based on the current challenges, which the country is experiencing and the awkward position, which the Government has found itself in after the No Confidence Motion (NCM) was passed.

Nevertheless, I think that the President needs to call on the Daniels and Joseph’s of this day, to share some wisdom and give him good counsel, advice and guidance. It is against this background that my advice to the President would be to set a date for elections and this should be done before the March 19, 2019.

Editor, I am on the ground; and the word on the ground is that while some/ many are sympathetic to the situation, which the Government h a s f o u n d itself in since the NCM was passed on December 21, 2018, many of these persons and organisations will not extend this support outside of the context of the Constitution.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the country and it is the very basis upon, which every other law is activated and implemented.

It is what gives legitimacy to the functioning and operations of every facet of the country and most of us will not compromise on that. To compromise would be

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

equivalent to knocking out the foundation, pillars and the beams of our houses and the buildings would ultimately crumble.

To say that the Constitution is wrong in this context is bad advice and is treading on very dangerous ground. Sure, there is need for constitutional reform but we cannot now say that the constitution is wrong.

In addition, the basis upon which organisations and institutions - local, regional and international; as well as constituencies can support this or any Government, is premised on the articles in the Constitution and any smart Government in the position that this Government is in, would want to maintain their support which is critical at this point.

What the President’s advisors may not tell him; is that every time the Government loses a court matter, it also loses more critical support.

However, I must also indicate that the President needs to build an ‘Integrity Team’ as he prepares to run again for President and many of the persons around him cannot be on this team. So he has to start building that team. Integrity is critical at this point.

At this point, Mr. President, you have to set a date for elections, it is the wisest thing to do! You are losing critical support with every passing day!

Yours faithfully, Citizen Audreyanna Thomas

Guyana seems to be a...

From page 4 civic engagement’ isn’t this is implicitly, a somewhat elitist approach to what should be the customary, hospitable Guyanese approach?

The Chronicle editorial ends with a call for ‘widening the dialogue away from political competition’ and further, that ‘this is not the time to be torn apart by the politics of expediencyit’s still nation time’ the editorial cries!

Incredible! Though the politically conscious Guyanese would be aware of the current political impasse arising from government’s intransigent and cunctatorian practices would therefore be lost for words were they to attempt an understanding of the Chronicle editorial’s jiggerypoggekry fashioned in a call that ‘it’s still nation time.’

Your faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

There is much cause for alarm Dear Editor, There is much cause for alarm in the statement made last Thursday, 28th February 2019 by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo where he stated he will not attend the 6th March meeting, as requested by President David Granger, “…unless an election date is on the agenda.” Mr. Jagdeo is reminded as Leader of the Opposition that it is an abrogation of his constitutional duty and responsibility to refuse to meet with Mr. Granger at this juncture when our country is facing challenges in overcoming the disruption of our parliament, legal and other constitutional conflicts.

Mr. Jagdeo is further reminded that the title of Leader of the Opposition is enshrined in the Guyana Constitution Article 110 in Chapter X titled “The Executive.” Identification within the Executive determines his involvement in the day-today responsibility of Guyana’s administration, even during a successful confidence motion, albeit one that is undergoing judicial challenge in keeping with laws enshrining each individual, group and government’s right to due process.

Further, there is absolutely nothing preventing Mr. Jagdeo from responding and suggesting additional items be on the agenda which is suggesting/ negotiating the agenda. That is the least theatrical way.

Understandably, at this juncture political power play comes into focus but none of these should be deliberately orchestrated to pull us further down or over the precipice. None should result in disrespecting each party’s right to due process as identified in our laws when it comes to understanding and arriving at a determination of which is the best way forward for Guyana. This nation is reminded that whereas the confidence motion was a political move it is not without legal questions that must take precedence over political instincts. Guyana faces a legal/constitutional challenge, which requires a judicial decision not merely a political one that may manifest partisanship. It is and must be about the common good and right now the common good requires that our two national leaders meet to determine the way forward in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect for our country’s stability.

The current impasse is created because there are differing opinions on both sides as to when election is to be held. Both sides have arguments convincing to their supporters as to why their position is the right one. In a civilised world such differences are settled in a court of law where each party has the right to appeal to the highest level of the judicial system if they so wish and if they can so afford to do. This process is not new; it is day to day occurrence at every level of our society. Why does it seem to be an incomprehensible problem at the highest level of

governance? Why is it on this occasion some seem to desire and are even engineering a less than civilised approach to resolving this impasse? Why is it the preference to confine this legal dilemma to the lowest level of political discourse, a political circus and bringing it down seemingly to street warfare?

Mr. Jagdeo may believe the coalition government is in violation of the laws by not resigning and doing as he claims.

He has every right to his opinion but refusing to engage demonstrates a level of behaviour that is a threat to peaceful resolution. It demonstrates contempt and disregard for the Office of the President and Judicial arm of government, the latter which operates independent of the Executive and Legislative.

The nation is reminded the challenge to the appointment of GECOM Chairman, brought by the Opposition, is presently before the Caribbean Court of Justice, despite the appointment being made within the framework of the Article 161 (2) paragraph/ clause two; in spite of the High Court and Appeal Court rulings not in the Opposition’s favour. While the Opposition’s position is perceived as politicking in some quarters, and whereas the present court challenge brought by the Executive is perceived as foot dragging in another quarter, one is not more entitled than the other.

What is important is that they both comply with the judicial processes to resolve legal conflicts.

There remains concern

about the partial reading of Article 106(7) and the failure to read Article 106(6) in conjunction with 106(7). The cherry-picking of parts is causing confusion and misleading society even as no work is being done to put mechanism in place to give meaning as to how a government ought to “function” based on the 31st January ruling by acting Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire SC. This alone is cause enough for Parliament to be convened. The nation needs guidelines based on legislation or written convention that would ensure common understanding on how we proceed. Our politicians are urged to look at societies where political maturity and the exhaustive processes of the various branches of government are considered key to ensuring stability and good governance.

This is not just a time for public political fits and outburst. The recent conduct to kerfuffle the society and mislead the international community, goading persons into action on misleading statements, threats and appeals to fears embedded in their minds from years of conditioning must be condemned. The local diplomatic and international community is expected not be fooled by tactics which border on recklessness, disregard for the Rule of Law and the role of the Judiciary in safeguarding same.

Lincoln Lewis

Social Contract and the Constitutional Crisis DEAR EDITOR, When I think of the looming constitutional crisis, I think of social contract. In political philosophy, the social contract is the theory that speaks to the legitimacy of the authority of the state (government) over the individual (citizens). Most theories debate if the citizens have consented explicitly or tacitly to surrender some of their “freedoms” and to be under the authority of the decision maker (government), to keep social order.They are multiple theories on the social contract.

In all these theories, it’s usually the human condition that is examined, which causes the need for a social contract. “State of Nature” can be used to explain why any rational human being would give up their “natural freedom” to obtain benefits from a political order bounded by a social contract.

Two opposing views on “State of Nature” or “Human Nature” are proposed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

Thomas Hobbes in the Leviathan believed without a social contract to keep humans in check, we would have “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short” lives, as such is human nature.

Humans in Hobbes view were innately selfish and would lead

anarchic lives without a social contract. John Locke in the Second Treatise of Government, on the other hand, believed in human’s being innately moral and would seek no harm to each other be it lives or possessions. Locke believed that man can come together to create government (via social contracts) to have a body to protect these rights.

I would like to propose we accept our constitution as Guyana’s social contract. In this contract, there is a noconfidence provision, which has been put into motion. Upon the arrival of 90-days after the fact, and President Granger still hasn’t called elections, he will be in direct breach of such contract.Editor, do we as Guyanese return to “state of nature”?

If so which? One where we are all moral or one where we are nasty and brutish? With this looming constitutional crisis, what does the average man on the street expect? I would like to ask President Granger to propose a date for the election and then request the Leader of the Opposition to extend the life of the Government to this date.

Yours truly, Nalinie Singh

Tuesday March 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Two men, police ranks charged in connection with bird-smuggling to US Four men, including two serving members of the Guyana Police Force, yesterday made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, after being charged with various offences.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan were Gregory Ramkellawan, 40, a driver of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara; Premraj Ram 31, an excavator operator of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; Denzil Williams, 32, a special constable of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Alex Heywood, 23, a police constable of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

The first charge stated that the quartet between November 1, 2018 and December 8, 2018, at the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, conspired with each other and persons unknown to export a quantity of specimens, namely finches, through CJIA, without authorization of the Guyana Wi l d l i f e Conservation and Management Commission or other competent authority.

It was further alleged that between the same p e r i o d , Wi l l i a m s a n d Heywood corruptly obtained from Ramkellawan for themselves and persons unknown, the sum of $600,000, as an inducement or reward for allowing him to export a quantity of specimens, namely finches through the CJIA, without the

Gregory Ramkellawan

Alex Heywood

Denzil Williams

Premraj Ram

authorization of the Guyana Wi l d l i f e Conservation and Management Commission

or other competent authority.

The men pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to them.

They were all represented by attorney-at-law Mark Conway, who asked that his clients be released on reasonable bail.

The lawyer told the court that Heywood has been a serving member of the Guyana Police Force for the past five years and is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department.

The lawyer added that Williams has been a Special Constable for the past three years and has no antecedents.

He went on to say that his clients all cooperated with the police during the investigation and are not flight risks.

It was reported that Ramkellawan departed CJIA on December 8, 2018 and travelled to the US, where he attempted to leave the John F Kennedy International Airport. He

was caught with 70 birds hidden in curlers that were in his carry-on luggage.

As such, Ramkellawan was refused entry and sent back to Guyana the following day.

This discovery led the ranks from the Major Crimes Investigation Unit to issue a wanted bulletin for Ramkellawan.

Ramkellawan subsequently turned himself over at the Criminal Investigation Department.

There he was told of the offence, cautioned, and gave a statement on how he took the birds through CJIA. As such, Ram was arrested and he, too, under caution, admitted that he recruited Ramkellawan to carry out the birds through CJIA. He also told the ranks the role Williams and Heywood played in committing the offence.

As such, further investigation was carried out and CCTV footage was retrieved from the airport, which showed Ramkellawan’s

movements until he boarded the aircraft.

CCTV footage showed Ramkellawan at the scanning machine, checking in.

Heywood exited the area, looked in the direction of Ramkellawan, and continued walking when he was not authorized to leave his point of duty, which was at the front of the airport at the narcotics branch.

While Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objections to bail being granted to the defendants, he asked that conditions be attached.

The Magistrate after listening to the facts released Ramkellawan and Ram on $100,000 bail each, while Heywood and Williams were released on $150,000 each.

Conditions of the bail are that they report to the CID Headquarters every Friday until the hearing and determination of the trial.

They were instructed to make their next court appearance on March 8 for statements.

Trotman boasts of Guyana’s vast and varying riches at Canadian convention “For hundreds of years, treasure hunters and adventurers alike have come to Guyana’s shores in search of El Dorado, the lost city of gold. This search provided a catalyst for European arrival in Guyana in the 1500's and the rest, as they say, is history.”

So said Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, as he spoke at the opening of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention. Trotman reportedly addressed the Convention on Sunday in Canada, but his speech was made available yesterday.

Trotman told prospectors and developers that Guyana now has every type of prospector and investor working in the rich gold and mineral fields, “from the small ‘porkknocker’, both male and female, to the large scale miners at the medium and industrial scales.”

Trotman indicated that Guyana’s greenstone belts are located in regions such as Barima-Waini Region, Cuyuni/Mazaruni; and Potaro/Siparuni, to name a few. He said that generally, these greenstone belts host commercial deposits of a variety of minerals including manganese, uranium and copper and gold is most commonly found along the edges of those belts.

Trotman said that apart from gold, Guyana’s greenstone belts are also a treasure house of other mineral resources under exploration, such as manganese, copper, and some other metals, such as nickel, zinc, lithium, scandium, other rare earth and lead.

He said that that it is the desire of the APNU+AFC government to explore and extract these resources in a

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman sustainable way, both in terms of the rates of extraction, and with respect for the rich biodiversity within the shield.

Trotman noted that mining in Guyana has been ongoing for over 150 unbroken years and companies mining in Guyana have benefited from the extraction of commercially viable mineral reserves, including, but not limited to, gold, diamonds and bauxite.

He indicated that in the Cuyuni, Guyana Goldfields Inc.’s Aurora project thus far has measured and indicated approximately 6.25 million ounces of gold. “Troy Resources Limited, an Austra-

lian company, has a gold mineral resource inclusive of mineral reserves, amounting to measured and indicated at 426,300 ounces and inferred resources at 506,300 ounces.”

The Natural Resources Minister told potential investors that current manganese resources as indicated by Guyana Manganese Inc. stands at 32.4 million of tonnes and other companies involved in mining for bauxite; the Bosai Group has a reserve from the McKenzie Mine at 200 million tonnes of Aluminium and RUSAL with a reserve of 88.5 million tonnes of Aluminium.

PAGE 8

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Nanda Gopaul grilled in second NBS wrongful dismissal suit Director of the New Building Society (NBS), Dr. Nanda Gopaul, was yesterday grilled on the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of former Manager, Kent Vincent.

Vincent had sued the society, claiming over $500M in damages from NBS for the wrongful dismissal. This is the second wrongful dismissal suit brought against the Society.

In the first challenge, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maurice Arjoon, claimed that he and his Managers (Vincent among them), were set up and charged at the direction of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, after he (Arjoon) refused to sink almost $2B of NBS money into the construction of the Berbice River Bridge.

The CEO claimed that the lending of NBS money in that manner would have been highly illegal, breaching financial laws.

Arjoon, Vincent and fellow Manager, Kissoon Baldeo, faced charges of conspiracy to defraud the NBS of $69M, back in 2007.

The charges were eventu-

Dr Nanda Gopaul ally dropped due to lack of evidence. Arjoon has also won a $79M award against the society in the civil suit.

The second challenge against NBS got underway at the High Court before Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George last week.

Confidential Secretary attached to NBS, Antonia Chichester, was the first witness to take the stand. She said that she could not recall many of the instances which date back to 2007.

When the matter resumed yesterday, Dr Gopaul was called to the stand. He

was identified as a lead witness in the case by Attorney-at-Law Devindra Kissoon of London House Chambers. Kissoon is providing legal services to the institution.

In his witness statement, Dr. Gopaul claimed that he had been appointed a Director of NBS in 1999 and acted in that capacity from Chairman of the Board on several occasions.

By virtue of his position, Dr. Gopaul said that he is intimately familiar with all of NBS’ operations, policies and systems, and was so familiar in 2006 and 2007. He explained that, established in 1940, NBS is a lending institution governed by the provisions of the New Building Society Act Cap 36:21.

