Kaieteur News

Monday March 12, 2018

AWAITING ANOTHER STOMP ON THE CONSTITUTION DEAR EDITOR, Interpretative convenience is not a recognised method of constitutional interpretation. Since May 2015, we have seen the APNU/AFC and more particularly President Granger twist, bend and pervert the clear language of our constitution to suit and to secure the President’s wish. The people of Guyana have seen President Granger’s interpretation of the Constitution in his unilateral and unconstitutional appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. The people of Guyana took note of President Granger’s refusal to act on the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission with respect to the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court for several months. The people of Guyana have taken note of the President’s unlawful revocation of the leases of some rice farmers in Berbice

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which revocation the Chief Justice condemned. The people of Guyana witnessed President Granger’s wrongful and unlawful interference with the work of the constitutionally autonomous Police Service Commission. And there are several other instances of constitutional violations which can be laid at the door of President Granger and his APNU/AFC government. With these known constitutional violations as the President’s established record, how can any reliance be placed in Minister Harmon’s assertion that the President will fully comply with the constitutional provisions in relation to the appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice. President Granger as he was constitutionally required to do, sought the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition to two persons he identified for appointment to both offices. It is now known that the Leader of the

Opposition did not agree with the President’s proposal. From 2005 to 2015, President Granger, the PNC and latterly APNU/AFC opposed the confirmation of judges who were acting in the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice. The refusal of successive PNC leaders including President Granger to Judges proposed for appointment to the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice on those occasions marked the end of the constitutionally prescribed appointment procedure for a Chancellor and Chief Justice. Not so, on this occasion. President Granger told the local press, that he was awaiting the advice of his Attorney General. This is going to be a forthcoming disaster. The Attorney General by his successive record of failures in the Courts of Guyana and even at the Caribbean Court of Justice cannot be relied on to give a constructive and meaningful opinion on the

constitutional implications resulting from the failure of the President to secure the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. Apart from the Attorney General, it is President Granger, himself who has given a not so subtle indication to the people of Guyana, what his intentions are. After years of being responsible for there being judges acting in the offices of Chancellor and Chief Justice, President Granger is reported as saying: “It is not desirable to continue the current practice of acting which existed for several years and I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A S U B S TA N T I V E APPOINTMENT. IT’S A QUESTION OF NECESSITY.” Those were thunderous, ominous words. The confirmed appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice should never be a matter of what the President likes. Confirmed appointments serve the judicial system well Continued on page 6

The Non-payment of SBA Marking for Guyanese Teachers

Three CARICOM states to hold elections DEAR EDITOR, Three states in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will hold general elections to elect new governments within weeks. In fact, Grenadians will go to the polls on Tuesday and electorates in Antigua and Barbuda will vote on March 21. Barbados Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart has not yet announced the election date, but he has dissolved Parliament signalling that elections will be held before the May 21 deadline. On Tuesday March 13, Keith Mitchell, the outgoing Prime Minister, will make the bid for his party, the New National Party (NNP) to be returned to run the government and he be named Prime Minister for the fifth time. However, the leader of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), Nizam Burke, has signalled that his party will not go down like the last general elections under Tillman Thomas when the party failed to gain a seat. Burke is optimistic of victory. Over in St. Johns, outgoing Prime Minister, Gaston Brown, called snap elections on March 21 in Antigua and Barbuda, 15 long months before the

constitutional date. This seems to be unusual for a first term Prime Minister, but Brown said that the early date was called to protect the many plans his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has programmed for this year and next. He added, “We have an opportunity at this point to consolidate the leadership of this country, to provide investors and predictability, to prove stability, to provide continuity.” The leader of the main opposition party, United Progressive Party (UPP). Harold Lovell said his party will contest 16 of the 17 seats, while his party’s affiliate, the Barbuda People’s Movement will contest one seat, Barbuda. The new Joanne Massiah-led Democratic NationalAlliance (DNA) will field 13 candidates. The Antigua and Barbuda True Labour Party led by Vere Bird III will contest two constituencies. In Barbados Mia Mottley, the leader of the opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP), will go all out to defeat Stuart’s Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to be named as first female Prime Minister of the country that is known as “Little England” Oscar Ramjeet

Meditron is not a — Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Unreasonable pharmaceutical importer DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me some space to highlight a major injustice by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). Each year CXC offers over 25 CSEC subjects, most of these subjects have an SBA (School Based Assessment) component. Just recently, even the English and Mathematics syllabi were adjusted to include an SBA component. These SBAs generally are projects that contribute to, on average, 20% of a candidate’s overall score. The SBA is therefore a critical element of a student’s grade. These SBAs are taught, marked and corrected by teachers in schools across the Caribbean. The months of January to March for most teachers are plagued with the pressures of SBA marking. Teachers teaching Grades 10 & 11 in all schools across the Caribbean are burdened with the additional workload of SBA teaching, correcting and marking. This additional workload is of no cost to the Council. The Council therefore profits off the uncompensated labour of teachers across the Caribbean. Are there no right-

thinking, just person within the Council to realise same? Editor, let me elucidate this situation further. Private candidates do not do an SBA. Instead of the SBA, they write a Paper 3/2* aka 3rd paper. This option generally assesses the same principles students doing the SBA are assessed on. The Council will pay to have this 3rd paper marked. If this Paper 3/2 is the equivalent to the SBA and CXC pays to have that marked, then why are teachers not compensated for marking the CXC SBA? If no teacher marks the SBA and candidates are forced to write the 3/2, would the council not pay to have their works assessed? What is the difference here? Additionally, in the science subjects for instance, most of the experimental reports are designed by teachers. Teachers and schools are sanctioned when the SBAs are poorly done yet not rewarded for their intellectual property. Is this modern-day slavery? Most pertinently, most of the CXC syllabi recommend six hours of teaching per week per subject. This therefore means that teachers are burdened with marking

SBAs and completing their teaching obligations. Is this fair? Is it just that teachers are not compensated for this additional workload? The Guyana Teachers’ Union and Ministry of Education need to represent its teachers. We should not and must not burden the

pillars that are holding our education system together. Until there is an openminded discussion facilitated by the Council I would support, like the Barbados Union of Teachers, a boycott of the SBAs. Teacher, Jamain Hatton

Grow plantain and make plantain chips? DEAR EDITOR, While growing plantain and making plantain chips will replace imported plantain chips saving a little foreign currency it will not replace the foreign currency lost through the “downsizing” of Guyana’s sugar industry. While the APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger focuses on saving foreign exchange they are not focused on gaining foreign currency. They have not really thought about Guyana’s oil potential. It has been nearly three years now since oil was discovered offshore Guyana yet we have only had one major investment forum to attract investors to Guyana. Clearly, what the Government can do is to market Guyana’s oil potential a bit better, by travelling abroad to sensitise most of the major oil producing countries to our oil potential which they have not done. It is good that we have oil but if you are not going to market and sell the oil but wait for foreigners to do it for us then Guyana will remain underdeveloped. It is not just about oil. It is about using the oil discovery to market our other industries like rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, fisheries, timber, etc. It is about marketing Guyana’s potential. Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

DEAR SIR/ MADAM, I have noted the award of contract for the supply of pharmaceuticals to Meditron Inc. to the value of $469M. As far as I am aware, Meditron Inc. is a medical devices importer and is not licensed to import pharmaceuticals, which is a pre-requisite to register and import pharmaceuticals into Guyana. I hope Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Mr. Marlan Cole will shed some light on this matter. Sarah Williams, (Concerned Citizen of Guyana)

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I debunk Mr. Ramkarran’s claims and outburst DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the caption in the Stabroek News, dated Monday, March 05, 2018 “Post of Police Commissioner should be advertised” by Ralph Ramkarran. The content of the columnist’s article is obviously referring to the Guyana Police Force for lack of confidence and public trust. I hereby quote from Ralph’s expression and debunk it at once “the position of Commissioner of Police be advertised so as to attract best qualified from Guyana and the region” Ralph is obviously stating an outrageous and inconsiderate comment that the Guyana Police does not produce qualified, epitomized, illustrious, vanguard, intelligent and competent Officers. I beg to debunk his claims and outburst. My dear readers let’s look at a few Officers within the Guyana Police Force that have worked and are working tirelessly to build public trust and to enhance the development of the force; Assistant Commissioner / Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. David Ramnarine, a flamboyant and confident man that articulates coherently at all times. He is an expert in his field and qualified academically. Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams a man that has paved the way for young men and women. He has also built a phenomenal reputation for himself and is qualified in many ways academically. Mr. Williams has been in the Guyana Police Force for more than thirty years. His expertise