In addition to providing banking facilities to its members, Gopaul said it primarily provides mortgages and related services to its members. Given his knowledge of institution, Vincent‘s Attorney, Robin Stoby S.C questioned the witness about the financial systems manual and other procedures as it relates to payments and cheques. In answers to questions by the Attorney, Gopaul accepted that the withdrawals could be made without a passbook. Further the witness was asked to provide the court with the prescribed procedure that should follow transactions in the absence of a passbook.

In response to the question, Gopaul claimed that there was a circular outlining the rules that should follow in such a situation.

“And what year did that circular exist? Was it after 2006- 2007?” the attorney

asked, suggesting that Dr. Gopaul point to evidence which corroborates his statements. Initially Gopaul was adamant that the instructions would be mentioned somewhere in rules or a system manual, guiding the process. He was asked to point it out in the document before the Court, but later backtracked on his statement: “I misunderstood the question. They are not there.”

Stoby then suggested that there were frequent transactions without passbooks. Dr. Gopaul said that he did not believe that was an accurate suggestion.

He instead claimed that NBS provides that that could only be done in exceptional circumstances. However, when asked to provide a scenario of an exceptional circumstance, Dr. Gopaul mentioned the case whereby a customer leaves home without his/her passbook and

visits the Society to conduct a business transaction. It was questioned whether that really constituted an exceptional circumstance, but no answer was given.

The witness was asked too about the procedure taken by senior officials, former Chief Executive Officer, Mr Arjoon, Vincent and other managers.

Gopaul admitted that Arjoon had run “a tight ship” and that the board never had reason to write to the CEO on any matters prior to the case.

He claimed that approval of the senior officials in relation to certain documents (particularly the use of Power of Attorney) was “highly irregular.” The witness said too that, in his view, the transaction should not have taken place in this circumstance. In his witness statement, Gopaul had claimed that Vincent, who was at the time an NBS branch manager,

should have taken certain steps to prevent the use of fraudulent powers of attorney.

“In early 2000 through to 2007, NBS formally required all senior officers to ensure that a power of attorney must be personally verified with the deeds registry, as well as contact made with the principal at the address and telephone number on file, to ensure that the principal indeed issued the power. At no time could any other contact information be used, as this would weaken NBS’s security systems. If we were unable to verify the principal using the contact information in file, the transaction would be suspended.”

“NBS required all officers to retain copies of powers of attorney which were used for withdrawals, and to verify in writing that those powers were verified at the registry,” Gopaul said.

Houston bypass, Vlissengen Road targeted for improvements As work steams ahead with a number of key roadways as part of a wider transportation plan, Government has announced plans to improve the Houston bypass, East Bank Demerara and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

The bypass diverts south along Mandela Avenue to the East Bank Demerara four-lane thoroughfare.

It takes traffic heading from the Timehri airport, West Bank of Demerara and the hinterland, to the East Coast of Demerara.

Vlissengen Road is a key artery in the city that connects with the East Coast highway as well.

However, it has been determined that the two links could be made more efficient.

According to an Invitation for Bids in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure wants to conduct geometric improvement and

rehabilitation to the Houston bypass.

The works are expected to last for four months. The bids are to be submitted by March 12.

The geometric improvement to Vlissengen Road is also expected to last for four months.

The bids are to be closed on March 26th.

The geometric design of roads is the branch of highway engineering concerned with the positioning of the physical elements of the roadway, according to standards and constraints. The basic objectives in geometric design are to optimize efficiency and safety while minimizing cost and environmental damage. It is supposed to accommodate a range of travel modes such as walking, bicycling, transit, and automobiles, and minimizing fuel use, emissions and environmental damage.

There is a plan to create a

network of roads to reduce the dependence of the main public roads.

Under the plan, the fourlane East Coast road will be linked to a new highway from Ogle to behind the East Bank of Demerara, aback of the housing schemes from Eccles to Diamond.

It is the idea to connect this alternative highway to the current East Bank highway via several intersecting roads.

A new Demerara River Bridge at Houston will see a linkage to that alternative highway.

Currently, there is an expansion of the Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue link.

There has been a steady increase of vehicles on the roadways annually, about 10,000 more, officials have said.

Authorities have been struggling to deal with the congestion problem at peak hours in the mornings and evenings.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Service…Guyana-style The driver drove to the parking spot, aligned the vehicle into one of the lanes and then shut the engine down. I opened the door so that we could exit. The scene was slightly intimidating.

This was a posh location. If the service matched the façade, then this was the perfect place to enjoy an evening in the company of friends.

Dining in a classy joint was something that myself and friend looked forward to.As we entered, we noticed that the inside was even more stunning than the exterior. It was a nice place.

We took a table and waited for the service. All the while we observed our surroundings, impressed again by what we saw.

This was progress we thought.

It was a quiet night. There were not many patrons. Apart from us there was just one couple in the joint. It was a slow night.

We took our seat and waited for someone to serve our table.

After ten minutes, we seem to have been on our own. No one

came asking what we wanted. No one seemed interested in our presence. We began to feel that perhaps the place had closed and that we had intruded.

I noticed a barman and decided to ask whether someone would take our order. The barman was alert, pleasing and courteous. He said that someone would eventually come to our table. I pleaded that this was what I had expected ten minutes ago. He hailed out to someone, but the person took no notice.

He apologetically said he would see what he would do.

Then he asked whether I was dining. That was his way of differentiating having a drink from eating. I said we wanted to do both. He said that someone would come in due course. Someone eventually did come to serve us. We asked for a menu. The server left to get one, forgetting to ask whether we wanted something to drink. He came back with two well-cushioned menus. He waited by the table while we pe-

rused the menu, and as an afterthought asked whether we wanted anything to drink. We said yes and ordered a round of beers. The waiter left immediately. It took five minutes for the order to arrive. By that time we had still not decided what to eat.

We asked what was special for the night. This stumped the waiter. He did not understand our question. We went back to the menu. The entrées were enticing by name. We asked the waiter what he would recommend. He said, “Everything nice!” That was not very helpful.

In the end, we settled for the same food and placed the order.

We were told that one of the things we ordered from the menu was not available. We did not complain.

The food also took some time. It always does when you are really hungry, and we were so hungry we could have devoured a lion. But wild meat was not on the menu and we settled for what was ordered.

Dem boys seh ...

De foreigners got to get manners Foreign companies been coming and wukking ever since Noah was in diapers.

Dem come in de goldfields, de bauxite industry, manganese and even in forestry.

Because of de wuk all dem farrin company does hire Guyanese.

Dem boys know dem does use Guyanese because de pay cheap. If dem bring people from dem own country dem got to pay dem people de kind of money dem accustom to. And if dem is serious people de company got to find house and things fuh de people.

China come and do a lot of wuk in Guyana. Chinee build de Marriott; dem wukking pun de East Coast road, dem wukking pun de airport, dem doing odda road wuk in de city and dem min-

ing bauxite in Linden.

When dem Chinee was wukking putting up de Marriott dem refuse to hire Guyanese. If dem coulda bring de sand and de stone from China dem woulda do that. But dem hire people to wuk in de forest and pay dem minimum wage because de people never use to earn nuff money in de first place.

Dem got Canadians and odda farrin people digging out de gold. De Guyanese doing de digging and getting a pay smaller than de foreigners who doing de same job. Some Russians get involve in gold and dem believe dem can even beat Guyanese like how de colonials use to beat slaves.

Is de same thing in de bauxite industry. Dem same Russians playing bully again.

Dem pay de local workers a one per cent increase. De least anybody ever give dem is five per cent. When dem complain de Russians knock dem off.

Dem boys seh is time de government mek all dem farrin companies that dem don’t own Guyana. Dem don’t own nutten. De government got to tek back de bauxite company and put out de Russians if dem don’t toe de line. Is de same thing dem do to de Chinee who was wukking in de forestry sector.

When de government use to control everything people use to wish fuh de foreigners. Now dem get de foreigners dem want de government to tek back de thing.

Talk half and know you can’t please people.

When the food came, it was colder than the plate. It was laid out colourfully on the plate and looked appetising. I was hungry and could not wait. I dug my fork into the food and lifted a serving to my mouth. The food nestled on my tongue. It tasted horrible.

We decided that liquid refreshments would occupy the remainder of our stay. But each round took a long time to come.

After about an hour, the waiter came around and asked whether we were okay. I said, “For the time being!”

He stood his ground. He said that the shift was changing and asked whether I could settle

the bill. I was shocked. He was technically asking us to leave, because there was no way that there was going to be a graveyard shift that night. I paid the bill and contemplated withholding a tip, since the service was lousy.

A few days later while driving around, the issue of dinner was raised. Just then we were passing a popular fast food establishment. I asked that we try the drive-through. We did.

The service was excellent.

The window staff was immensely courteous, extremely helpful and went out of their way to ensure that we got what we

wanted. We never had to leave our vehicle. As we were driving away, the young lady delivering the order wished us a good night and urged us to drive safely.

This was one establishment that had paid attention to treating their customers properly. A lasting impression was made.

The food tasted so much better…and simply because of the service.

PAGE 10

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Why is Guyana of all places jailing Cubans?

I don’t mean any insult to religious people, but I believe one day, God is going to get annoyed with the oceanic tragedies and mountainous asininities of Guyana and strike this country down into the bottom of the Atlantic. A magistrate jailed a Cuban doctor and his wife for passport forgery. And who is this mag-

istrate?

Let me tell you who this magistrate is. Her name is Ann McLennan. I have written more than eight, yes more than eight columns describing some worrying decisions by this magistrate. To list all eight with titles and date would eat into column space for this article here. I have

written more than eighteen columns, (not eight), describing what a wasteland this country is. This very magistrate fined a woman for human trafficking when a conviction carries a mandatory jail term.

The Guyana Government reacted harshly to that decision as carried in a press statement which the Chronicle published with the headline; “Gov’t slams weak court decision in TIP case,” of September 8, 2016. I quoted from the Chronicle, and I am doing so again, right now; “The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in People in a statement issued on Wednesday noted that both sentences were non-custodial, whereas the penalties in the legislation specify mandatory imprisonment.”

Nothing appeared subsequently in the press to inform the nation if the magistrate submitted an explanation or if the Judicial Service Commission requested a response from here. This judicial bewilderment occurred two years ago, Magistrate McLennan is still on the bench. This lady is still the Chief Magistrate.

Last week, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan addressed a meeting on a drug rehabilitation programme in which most of the leading magistrates were in the audience.

Ramjattan told the gathering that in his experience as a prosecutor and defence counsel, he would caution against imposing prison sentences on drug accused, because they become hardened offenders when they come out.

I don’t know if Ramjattan was being diplomatic or he just couldn’t be bothered to direct a few remarks about egregious sentence disparities in the magistrate courts, heavy bail assignments on people who cannot afford it, and the willingness to jail people by most of the country’s sitting magistrates.

Once more, here is a column on a judgement by McLennan, a ruling by her which I abhor. A Cuban doctor and his wife were jailed for twelve months (not one year – one year in sentencing guidelines is equivalent to nine months) for passport forgery. When I read that and I saw the photos of these two persons, how I wished I was

younger to start a revolution in Guyana. Do the Cuban people leaving that island for a better life deserve this kind of attitude by Guyana?

Important to note is that they came here and did not commit murder or rape or burglary or perpetrate violent crimes. They forged passports so they could seek greener pastures for a better life. It is a criminal offence and they were rightfully charged.

But did McLennan have to jail them? And for twelve months?

Businessman and gold magnate, Nazar Mohamed, popularly known as “Shell” has retained a lawyer to apply to the High Court for bail.

I am keeping my fingers crossed, because I am not unmindful of the lack of quality among the judges of Guyana. When you read the affidavit in support of bail it is mentally lacerating. The couple couldn’t speak English and the police interpreter is alleged to have told the couple if they pleaded guilty, they would not be jailed. But apparently, they never agreed to plead guilty.

When I hear how semicivilized Guyana treats less fortunate souls fleeing hardships in other lands, I really believe it is time for revolution in this banana republic. I have met countless Guyanese who fled this hell-hole, became illegal in other territories,

Frederick Kissoon and have done phenomenally well. When you hear the unbelievable tales of illegal Guyanese who became rich in the US and Canada, you will never accept our judicial system jailing fleeing Venezuelans and Cubans.

In the UK, the current Home Secretary’s (what we in the Caribbean call the Home Affairs Minister) who is a practicing Muslim, came to the UK with his parents and siblings with only the clothes on their backs and two pounds. Look what position he holds today. You must have heard about the Booker Prize, a literary prize awarded in the UK. It has new financial sponsors of a husband and wife team. The husband said his Jewish parents fled Nazi Germany and people took them in as refugees.

Look how rich those refugees’ child is today. Guyana must stop treating refugees with sadistic cruelty. But how can they? Guyanese have no sense of what humanity is.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Region Seven communities reeling from ‘complicated’ Venezuelan influx - Toshaos

By Kemol King Venezuela is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, which has caused a massive exodus of millions of refugees to neighbouring countries, including Guyana.

Four years later, the influx of persons affected by the political and socio-economic unrest is still affecting Guyana.

Devroy Thomas is the Toshao for Arau, a border community in CuyuniMazaruni, Region Seven. He expressed discontentment for the growing migrant situation in the region, which he describes as complicated.

In an interview with this publication, Thomas explained that Venezuelans

Devroy Thomas, Toshao for Arau

Claude Anselmo, Toshao for Kaikan

coming into the region enter through the Wenamu River.

The river is narrow, he ex-

plains; it is about 90 feet wide.

He said that Venezuelans have been trying to cross all

North Sophia man charged with wife’s murder A man who is accused of fatally stabbing his wife was yesterday charged and remanded to prison for the offence.

Raymond Oselmo, 49, of North Sophia, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the murder charge was read to him.

Oselmo was not required to plead to the indictable offence which stated that on February 27, last, at North Sophia,

Georgetown, he murdered Nadina Kalamadeen, his wife.

He was remanded a n d i s expected to make his next court appearance on March 18.

According to reports, the woman was stabbed to death around 19:00 hrs on the day in que s t i o n

by Oselmo who was intoxicated. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital with multiple stab wounds to the chest and face. She was pronounced dead on arrival.

Charged with murder: Raymond Oselmo

year. However, at this time of the year, the water is very low, so it is safer to cross.

According to Thomas, most of the incomers reside in communities in and around Arau. He said that, though many are unemployed, they stay in the “business area” of the mines, hoping to get jobs in the mining sector.

In his estimation, over 100 people have crossed the river in the past year and the community does not have the resources or the capacity to cater to their needs.