Monday March 12, 2018

Kaieteur News

has developed him to be a grounded, honest, humble and eloquent man. He has toiled for this our dear land. Assistant Commissioner Mr. Nigel Hoppie has provided corporate oversight on all aspects in the Finance Department of the Guyana Police Force; he has displayed an exemplary Executive style of Leadership, obviously Ralph! This man’s expertise and qualification is a win for the job. Assistant Commissioner “Administration,” Ms. Maxine Graham DSM, 2018, Certificates, DPI. This endearing woman has implemented, more than any other organisation can ever strive for, her strategic plans in developing the Human aspect of the Force. This is something the public can allude to. I salute her for her democratic style of Leadership and expertise. She is also academically qualified for the job. Mr. Ramkarran, you spoke about “good community relations.” May I bring to your attention a man that many respect from lower and upper class; Mr. Clifton Hicken, Assistant Commissioner. While Mr. Hicken was ‘A’ Division Commandant, he had certainly created activities for the young people within our communities at large which had helped to rebuild public trust and a cooperative society. Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, there are many other Senior Officers who are experienced and academically inclined for the job. Mr. O. Shepherd

Awaiting another stomp on the... From page 5 and instills confidence by the people of Guyana in the country’s judicial system. What the President likes introduces corrosive, troubling political considerations into the senior judicial appointment process. More troubling however, is the President’s conclusion that the substantive appointment of a Chancellor and a Chief Justice was a matter of necessity. The use of the word “necessity” by the President bears very significant implications. I have grave reservations that given his military background that that was a loose choice of word by the President. My gut feeling is that it was not. The law recognizes a concept of necessity. In the present circumstances, it would mean that if President Granger were to rely on the concept of necessity, then notwithstanding the fact that the Leader of the Opposition has not agreed to the appointment of the persons proposed. The President may go ahead and appoint the

persons identified by him contending that without these appointments, the Courts would be paralyzed, the necessity therefore being the avoidance of such paralysis. Such a contention would be farcical, unprincipled and hypocritical. They are two people who acted in those offices for over a decade and the courts were not paralysed. The people of Guyana should take note, that the public comments by Minister Harmon and President Granger are intended to set the stage and lay the illadvised and misconceived foundation for unilateral action by the President in clear violation of the constitution so that his proposed candidates can be appointed minus the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. The truth is that there is no room for the application of the concept of necessity. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall went to great lengths to point out that in the press recently that the constitution itself provides what should

happen if the Leader of the Opposition does not agree to the President’s nominees. The President’s current stance on these appointments must not be examined in isolation. It must be seen in the light of comments made recently by Sir Dennis Byron, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice in November of 2017. Addressing the Bar Association’s annual dinner, Sir Dennis Byron recalled that for twelve years no substantive Chancellor was ever appointed. For a significant part of those twelve years, Sir Dennis was head of the CCJ. He never once uttered a public word of condemnation about that situation. He however, noted that the failure to agree (as must have been within the contemplation of our constitutional reformers who prescribed a formula for acting appointments) was not an acceptable option and that in the absence of any framework to establish agreement, the issue became justiciable. Sir Byron has opened a

can of worms. Having been silent on this matter for the past several years, now with the accession to office of President Granger and his APNU/AFC government, Sir Dennis finds it appropriate to make constitutionally unsound public comments on this matter and to offer advice gratuitously on a matter that could quite possibly come before him and his colleagues at the CCJ. Those comments by Sir Dennis Byron however appear to have emboldened President Granger. He appears by his recent public utterances to feel strengthened in his new stance on top judicial appointments by the guidance provided by Sir Dennis Byron on the way forward and Sir Byron is known on his visits to Guyana for his social engagements with known PNC activists/supporters and former PNC ministers. In the meantime, Guyana awaits another military style boot stomp on our Constitution! Selwyn Persaud

THE FIRES CONTINUE From page 4 5. Bonds, regardless of what is stored in them, need to be sectionalised, much like the compartments in ships such as oil tankers. Concrete separating walls with steel (fireproof) connecting doors must be the code for storage warehouses. This, coupled with periodic safety inspections will help to prevent disasters. Gas containers should not be placed inside closed buildings. Propane is highly

flammable and needs to be stored outdoors: any leakage/explosion will dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere. 6. Perhaps the worst aspect of construction in Guyana is the electrical system, material and installation codes. This is in serious need of overhauling. Systems such as entrance panels with 100 Amperes with automatic circuit breakers that will trip-off in case of an overload are the standard for

commercial buildings such as warehouses, offices, shopping centers, and night clubs etc. In Guyana, only a few buildings have such system in place. Old wirings, coupled with corroded fuses, which do not trip or ‘blow’, pose severe risks of fire. 7. Fire hydrants which supply water to fire engines in cases of fires should always be operational as an emergency water supply. It is comical that fire hydrants have little water in the “land

of many waters.’ 8. Finally, the Bureau of Standards must constantly monitor and condemn the poor quality of electrical and plumbing accessories bought mostly from China and the Housing Authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings. Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine Real Estate and Construction Specialist (New York)

Monday March 12, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Environmentalist makes stirring plea to nation…

Don’t be blinded by oil money, our eco-system is more valuable, please protect it By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell She is deeply concerned about the preservation of the invaluable ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods of the indigenous communities in and around the Shell Beach Protected Area. These concerns are the consequence of the known risks associated with the emerging oil and gas industry. As a result, environmentalist Annette Arjoon-Martins is trying to make her voice heard in the midst of crowds dominated by persons more concerned about the possible riches associated with oil production. Arjoon- Martins said she is “deeply concerned” by the present lack of environmental safeguards and weak and almost nonexistent environmental regulations and legislations specific to the emerging oil and gas industry. She said that while the focus is understandably on the billions of dollars and the economic development that oil, a non-renewable resource can bring about once it is man-

aged sensibly, she is saddened that Guyana’s eco-system services have largely been ignored. Arjoon-Martins used the opportunity presented at a recent oil and gas forum held by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to press home the need for more safety measures to be put in place. Arjoon-Martins noted that the Constitution offers all Guyanese the right to a safe and pure environment. She detailed that the preamble of the Constitution specifically acknowledges the aspirations of “our young people to live in a safe society, which ensures a healthy environment. Article 25 of the Constitution expressly provides for the protections of our environment while Article 36 speaks about the well being of the nation dependent on the preservation of clean air, fertile soils, pure water and the rich diversity of plants animals and eco systems.” Arjoon also quoted Article 149 J of the Constitution, which said is her favourite. That article gives each Guyanese the right to an en-

vironment that is not harmful to his or her health and wellbeing. Arjoon-Martins told a room filled with entrepreneurs that “while we all heard this morning about the hundreds of millions and billions of United States dollars that everyone is understandable greatly excited about, remember that oil and gas is not a renewable resource and also remember to touch back on the value of our eco system which is everlasting. If you are to put a value on our eco-system, I think it would far exceed those millions and billions we heard of earlier.” The environmentalist had alluded in her presentation that in light of the devastating events that are linked to climate change and the reality that fossil fuels are a major contributor, that there should be some consideration for Guyana to be rewarded for keeping some of the oil in the ground. Since under the LCDS the government of Norway had paid Guyana US$50mln annually for keeping its deforestation rate at a minimal, it would not be un-

Environmentalist, Annette Arjoon-Martins with two fishermen displaying their catch reasonable to expect that payments for oil should be much higher. Kaieteur News has since had an interview with Arjoon-

Martins during which she spoke briefly on how oil exploration and production related activities will affect the eco-system.

She said that the movements of many supply vessels will have an impact on the large marine mammals that (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Hands amputated after an accident, former UG student struggles to cope Just three months after suffering a tragic accident that caused him to lose both his hands, Melroy Pyle, his wife and four children have been struggling to cope with the inevitable changes that were forced upon them as a result of the accident. Taking care of the family alone and having to work has taken a toll on Tena Pile, Melroy’s wife; but her faith that things will get better, and the support from those around her have kept her going. “It’s hard for me to work, then come home from work and look after my husband and my children,” she said, while trying to hold back tears. On December 18, 2017 while working on one of the buildings in the University of Guyana compound, Melroy came in to contact with a live GPL wire and received electric shocks which damaged both his hands. As a result, Melroy underwent two surgeries and both his arms were amputated; one around New Year’s Eve, and the other, recently. At the time of the accident, Melroy and his wife

Tena and her four children, with representatives from the Education Department at her mother’s home. Tena, a teacher at the Clonbrook Primary, were both students at the University of Guyana. Melroy was a first year student reading for a degree in Civil Engineering while Tena, a second year student, was enrolled in the Literacy programme, with hopes to provide a better future for themselves and their four children. Unfortunately, they were both forced to put their stud-

ies on hold to focus on Melroy’s doctor’s appointments, and to find ways to fill the gaps that were once filled by Melroy since he is now unable to work. Tena now has to constantly take time-off to care for her family because she is now the only one working. “I don’t work as much as I used to and finically, it has been rough on us. Melroy is very determined

and his spirit remains high as we contemplate out next move, as you know, we have four children to care for, and that can be a challenge in itself,” she said. Though the younger children do not quite understand the magnitude of the situation, the oldest of the Pyle children, who is currently preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment, has been struggling to focus in school. Her once high grades had dropped significantly. “I don’t get the time to spend with them as I used to,” Tena said, as she explained that her attention has to be shared and

Representative of the Department of Education Region Four Welfare Department, Rhonda Monize presenting some items to Melroy and Tena Pyle it is somewhat difficult for her to spend as much time with her children as she used to. There has been tremendous support from friends and family since the accident Tena explained. She said since the accident, she has been receiving support, emotionally and finically from her family, teachers from the Clonbrook Primary school and the Department of Education, Region 4. Recently, Regional Demo-

cratic Council, Region 4, Department of Education, through its Welfare Department, reached out to render assistance to the Pyle family. The Department made a major donation to the family just last week and promised to continue to support the family in any way possible. A representative from the Welfare Department also promised to assist Melroy’s (Continued on page 9)

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GASKIN’S GASP The Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, last Monday was reported as making some comments on the ExxonMobil contract and the reaction to its disclosure. The Minister was speaking at an oil and gas summit organised by the Private Sector Commission. This column will attempt to respond to some of the Minister ’s reported comments. The Minister is reported to have rapped the daily onslaught on the ExxonMobil deal. What some consider as a daily onslaught is taken in democracies to be fair comment. There is hardly a day, which goes by in which Donald Trump, the United States President, is not subject to ridicule and criticism. Yet no one complains about the daily onslaught against the President. If the government, which the Minister represents had done the right thing and had released the contract and confirmed the signing bonus, the debate would have long ended. But it is only now that the truth has come out and the shaving cream is being spewed all over. The contract is so flawed and there is hardly a day in which some egregious aspect is not featured in the news. The

public has a right to benefit from critical comments on the contract and this all that is happening at the moment. The second contentious point made is that we cannot play hardball with investors because they can take their investors elsewhere. Who says that we cannot play hardball? It is for Guyana as the owner of the oil resources to maximise its benefits in any deal. The problem with the contract is that it does not allow for Guyana to maximise its benefits. ExxonMobil or any investor is free to walk. If the resource is valuable, there will be others waiting to take a bite. The Minister is reported as saying that there is lot of room for improvement in the agreement. Well, if there is room for improvement, why was it not improved? Why did Cabinet give its approval to the deal when it would have been presented with an opportunity to improve it? In some jurisdictions this is not an oversight. It is considered as negligence or failure to do something, which ought to have been done. Minister Gaskin is reported to have said that the paradigm has shifted and that Guyana is now in a better position to negotiate the

DEM BOYS SEH

other blocks. In fact, the opposite is true. The ExxonMobil contract has weakened the government’s negotiating position. For one, ExxonMobil now holds 55% of the petroleum blocks in the country, giving it great leverage. ExxonMobil is in a position of such dominance that it can crowd out other investors. Secondly, other investors will use the Exxon Mobil contract as a precedent to demand similar conditions. Guyana, therefore, has weakened its position in future negotiations. It is said that the US$300M that Guyana will earn in its first year oil revenues is what Guyana earned over an eight-year period in royalties and is what it would have earned in royalties and revenues from ExxonMobil. Missing from the Minister’s analysis is the foreign exchange earnings from gold, which was over US$830.7M in 2016 alone as compared with his US$300M that he says the industry generated in revenues over an eight year period. What impact on the economy did this US$830.7M have on the economy? Business is still stagnant. The gold industry, also, employs tens of thousands of persons and will have more

A MAN SELL 60 FIREARM LICENCE IN ONE DAY

When people wuk long and hard, dem does hope fuh get dem pension and gratuity. De gratuity is a lump sum dat does help dem set up demself fuh de life outside de job. Well a man wuk long and hard. He do nuff corrupt thing when he was wukking and he collect nuff money. But dem have greedy people and one of dem just retire. He had a ceremony and farewell but before he lef, he issue 60 firearm licence in one day. Dem got people who apply because dem got genuine reason but dis man give de 60 licence to people who not even Guyanese. Nuff of dem can’t speak English. Nuff of these people didn’t even have Guyanese ID. Dem man collect $60 million in one day. Dat was before he farewell but dem boys not calling any name. Dem ain’t even saying dat de man give licences to Brazos or Venoes or Chinese because dem does get blame fuh targeting people. Now Ramjattan got to check who get licence recently and he got to mek he decision. But de man collect

he money and he visiting de casino regularly. He was one who use to put people in court when dem do something wrang. Now dem boys waiting to see if anybody gun put him before de court just like how some Americans want put Trump before de court. Dis man cut down support to Guyana and now he even tekking way money from dem. He ban catfish from Guyana. De Americans know dat Guyana catfish come from

fresh water. De one dem got come from farm wheh people feed dem wid all kind of steroids and other things dat does affect people. When dem Guyanese who use to sell de catfish seh Trump hear only one thing and because he old and can’t eat it or even use it, he decide to ban it. He hear cat and fish. He didn’t connect de two. Talk half and watch how gilbacker gun get cheap in Guyana.

Hands amputated after... (From page 8) eldest daughter when she was told about her situation in school. “We stand committed and ready to grant whatever further assistance and help that you and your family may require and it doesn’t have to be only with regards to finances but if there is anything that you need assistance with please feel free to let us know,” said Shevon Viphys, Welfare Officer within Region Four . “We at the Department are cognizant and aware that at this stage there are challenges and difficulties confronting you and your family as a result of the accident,” Said added. “We are more than happy at this stage to lend whatever assistance that we can give to you,” she added. Both Melroy and Tena plan to return to the University of Guyana to continue their studies once he gets help with the prosthesis.

linkages to the economy than oil. It just shows how we got a bad deal from ExxonMobil. Finally, the Minister threw cold water on the comparison between the ExxonMobil contract with Guyana and the one the company signed with Ghana. The Minister pointed out that these are two entirely different models of contracts.

He is right; they are two different types of contracts. Ghana has the better model. Ghana has entered into a partnership with ExxonMobil. Ghana holds 15% equity under that arrangment, Exxon holds 80% and a local operator is expected to hold the other 5%. Ghana will receive 15% of

the proceeds of oil, 35% corporation taxes and 10% royalties. Compare this with Guyana’s 2% royalties, zero corporation tax and 12.5% Continued on page 23

ExxonMobil can recover all rentals, charges, levies, fees, taxes, and any other assessments Several Ministers of Government have been lauding the fact that the country would be able to garner millions of dollars in rental fees and taxes from ExxonMobil. But what has not been stated is that the company would be able to recover every cent of that money. This is according to the GuyanaExxonMobil deal under the section which speaks to costs recoverable without further

approval of the Minister. That section of the contract says that the company can, “recover all rentals, charges, levies, fees, taxes, and any other assessments and charges levied by the government in connection with the petroleum operations and paid directly by the contractor.” Also recoverable by ExxonMobil is moneys that they hand over to the government for environmental projects.