The Toshao noted that a significant number of migrant children are in need of schooling. He explained that the leaders in Arau have been trying to get the children involved in school, but the authorities maintain that the children shall not be enrolled unless the arrangement is legal. Since most of the children are illegal immigrants, few are actually given a chance to pursue an education.

A lot of free time and lack of access to comprehensive healthcare has resulted in an outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). According to Thomas, the Community Health Worker for the area told the village leaders that some young people have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation because there isn’t medication available to treat those illnesses.

There is one drug store run by a Colombian, but because of the demand for medi-

cation, it has quickly run out, and the individual has not been able to stock the store as much as the community needs.

To add to that, crime has taken a turn for the worse.

Thomas recalled two murder cases, one quite recent. He said that no one knows who the victim is, but they are certain he is Venezuelan. Two skeletons were found by the village leaders, while they were conducting research with the Amerindian Peoples’ Association, (APA) but no one has accounted for missing persons.

Although he maintains that the influx leaves the community in a worse state than it was before, Thomas refuses to turn refugees away.

“When one of them comes around, we don’t refuse them. We have to offer them something,” he said.

Thomas is calling for the government to assist the refugees because they are suffering, “and they need help very much.”

However, the Toshao in a nearby village feels differently about the crisis.

Claude Anselmo is the leader of Kaikan. He is also the regional representative for Cuyuni-Mazaruni to the APA, with responsibility for Kaikan as well as Arau.

“These are not refugees,” he contends, “these are businessmen”.

He said that many Venezuelans come in with things to sell: “drugs, ammunition, whatever they can sell.”

He said that they would

come in with things to sell, then cross the river again.

At one instance, the influx had started to slow. However, when word reached that the Government of Guyana had sent two sets of food and supplies for the refugees currently in the area, more started to swarm. But the government has not maintained a steady supply.

Since they come and meet a shortage of resources, Anselmo said that they break and enter business places, and steal clothes from villagers’ yards. There have been multiple arrests for trafficking of marijuana and cocaine, as well as for breaking and entering. And for both issues, Venezuelans are currently facing prosecution.

On top of that, he says, migrant women have decided to perform sex work as a way to earn. Like Arau, Kaikan is affected by a surge in STDs. The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have presence in the area, but the Toshaos are not confident that this has proven effective against crime and insecurity. And though there is at least one community policing group in the area, they are afraid, because they are not armed as the police and soldiers are.

Both Toshaos still try to help, but they say that people are afraid for the wellbeing of their communities. Thomas said that they will continue to provide assistance for those in need, but they are small in number and there is not much they can do.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 13

Guyana to produce 1M barrels of oil per day by 2025 - Finance Minister G

i v e n ExxonMobil's prolific finds in the Stabroek Block, Guyana is in line with its 2025 timeline to produce one million barrels of oil per day.

This was recently noted by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He was at the time delivering remarks at the opening of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto, Canada.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event which c o n c l u d e s t o m o r r o w, Minister Jordan said that in the past four years, Guyana has featured repeatedly in the international press for the more than five billion barrels of recoverable oil discovered off-shore by ExxonMobil in partnership with Hess and CNOOC. The Finance Minister said that even if you have spent the last year in the deepest mines of the Cuyuni, “I am certain that you have heard stories about these vast discoveries in the land of the fabled city of gold.”

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan And as if to demonstrate its Midas-like touch, Jordan told his Canadian audience that ExxonMobil recently disclosed its 11th and 12th discoveries.

The Minister said, “With 17 prospects still to be drilled in the Stabroek Block, Guyana is on target to produce one million barrels per day. Indeed, research analysts at Wood MacKenzie have predicted that Guyana

can surpass oil production in Mexico and Venezuela, thereby positioning the country to become, eventually, a power house in Latin America.

Exploration of our offshore basin will continue apace this year as several licensed operators have signalled their intention to ramp up drilling given the success of ExxonMobil and its partners”.

The economist added, “Production of oil is on target for the first quarter of 2020, but there are good indications that this timetable could be advanced to the last quarter of this year.”

Further to this, the Finance Minister said that Guyana is expected to earn significant revenue, once production begins, which will be used to create jobs in manufacturing, industry and value added agriculture, among other sectors of the economy.

In addition to this, he said that the oil money would be used to improve and expand the physical and social

Policies being devised to ward off dreaded Dutch disease - Jordan

F

inance Minister, Winston Jordan has assured that the government is taking the necessary precautions to protect Guyana from the Dutch disease and the Resource Curse.

Speaking at the Sunday opening of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, Minister Jordan said, “We are wary of the dreaded Dutch disease and the resource curse, and are actively devising policies to ensure that our other productive sectors remain competitive, even as our economy embarks on structural change.”

The economist added, “To further safeguard our impending wealth, my government has successfully developed and passed in Parliament, a Bill that sets out the regime for Guyana's version of a sovereign wealth fund, which in our instance, is called the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).” Jordan noted that the Fund is modeled after the best practices and principles of sovereign wealth funds.

He said the Fund's objectives

include stabilization of public spending, minimizing a loss in economic competitiveness, fairly transferring natural resource wealth across generations, and financing national development priorities.

The Finance Minister said that while the Fund will initially receive petroleum revenues only, there are provisions to allow for excess mining and forestry revenues to be deposited in the Fund.

He said, “Though much of the current buzz surrounding Guyana pertains to the petroleum industry, I'd like to reassure you that wealth generated from the oil discoveries will be used to create an enabling environment for the growth of our other sectors.

Withdrawals from the NRF will finance national development priorities as o u t l i n e d i n m y Government's new vision for Guyana--the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2030.” The Finance Minister continued, “This strategy prioritises investments in Guyana's human capital, infrastructure

and energy as we work towards diversifying our economic base and creating an enabling environment for investors. This means that you can be assured of an expanded pool of skilled labour which will be available to the sector and the cost of logistics will be significantly reduced as a result of investments of critical infrastructure.”

The economist added, “Upgraded roads, bridges and ports stretching across the breadth of Guyana, will increase the efficiency with which our resources can be extracted, and a clean and reliable energy source will increase the attractiveness of processing our mineral resources prior to exporting.”

The Finance Minister noted that the Government is also developing other oil and gas policies to safeguard local content, protect the environment and incubate human resources.

“We are committed to the development of all of our resources for the realization of the good life for all Guyanese,” expressed Minister Jordan.

infrastructure of the country.

In this regard, Jordan cited the government's plans to

facilitate and support oil and gas activity, accelerate natural resource

development such as bauxite, and connect the hinterland and the coastland.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday March 05, 2019

In wake of low HPV vaccination rate in Linden

L

inden has recorded a poor vaccination rate, particularly in relation to the Human Papillomavirus [HPV]. This is according to School Health Officer attached to the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones, who recently vocalized her concern about the poor vaccination rate.

Moreover, in order to raise awareness about the importance of being vaccinated against HPV, the Ministry decided to host a sensitization concert in Linden.

“Reports were made that a few head teachers from various schools in Linden have refused to allow health workers into schools, due to lack of knowledge on the HPV vaccine, hence the awareness concert was held to sensitise all citizens of Linden about HPV and other killer diseases such as prostate and breast cancers,” Dr. Watson said.

At the concert too, Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO], Dr. Karen Campbell, challenged residents to change their taste to help the country win the war against cancer.

“In the Caribbean, research has shown that by far, the majority of our caloric intake is not from the foods we eat, but from the sugars we consume from highly-sweetened

- Ministry hosts sensitization concert Young artistes in performance mode at the Cancer Sensitisation Concert.

beverages.

We must choose water or fresh, unsweetened juices and 'smoothies', which are full of cancer-fighting vitamins,” Dr. Campbell said while addressing the audience at the Cancer Sensitisation Concert held in the bauxite-mining town last weekend.

The concert, which was sponsored by the Ministry's Adolescent Health Unit, focused on cervical cancer, which kills some 100 Guyanese women annually, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths among local women.

Statistics from the Ministry of Public Health show the country's incidence of cancer-related mortality is among the highest in the

Caribbean.

According to the data, Guyana ranks highest with an incidence rate of 46.9 percent and a mortality rate of 21.0 per 100,000 persons.

By contrast, globally, there are some 530,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually killing a little over half its victims.

Guyana is among a handful of Caribbean countries, which also include Barbados, Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago that offer free HPV vaccines to help in the war against cervical cancer.

Late last month, Public Health Minister, Mrs Volda Lawrence, announced that the government has made available the HPV vaccine for boys also.

The vaccination provides safe, effective, and longlasting protection against cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that

infects adolescents and adults. Internationally, about 14 million people, including adolescents, become infected with HPV each year.

The infection can cause cervical (mouth of the womb in girls/women), vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men. HPV can also cause anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx), and genital warts in both boys and girls.

“We should recognise the value of these services being offered to our children not just at clinics, but by health workers who are taking the vaccines into the schools to ensure your children (boys and girls) 16 years of age and under get this protection,” Dr. Campbell said during her feature address at the concert.

She cautioned against the consumption of excessive sugary foods and beverages noting that they are known to be a powerful inflammatory agents that can eventually lead to intestinal cancers, obesity, insulin resistance and eventually, diabetes.

The concert featured a number of local artistes from the mining town in [Region 1 0 ( U p p e r Demerara/Berbice)].

The various cultural items encouraged the audience to adopt healthier lifestyles and share information on cancerprevention with their coworkers, family and friends.

It was there too that Regma Primary was adjudged the winner of the HPV Jingle and Song competition followed by New Silver City Secondary.

Barbados, Guyana business chambers formalise MoU to improve trade relations

T

he Chambers of Commerce and Industry for Guyana and Barbados have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve trade relations between the two CARICOM sister nations.

This was revealed in a missive to the press yesterday by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The Chamber noted that this development occurred at a “Doing Business in Guyana” Breakfast Meeting in Barbados on February 27, last.

At the event, GCCI President Deodat Indar delivered the featured remarks, which outlined critical information pertaining to the work of the GCCI and its counterpart, the Private Sector Commission, Guyana's economy, tips for navigating Guyana's business environment, relevant laws and taxes, an overview of the oil and gas sector, and, most importantly, opportunities for investment.

Indar urged the Barbados Chamber to take advantage of opportunities for investment in Guyana, as the country's economy is positioned to grow exponentially in the next two decades with the expansion of the oil and gas sector.

The GCCI President added that areas for collaboration between

GCCI President, Deodat Indar

Barbados and Guyana exist within the industries of tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy and services. On that note, Indar stated that Barbados is well positioned to provide training in the hospitality sector to Guyanese, which would substantially benefit the tourism and oil and gas sectors in Guyana.

Minister in the Ministry o f F o r e i g n Tr a d e o f Barbados, Sandra Husbands, also shared Indar's sentiments, while stating that the Barbados government is adamant about pursuing bilateral agreements with Guyana. She also pledged the support of the Foreign Trade Ministry in that regard.

In his remarks, Executive Director of the Barbados Chamber, Carlos Wharton, noted that Barbados stands to benefit from improved trade

relations with Guyana, particularly in the area of food imports.

Wharton stated that Barbados imports the majority of its foods from extra-regional sources, and improved trade with Guyana would provide an opportunity for the reduction of the country's food import bill. He said, too, that the Chamber intends to organize a trade mission to Guyana in the coming months.

The Breakfast Meeting was a collaborative effort between the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the GCCI, with the aim of strengthening bilateral trade between the two states.

GCCI said that the event served as an opportunity for the two business support organizations to examine areas of mutual interest with a view to establishing strategic partnerships within the private sector.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 15

UN panel takes note of Guyana's position on death penalty

The panelists during the recent UN forum.

T

he United Nations Biennial High Level Panel on the death penalty, which met last week in Geneva, has noted that for the first time in history, Guyana abstained on the UN resolution in favour of a moratorium on the death penalty.

Until the General Assembly meeting in December 2018, Guyana had voted against the resolution. Melinda Janki, a member of the High Level Panel, described Guyana's move as a 'success'.

The UN Biennial High Level Panel met at the 40th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. It was chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Coly Seck of Senegal who is the President of the UN Human Rights Council.

Other members of the Panel were Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, His Excellency Mr Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium, His Excellency Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal and Yuval Shany, Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee, Melinda Janki, international lawyer, attorney-at-law and director of the Justice Institute of Guyana, and Fatimata M'baye of Mauritania.

Janki condemned the death penalty as barbaric and said that “Like slavery, the death penalty says that some people are less than others.”

She reminded that the Dutch and British colonial powers in Guyana used the death penalty to terrorise enslaved Africans and that even today inequality is hardwired into Caribbean societies.

Janki pointed out that the death penalty is also applied in a discriminatory way.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, death sentences tend not to be imposed on the rich and powerful, but only

on the poor and the powerless, the illiterate, the under-educated and the mentally challenged.

Unlike the rich who could secure top quality legal representation, the marginalised were often left with mediocre legal representation and a serious risk of wrongful conviction.

She added that “Even the United States of America, which is such a rich and powerful country, is now infamous for the number of innocent people who have been sentenced to death in its courts.”

The panel was unanimous in condemnation o f t h e d e a t h p e n a l t y.

Madame Michelle Bachelet stated that, “The UN opposes the use of the death penalty everywhere and in all circumstances,” and pointed out that there is a clear worldwide trend towards abolition.

His Excellency Mr Didier Reynders, condemned the death penalty as a grave violation of human rights, particularly the right to life, and pointed out that it is a cruel and irreversible punishment.

Maintaining the death penalty had no impact on the crime rate, and it was time to unilaterally turn the page on that practice.

His Excellency Padeep Kumar Gyawali, agreed that the death penalty was a violation of the right to life.

He added that in Nepal, the abolition of the death penalty had been possible through a long and conscious effort of all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil s o c i e t y, h u m a n r i g h t s defenders, and the media. It was a conscious national choice and a reflection of shared values.

Mr Yuval Shany, also referred to discrimination in the application of the death penalty and reiterated the call for its abolition.

Mr Reynders regretted that the death penalty continued to be applied in c a s e s o f a p o s t a s y, blasphemy, adultery or

consensual relations between people of the same sex. Ms Janki agreed,

pointing out that, “The LGBTI community is free to love whomever they choose.

The right to life cannot be separated from the right to love. The world needs more

love and less killing.”

Among States speaking from (continued on page 23)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Help for Lombard Street fire victims Al Hajj Fazeel Ferouz of the Mohamed & Shaira Ferouz Family Foundation, braved the rains on Sunday to bring relief to the victims of the Lombard Street fire where several families were left homeless. A man of unsound mind reportedly lit the fire and was subsequently taken into custody (Theresa Aarifa photo)

An overhead shot of the extensive damage (KN photo)

Pilot project approved for hearing impaired to participate in Drivers' Exam

G

overnment has taken action that will see deaf persons now being able to take Drivers' Examinations.