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Credit Union faces criticism over financial management Amidst protest over nonpayment of dividends by its members, the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union, (GPSCCU) is facing criticism over its financial management. Speaking with Kaieteur News on the matter, members of the Credit Union noted that money invested by the Union for the conferences far exceeds the amount required for the payment of dividends. Members emphasised that the amount due to the Ministry of Labour ‘s Audit and Supervision Fund is approximately $24M for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. They said recently uncovered

information revealed that the Union’s Management has approved the spending of over $50 million for conferences held overseas. Pointing to information emanating from an internal audit last year, Credit member Kirwyn Mars told Kaieteur News that “For the years 2015 and 2016 alone, the Union expended more than $63M for staff training and conferences.” “All we are asking for is that the money to be paid over to the Audit and Supervision Fund to make way for the holding of the Annual General Meeting, (AGM).” The AGM, he explained, is

of utmost importance, since it will eventually lead to an election for new Board of Directors and among other things, the payment of dividends. It will also allow members of the Credit Union to be privy to fiscal information, yearly profits and entitlements. “The rules of the Credit Union as well as the Cooperative Act, states there should be a General Meeting annually. We have issues of conflict of interest, concerns about the management of funds at the level of administrative level. We need the AGM to weed out all the undesirable elements.” But added to the absence

of the AGM, another member Duane St. John have revealed that “the Credit Union is supposed undergo audits… it has not been audited for more than five years.” Kaieteur News understands that the audits are conducted by inspectors selected by the Ministry of Labour. Last month, the GPSCCU faced protest action over the non-payment of dividends to some 6000 stakeholders. Those on the picket line noted that at present, the GPSCCU is managed by a board of 12 Directors, to whom they have lodged their complaints. “The Management is very aware of our frustration. We have (also) complained bitterly to the Minister of Labour (Keith Scott) about the issue, but the GPSCCU Board has laid the blame squarely at the feet of the Ministry. The GPSCCU is headed by a Board of Managers including Patrick Yarde. Yarde is also President of the GPSU. The Management Committee of the GPSCCU had outlined that under the last

Secretary of the GPSCCU: Trevor Benn administration an agreement was signed that stipulates that the Credit Union will no longer pay monies for dividends to the Government‘s Audit and Supervision Fund, but the monies will instead be used to fund education and training programmes. However, members are contending that the said agreement was not signed by then Minister of Labour, Nanda Gopaul, but his acting Chief Cooperative Development Officer.

The law stipulates that only the Minister can waive any payment to Government in such a manner. The former Minister did not sign to the document which essentially makes it illegitimate, and should not result in a hold up of the AGM,” another picketer Duane St. John stated. “We are therefore calling for the immediate intervention of the Minister towards the holding of the AGM,” he added. The protestors estimated that dividends owed to members are roughly around $24 million – for the years 2011, 2012, 2013. However, Secretary of the GPSCCU Trevor Benn told Kaieteur News that contrary that the allegation, the Union is awaiting the word from the Ministry’s Cooperative Society as it relates to the audit. “It’s a sequence of events it has nothing to do with what they are talking about. We can’t move forward unless the audits are completed and verified. There are discussions ongoing between the Credit Union and the Department of Labour as it relates to the audited statements for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Benn said that after the audits are finalised and verified, the long overdue AGM will be held.

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Kaieteur News

Sandals partners with farmers to supply Irish potatoes KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Sandals Resorts International has made an upfront purchase of more than J$3 million (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) worth of Irish potato seeds, which have been handed over to local farmers. Chairman of the Tourism Linkage Council, Adam Stewart, who is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sandals, in recognising the link between tourism and agriculture, noted that this equates to 1,300 bags, capable of planting 40 to 50 acres and expected to yield 700,000 lb of potatoes. “These can be stored for up to one year. Five farmers will benefit in this initial phase, but this figure will grow as the programme evolves to include other items of produce,” he said, while addressing a recent press conference. “The initial outlay of funds is a win-win investment with payback of the initial sum from the farmers to Sandals set to commence in installments after the first reaping, estimated to be 10 to15 weeks from planting,” he said. The Sandals initiative comes against the backdrop

Adam Stewart of a call by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, last week Wednesday at the official opening ceremony of the 35th Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in the western parish of St. James, regarding the strengthening of the partnership between tourism and agriculture. “This Government recognises the importance of leveraging partnerships to achieve growth and development. There are

important investment roles for both the public and private sectors to help transform our agricultural sector to one that is competitive, to alleviate food security risks, and for overall increased contribution to economic development,” Holness said. “As we seek to modernise our food-production processes to address hunger and malnutrition, to promote rural development, and to be climate resilient for greater and lasting impact, the power of partnerships is a necessity,” the Prime Minister added. Meanwhile, Stewart said the farmers will be the sole providers of Irish potatoes to the entire Sandals group, which comprise 11 resorts in Jamaica. This, he added, will further reduce the resort company’s import bill and create direct added revenue and market for “our local farming community and, ultimately, a boost to the local economy”. “The main aim is for Sandals to be 100 per cent supplied with Jamaica-grown Irish potato, with no further reason to import. This is a long-term sustainable programme,” he said.

New UN health agency guidelines aim…

Help Caribbean end ‘reign’ of tobacco industry GENEVA, Mar - CMC – The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has launched new guidelines aimed at helping Caribbean and other countries end the “reign” of the tobacco industry. WHO said the new guidelines, together with an accompanying publication, will help Caribbean and other governments “do much more” to implement regulations and address the “exploitation of tobacco product regulations.” “The tobacco industry has enjoyed years of little or no regulation, mainly due to the complexity of tobacco product regulation and lack of appropriate guidance in this area,” said Douglas Bettcher, the director of the WHO Department for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. “Tobacco product regulation is an under-utilized tool which has a critical role to play in reducing tobacco use, [and] these new tools provide a useful resource to

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Douglas Bettcher

countries to either introduce or improve existing tobacco product regulation provisions and end the tobacco industry ‘reign’,” he added. The UN said the guide, “Tobacco product regulation: Building laboratory testing capacity,” provides practical and stepwise approaches to implementing tobacco testing relevant to a wide range of countries, especially those

with inadequate resources to establish testing facilities. The guide also provides regulators and policymakers with comprehensible information on how to test tobacco products, what products to test, and how to use testing data in a meaningful manner to support regulation, the UN said. It said the guidelines will also assist in the Continued on page 23

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FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Budhram’s Landscaping & Tree cutting service. Free advice, Free design, Free after care follow up. Tel#626-1044 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, FREEZERS,SALE OFAC’S TEL:6294946,225-4822

EDUCATION CXC adults classes (Business & Science subjects) Form 1-5 lessons, Grade 2-6 lessons (slow learners, personal tutor) #690-5008,618-0649 Jean offers courses in Dressmaking, Curtains, Floral, Cake decorations. Barr St, Kitty. Tel#670-2653, 6388449.

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

Monday March 12, 2018

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Supari palm, Lipstick, Royal, Foxtail. Exora 4 for $1000 Ficus 4 for $1000. Organic potting soil. Tel: 626-1044 Parts for Tacoma Tundra Titan for sale. Tel#686-9608.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 (1) downstairs for rent for supermarket including living quarters (preferable Chinese) @ Lot 171 Section B Non Pariel ECD. Tel#629-4764. (1) 3 bedroom apartment, back of UG Call: 680-5944, 656-4211 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- suitable for salon or office- Call today! 683-7954

Brand new two bedroom flat for working couple, Middle 1- 320 BL cat Excavator 1- 215 road La Penitence. Tel: 619B cat Excavator 1- 428 cat 2800/225-6492 Back-hoe 1- 450 Honda Atv. Business place/Store for rent, Contact: 275-0367, 683-7225 located at Grove 1 Double steel wheel roller 1EBD.Contact 684-6331 Pneumatic roller 1- Leyland 2 apartment for rent : 1 Daf truck 1- Hand spray bedroom and 2 bedrooms bitumen kettle. Contact: 275ECD. Contact Mr Khan #6750367, 683-7225 2550/656-9313 Use Daff 620 truck parts. 2 Bedroom lower flat in ‘AA’ Contact: #650-0402/603-1402 Eccles. Call: 695-7427/689Unregistered DAF trucks: 6696 Dump trucks, Flat Bed, Flat One concrete three bedroom bed with Crane & Hauler. upper flat front building at Call: 659-3100 Durban street, Wortmanville. New Triangle truck tyres, Call: 622-6000 front & all wheel drive, size: Two bedroom bottom flat. EBD $43,000 monthly. 687-3017 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 Large and small household items for sale! Double door wardrobe, 32" Panasonic flat screen, ornaments etc. Contact: 691-3726, 629-4637 Mix breed pups Rotweiler mix with Pitbull already deworm vaccinated $70,000 dollars. Contact #664-4109, 668-5010 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 (1) new Mistubishi canter with excellent conditions with type of engine 4msl, long base, 2004 model, contact: 696-7664 (1) 10000 wall Honda generator good working condition. Price $275,000 Call: 615-1831 (cell) Salon supplies, equipment & products new and used for sale. #684-9409

SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2011 Raptor fully loaded 4x4 Auto excellent condition blue 6.2 litre super charged. Tel# 610-5370 Long base canter GRR series 2 million hydraulic lift tray good condition Tel# 609-1040 Bluebird 2012- 2.6M Axio2.5M Tida-2.2M All vehicles unregistered and have reverse camera. #655-3400 1 Bluebird, 1 Fielder wagon, 1 Raum excellent condition. Tel#664-0802 1 Laurel Nissan AC Excellent condition. Contact: 652-0709/ 626-1315 Unregistered Axela 2011, Dark interior, fully loaded $2.6M #617-5536 PROPERTY FOR SALE Yorrowkabra, Linden Highway, House, Chicken pen, New foundation, Land 200' x 100' Fenced, water & light. 6.5M neg. Contact: 6867180 Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $20M. Contact:6487109/686-4818

WANTED Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Chainsaw operators to work in the interior. Contact: 2237165 Security to work with mining firm, must have experience in said field Ages 38-45. Contact: 500-5923/676-8764 Experienced hire car drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel. Call: 265-7076 or 616-5419 Servicemen and heavy duty diesel mechanics to work in the interior. Contact: 2237165 Driver for pitbull bus Route 44 Georgetown - Plaisance #694-0500, 665-9174 Experienced curry cooks, pastry maker,cake decorator, counter servers. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with H/written application. 5 Commerce St. Wanted land to buy. Tel# 6976311 Male and female to work interior age 25-40, salary starts at $80,000. Call: 6741767 Waitress to live in & work in a bar. Age 18-24 yrs. Must walk with ID card. Contact: 221-2785 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 (1) hairdresser preferably from East Coast, capable of doing everything, 2 weeks cosmetology workshop for $30,000. Tel#653-5053 Refrigeration Technician. Call: 629-4946 One full time auto body technician for repair centre. Call: 222-0675 One person to work in office must have Math and English #672-8705 Now hiring new reporters & advertising representatives. Tel#622-1957 Experienced Shop workers & handy man to work in the interior. Age 18-40. Call: 2310363 ( 8:30 am- 4:30 pm)

VACANCY Hair station & Barber station rental, New market street #638-1106. Experienced persons preferable. Experienced sales persons with CXC qualifications. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard Street. Contact: 2278529/626-8003 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied. Key Food McDoom Village. Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Job entails assisting cooks in the kitchen and cleaning. Call: 618-2020. Experience hair dressers Magic Touch Beauty Salon. Tel: 225-6492 Vacancy exist for one cashier & operators to work @ Del Ice Co. Tel# 231-1408/6429191 Work from home earn $5K2 0 K d a i l y www.jobfairworldwide.com #622-1957 Employment consultation & guidance 9am-5pm Driver with minibus license living in G/town to work with company Tel# 646-8748 Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745.

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Reliable rentals. Cars, SUV at low rate and security deposit special rates for long term. #663-8033

(1) bedroom apartment, living room and bathroom 294 Fourth field, Cummings Lodge. Call:222-0401, preferably UG student.

TOLET 1 5-bedroom house in Good Hope, Rooms in Albertown, 2 bedroom apartment in Eccles. Contact: 225-3234 Two Bedroom apartment at Vryheid’s Lust E.C.D Phone: 613-4490

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

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

TOLET

Dominican Republic boosts security along Haiti border SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - CMC – Security officials in the Dominican Republic, say they have beefed up security along the border with Haiti in order to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. According to Defence minister Rubén Paulino, additional troops from the three military branches, as well as intelligence units have been deployed. He says the plan includes 50 drones, 50 vehicles, 200 motorcycles, and Air Force aircraft and Navy boats to patrol the coastline. In making the recent announcement, Paulino warned those in the agricultural sector in particular, against hiring Haitian labourers illegally and encouraged them to hire Dominican nationals. The Defence minister also visited the towns of Dajabón, Elías Piña and Jimaní – all located along the border, to supervise the start of operations that will be headed by Army commanders and for which that institution has deployed the 900 soldiers. He added that the operations, “complies with the provisions of President Danilo Medina in his speech last month to counteract the traffic of undocumented immigrants, drug trafficking, smuggling in the zones and establish health and sanitary controls.” THe Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola. LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608 Parafaite Harmonie - $1.8M 1st Uitvlugt - 2.5M Zeelugt 2M Tuschen- 3.2M Tel#6976311 Corner lot transported at 90 Garnette and Republic Streets 58’x31' Call: 622-6000 Newtown Kitty.

Monday March 12, 2018

Kaieteur News

France to commit 700 million euros to International Solar Alliance NEW DELHI (Reuters) France will commit 700 million euros (622 million pounds) to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday at the founding conference of the organization, reiterating the European country’s commitment to the alliance and clean energy. ISA is an intergovernmental organization that aims to mobilize $1 trillion in funds for future solar generation, storage and technology across the world. It has 60 signatories, with 30 of those countries having ratified the agreement. The treaty-based organization, launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, aims

to promote solar energy in 121 countries. Speaking at the conference, Macron said France was more than tripling its commitment to the alliance, and its total monetary contribution to the alliance stood at one billion euros. Other than leaders from member countries, the event was attended by leaders from major development banks such as the Asian Development Bank and African Development Bank who are expected to sign solar energy-related agreements. The organization’s main goal is to lower the cost of finance and spur investments across the supply chain, including in manufacturing, project development and storage,

President Emmanuel Macron Upendra Tripathy, director general of ISA, told Reuters ahead of the conference on Friday.

Pope expresses concern over national policies dictated by fear MILAN (Reuters) - Pope Francis yesterday expressed concern over national policies dictated by fear, speaking only one week after Italy’s general elections which brought populist and antiimmigrant parties to the forefront. The pontiff, who has made the defence of migrants a key pillar of his five-year papacy, has repeatedly called for decisive action to solve political problems causing many to flee from their home countries. Although the pope did not specifically refer to the elections, his words may resonate as a strong criticism of Italy’s centre-right bloc which has strongly

Pope Francis campaigned using antimigrant policy promises. “The world today is often

inhabited by fear. It is an ancient disease ... And fear often turns against people who are foreign, different, poor, as if they were enemies,” said the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. “There are countries where plans are dictated by the fight against these people,” the pontiff added, departing from his prepared text. The pope was speaking at the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Rome-based peace group Sant’ Egidio Community, which has helped in the last two years about one thousand refugees, mainly Syrian, reach Italy through so-called humanitarian corridors.

Help Caribbean end ‘reign’... From page 21 implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – a global treaty combating the tobacco epidemic – through strengthening tobacco product regulation capacity in WHO member States. “We need more countries to introduce and increase tobacco

taxes to drive down smoking rates and generate revenues to fund health systems,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. According to Vinayak Prasad, the head of the Tobacco Free Initiative at WHO, most countries “hesitate” to implement

GASKIN’S GASP

From page 9 profit oil. The contract with Ghana has to be ratified by Parliament. Ghana got a better deal than Guyana even though that deal is being criticised within Ghana. Guyana had options. It could have adopted a better model rather than sticking to the exploration model. Guyana was advised very early to examine the establishment of a state-owned oil company which would have given greater control of its oil resources and avoid some of the mis-steps which have taken place. But do not tell that to the Minister of Business. He is convinced that Guyana got a decent deal. And many supporters of the government are stifling their conscience and agreeing with the Minister.

policies, due in part to the highly technical nature of such policy interventions and the difficulties in translating science into regulation. “Failure to regulate is a missed opportunity as tobacco product regulation – in the context of comprehensive control – is a valuable tool that complements other tried and tested tobacco control interventions, such as raising taxes, and ensuring smoke-free environments,” he said. The UN said the accompanying publication, “Case studies for regulatory approaches to tobacco productsMenthol in tobacco products,” includes “practical steps, as well as policy options countries can employ to make regulations more effective, such as the regulators’ enforcement of a total ban on the use of flavors in tobacco products, such as menthol.”

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Monday March 12, 2018

Kaieteur News

Policewoman, friend die in bike crash

DEAD: Mauava Alicia Chase

The motorcycle involved in the accident. Stanley Junior King An accident which occurred on Saturday evening around 21:45 hrs on the Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD), has left two dead and family and friends mourning. Dead is 24-year-old Mauava Alicia Chase, a Police Constable stationed at Central Passport Office and of Lot 187 Thomas Street, Kitty, and her friend, Stanley Junior King, 24, of Lot 116 Section ‘M’ Campbellville. This newspaper understands that Chase was the pillion rider on motorcycle #CG 2195, which at the time was ridden by King. Police investigations revealed that King was proceeding south along the western carriageway of the road, allegedly at a fast rate and while negotiating a turn, he lost control and slammed into the median on the fourlane road at Houston. King and Charles were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where King was pronounced dead on arrival. Chase succumbed to her injuries shortly after. According to Chase’s sister, Latoya Chase, her sibling who would have celebrated her 25th birthday March 19. She said her sister was in bed sleeping, when she received a phone call. She then started to prepare to go out with some of her coworkers and friends. Latoya added that she told her sister to be careful

and she responded “girl is wa happen to you?” The distraught sister said that she heard the sound of a motorcycle and her sibling went outside to meet the rider. An hour after, she received a phone call from someone who said that her sister was involved in an accident, and was at the GPHC. A friend of the policewoman said that she along with other friends, including Chase and Junior were heading to meet with some others at Republic Park,

Georgetown. This newspaper understands that they pleaded with Chase to enter the car but she insisted that she was going to follow behind on the motorcycle. Chase leaves to mourn six siblings and her parents. A friend of King stated that he had worked with the Aurora Gold Mines, was “a calm person who enjoyed life.” The bodies are at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting post mortem today.