According to the Ministry of Public Security yesterday, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, in view of Cabinet's decision (Amendment of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act chapter 51:02 To Include the Issuance of Drivers' Permits to Deaf Drivers) on May 24 2018, has given the green light to commence a pilot programme in Division A which will allow persons who are deaf to participate.

The commencement of

the pilot programme was agreed to when the Minister met with the National Commission on Disability and the Deaf Association of Guyana on February 28, 2019 at the Ministry of Public Security.

Six persons from the deaf community in Guyana will now be included in the Pilot Project at a date to be announced later.

The pilot programme is one of the recommendations agreed to by Cabinet to facilitate the issuance of driver's permit to persons who are hearing impaired.

T h e o t h e r recommendations include a

rigorous national awareness campaign for the general populace including the beneficiaries and the implementation of issuances of driver's licence to deaf drivers only for private and not commercial vehicles, given the present infrastructural development and culture of driving on Guyana's roadways.

The Government of Guyana will continue to provide equality and insure non-discrimination for persons with disabilities as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 19

Authorities warn of harsh penalties for those found guilty Killing of jaguar denounced...

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday issued a call on the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) and the Department of Environment to ensure that the necessary laws and regulations are stringently implemented to protect the country's wildlife and maritime resources.

He also took the opportunity to publicly denounce the recent killing of a jaguar, seemingly for sport, and made it clear that all such cases will be properly investigated and those found culpable will be penalised.

The mature jaguar was posted on Facebook but pulled down shortly after

condemnation grew.

Speaking at the World Wildlife Day observance at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, the Minister said: “Guyana has a rich biodiversity of marine wildlife species, including different species of turtles, dolphins and estimated 8000 plant species, but there are many activities that threaten these organisms and species…Our efforts at conservation and sustainable management have to be increased and improved.”

In this regard, he highlighted Objective Three of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which speaks of the “protection, restoration and sustainable use of coastal and marine resources”. This objective is aimed at

ensuring that the country adopts an enhanced programme and institutes measures to engage in the sustainable use and preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Moreover, the GSDS will emphasise strategic approaches to the issue of preservation and protection.

These include: the provision of coastal ecosystem services and fisheries management.

“The Government understands the importance of promoting the preservation and sustenance of life below water and to the well-being of our planet and its populace. We are also keenly aware that to ignore these issues, and refuse to be in active pursuit of their implementation, will be to

252 embark on GDF's first Basic Recruit Course for 2019

our peril as a low-lying coastal state,” Minister Harmon said.

He also added that the Government is deeply conscious of the possible impacts on maritime resources of the imminent commencement of oil and gas production in Guyana, and assured that non-stop work is being done to ensure that adequate prevention and mitigation measures are in place.

The theme of World Wildlife Day 2019 is “Life under water: for people and planet”.

Director of the DoE, Ndibi Schwiers pointed out that this directly aligns with Guyana's GSDS Vision 2040.

“Guyana is on the sustained path to green development. The intention of the GSDS is to ensure long-term, national development of Guyana on a low-carbon basis,” she said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Head of the GWCMC, Alona Sankar

who said most, if not all, of the threats facing oceans are driven by the human factor and therefore a concerted effort is needed to correct and reverse the damage that has already been inflicted on this valuable resource.

“I call on all to pledge to protect our marine resources through simple actions, including using less plastic, utilising more reusable items instead of disposal ones, educating yourselves about the marine environment and disposing of waste in a responsible manner,” she said.

The observance includes an exhibition and presentations from a number of key stakeholders, including ExxonMobil, the Upper Corentyne Fisherman's Cooperative Society, the Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, the Office of Climate Change, the Protected Areas Commission, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the

C a r i b b e a n Yo u t h Environment Network (CYEN).

In recognition of the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions including economic, scientific, genetic, ecological, educational and cultural, world leaders at the 68 t h Session of United Nations National Assembly agreed to the designation of March 3 as World Wildlife Day. Globally, the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at three trillion United States dollars per year or about five per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, more than three billion people depend on the oceans for their livelihood and as their primary source of protein. However, about 40 per cent of the oceans are heavily affected by pollution, with an estimated eight million tonnes of plastic waste entering the world's oceans annually.

UNDP partnering for improved water access in Nappi, Parishara and Hiowa - close to 1500 residents to benefit

C

T

wo hundred and fifty-two youths, inclusive of 65 females, have embarked on basic training, on the first Basic Recruit Course to be conducted by the GDF this year.

The recruits departed Base Camp

Ayanganna on Saturday for the Colonel John Clarke Military School (CJCMS) at Tacama, where they will undergo military regimentation over the next 12 weeks.

(Photos by SGT Oslen Quamina of the G5 Branch)

lose to 1500 residents of Nappi, Parishara and Hiowa in Central Rupununi, Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) are set to benefit from improved water access as t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated (GWI) partners with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Under the JapanCaribbean Climate Change Partnership, the two parties are working towards increasing resilience of indigenous communities to vulnerabilities in the drought period, through improved water quality, access and storage.

The pilot project will see GWI installing 12 additional water tanks for communal wells in the three communities as well as 3 water purification tanks to ensure water quality that meets international drinking standards.

Further, GWI will be conducting well

inspection/pump testing to measure potential yield capacity for seven wells.

These wells, GWI said, have already undergone pump tests and have already been assessed for details relating to well conditions and the amounts of rehabilitation works needed.

Increased extraction from communal wells will also be done, by increasing solar power capacity, increasing the number of extraction of wells and conducting rehabilitation works to the storage structure.

Rainwater harvesting infrastructure will be installed at the new nursery school in Hiowa.

GWI will be procuring a resistivity meter which will provide information to guide future exploration to determine suitable locations to drill for groundwater in the three villages The utility will also provide technical expertise as well as in-kind

contribution to complete designs for electrical modifications, installation of solar arrays, transportation of goods and personnel to work in the communities, maintenance of the systems, monitoring of Water Quality as well as the training and development of the Standard Operating Procedures.

As a result of this project, there will be some 12,000 US gallons of increased storage capacity which meets international drinking water standards.

Some 11.6 kWh of renewable energy capacity will also be installed in target areas.

Additionally, 15 persons will be trained in climate change adaptation principles and techniques related to installation and maintenance of communitybased water systems.

These persons include community members, GWI staff, personnel from the Office for Climate Change and regional personnel.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Passengers, travel agents impatient over Fly Jamaica refunds P The crashed Fly Jamaica aircraft just off the CJIA runway.

assengers of Fly Jamaica Airways who were left in limbo after an early November crash-landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, will have to wait a little while longer for refunds.

The regulator, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which is tasked with licensing, said that there is little that can be done at the moment as the company has not been closed.

Rather, company officials were called in recently, where according to Director-General Lt. Colonel (Ret'd), Egbert Field, the “displeasure” of the authority was made known.

I t is b eliev ed th at hundreds of tickets were sold by travel agencies in Guyana, Canada and New York.

Travel agents, especially in New York, have been complaining bitterly of passengers demanding their money, almost four months since the crash left the airline scrambling to find aircraft.

This past week, Captain Ronald Reece, a principal of the company, said that Fly Jamaica is working to issue a statement. He appealed for patience as the airline moves to take to the skies again.

According to Field, a number of persons had filed complaints with the authority over the sloth in refunds. About three weeks ago, the airline officials were called in. “We expressed our displeasure…our concerns,

about these individuals, who were writing us letters stating they had asked for a refund. Fly Jamaica did inform that they were attending to those passengers, but that it will take time, because procedures when it comes to credit card clearances, when buying tickets, takes some time to clear by the clearing house,” the GCAA's chief disclosed last week.

It was said that Fly Jamaica assured that the matter was being “taken” care of and that each and every passenger will be compensated or reimbursed.

Reece did indicate last week that some passengers had reclaimed their money from their credit card companies and then came to the travel agents and claimed too. The checking is taking place to ensure that there are no other duplicated payments.

According to the Director-General, the regulatory body can only

Fly Jamaica's chief, GCAA's Director General, Captain Ronald Reece Lt. Col. Egbert Field inform Fly Jamaica of its concerns of the refund and hope they take care of it.

Questioned about a mandatory $40M cash bond that the company would have had to deposit, Field said that it cannot be touched unless the company closes.

“We cannot give them a timeline unless they decide to close. When we need various documents from the

home base and if they cannot submit them to us, then we can declare they no longer have the approval of authority to fly. We have not reached that stage yet.”

He acknowledged that the crash was a devastating blow for Fly Jamaica and “I hope they rise like a Phoenix out of the ashes…”

The last statement issued by the airline was on

November 23 where an apology was offered. “ We a r e w o r k i n g tirelessly to find replacement capacity and restore our friendly service back to normal.

The vast majority of our passengers have been highly s u p p o r t i v e a n d understanding of our challenges and we thank them for their patience during what has been a difficult period for us,” the Facebook statement said.

Fly Jamaica had said that it is cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash-landing of its Boeing 757 aircraft on November 9, 2018.

The Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 departed CJIA for Toronto, Canada. About 15 minutes into the flight, passengers recalled that the pilot reported that the aircraft was experiencing problems with its hydraulic system and needed to return to CJIA. According to flight

maps, the airplane circled before attempting to land.

There were 128 persons onboard.

Passengers recounted that upon touchdown, the aircraft sped past the airport's terminal, past the end of the existing runway and onto the newly extended portion of the runway, which is not officially open. It is being said that the pilot experienced brake failure when he touched down.

The aircraft careened into the chain linked fence before coming to rest in the trap at the end of the runway with the front of the plane perched above a ravine.

The right wing of the aircraft was broken along with the engine.

Government had appointed Paula McAdam, a former senior official of GCAA, to investigate the crash.

The absence of Fly Jamaica would be hard felt in a market that needs the seats for especially the New York destination.

Police's Co-op Credit Union turns 50

E

mbodied in the warmth of worship, ranks of the Guyana Police Force gathered yesterday in attendance at the Guyana Police Force's Credit Union Building Camp Street, Georgetown, to commemorate its fiftieth anniversary.

The morning's events were initiated with a prayer

by Woman Superintendent Marcelene Washington.

The Guyana Police Credit Union which was registered in 1969 under the Co-op Act of Guyana 8801 with registration number 1066, serves the ranks of the Guyana Police Force, and has over the years, enabled them to own

their own vehicle, house and even start their own business.

Pastor Phillip Bowman delivered the sermon where he touched several issues concerning the welfare of the country and its citizens.

P r e s e n t w e r e Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James DSS, DSM, the Chief Cooperative Development Officer (CCDO) Ms. Perlina Gifth, Deputy Commissioners Mr. Paul Wi l l i a m s D S M , M s .

Maxine Graham DSM, Assistant Commissioners Clifton Hicken and Royston Andries-Junor, Second Incharge Operations Senior Superintendent Mr. Errol

The celebration of the Police's Co-op Credit Union's 50th anniversary Watts, Director of Music S e n i o r Sup e r i n t e n d e n t Charmaine Stuart, Public

Relations Officer Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, Manager of the

Guyana Police Credit Union Assistant Superintendent Reynold

Venture, and other senior and junior ranks of the Force.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Trump prepares to tighten IACHR concerned at worsening violence situation in Haiti trade embargo on Cuba HAVANA, Cuba (AP) — The Trump administration is preparing to tighten the sixdecade trade embargo on Cuba yesterday by allowing some lawsuits against foreign companies using properties confiscated by the Cuban government after its 1959 revolution, US officials say.

Every president since Bill Clinton has suspended a section of the 1996 Helms-Burton act that would allow such lawsuits because they would snarl companies from US-allied countries in years of complicated litigation that could prompt international trade claims against the United States.

Major investors in Cuba include British tobacco giant Imperial Brands, which runs a joint venture with the Cuban government making premium cigars; Spanish hoteliers Iberostar and Melia, who run dozens of hotels across the island; and French beverage-maker Pernod-Ricard, which makes Havana Club rum with a Cuban state distiller.

US officials told The Associated Press that Trump would allow Title III of HelmsBurton to go into effect in a

Donald Trump

limited fashion that exempts many potential targets from litigation. The measure is being presented as retaliation for Cuba’s support of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who the US is trying to oust in favour of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Allowing a limited number of lawsuits could make investment in Cuba more burdensome for companies thinking of entering the market, who will now have to do additional research into their legal liability, but it is unlikely to be a major blow against the Cuban economy.

After nearly 60 years of trade embargo, the Cuban economy is in a period of consistently low growth of about 1 percent a year, with foreign investment at roughly $2 billion, far below what it needs to spur more prosperity. But tourism, remittances and subsidized oil from Venezuela have allowed the government to maintain basic services and a degree of stability that appears unshaken by the Trump administration’s recent moves against Cuba and its major remaining allies in Latin America — Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Jamaica to invest in Deep Seabed Minining KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – The Jamaica government yesterday said it is backing the island’s entry into the emerging industry of Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) through its sponsorship of Blue Minerals Jamaica Limited (BMJ), a locally registered company.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said that this “progressive and visionary step” will result in Jamaica joining a select group of 20 countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Korea, India and Belgium in deep seabed mining activities.

It said it is also a significant move for Jamaica which enters this industry on the heels of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) celebrating 25 years of exemplary service.

The statement noted that the Andrew Holness government and Blue Minerals Jamaica Limited will be filing an application with

the ISA for an exploration license for polymetallic nodules in international waters.

Chief executive officer of Blue Minerals Jamaica, Peter Jantzen, who had presented the DSM case to the government in 2017, said that the process of working with the government has been open and extremely professional.

“It has shown Jamaica to be a visionary and growth-orientation country which is encouraging innovative investment and development. We look forward to growing the Blue Minerals Jamaica business and contributing to the economic growth and development of Jamaica”.

Blue Minerals Jamaica’s activities are focused on the collection of polymetallic nodules containing high concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese.

Barbados denies outbreak of measles BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Barbados has denied reports of an outbreak of measles, saying the island has not documented a case since 1990. In a statement, the Ministry of Health said that the Director of PAREDOS, Ms. Sheila Stuart, speaking on a recent panel at the Cave Hill Wesleyan “Man Talk Discussion”, was quoted as saying “The Ministry of Health sent four inspectors to check those green cards for immunization purposes because we have a measles outbreak in Barbados.”

But it said “the facts are that the Ministry is conducting a review of vaccine records of children in nurseries and day care centres throughout the island to monitor the vaccination status of children in this age group to make sure that the vacci-

nation of children in these institutions is up-todate, in order to prevent an outbreak.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness advises that measles can be prevented once children receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine which in Barbados is administered at ages 12 months and 18 months. If your child has not been vaccinated, you are advised to contact your health care provider immediately.”