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Monday March 12, 2018

Kaieteur News

Not just theatre - U.S. officials defend Trump-Kim meeting WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. officials yesterday defended President Donald Trump’s decision to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the move was not just for show and not a gift to Pyongyang. “President Trump isn’t doing this for theatre. He’s going to solve a problem,” said Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo on the “Fox News Sunday” programme. The United States expects North Korea to halt all nuclear and missile testing in advance of any meeting, Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said yesterday news shows. The goal of the meeting remains denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, something Kim has agreed to discuss, they said. Pompeo said U.S. military exercises in the region would continue in the lead-up to the talks. The Republican president agreed on Thursday to accept an invitation from the North Korean leader to meet by May after months of escalating tensions over Pyongyang’s advancing nuclear and missile programmes. Trump would become the

Donald Trump (right) and Kim Jong Un first sitting U.S. president to meet with a leader of the reclusive country. The two men would face each other after a public volley of insults, with Trump calling Kim “Little Rocket Man” and Kim referring to Trump as a “dotard.” No venue or date for the meeting has been determined, but Trump’s prompt acceptance set off a flurry of activity. The South Korean officials who carried Kim’s invitation to Washington will split up to visit the leaders of China and Japan this week to update them on the talks, a South Korean presidential official said yesterday. North Korea’s leaders have sought a face-to-face meeting with a U.S. president for decades, but have been rebuffed over human rights

concerns as well as the nuclear ambitions. U.S. student Otto Warmbier died last summer shortly after his release from a 17-month detention. Three Americans remain detained in North Korea. Many Democrats as well as Trump’s fellow Republicans said the United States should have demanded concessions before granting North Korea a meeting. “Before they get that kind of prize, we should insist that they make some real changes, verifiable changes to their programmes,” Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Warren said she was worried the North would “take advantage” of Trump.

China allows Xi to remain president indefinitely, tightening his grip on power BEIJING (Reuters) China removed presidential term limits from its constitution yesterday, giving President Xi Jinping the right to remain in office indefinitely, and confirming his status as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong died more than 40 years ago. China’s ruling Communist Party announced the proposed amendment only last month and there was never any doubt it would pass as parliament is packed with loyal party members who would not have opposed the proposal. The amendments also include inserting Xi’s political theory into the constitution, something that was already added to the party charter in October at the end of a party congress, a feat no other leader since Mao had managed while in office. Additionally, clauses were included to give a legal framework to a new super anti-corruption department. Only two “no” votes were cast, with three abstentions, from almost 3,000 delegates. Reporters were briefly ushered from the main hall in

President Xi Jinping the Great Hall of the People as delegates filled in their ballot papers, but allowed in to see them placing the papers, one by one, into large red ballot boxes around the room. Xi cast his vote first, on the podium at the front of the hall, followed in turn by the other six members of the party’s elite Standing Committee, which runs China. The room erupted into loud applause when the result of the vote was passed, though Xi did not address parliament. The limit of two five-year

presidential terms was written into China’s constitution in 1982 after Mao’s death six years earlier by Deng Xiaoping, who recognised the dangers of oneman rule and the cult of personality after the chaos of the Cultural Revolution and instead espoused collective leadership. Speaking later to reporters, Shen Chunyao, chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of parliament’s standing committee, dismissed concerns the move could risk a return to strongman rule or lead to political turmoil or infighting. “As for the assumptions, conjecture and stretched situations in your question, I think that does not exist,” Shen said. In the past nine decades of the party’s history it has overcome hardships and resolved major problems, including orderly leadership transitions and keeping the party and country’s vitality and longterm stability, he added. “In the nearly 40 years of reform and opening up, we have successfully established, upheld and expanded the political development road of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” Shen said.

Monday March 12, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Majority of Peruvians favour impeaching president: Ipsos poll LIMA (Reuters) - A majority of Peruvians want President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski to resign or be forced from office by Congress, according to a poll by Ipsos published in a local newspaper yesterday. Kuczynski narrowly survived an impeachment bid in December but opposition lawmakers are making a new push to unseat the centerright leader over his ties to a Brazilian company at the heart of a massive Latin Americanwide graft scandal. The Ipsos poll, published by the newspaper El Comercio, found that 58 percent of Peruvians want Kuczynski to be impeached by Congress, versus 37 percent who rather he would continue in power. A similar number would also be happy if he went voluntarily, instead - 56 percent want him to resign so Vice President Martin Vizcarra can govern the country, compared to 40 percent who

think Kuczynski should finish his term as scheduled in 2021, the poll showed. Kuczynski has repeatedly denied anything improper or illegal about payments his consulting firm received from the Brazilian company, Odebrecht [ODBES.UL], when he was a government minister more than a decade ago. Kuczynski said the new impeachment motion unveiled by lawmakers this week makes Peru look “ridiculous” as it prepares to host the Summit of the Americas on April 13-14, a gathering of the region’s leaders. “I’m going to defend myself and I won’t resign because I haven’t done anything” wrong, Kuczynski told a crowd of supporters on Friday. The new impeachment vote will be scheduled after Kuczynski speaks to a congressional investigative committee about his

connections to Odebrecht on March 16. Kuczynski’s approval rating remained at 19 percent for a second straight month while disapproval of his presidency inched up to 76 percent, the Ipsos poll found. The poll of 1,254 Peruvian adults was taken March 7-9 and had a 2.8 percentage point margin of error.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid reports of possible industrial action by the island’s public sector teachers this week, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information says it has put in place contingency plans to ensure that provisions are made for the safety and security of students. The ministry in a release yesterday said that in order to ensure that all schools across the island will be effectively manned during this period, a plan of action has already been effected. Regional Response Teams (RRTs) comprising officers from the Ministry of Education, select tertiary institutions, Secondary

Schools Student bodies and the National Parent Teachers Association of Jamaica are reportedly being briefed and placed on standby alert to take charge of classes as of today for the duration of the school day. At the end of the day, the ministry said students will be sent home with an advisory from their school board indicating whether or not school will reopen the next day. Plans are reportedly being put in place for 760 Primary, All Age and Primary and Junior High Schools and 171 High Schools. The ministry said parents with students at Special Education Schools and Departments as well as Infant Schools and Infant

Departments will be alerted through the media, telephone calls and the schools’ SMS to collect their children at school as soon as they are advised of the industrial action. They will be further asked to keep their children home for the period of the industrial action, the ministry said. In the meantime, the ministry said the following events previously slated for tomorrow have been postponed: - All training for the Alternative Pathways to Secondary Education (APSE) programme; - Principal Leadership Training - All meetings scheduled for this morning with ministry officers. (Jamaica Observer)

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski

Education ministry announces contingency plans in light of possible teacher strike

Carmona to deal with Archie sabbatical Trinidad Guardian - After a six-day trip to Miami, President Anthony Carmona returned to the country yesterday having to deal with the current controversy over whether or not Chief Justice Ivor Archie can in fact go on a six-month sabbatical. Last week Tuesday, news of Archie’s sabbatical came to the fore after correspondence between Carmona and himself were leaked to the public. In a letter dated February 26, Archie wrote Carmona thanking him for approving his sabbatical which was expected to begin yesterday. Archie was supposed to have flown out of the jurisdiction yesterday, until August 31. Archie wrote Carmona seeking the time off on November 8, last year. He referenced the Salaries Review Commission’s 98th Report dated November 13, 2013, as the authority on which he could apply for the sabbatical. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley wrote the Office of the President seeking clarification on what grounds Archie was

President Anthony Carmona

Chief Justice Ivor Archie

provided leave stating that SRC makes recommendations which are laid in Parliament and can be rejected, modified or amended by Cabinet. Acting President Christine Kangaloo on Friday askedArchie to defer his leave until Carmona return yesterday. Since then, email correspondence among judges in the period July 21, 2014, indicated that there was never any agreement and an email dated July 18 to the

Chief justice indicated the committee established to consider the issue “never actually met” since attempts to meet were thwarted by the unavailability of one of the other judges”’ The committee established to consider the sabbatical arrangements comprised current presidentelect then Justice Paula-Mae Weekes, Maureen Pemberton, Hayden St ClairDouglas, and Ricky Rahim.