The Ministry of Health said that outbreaks of measles continue to be reported in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Americas and the statement quoted the Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karen Broome, as indicating that Barbados has not documented a case of measles since 1990.”

Street protest in Haiti WASHINGTON - CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is expressing “profound concern about the worsening violence and scarcity in Haiti” and is urging the government to begin talks with all stakeholders in a bid to bring about a peaceful solution to the “political and economic crisis” in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

In a statement, the IACHR said that in response to the “serious events” unfolding in Haiti, it has decided to deploy a Rapid and Integrated Response Coordination Unit (RIRCU), to monitor the hu-

man rights situation there.

“The Commission has been monitoring events and the use of force since February 7 in Haiti. Protests against corruption and the economic situation have coexisted with street and road blockades; violence against demonstrators; occasional shots; arrests; problems for the supply of goods and services essential to provide food, drinking water and healthcare to the population.”

It said that there have also been petrol, gas and power shortages; a partial or total halt in economic activity; school shutdowns; closed customs in ports and airports; and a serious impact on pub-

lic services. “Such events have left at least 26 people dead and more than 77 injured, according to UNICEF information,” IACHR said.

President Jovenel Moise is under pressure from opposition parties to step down over his handling of domestic affairs as well as the use of funds under the PetroCaribe an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.

Moise has already indicated that he does not intend to step down in favour of armed gangs and drug traffickers, acknowledging that the “the crisis we are going through is very serious”.

No illegal tapping of Petrojam oil pipelines KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – The Jamaica government yesterday said that no illegal connections had been found on any of the 23 underwater oil pipelines owned by the state-owned Petrojam.

Recently appointed Energy Minister, Fayval Williams, told a news conference that she was in possession of a report done by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) that carried out the investigation.

Williams said the JDF Coast Guard, in a letter dated February 22, 2019, indicated that there were “no illegal attachments identified on any of the 23 pipelines surveyed”.

She said Prime Minister Andrew Holness had requested that the JDF do a dive mission in the vicinity of the pipelines following concerns raised by an elderly man.

She told reporters that on January 7, this year, the unidentified man begged Holness, who was acting as energy minister at the time, to do a thorough investigation of the underwater pipeline as he believed that oil was being siphoned off.

The suspicions came on

heels of an audit by the Auditor General Department which found that some 600,000 barrels of oil could not be account for over a five-year period at the stateowned oil refinery.

Acting Commander of the JDF Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Acion Prescott, said the operation took place over a five-day period “to assess the status of the pipeline”.

“The operation was conducted with approximately 14 divers and took place on a daily basis because the Kingston Harbour is not the most simple place to dive and we needed to ensure that we did a comprehensive job. So all the pipelines were surveyed visually and by hand when divers basically felt along the pipeline to detect any anomaly, any attachments that would have been there,” Prescott said.

Williams said that investigations are being carried out by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to clampdown on the illicit gas business.

Last weekend, the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) arrested and

charged a 76-year-old woman for breaches of the Petroleum Act. The unidentified woman was reportedly caught with fourteen 45-gallon drums of petroleum, one gas pump and 12 empty drums.

Last month, the Jamaica parliament gave the Holness government the green light in compulsory retaking the 49 per cent shares in Petrojam that had been held by the Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDV) Caribe.

PDV Caribe, an affiliate of the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., and the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) entered into a joint venture agreement which resulted in the sale of PetroJam shares in August 2006 and February 2007 respectively.

The agreement had called for the upgrading and expansion of the refinery to improve its competitiveness and meet local and international market demands, but Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith said earlier this year that these objectives were not met and that this poses a risk to the economy.

PAGE 22

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Armed robbery accused gets second charge FOR RENT

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Remanded Shaquille Duncan penalties the charge attracts.

Magistrate McGusty after listening to the prosecutor remanded Duncan to prison.

The matter was adjourned to March 18, when the accused is to make his next court appearance.

Duncan was first charged on February 12, 2019 for the armed robbery allegation in which he was shot during the attempted escape. That charge stated that while being in the company of another on February 5, 2019 and armed with a gun, he robbed Steve Munroe called ‘Pablo’ of one gold chain valued at $360,000. The accused also denied that charge.

According to reports, on the day in question, around 16:35hrs, Munroe was at a Super Bet Outlet on Mandela Avenue when two men who were allegedly trailing him, snatched the chain from his neck.

Duncan and Munroe then reportedly got into a scuffle; however, Duncan managed to break free and attempted to escape with his accomplice. During the attempt to escape on a white XR motorcycle, public-spirited persons who had witnessed the robbery pursued them.

Duncan’s accomplice reportedly opened fire at their pursuers, but shot Duncan instead to his left shoulder.

The accomplice managed to escape, leaving a wounded Duncan at the scene of the crime. He was detained and later handed over to the police where a report was made.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Bloomfield family beaten, robbed during home invasion A husband and wife of Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice, are considering to vacate their property after armed men invaded it on Sunday around 3:30 hrs, beating and robbing them in the process.

Asif Owal, a clerk of Mibicuri Hospital, and his wife, were sleeping with their 3-year-old son at their Lot 379 4th Street, Bloomfield residence, when the woman awoke her husband and alerted him that there was a noise on the shed outside.

According to Owal, they were in the upper flat of the two-storey house and, “when I woke up, I also heard the noise on the shed, so I grabbed my torchlight and shine it in the hall and I shouted, “thief, thief”.

He said that shortly after, he heard someone banging on and breaking the window

situated near the step.

“After I heard the banging I told my wife not to panic, because at that point we could not do anything, so in no time the guys dem come in, one jump through the window and come in the house and took out the bar from the door while the others gained entry.”

Owal recounted that he had already run back to the room with his wife and child and locked the door, but one of the men kept yelling for them to open the door. ”They were banging to come in the room, so I told them that ‘I can’t open it if you banging it like that, and the man told them, “y’all stop” and I opened it and about five men ran in,” Owal explained.

He said at that point the men began to demand cash, jewellery and for “the disc” -

Owal’s home had surveillance, and they were requesting the recording. He told them that it was in the bottom flat and at the same time begged them not to harm his family. ”I gave them whatever we had and then I took them downstairs and showed them where the camera was and the DVR, and they grabbed it and then they started hitting me on the head with the gun and a bar until I fell on the ground.

They still continued hitting me while I was on the ground”, Owal recalled.

The traumatized father of one told Kaieteur News that after they had given the perpetrators all that they had, the men were still sticking around for more, and so at that point he told them to take his car keys and they refused. One of the men on lookout shouted “police coming”, and

The Owals’ residence

UN panel takes note of Guyana's...

From page 15 the floor there was strong support for the panellists' position that the death penalty should be abolished.

Mr Srdan Darmanovic, Montenegro's Minister of Foreign Affairs said there was no justification for the use of the death penalty and expressed concern that “this cruel and inhuman practice is still practised in some parts of the world.”

Mr Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, stated that the death penalty belonged to a different age and condemned its use as a violation of human rights, a cruel and unusual punishment and one whose deterrent effect had never been established.

Their views were echoed

by Ms Emanuela Claudia del Re, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Italy and Ms Marta Peralta, Mexico's Deputy Minister for Human Rights Affairs and by diplomatic representatives from Australia, New Zealand (also speaking on behalf of Australia, Liechtenstein & Switzerland), Brazil (also speaking on behalf of Angola, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, GuineaBisseau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and TimorLeste) Iceland (representing Nordic and Baltic states), Belgium (on behalf of the core group of states) Slovenia, Ecuador, France, Argentina, Greece, Uruguay, Poland, Albania, Canada, Chile, Fiji, the European Union, and others.

Speaking on behalf of 34

countries, Singapore defended the death penalty as a matter of sovereignty. In responding, Ms Janki pointed out that states had an obligation to protect all of their citizens not just those people that governments and judges believed should be protected.

In December 2018, a record number of 121 states (including Dominica) voted in favour of the UN resolution for a global moratorium on executions while 32 (including Guyana and Antigua & Barbuda) abstained. Thirty-five (35) states (including countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, and the USA) which voted against the resolution, are clearly out of step with the global trend towards abolition.

(Justice Institute)

this prompted the men to leave the premises.

The men made off with the DVR, two gold chains, two pairs of gold earrings, three gold rings, three gold bangles, three silver chains, three silver cricket bands, two Samsung cellphones and $30,000 in cash.

Owal told this publication that he received eleven stitches from the wounds he suffered from the beating along with other marks about his neck, head and body. He stated that he is still scared, and they have opted to stay at a relative’s house since they have considered moving out from their home.

Asif Owal sustained two gashes to the head.

PAGE 24

Mechanic jailed for cocaine trafficking released on bail pending appeal More than a month after he was found guilty and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for trafficking cocaine and marijuana, 48year-old Rajendra Persaud was released on $700,000 bail by a High Court Judge after a successful petition by his lawyer.

In addition to the jail sentence, Persaud was also

ordered to pay a fine of $50M. Persaud, a mechanic, was one of five men charged last year over a drug bust at Parika involving a large quantity of cocaine and marijuana.

Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool found that on June 6, 2018, Persaud trafficked 35.080 kilograms (77 pounds) of cannabis and 13.812 kilograms (30 pounds)

of cocaine. His co-accused, Khamraj Lall, 39, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo; Marlon Lawrence, 36, of Felicity, East Coast Demerar a ; C l e v e Thornhill; and Doodnauth Chattergoon were freed after the Magistrate ruled that the prosecution failed to prove a case against the men beyond a reasonable doubt.

China accuses detained Canadians of spying

Michael Spavor (L) and Michael Kovrig have been held since December (BBC) China has accused two Canadians of spying, as tensions between the nations grow over the possible extradition of a Huawei executive to the US. Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, were detained in December after Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on suspicion of fraud and breaching sanctions on Iran.

Ms Meng is suing Canada over her arrest, which was made at the request of the US. China has condemned Ms Meng’s arrest.

The diplomatic spat has hurt Canada-China relations, and the arrest of the two Canadians had been seen as Beijing’s retaliation for its detention of Ms Meng.

Canada officially launched her extradition process on Friday but the legal process can be lengthy and remains in its early stages.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government was “very concerned with this position that China has taken” on the two detained men.

“It is unfortunate that China continues to move forward on these arbitrary detentions, and we will continue to stand up for these Canadians,” he said.

Mr Trudeau has previously called for the release of both men.

What are China’s allegations against the pair? They were set out for the first time on Monday.

Mr Kovrig, who now works for Brussels-based think tank the International Crisis Group (ICG), “is suspected of spying and stealing national secrets for foreign agents”, Chinese state media reported, citing authorities.

It said that Mr Spavor “had provided intelligence to

Mr Kovrig and was an important intelligence contact of [his]”.

Mr Kovrig had entered China frequently since 2017 with “a regular passport and a business visa”, the authorities said.

Until now China had not provided detailed allegations against the pair, only saying that they were suspected of hurting China’s security.

The ICG told the BBC that the group was aware of Monday’s reports but had “heard nothing official about any charges being laid against our colleague, Michael Kovrig”.

“Michael’s work for Crisis Group has been entirely transparent and in the open as all who follow his work can attest. Vague and unsubstantiated accusations against him are unwarr a n t e d a n d u n f a i r, ” a spokesperson said.

The think tank has previously said his work involved meeting officials, academics and analysts and attending conferences.

Mr Spavor lives in the Chinese city of Dandong, which borders North Korea.

He has close ties to the North Korean regime and brings foreign investors there on tours.

Teen accused of giving false info to police, other charges Shamar Davis, a mason was yesterday hauled before a city magistrate and slapped with three charges after he allegedly gave false information to the police, escaped lawful custody and is accused of violent robbery.

The first charge alleged that on February 12, 2019 at High Street, Georgetown, Davis and others robbed Sherlock Cummings of $3,000 cash, a BLU cell phone and a silver chain- a total value of $29,000 - and also immediately before, during or after, he used personal violence on the said victim.

Also it was alleged that on March 1, 2019 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts the defendant gave Police Constable Hope, a peace officer, information in writing knowing same to be false.

Finally, it was alleged that on March 1, 2019 at the Brickdam Police Station, the accused, being in lawful custody for the criminal offence of robbery with violence and giving false information, escaped from custody.

Davis denied all the al-

legations after they were read to him by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to the defendant, who is 18 years of age and hails from Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, he was around the said location at the time of the robbery and the victim claimed that he looked like one of the suspects. Davis also held out that he is innocent of the charges.

“The police just pick me up from what that man said.

I just happen to be there.

When I was in custody the police beat me up bad. I didn’t try to escape is another man that was handcuffed to me.”

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact that personal violence was used and the serious nature of the allegations.

The facts of the charges indicated that the accused was in police custody for the criminal offence of robbery under arms and he was taken to court where he gave the wrong name and age.

The matter was stood down so that his particulars could be clarified. He was taken to the Brickdam Police Station where the correct information was revealed and the defendant admitted to the correction.

Davis then asked to go to the washroom where he broke out a section of the wall and moved to the next room and escaped through a window. The accused then jumped down from the second floor to the ground floor and as a result he received injuries.

He then attempted to run away with the police in pursuit, however, he met a dead end. Davis was subsequently caught and taken into custody.

After the facts were mentioned, Davis once again proclaimed his innocence, however three persons stood and highlighted their disagreement with his claims.

Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty then upheld the submission made by the prosecutor and refused to grant bail for the accused. The matter was then adjourned until March 18.

Juan Guaidó flies back to Venezuela despite arrest risk ( B B C ) Ve n e z u e l a ’s self-declared interim leader Juan Guaidó has arrived back in the capital, Caracas, to a rapturous welcome from thousands of supporters.

He faces arrest after defying a travel ban to leave the country and lobby for international aid for the crisis-hit nation.

“They threatened us and here we are, putting forward our face for Venezuela,” he told a huge rally.

Mr Guaidó has called on President Nicolás Maduro to resign.

The two men have b e e n a t l o g gerheads for more than a month. While Mr Guaidó has been recognised by more than 50 countries, Mr Maduro, who is backed by China, Russia and Cuba, insists he is the only legitimate president.

Venezuela’s political crisis has been sparked by an economic meltdown in which hyperinflation has hit salaries and savings, leading many to flee the country.

Mr Guaidó was received at the Simón Bolivar International airport by diplomats from the US and EU nations and a crowd of support-

ers who chanted “Guaidó, Guaidó” and “Yes we can”.

Accompanied by his wife, Mr Guaidó then travelled to an avenue in the eastern Caracas district of Las Mercedes to address an anti-government rally.

While outside the country he had used social media to urge his supporters to gather.

After saying that he had been threatened with “jail, death” before his return, Mr Guaidó said he h a d been treated well on his arrival at the airport. He said immigration officers even greeted him at the airport with the words “welcome, president”.

“It is evident that af-

ter the threats, somebody did not follow orders. Many did not follow orders. The chain of command [in the government security forces] is broken,” he told the crowd.

He said he would be calling a meeting of unions representing public sector employees on Tuesday, and called for nationwide protests on Saturday.

And he paid tribute to those who lost their lives in clashes at the Brazil-Venezuela border when an attempted aid delivery was blocked from entering the count r y b y t h e Ve n e z u e l a n military.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Guyana, South Africa to collaborate on mining

The South African delegation has left, and will prepare for a Guyanese delegation in the coming months The governments of Guyana and South Africa have started negotiations on cooperation in their mining sectors, with a view of sharing information related to mineral policy development

and legislation, environmental protection and biodiversity, technological exchange and beneficiation, exploration, skills development and training, as well as mining and mineral process-

ing. A South African delegation has already wrapped up its visit to Guyana, after receiving a comprehensive tour and brief of Guyana’s mining sector. The visit was prompted by invitation of the

Miner gets 18 months for chopping pastor Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday sentenced a miner to 18 months’ imprisonment after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded guilty to an unlawful wounding charge.

Twenty-seven year-old Shane Blake of Cloud Land, Moruca, in the North West Magisterial District, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on February 28 last, at Cloud Land, Moruca, he unlawfully and maliciously

wounded David Bharrat.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the victim, who is a missionary from Trinidad, was staying at the home of his father in Moruca where the incident occurred.

The court heard that on the day in question, Bharrat and Blake were involved in an argument. Blake became annoyed and dealt Bharrat a lash to the back of his head with a cutlass and a chop to the left side of his face.

The missionary fell

unconscious and was rushed to the Suddie Hospital, where he was admitted.

A report was then made, an investigation carried out, and Blake was arrested for the offence.

The Prosecutor told the court that Blake was charged and convicted in 2016 for a similar offence. He added that Blake is in the habit of assaulting persons in his neighbourhood.

The Chief Magistrate after listening to the facts sentenced Blake.

Trio held in Stabroek Market raid charged for ganja possession Following a sting operation which was conducted last Saturday at the Stabroek Market, three persons yesterday made an appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer individual charges of possession of marijuana. Orlando Rickets, Uland Williams and Dwayne Harvey were arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and all pleaded guilty after the charges were read.

In the case of Rickets, his charge read that on March 2, 2019 at Stabroek Market, he had in his possession two grams of cannabis.

For Williams, the court heard that on the same date and location, he had in his possession 8 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Finally, in Harvey’s case, the charge read that he had one gram of cannabis.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris presented the facts.

On the day in question police ranks from the

Brickdam police station and the Tactical Service Unit conducted a joint operation.

Persons were stopped and searched during the raid. The defendants were among the persons and they were found with a quantity of seeds, stems and leaves suspected to be cannabis. They were then cautioned, told of the allegation and taken into custody where the charge was made out against them.

Harvey and Rickets were fined $5,000 each and are to

serve eight hours community service or in default spend five days in prison.

On the other hand, Williams who pleaded to be granted the same sentence was informed that the articles found in his possession do not carry such a sentence because of the amount. As such he changed his plea to not guilty.

Williams was then placed on bail in the sum of $20,000.

He was instructed to return to court on March 18.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, through Guyana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr. Kenrick Hunte.

From February 24 to March 2, 2019, South African Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Godfrey Oliphant, was accompanied by his delegation, which included his Personal Assistant Kefilwe Chibogo, Head of the Deputy Minister’s Office Solomon Rasmeni, Assistant DirectorCommunications Solomon Phelta and Assistant Director International Coordination Mr. Sibonakaliso Mbatha.

The visit was meant for Minister Trotman and Deputy Minister Oliphant to discuss partnerships in the future, in the field of mining. The del-

egation was treated to tours of two of three major mining operations in Guyana: Guyana Goldfields Inc. Aurora Gold Mine – Mazaruni and Bosai Minerals Bauxite operations – Linden. Both operations impressed the delegation and saw the Deputy Minister indicating that the operations are the way of the future. The delegation was also impressed with Guyana’s nature preservation efforts.

Another meeting was held with the Principal and ViceChancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Ivelaw Griffith and his supporting staff. The ministers signed a declaration of intent which now leads to a formal Memorandum of Understanding.

The countries will now make

efforts towards strengthening economic partnership and collaboration towards mutual socio-economic benefit.

They are expected now to begin further consultations with their respective governments to formulate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow further elaboration of bilateral agreements to be entered into and to develop a roadmap to achieve the agreement’s objectives.

In a few months, a Guyanese delegation is expected to visit South Africa, to sign the MoU, actualising the terms of the Declaration of Intent. Members of the delegation will include both government and mining organisations’ representatives.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Cricket to make Asian Games.. Defending female champs...

From page 28 Olympic Committee (IOC) is open to cricket’s inclusion provided all top teams compete but the Indian cricket board (BCCI), the game’s richest and most influential, has been rather reluctant.

The powerful BCCI fears it might lose its autonomy and be answerable to the country’s Olympic committee.

The BCCI did not allow its teams to participate in Guangzhou and Incheon

blaming a packed international schedule but the Indian Olympic Association was hopeful they would be able to convince the board for 2022.“We will send a letter to the BCCI requesting them to send a team for Hangzhou 2022. We welcome the OCA’s decision to include cricket for the next Games,” IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta told Reuters from Bangkok.

The BCCI officials were not available for comment.

Aleka Persaud heads Carifta ‘A’...

From page 28 time of 2:08.38, while Raekwon Noel finished second in a time of 2:12.17 to qualify for the ‘B’ time, while Seaton also qualified with a ‘B’ time when he finished the 13-14 50m Backstroke in 31.08 and qualified for the 13-14 100m Butterfly in an ‘A’ time of 1:02.59 before he qualified for the Boys 13-14 50m Freestyle with an ‘A’time of 25.15.

The 12-year-old Paul Mahaica of Dolphin

Swim Club swam the 100m Backstroke in 1:02.59 to qualify in an ‘A’ time, while Jeleel Anderson also registered an ‘A’ time qualification.

Noel, Watson, Athaley Hunte, Vladimir Woodruff, Nathan Jackson and Latisha Blair qualified with ‘B’ times for the Carifta Games swimming Championships which is scheduled for Barbados for April 11-24. (Sean Devers)

Tuesday March 05, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're quite sure of yourself and solid about many things except one. When it comes to romantic relationships, you feel a bit unsure and inadequate, Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) When it comes to love and romance, things are definitely in your favor. The thing to be aware of today is that there might be some manipulation on the part of someone close to you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Things regarding love and romance may be a bit dicey for you, Gemini. You may find that you have to make a few adjustments in order to remain on the same page as your loved ones.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The more tightly you try to hang onto something, Cancer, the more likely it is it will want to slip through your fingers. Grab what you want, but don't squeeze too hard.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Matters involving love and romance might not go exactly the way you'd like, Leo. You could be waiting for your partner to make the next move, since you're unsure of which way the relationship is progressing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Things should be going well for you in the love and romance department, Virgo, but you could find that today things get a bit tenuous. It could be that your partner longs for more freedom and spontaneity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) People may be wondering how to proceed while you're off doing your own thing.

Don't go in one direction and leave someone else behind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Recent events in the love and romance department may have you feeling like you aren't getting your needs met. Remember that other people aren't mind readers the way you are.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Be careful that you aren't manipulating a romantic situation so your partner loses any power. You may think your actions are noble and well meaning, but you may be creating a scenario that has no basis in reality.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things in the love department may be looking up for you, Capricorn, but beware that you aren't getting pushed around.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find that you're indecisive when it comes to issues concerning love and romance.

For some reason, you have a tendency to pull one way and then the other, yet neither way seems very rewarding.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Try to get more grounded in your actions regarding love and romance. You may need to take a more reserved approach in your actions in order to get where you need to go. At the same time, however, your freedom-loving, adventurous side may feel the need to roam more freely.

From page 31 Mayor. He {Forde} posited that no one under the sound of his voice is a loser but yes, a champion would emerge.

“The fact that you guys are here to play competitively and to abide by the rules as was encouraged by the OC, everyone would emerge as a winner. Let’s pray and hope that everyone visiting this tournament and being part of the excitement over the next couple of months will conduct themselves respectfully and will not bring the game into disrepute, good luck and may we have a splendid competition.”

In the feature match, it was Snatchers which snatched the lead after a goalless opening 45 minutes. On 59 minutes, Alex Boston found the back of the nets for Snatchers. His teammate Vladimir Marques doubled

the advantage in the 70th minute.

But even though Snatchers momentarily sensed an upset, the defending champions displayed lots of grit and focus to storm back with back to back goals of their own to earn an equal share of the spoils.

Travis Franklin in the 79th minute and Stephen Mc Donald in the 81st minute responded for Tabatinga to ensure the match ended in a draw.

Snatchers Female side held defending champions Gladiators to a goalless first half and actually dominated the champs. But there was a complete turn-around in the final 45 minutes as the champs made light work of their challengers hitting in four unanswered goals.

Sanrda Ramsarran led with a double in the 45th and 70the minute with one each from Satisha Sam in the 48th and Kimberly Kenyon in the 56th minute. The top eight (8) clubs emerging from both the male and female segments of

the leagues would advance to the quarter finals.

The contesting clubs are as follows: Males - Mahdia Goal Getters, Surama, Paiwomak Warriors, Basin FC, Sun Parakeets, Strikers, Jaguars, Flash, United Warriors, Kanuku Harpies, Kanuku Warriors, Gladiators, Snatchers, Tabatinga, Guyana Rush Saints, Shiriri, Titans United, Challengers, Wowetta Thunderbolt, Hiawa Under Takers, Terminators, Snipers, Rising Stars and Far East United.

All the above clubs with the exception of Mahdia Goal Getters would be fielding female teams.

League action will run over a three month span with finals scheduled for June 1st, next. The male and female champions will each pocket $500,000 along with a trophy and medals.

Reserved for the second place teams is $300,000, while the respective third placed teams will receive $150,000, trophies and medals.

Individual prizes will go to the MVP’s and Best Goalkeepers.

PAGE 28

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad women’s race halted as rider catches men’s race BBC Spot - A prestigious women’s one-day race in Belgium was temporarily halted after breakaway leader Nicole Hanselmann almost caught the men’s race.

The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad race marks the start of the ‘cobbled classics’ season and is a UCI World Tour event.

The men’s race started 10 minutes before the women but Bigla Pro rider Hanselmann was catching the back of the men’s support vehicles after 35km.

Organisers “neutralised” the women’s race to create a gap between the races.

Swiss rider Hanselmann, who attacked after seven kilometres and had opened a lead of around two minutes, was stopped, allowing the peloton to catch her.

When the 123km race from Gent to Ninove, which featured five cobbled sectors, was restarted, Hanselmann was allowed to build an advantage before the peloton was released.

However, the former Swiss national champion was

Hanselmann eventually finished in 74th place. (Nicole Hanselmann)

soon caught and eventually finished in 74th place, with Chantal Blaak taking the title that Britain’s Lizzie Armitstead won in 2016.

Hannah Barnes was the first British rider across the line, finishing 28th, 69 seconds behind Dutch rider Blaak.

“Maybe the other women and me were too fast or the men too slow,” joked Hanselmann on Instagram after the race.

Speaking to Cycling News, she said: “We came too close to the men’s so we had to get a neutral time gap again

so it was a bit sad for me because I was in a good mood and when the bunch sees you stopping, they just get a new motivation to catch you.

“We could just see the ambulances of the men’s race. I think we stopped for five or seven minutes and then it just kills your chances.”

The men’s race was won

by Czech rider Zdenek Stybar.

Ian Stannard, who won the race in 2014 and 2015, was the best placed British rider in 26th, almost two minutes adrift.

GASA Mash Swimming C/ships

Aleka Persaud heads Carifta ‘A’ Qualifiers in six events - Seaton (5), Mahaica siblings & Anderson also make ‘A’ times Twelve-year old Aleka Persaud and 14-year-old Leon Seaton were the outstanding female and male performers at the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association’s (GASA) annual three-day Mashramani Long Course Swimming Championships which concluded on Sunday Evening at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

This Meet was used as a trials for selection on the 2019 Carifta Swimming Championships and the Preliminary squad for the 2019 Goodwill Games.

Persaud from Orca Speed SC qualified with ‘A’ times in six Events and two ‘B’ times, while Seaton qualified with ‘A’ times in five Events and ‘B’ in one.

The Mahaica siblings Paul and Patrice, along with Jeleel Anderson were the others to qualify with ‘A’ times.

Persaud qualified in the Girls 11-12 200m with a finals time of 2:43.87, in the 50m Butterfly in a time of 30.31, in the 11-12 100m Freestyle with

Imran Tahir to retire from ODIs after 2019 World Cup ESPNcricinfo - South Africa’s Imran Tahir has decided to retire from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup. The legspinner, who made the announcement following his match-winning 3 for 26 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, has stated that he will still be available for T20Is at least until the 2020 T20 World Cup. · Tahir, who will turn 40 later this month and is contracted to Cricket South Africa only until July 31, said that the decision was taken with a “mutual understanding” between the board and him. He was not handed a contract for the 2019-20 season, which put a question mark over his longterm future in international cricket. · “I have always wanted to play in the World Cup,” Tahir said in a statement released by CSA. “It would be a great achievement for me to play for this great team. I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then. · “After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues but I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa. I think I have the ability and can play a role in T20 cricket for South Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity.” · Tahir has represented South Africa in 95 ODIs, taking 156 wickets at 24.56. He became the jointfastest South African - Allan Donald and Morne Morkel

Imran Tahir bagged his 150th wicket in his 89th ODI. (Getty Images) being the others - to 150 ODI wickets during the match against Australia in Perth last year, achieving the feat in 89 matches. · It was during the 2011 World Cup that Tahir had made his ODI debut, in South Africa’s opening match against the West Indies in Delhi. He made a major impact in the tournament, finishing as South Africa’s secondhighest wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 3.79. · He added that this move would also open up spots for other spinners, who according to him “need the opportunity”. · “If you look at 50 over cricket there’s guys like (Tabraiz) Shamsi, (Aaron) Phangiso, Shaun von Berg, Dane Piedt... there are a lot of guys who need opportunity,” Tahir said. “I don’t want to lose my spot. I have to work twice as hard, they are younger than me. I just want

to be honest, I don’t want to leave, but that’s how it is,” said Tahir. “There is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions, this is one of those big decisions, it is definitely the biggest decision of my life. I also feel there are a couple of good spinners in the country who need the opportunity. We are fighting for the same spot, but looking to the future, they will have more opportunities to play for South Africa.”