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Five key points in Russia’s ‘no surprises’ presidential campaign Moscow (AFP) - With little suspense over the eventual winner of the March 18 presidential election, Vladimir Putin has cruised through a laid-back campaign for a fourth term, focusing on a couple of keynote appearances. The official emphasis has shifted to ensure a good turnout, with a colourful lineup of candidates allowed to stand — as long as they pose no real threat. Putin has almost opted out of direct campaigning, eschewing participation in debates and filming no fresh material for videos. So far he has given a twominute speech in Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium as tens of thousands of supporters cheered in sub-zero temperatures. “Together we are a team. Are we a team?” he asked the

Russia’s Vladimir Putin has largely opted out of direct campaigning except for one appearance among supporters at Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium (AFP Photo/Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV) crowd, which replied, “Yes!” State-controlled television has done the work

for Putin with slavish coverage of his every move. Memorably, he stripped to

Turkish socialite and friends killed in plane crash in Iran

ISTANBUL/DUBAI (Reuters) - A wealthy Turkish socialite and her friends were among the 11 people killed yesterday when a private plane bringing them home from a Dubai bachelorette party crashed into an Iranian mountainside. The plane was owned by the private holding company of Turkish businessman Huseyin Basaran, and carried eight passengers and three-crew, an official for Turkey’s transport ministry said. Those on board included Basaran’s daughter Mina and seven of her friends, all flying back from a party ahead of her planned wedding next month. Basaran, a former deputy chairman of Trabzonspor football club, owns businesses that span yachts to energy. One of his companies is the top shareholder in Bahrain Middle East Bank BSC, a small investment bank. His construction projects include a series of luxury apartment blocks on Istanbul’s Asian side called “Mina Towers”, named after his daughter. The last photo on Mina Barasan’s Instagram account showed her surrounded by seven other young women, all wearing robes and sunglasses. The post, tagged #minasbachelorette, said it was taken at the One and Only Royal Mirage luxury hotel in Dubai. By late yesterday evening, just a few hours

after news of the crash, there were more than 7,000 comments on the photo. “The wreck of the jet and the bodies are found. They will be carried down from the mountain when sun comes up. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones,” the head of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kinik, said on Twitter, citing his Iranian sister organisation. Kinik had earlier told Reuters there was “no chance” of any survivors, given the aircraft was a jet and it was flying in snowy weather, although he was unable to officially confirm fatalities. Calls to Basaran Holding’s office in Istanbul went unanswered. Reza Jafarzadeh, spokesman for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, told state television the jet had crashed near the southwestern city of Shahr-e Kord. Local residents who had reached the site of the crash said there appeared to be no survivors and victims’ bodies were burnt, ISNA news agency reported, quoting Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran’s emergency services. ISNA earlier quoted emergency services as saying the wreckage was burning and was clearly visible. Emergency crews had a difficult approach to reach the crash site because of the mountainous terrain, ISNA said.

swimming trunks to jump into an ice hole for Orthodox Christian festivities in January. More common than Putin’s own campaign posters are billboards simply urging people to vote, as the Kremlin focuses on high turnout, particularly among young people. The same message has come across in viral videos, a photo-shoot with lingerieclad models and ads on youth-oriented television. In a state of the union address that was not officially a campaign speech, Putin became most animated as he demonstrated the country’s mighty arsenal. Presenting a host of weapons in development and testing, he boasted they are “invulnerable” to current missile and air defences. Things had moved on from the years when the

Russian military was in the doldrums, the president stressed. “No one listened to us then. Listen to us now,” he urged, winning a standing ovation. Rivalry between two candidates — veteran nationalist politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky and liberal former reality TV show host Ksenia Sobchak — has led to ugly scenes. During filming of a televised debate, Sobchak became enraged as Zhirinovsky mocked her career and called her “thick”. She threw a glass of water over him, to which he responded by calling her a “whore,” one of the worst expletives in Russian. Things took a more sinister turn as a man stood waiting for Sobchak after a dinner and threw water over her, saying: “This is for Zhirinovsky!” She wrote on

social media that it caused her to slip and fall. It turned out the attacker was working as an intern for the head of Moscow city parliament, who later dismissed him. Communist candidate Pavel Grudinin has suffered what he calls a smear campaign in pro-Kremlin media after standing for the largest parliamentary opposition party. The agri-business owner, forecast to be runner-up, has faced repeated accusations of hiding foreign bank accounts and owning property abroad, which he has denied. The rumbles began as opinion polls suggested support for Grudinin was growing. Analysts told AFP that the Kremlin wants Grudinin to do reasonably well and boost turnout, but not erode Putin’s vote share. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been barred from polls due to a criminal conviction he calls politically motivated. He has told followers to boycott the vote. Now he is in limbo, awaiting a court hearing for organising an unauthorised protest in January and a likely 30 days in prison that could ensure he is behind bars on election day. Russia blocked Navalny’s personal website after he posted a video alleging a deputy prime minister enjoyed lavish hospitality from billionaire tycoon Oleg Deripaska. He eventually took the video down while leaving it on YouTube where it has been viewed more than six million times.

Venezuela’s Maduro calls U.N. rights chief a U.S.-backed ‘tumor’ CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan socialist President Nicolas Maduro said weekend the United Nations human rights chief was a puppet of the United States who had implanted himself like a “tumor” and had no right to criticize Maduro’s handling of the crisis-stricken nation. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said last week that crimes against humanity may have been committed by state forces in Venezuela and voiced alarm at “the erosion of democratic institutions” in the country. Maduro, who says there is a right-wing plot to sabotage his government, deflected the criticism during brief comments to journalists broadcast on state television. “The high commissioner

is a militant of the fascist Venezuelan right. ... He is a pawn of the State Department who is embedded like a tumor in the human rights system,” Maduro said. “He is a person who has lost all credibility to opine about our c o u n t r y. ” O p p o s i t i o n politicians say an increasingly isolated Maduro is picking fights with foreign critics instead of trying to fix a brutal economic meltdown in the oil-rich country. Venezuelans are suffering a fifth year of a recession that has sparked disease, malnutrition, hyperinflation and mass emigration. The main opposition coalition is boycotting a May presidential election, saying it is a farce intended to legitimize Maduro’s “dictatorship.”

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Zeid also criticized the vote this week, saying that the context “does not in any way fulfill minimal conditions for free and credible elections.”

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Karachi set to host RAGGED WINDIES SUFFER Pakistan-West Indies T20Is SERIES WHITEWASH CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies Women saved their worst performance for the final OneDay International, as they went under by 205 runs to suffer the ignominy of another whitewash on New Zealand soil here yesterday. Asked to chase an improbable target of 311 at Hagley Oval, the Caribbean side were rolled over without so much as a whimper for a paltry 105, to suffer their third straight defeat in the series. Captain Stafanie Taylor top-scored with 26 but was the only one to pass 20 as her side’s batting declined badly to record their second lowest ODI total in two years. On their last tour here four years ago, Windies Women were also swept 3-0 in a the one-day series, before going on to lose the five-match Twenty20 series 4-0. Opting to field first, West Indies Women watched as the White Ferns piled up an imposing 310 for five off their 50 overs. Suzie Bates extended her superb run of form with 89 to go past 4 000 runs in ODIs, Sophie Devine weighed in with 73 and Amy Satterthwaite, 69. Windies struck early when Lauren Down was run out for three in the fifth over with the score on 16 but that was their last bright spot as the hosts batsmen dominated. First, Bates and

Captain Stafanie Taylor … top-scored with 26. Satterthwaite came together to post 151 for the second wicket, a stand which put the advantage firmly in New Zealand’s favour. Bates, with scores of 44 and 101 not out in the two previous ODIs, stroked six fours in a 97-ball innings while Satterthwaite faced 81 balls and also struck six fours. Both fell in the space of 12 deliveries with just six runs added but Devine anchored a 58-run, fourth wicket stand with Katey Martin (24) before adding a further 63 with Anna Peterson (27 not out) in an unbroken sixth wicket partnership, to give the innings strong finish. Devine counted six fours

in a busy 58-ball stay at the crease. West Indies Women’s run chase was in crisis from as early as the third over when Kycia Knight was run out without scoring, with eight runs on the board. Hayley Matthews followed for 11 in the seventh over at 21 for two but the visitors took hope in two small partnerships anchored by Taylor and then Deandra Dottin (15). Taylor, with half-centuries in her two previous innings, added 21 for the third wicket with Dottin, who in turn put on 23 for the fourth wicket with Kyshona Knight (12). Dottin’s demise in the 18th over, however, saw the last seven wickets tumble spectacularly for 40 runs. Devine completed a solid all-round outing with three for 24 while fellow seamer Holly Huddleston picked up two for 19. West Indies face the hosts in the first T20 International of the fivematch series starting Wednesday in Tauranga. Scores: NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 310 for five off 50 overs (Suzie Bates 89, Sophie Devine 73, Amy Satterthwaite 69; Deandra Dottin 2-58). WEST INDIES WOMEN 105 off 34.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 26; Sophie Devine 3-24, Holly Huddleston 2-19).