Tahir has played 20 Tests and 37 T20Is for South Africa, besides being a regular presence in franchise leagues all around the world. He showed some of his best form against Sri Lanka on Sunday prompting his captain Faf du Plessis to gush: “That was the Immy of old, the Immy that has won us games single-handedly in the past. He’s my go-to man in the middle. We need him to be on top of his game at the World Cup, so it was really good to see that (performance)”.

Cricket to make Asian Games return at Hangzhou 2022 Leon Seaton

Aleka Persaud

a finals time of 1:05.28, in the 11-12 50m Freestyle with a time of 29.06, while in the 1112 50m Backstroke both Patrice Mahaica (34.10) and Persaud (34.48) qualified with ‘A’ times.

Persaud, who dominated the Girls in a competitive day, had a time of 1:11.48 in the 1112 100m butterfly to qualify with an ‘A’ time in addition to qualifying with the ‘A’ time of 29.06 in the 11-12 50m Freestyle.

In the 11-12 50m Breaststroke Persaud

finished second (40.10) to Monique Watson (40.04) as they both fell short of the ‘A’ time of 38.39 but still qualified as achieved the ‘B’ time.

The 14-year-old Seaton from Silver Shark’s Aquatic Swim Club qualified for CARIFTA Games in the Boys 13-14 50m Butterfly in a Finals time of 27.91, while he also qualified in the 13-14 100m Freestyle in a Finals time of 57.62.

Seaton qualified in 13-14 200m Freestyle with a finals (Continued on page 27)

MUMBAI (Reuters) Cricket will return to the next Asian Games at Hangzhou 2022 after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) added it to its sports program for the next edition of the continental event.

Cricket has struggled to grow beyond its traditional bases and was last played at the Olympics in the 1900 Paris Games.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been pushing for the game’s Olympic return with the shortest 20-over format and hopes it will find a place at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event

that features cricket and Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014 included both men’s and women’s competitions.

Cricket was, however dropped for the Games in Jakarta-Palembang last year but was added back for Hangzhou at the OCA general assembly in Bangkok, where Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad AlSabah was re-elected president of the OCA unopposed for an eighth term.

“Cricket will return at Hangzhou,” OCA honorary life vice president Randhir Singh told Reuters.

Cricket made its maiden appearance in the Commonwealth Games in 1998 when the South African

men’s team won the gold medal in Kuala Lumpur but has not featured in the quadrennial competition since then.

The ICC has submitted a bid for the inclusion of women’s Twenty20 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Singh, who has been appointed as the chairman of the coordination committee for the Asian Games, said he visited Hangzhou last month to see venue options to host cricket.

“They showed us grounds which were a bit small. We asked options for bigger grounds,” he added.

The International (Continued on page 27)

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

‘We keep making the same mistakes’ - Bayliss hoping for World Cup wake-up after ‘embarrassing’ loss ESPNcricinfo - You might think, after four years as England coach, that Trevor Bayliss might be inured to England’s occasional - and, perhaps, not so occasional propensity for a batting collapse.

But, seeing him at the team hotel on the morning after the night - okay, the early afternoon - before is to see a man clearly struggling to come to terms with events. He uses words such as “embarrassed” and admits he “can’t get my head around” the disparity in quality between England’s performances. For them to suffer the largest defeat, in terms of how long it took West Indies to knock off the target, in their ODI history on Bayliss’ watch clearly hurts.

It wasn’t just the extent of the defeat, though. It was the fact that it came in the final ODI before England were obliged to select their World Cup squad. Despite all the tours and training and faith in the players, it seems the England team retain a propensity, when confronted by conditions outside their comfort zone, to collapse in spectacular fashion. A difficulty in adapting to conditions is clearly a recurring problem.

And while Bayliss admitted the performance perhaps it would be more accurate to call it the lack of performance? - could be the “wake-up call” his side required, he also said that some of the current players have had every opportunity to nail down their places and failed to do so. As a consequence, Jofra Archer will be given an opportunity to show what he can do during the ODIs against Ireland and Pakistan despite having just 14 List A

appearances to his name. He would appear to have every chance of winning a World Cup spot.

“Was it the worst yet?”

Bayliss said of defeat in St Lucia. “I think it was. To lose in such a fashion… I think they [the players] were embarrassed.

“We talk all the time about playing smart cricket but, quite simply, we didn’t play smart cricket. We kept making the same mistakes.

“Whether it’s a bit of overconfidence - have we gone into the match with, not a blasé attitude, but an overconfident attitude where they go out and play their natural games and think it’ll just happen? Batting can’t be easy and free flowing all the time. And it’s happened a few times.”

Bayliss hopes the game will prove to be something of a watershed moment. Straight afterwards, the team held a long meeting in the dressing room where they reflected on their failings and, he believes, understood where they went wrong.

“I didn’t have to say very much,” he said. “Eoin Morgan started the conversation and three or four of the most experienced players in the team led it. They were on the money.

“They were talking about getting to 220-230 on that pitch. That conversation was going on out in the middle and in the dressing room. But we didn’t put it into play.

“You’re not going to score 400 on a wicket like that but you make high 200s, 300, 350 and it’s enough to win games on those wickets. Yesterday we just didn’t. Two hundred and we would have been right in the game.

“If it doesn’t sink in after this one - so close to the

Trevor Bayliss and Eoin Morgan. (Getty Images) World Cup - then there’s something wrong. I’d like to think that, after their chat yesterday in the changing room, it will sink in.”

While the batting was the focus of most reports, Bayliss was also underwhelmed by some aspects of the bowling during the series. There had, for example, been talk ahead of games about bowling yorkers at Chris Gayle. But very few were delivered and Gayle was able to hit 39 sixes in four innings; one every 8.10 balls.

“We just bowled a lot of balls in his strike zone,” Bayliss said. “We just didn’t get the ball in the right area enough. Yorkers were spoken about a lot. Sometimes the bowlers go out to try and do it and just can’t.”

Partly as a result, Bayliss confirmed that Archer - who is now just a few days from qualifying as eligible for England - is almost certain to made his debut in the ODIs to be played in May ahead of the World Cup. While England are obliged to name their 15-man World Cup squad by April 23 (they are expected to name it a week or so early), they can make as many changes as they like until May 22. After that date, they need ICC approval for any change and they will only be allowed in the event of

Ben Stokes was dismissed by Carlos Brathwaite. (AFP)

injury or exceptional circumstances.

“Jofra Archer’s name keeps cropping up and I think, at some stage, we will give him an opportunity,” Bayliss said.

“Those matches against Pakistan and Ireland, I think he will get an opportunity to show us what he can do. He’s said publicly that he’s keen.

“He’s a bowler you don’t get many of: someone who is able to bowl in all three phases of the game. He can take the new ball, he can bowl through the middle and he can bowl at the end which is a good skillset to have.

“There was a little bit of contact made during the Australian summer and there was talk a month or two ago about when the date was that he qualified. At the time, it was around 31 days that he needed to be back in the UK. “Are the players he’s competing with aware of the situation? I don’t know, you’d have to ask them. There is plenty of speculation all the time in the papers and I’m sure they read that.

“The guys in the team, they’ve got hold of those positions and in a way it’s theirs to lose. If they keep performing and doing well it’s difficult to bring people in.”

The implication? That t h e y h a v e n ’t b e e n performing. Several fringe members of the squad now face an anxious wait.

England resumed training yesterday ahead of the first of three T20Is against West Indies in St Lucia today. They will be without Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali, who have all been given time off before they depart for the IPL, while Jason Roy will shortly go home to be present at the birth of his first child.

Mark Wood is also likely to be rested for one or two of the T20 games.

The likes of Sam Billings, Dawid Malan, Chris Jordan and Sam Curran - who have all been brought in for the T20I series - are likely to win opportunities in the coming days, as is Joe Denly who has been a non-playing member of the ODI squad.

Kane Williamson poised to topple Virat Kohli as No. 1 Test batsman ESPNcricinfo - Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 200 in the first Test against Bangladesh in Hamilton, which New Zealand won by an innings and 52 runs, has propelled him to a careerhigh 915 points in the ICC rankings. · That puts him only marginally behind Virat Kohli, who is at No. 1 on the table, but unlike Williamson, who has two more Test matches against Bangladesh in the ongoing series, the India captain has no long-format cricket lined up in the immediate future. · Williamson headlined a remarkable New Zealand batting performance in Hamilton, where they rode on his second Test double-century and centuries from openers Jeet

Kane Williamson acknowledges his double hundred. (Getty Images) Raval and Tom Latham to score their highest Test total of 715 for 6 declared in their only innings. · Starting the Test with 897 points against his name, Williamson moved up to within striking distance of the top spot for the second time in his career - he was No. 1 briefly in late 2015. · The 915 points Williamson currently has are also the highest ever for a New Zealander in Test cricket. Richard Hadlee had gone past the 900 mark - the only other player from the country to do so - in the bowlers’ chart during his career, getting to 909. · In other updates, Latham has moved up to No. 11 among batsmen, while Raval has gone to No. 33 after hitting his maiden Test century. Trent Boult and Tim Southee remained in the top ten among the bowlers, with Neil Wagner moving up to 11th spot. · For Bangladesh, the brightest sparks in the Test were Tamim Iqbal, who scored 126 and 74, and Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar, who hit 146 and 149 respectively in the second innings. Tamim slotted in at No. 25 as a result, Mahmudullah at No. 40 and Soumya at No. 67.

PAGE 30

Tuesday March 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Harden drops 42 as Rockets dump Celtics James Harden scored 42 points before fouling out, and the visiting Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a 115-104 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Before being whistled for his sixth foul with 1:44 left to play, Harden staved off a furious Boston rally with a driving layup and a 3-pointer over two defenders that extended the lead to 112-100.

The Celtics, once down 71-43, scored the opening 10 points of the fourth quarter and had cut the margin to nine on a Marcus Smart second-chance basket at the 4:40 mark.

The Celtics rallied behind their reserves, with Jaylen Brown posting 15 points and six rebounds off the bench to lead the charge. Boston recorded a 31-9 advantage in bench points.

Eric Gordon matched his career high with eight 3pointers and scored 32 points to complement Harden, who was 6 of 18 on treys. Chris Paul added 15 points and 12 assists as Houston, which finished 21 of 51 from beyond the arc, improved to 12-0 this season when Paul records double-digit assists.

Thunder 99, Grizzlies 95 Russell Westbrook scored 22 points, including two big

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) smiles as he brings the ball up court against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at TD Garden.

(Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) shots in the closing stretch, to lead Oklahoma City past visiting Memphis.

The win snapped a fourgame losing streak for the Thunder, the team’s first since an 0-4 start to begin the

Broadcast dispute hits...

From page 32 turnover of around $40million, to lose up to $2million anticipated revenue is significant.

Meanwhile the announcement of West Indies’ T20I squad for this series - which was revealed by ESPNcricinfo almost a week ago - was delayed after some board members resisted the decision to retain the ODI squad under Jason Holder as captain. While the logic of keeping the side together in the build-up to the World Cup was appreciated, there was a concern that preparation for the next T20 World Cup - which is to be held in Australia towards the end of next year - might have been compromised as a consequence.There was also some concern that Holder might require more rest ahead of his commitments this summer. In addition to West Indies’ trip to Ireland in the build-up to the World Cup, he has also committed to a stint with Northamptonshire in county cricket.

Equally, however, the delay in naming the squad might be reflective of the level of interference that selectors, coaches and officials in the Caribbean have from CWI board members.

It also emerged that Andre Russell could miss the entire series with a recurrence of his long-standing knee problem.

“He had some reaction to some treatment he had,” Richard Pybus, the team’s interim head coach explained. It is understood that reaction came after Russell was given an injection into the knee and had been suffering unexpected swelling as a result.

With opportunities running out for Russell to show his fitness and form, the setback could raise serious doubts over his likelihood of being in West Indies’ World Cup squad.

season, and kept them tied with Portland for third place in the Western Conference after the Trail Blazers won at Charlotte earlier in the day.

Avery Bradley scored 27 points to lead the Grizzlies,

who have lost six of their last eight.

Pistons 112, Raptors 107 (OT) Blake Griffin had 27 points and seven rebounds, and Detroit scored the final 10 points of overtime to defeat visiting Toronto.

Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson had 19 points apiece for Detroit, which has won nine of its last 11 to reach the .500 mark at 31-31.

Andre Drummond had 15 points and 17 rebounds despite foul trouble. Wayne Ellington added 11 points for Detroit, which beat coach Dwane Casey’s former team for the second time this season.

Trail Blazers 118, Hornets 108 Rodney Hood came off the bench to score 27 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, as Portland knocked off host Charlotte.

The Trail Blazers bolted to a 15-point lead in the first quarter but then had to pull away again in the fourth quarter, going on a 15-2 run in the final six minutes. Hood scored 14 of 16 Portland points in one stretch of the quarter.

Portland won for the sixth time in its last seven games.

Jeremy Lamb scored 23 off the

bench to lead the Hornets.

Wizards 135, Timberwolves 121 Bobby Portis had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Bradley Beal scored 22 points and host Washington defeated Minnesota.

Reserve Jabari Parker added 22 points for Washington, which had lost five of six.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 28 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, his first sub30 point effort in four games.

Derrick Rose scored 18 points off the bench.

Clippers 128, Knicks 107 Landry Shamet made four 3-pointers in the first eight minutes as Los Angeles went on to rout visiting New York.

Shamet finished with 21 points, all on 3-pointers, and Danilo Gallinari added 20 for the Clippers, who were beginning a stretch of eight consecutive games at the Staples Center. The Clippers will be listed as the visiting team on Monday night when they return to their home floor to face the rival Lakers.

Noah Vonleh (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Mitchell Robinson (16 points, 13 rebounds) recorded doubledoubles for the Knicks, who

likewise were playing the opener of a back-to-back sequence.

Cavaliers 107, Magic 93 Jordan Clarkson scored 18 points off the bench, and Cleveland enjoyed a big fourth quarter to top visiting Orlando.

Collin Sexton had 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting.

Kevin Love posted a doubledouble with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Cedi Osman finished with 14 points and six boards.

Magic big man Nikola Vucevic led all scorers with 28 points on 13-for-16 shooting. He pulled down 13 rebounds and dished out six assists.

Hawks 123, Bulls 118 Alex Len scored a seasonhigh 28 points and made two key free throws in the final seconds as visiting Atlanta hung on to beat Chicago.

Len picked up the scoring slack for the Hawks, who were without two starters and saw point guard Trae Young ejected in the third quarter.

Len was 9 of 18 from the floor and made five 3-pointers to go along with nine rebounds and two blocked shots.

Lauri Markkanen led Chicago with 19 points and nine rebounds.

(Field Level Media)

‘Too Sharp’Allen comes to the aid ‘Pocket Rocket’ Gym Guyana’s recently WBA Super Middleweight ‘Gold’ Champion, Lennox ‘Too Sharp’ Allen yesterday, through the National Sports Commission (NSC) handed over a quantity of boxing gear the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym, which was destroyed by fire.

Housed at the Linden Johnson Community Centre, based in the Victory Valley community in the Mining Town, it was flattened by fire last week.

The Gym plays an integral role in development of the sport in Linden.

Upon learning of the tragedy, Allen reached out to Director of Sports Christopher Jones and arrangements were made to have the equipment handed over.

Allen believes that at all cost, fighters should not be deterred from learning and participating in the sport they love, and, he insist that he will use his newfound fame and fortune in boxing to help set young fighters, especially those in communities labelled as ‘underprivileged’ to realise their dreams in the sport.

Orlan Rockets (Left), coach at the Pocket Rocket Gym in Linden, receiving a quantity boxing gear from Director of Sports Christopher Jones.

Orlan Rogers, who collected the boxing gear from Jones at the NSC’s Homestretch Avenue Headquarters, was full of gratitude and praises to the WBA title holder, adding “it’s good that he (Allen) was this generous and we are grateful for the support.”

“These stuff will go a very long way in helping to restore the gym,” said Rogers. The boxing coach further added that “the young boxers will be more eager to return to training and practicing when

they learn that these equipment were sent to them from the ‘champ’, so thanks to Lennox (Allen) for his donation.”

According to Jones, the NSC is happy to play the role of a conduit for the supplies from Allen to reach to the Pocket Rocket Gym, while pointing that the Commission will also be handing over some other equipment to the gym.

Meanwhile, both Rogers and Jones related that efforts are being made with the help

of the Regional Democratic Counsel (RDC) in Region 10, to find a new home for the Gym. According to the World Boxing Association (WBA), Allen is one of their three title holders at the Super Middleweight (168lbs) division, along with Callum Smith (Super Champion) and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (Regular Champion).

Allen won the title following his Unanimous Decision win over American Derrick Webster on February 15 in the USA.

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

RFA Champions League

Defending female champs Gladiators trounce Snatchers; Male champs Tabatinga held by Snatchers Defending Rupununi Football Association (RFA) female champions Gladiators got off their quest to retain their title to a smashing start when they hammered Snatchers Football Club 4-0 in the opening match of the 2019 season at the Wadapna Centre Ground on Saturday evening last.

The feature match of the evening produced an exciting 2-2 draw between male defending champions Tabatinga FC and Snatchers FC. Prior to the start of onfield action which was officially kicked off by President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Wayne Forde, brief remarks were presented by Forde, Mayor of Lethem His Worship Mr. John Macedo and Officer in Charge (OC) of the Lethem Police Station, Mr. Keithon King. Delivering the welcoming remarks was President of the RFA, Mr. Ryan Farias.

Mayor Macedo congratulated the RFA for pulling off their fourth such league which initially had 11 teams but has now grown to an astounding 47 (24 male 23 female).

“I have witnessed a few matches in the past and I must say that I was very impressed with the organisation that you have, running off of matches and the principles under which you run them, I must commend you for that.”

Macedo also gave the commitment of his Council to the RFA, special invites and fans to further enhance grounds in the Township.

“And we must have one

And we are off! GFF President Wayne Forde officially kicks off the RFA 2019 Season in the presence of players and other officials. within the very near future that will reach international standards. I will give to you today, my unreserved commitment to make that a reality along with some commitment from the GFF.” OC King informed that he is a former goalkeeper of the Guyana Police Force Football Club and also played the game in school.

“I must let you know that sports is discipline. You must maintain that discipline so throughout the tournament I’ll be at various grounds and I’m looking to see fair play.

The referee’s decision is final, so once again, maintain discipline and it would take you a far way.”

Forde, in his feature comments prior to officially kicking off the leagues which would be contested in six

clusters (North Rupununi, South and South Central, Central, East Central, South Pakaraimas, Mahdia), complimented the RFA for the continued progression and development of the sport throughout the region.

“It is interesting that a small association that has limited access to some of the resources that many of their peers on coastland Guyana enjoys can be making this much progress over the course of three years.”

Forde was referring to the fact that the leagues commenced with some 11 clubs three years ago and now has in excess of 40 clubs.

“In every organization leadership is important and I want to commend president Farias for continuing in the footsteps of his predecessor

GFF President Wayne Forde leads the officials meeting the female teams followed by Mayor John Macedo, OC in charge of the Lethem Police Station, Mr. Keithon King and RFA President, Ryan Farias.

Ken Grant who led this association well during his tenure. At the GFF we are seeing we are seeing improvement in every aspect of the game and we are here to support the development and to support the work of the association.”

The GFF is currently providing funding for the

operations of the RFA Office as well as for the leagues and all tournaments including the Champions Leagues.

“I made a commitment to the Mayor that we would send our engineering team by the end of the new week to start design for one of the grounds we’ve identified and we will continue to partner

with the council in bringing the ground to international standards over the next couple of months and years.”

Forde also stated that the RFA has earned every iota of support it is enjoying from the federation and from the other stakeholders in the community including the (Continued on page 27)

Russell to miss T20s as Windies retain one-day squad GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – West Indies have retained their 13-man one-day for the three-match Twenty20 International series against England starting here today but star all-rounder Andre Russell will take no part after failing to recover from a recent knee procedure.

A Cricket West Indies release yesterday said the 30year-old had to be withdrawn from the squad “due to an adverse reaction he had to a medical procedure done in Dubai before he flew to the Caribbean.”

Russell, who had been playing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, was called up to the one-day squad for the two final ODIs to replace injured seamer Kemar Roach.

However, Russell was overlooked for both ODIs, with no explanation given for his exclusion.

The most recent setback for the Jamaican also raises doubts over his fitness for the Indian Premier League bowling off later this month, where he campaigns for

Kolkata Knight Riders.

He has been plagued by a troublesome knee injury in the past and was forced to pull out of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh last year after playing just one match.

Selectors, meanwhile, have opted to continue with the one-day squad which tied the preceding five-match series 2-2, in order to further advance preparations for the World Cup starting in May. With several members of the World Cup squad due to miss the final one-day tour – a Tri-Nations Series involving hosts Ireland and Bangladesh – chief selector Courtney Browne said the decision had been made to use the T20 series to “finalise strategies” for the World Cup. “After discussion with the coach (Richard Pybus) surrounding preparation for the ICC CWC 2019, it was proposed that we retain the ODI squad to play the T20 matches against England,” said Browne.

“After deliberations with captain, coach and the panel,

we all are of the opinion that it would aid in the team’s World Cup preparations.”

He added: “We have a triangular series in Ireland in early May, which coincides with the Indian Premier League. A high number of the World Cup hopefuls will be involved in the IPL and will miss the tour to Ireland.

“We therefore, felt, that we could not miss this opportunity for the coaching staff to continue work towards finalizing their strategies.”

Jason Holder, the Test and one-day skipper, will lead the squad which also includes regular T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite.

The last two T20Is of the series will be played at Warner Park in St Kitts on Friday and Sunday.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas.

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Kaieteur News

Broadcast dispute hits CWI pockets as Sky baulk at cost of additional T20Is ESPNcricinfo - Cricket West Indies look set to take a substantial financial hit after Sky declined to pay for the two T20I games in St Kitts this weekend.

The value of such games would usually be worth around US$1million each but, with neither match having been part of the package agreed when the broadcast deal was made several years ago, Sky are reluctant to pay anywhere near that amount.

They argue they have already paid handsomely for the rest of the tour, which was originally scheduled to contain just one T20I, and have no intention of spending any more on it.

The matches will still be broadcast in the UK. While CWI could refuse to allow Sky access to their pictures the board are providing the cameras, the crew and the feed - they are not prepared to compromise their relationships with either their

sponsors or the St Kitts government, who have invested in hosting the games. That means Sky could end up broadcasting the games for next to no cost.

If that does happen, however, it is unlikely they will be exclusive. CWI would, in such circumstances, be able to live-broadcast the matches on YouTube, Twitter and through their own website. A compromise where Sky pay somewhere between 10-20 percent of the anticipated value of the games - would seem likely.

It still represents a painful blow for CWI. They are obliged to pay for the travel and hotel accommodation for both squads, as well as the match fees and other hosting costs. With the matches broadcast at close to peak time for Sky - they start at 8pm in the UK - they are aggrieved at the lack of value they are receiving. For a board with a (Continued on page 30)

Bowlers, Boodwah hand Lusignan A comfortable win

Gavin Boodwah A clinical display by the bowlers coupled by a fine unbeaten half century from Gavin Boodwah guided Lusignan A to an eightwicket victory over Fairfield when the East Coast Cricket Committee/SPR Enterprise 40-over tournament continued on Sunday last.

Ramnarine Chatura and Ramnarine Ramotar added 39 for the first wicket after Fairfield elected to bat at Lusignan. Ramotar struck four fours before he was lbw to Vickram Doodnauth for 26, while Ramnarine Chatura was lbw to off-spinner Kumar Bishundial after he attempted to pull a delivery that kept low; he departed for 18 which included two fours.

Steady bowling by home

Tuesday March 05, 2019

FBF, Al Sport Windball Cricket tournament

Bladen Hall Multilateral, Annandale Secondary triumph; Zeeburg take Region three titles

Members of the victorious Zeeburg female team with organisers.

Annandale Secondary and Bladen Hall Multilateral were crowned male and female champions respectively in region four, while Zeeburg made a clean sweep in region three by winning both male and female titles when the Forbes Burnham Foundation Al Sport and Tour Promotions Schools five-over Windball tournament was contested on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium.

Annandale Secondary beat Covent Garden Secondary by 17 runs. Annandale Secondary batted first and managed 1032 with Evaid Hendricks scoring 52, and Chanderpaul Ramraj 42. Covent Garden Secondary were restricted to 86-1 in reply; Alex Leal made 30.

Bladen Hall Multilateral overcame Soesdyke Secondary by 28 runs. Bladen Hall Multilateral batted first and scored

135-1. Aaliyah Trotz made 41, Vinita Bullishan 35 and Aneesa Chritrom 34. Soesdyke Secondary responded with 107 without loss. Rehanna Henry scored 56 and Tenisha Hoyte 42.

In the male category, Zeeburg Secondary defeated Goed Furtuin Secondary by 10 wickets. Goed Fortuin Secondary after they elected to take first strike scored 64-6; Ravaldo Singh made 28.

Zeeburg Secondary replied with 65 without loss; Wazim Hahdir got 33.

In the female division, Zeeburg Secondary got the better of Goed Fortuin by 57 runs. Zeeburg Secondary posted 137-1, taking first strike. Varini Pitamber stroked 60, while Ariana Bulkhan made 56. Goed Fortuin Secondary got to 80-1 in response. Ashley Yard made 30.

Kumar Bishundial team then restricted Fairfield to 101 in 33.3 overs. Richard Chatura contributed 16, while Trevon Charles got 13 and Lakeram Ramkissoon 12 not out. Bishundial was the pick of the bowlers with 313; Rajpaul Basdeo claimed 3-14 and Vishun Ramjit 3-19.

Lusignan A lost opener Robin Williams early in the chase before Boodwah and Shazaam Ali steadied in the innings nicely with a second wicket stand of 65. Ali reached the boundary thrice before he was dismissed for 24, while Boodwah struck four fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 51. Somnauth Bharat made 24 not out with two fours and a similar number of sixes as Lusignan A finished on 102-2 in 15 overs. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Bladen Hall female team receiving their trophies sponsored by East La Penitence Police Station Traffic Department from Sergeant O. Johnson.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 05, 2019

PAGE 33

Milo Schools’ football tournament

CWSS thrash Ann’s Grove 9-1 to highlight weekend’s play

Chris Smith – Vergenoegen Secondary.

T

he seventh annual Milo Schools’ f o o t b a l l tournament which is being supported by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)

Keon Kathow St. Cuthbert’s Mission. through funding from their “Stop gender based violence” campaign, continued last weekend with six round-robin group matches at the Ministry of

Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The pick of the matches last weekend was C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l ’s (CWSS) 9-1 drubbing of Ann’s Grove Secondary.

Wayne Wilson led the charge for the Lindeners with a hat-trick, while Andre Mayers, Tyrese Lewis and Randy Pickering each netted braces.

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, S i d w e l l Albert opened scored in the 10th minute to put the East Coast Demerara lads ahead.

Meanwhile, a brace of Chris Smith helped Vergenoegen edge Tucville

Georgetown Turf Club Gymkhana set for Sunday

T

he Georgetown Turf Club will be hosting a grand one day Gymkhana Horse Race Meet on Sunday at Mocha, East Bank, Demerara.

Six races are carded for the day which includes some of the country’s top K Class and Lower horses.

Among those are Victoria Red Jet, Irish

18

Boy, Dr. Switch, Something Special, Early Bird, Simpson, Amazon Warrior, Poor People Money, School Boy, Rosanna, Up Front and Up Start. Action gets under way at 13:00hrs and a well stocked bar and music system will be in place.

Registration can be done through Besham Deolall on 610-6160 or Compton Sancho.

2-1 despite Dwayne Jones solitary strike.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission added helped their chances of advancing to the knockout round after a 59th minute goal from Keon Kattou helped allowed the winners to needle Cumming’s Lodge.

On Saturday, Raymond Bandhu and Tariq Pryce banged in one goal each to help Charlestown beat Tutorial High 2-0 in the opening match of the day.

The other two matches that were contested between

CWSS scorers from left, Andre Mayers, Tyrese Lewis, Wayne Wilson and Randy Pickering.

Golden Grove & Uitvlugt, and Friendship & St. John’s

College, respectively, both finished as goalless draws.

t r o Sp

Gladiators Female FC goal scorers.

RFA Champions League

Tabatinga FC’s Female Team (red) battling their counterparts from Snatchers FC in the opening match of the RFA Champions League, 2019 at the Wadapna Ground.

Defending female champs Gladiators trounce Snatchers; Male champs Tabatinga held by Snatchers West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell.

Russell to miss T20s as Windies retain one-day squad

Broadcast dispute hits CWI pockets as Sky baulk at cost of additional T20Is Chris Gayle launches one down the ground. (Associated Press)

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