NBA Roundup: Heat Roll Past Wizards The Associated Press Miami — James Johnson scored 20 points, Wayne Ellington added 17 and the Miami Heat ran away in the third quarter to beat the Washington Wizards, 129102, on Saturday night. Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder and Kelly Olynyk all scored 13 for the Heat, who never trailed and outscored Washington 43-28 in the third. That was Miami’s highest-scoring quarter in a regular-season contest since Oct. 30, 2013 — 394 games ago. Dwyane Wade got the 8,000th field goal of his career in the first half, but left less than a minute into the fourth quarter with what was diagnosed as a mild left hamstring strain. The Heat had a six-hour flight to Portland yesterday, in advance of a game there today. Jodie Meeks scored 23 for the Wizards, whose five-game winning streak

was snapped. Bradley Beal scored 14 for Washington, which was outscored 76-42 in the paint — even on a night when Heat center Hassan Whiteside couldn’t play because of hip pain and his replacement, Bam Adebayo, was limited with foul trouble. Hornets 122, Suns 115 Charlotte, n.c. — Dwight Howard had 30 points and 12 rebounds, Nic Batum flirted with a triple-double and Charlotte held on to beat Phoenix to snap a five-game

losing streak. Batum added 29 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and Marvin Williams chipped in with 16 points as the Hornets won despite nearly squandering a 22-point fourth quarter lead to a Suns team playing without star Devin Booker. The Hornets led by eight at halftime and seemed ready to put this one on cruise control after outscoring the Suns, 35-21, in the third quarter behind 14 points from Batum.

A gigantic Pakistani flag engulfs one of the stands. (AFP) ESPNcricinfo - West Indies are set to become the latest international team to tour Pakistan. Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, has announced that they will visit the country in early April for a series of three T20Is, all of them to be played in Karachi. These will be the first international matches in Karachi since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore brought international cricket in Pakistan to a virtual halt. Pakistan have played nearly all their “home” matches in the UAE since then. There has been a slow trickle of international teams returning to Pakistan since 2015, with Zimbabwe, a World XI, and most recently Sri Lanka making short visits for limited-overs games, but all of them were confined to the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. Karachi is also set to host the final of the ongoing Pakistan Super League. “I have been working day and night to conclude an agreement with West Indies which I have just finalised an hour ago,” Sethi said. “Good news is that West Indies will play three games, on [April, 1, 2 and 4], but these matches will be played in Karachi. They will not play in Lahore but in Karachi. That is how we intend to put Karachi back on the cricket map once again. The PSL final, and now three more games for Karachi as per routine. Karachi

people should welcome this.” Sethi said Reg Dickason, the ICC’s security consultant, would visit Karachi during the PSL final to look at the security arrangements for the series. “Reg DIckason and his men will be here during the PSL final and we have contracted them to oversee the West Indies games as well,” Sethi said. “Their expert will stay back for seven days and conduct the security for West Indies series. This is part of our agreement with the West Indies board. This will be a one-off series, since, as I told you before, it will be a loss-making enterprise. The idea wasn’t to make money; it was to bring cricket back, so this is a step in that direction. “We have a separate agreement with the West Indies in which we are exploring a trilateral series including Pakistan, West Indies and one other country, which will be played in the USA over next five years. The details about the venues, dates, financial model will be discussed later but in principle it has decided that three countries will play in the USA.” Sethi had last year announced a five-year plan that involved the West Indies touring Pakistan every year until 2022, but in January walked back on that claim due to the costs involved.

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KARES GUYANA FITNESS CHALLENGE 2018

Dillon Mahadeo still the fittest for 3rd successive year; Delice Adonis is new Queen

Scotiabank’s Jennifer Cipriani (2nd right) handing over the #1 trophy to male celebrity winner Robbie Singh in the presence of female winner Macaela ‘The Remix Chick’ Cameron (left) while the Representatives of the two Charities display their cheques. Story and photos by Franklin Wilson Dillon Mahadeo has proven beyond the shadow of

a doubt that he is the King of Fitness in Guyana when he comfortably won the Kares Guyana Fitness Challenge 2018 championship yesterday

at the National Park for the third successive year. Emerging as the Queen following a very close tussle was 20 year-old University of

The injured Director of Sport Christopher Jones being assisted up by members of the medical team.

Guyana first year Communications student, Delice Adonis who toppled last year’s winner, Semonica Duke on a tie breaker after both athletes had won two of the five events and placed second in the other. Ye s t e r d a y ’s e v e n t , which culminated in the twilight of the evening, saw the fans and supporters who came out including dozens of children being able to appreciate a high level of raw talent, fitness, endurance, grit and determination displayed by all of the male and female athletes but as is the case always, only one winner on either side could be accommodated. The top five males were Dillon Mahadeo with a perfect 500 points, Timothy Mc Andrew (408) of Elite Systems Gym, Junior Cornette (401) of the Guyana Defence Force, Raveendath Bajnath (395) of Suriname and Anis Ade Thomas with 377 points. Delice Adonis of CrossFit 592 and Semonica Duke Genesis Fitness/ Crossfit 592 both ended with 480 points after the five events but Adonis was given the nod for the title following a tie breaker (best out of five). Adonis won Event 3 (24

Wall Burpees, 100m Atlas Stone Carry, 12 Wall Burpees, 100m Stone Carry) and Event 5 (750m Row, 3 Rope Climbs, 1 Sled Push, 1 Rope Climb, 1 Sled Push - Time Cap was 15 Mins). She was 3rd in Event 1and 2nd in Events 2 and 4. Duke emerged winner of Event 1 (100 Double Unders, 25 Deadlifts 185lb, 400m Run) and Event 2 (21 Toes to Bar, 50 Walls Balls 14lbs, 13 Toes To Bar, 40 Box Jumps 20inch, 8 Toes To Bar, 30 Kb Swings 35 l b s , 5 To e s To B a r, 2 0 Pullups, 3 Toes To Bar, 10 Overhead Squats 65lbs). She placed 2nd in Events 3 and 5 and 3rd in Event 4. Mahadeo, representing

Crossfit 592 and sponsored by Fitness Express was commanding in retaining the top spot and bragging rights for the next year as he swept all five individual events ending as the joint first place winner in the fourth event (Clean and Jerk Ladder) with Anis Ade Thomas. The male athletes started this event at 175lb and ended at 275lbs with five pounds being added on after each lift; the females started at 75lbs and ended at 150, the only female and first event to complete this event was Kirena Bell. Third Overall for Women was Tonnica Archer of Genesis Fitness with 425 points followed by Melissa Stewart (420) and Bell (404) in the fourth and fifth positions. Event 5 for the males consisted of (1000m Row, 4 Rope Climbs, 1 Sled Push, 2 Rope Climb, 1 Sled Push, 1 Rope Climb - Time Cap was 15 Mins). Attractive cash and other prizes were presented to the top three in each category while participatory medals were presented to each athlete. Meanwhile, the celebrity competition was won by Robbie Singh of Pulse Entertainment for Men, while Macaela ‘The Remix Chick’ Cameron took the title for Women. Director of Sport Christopher Jones who also competed in this event was forced out due to his left knee slipping out on the home straight. The respective winners of this event won Scotiabank cheques to the value of $100,000 each which goes to two charities, Help and Shelter and the Giving Hope Foundation.

Guyana Karate College holds... From page 33 Promoted from green belts to blue belts were Jared Hurry, Janiya Lee, Justin Persaud, Roy Khadoo, Navita Gunraj, Smriti Devanand and Chitra Persaud. Prosper Jacobs moved from blue belt to purple belt whilst Rehana Bascom skipped from blue belt to brown belt and Jerome Blyden and Lemuel Wilson were promoted from purple belt to brown belt. Omar Shariff, Micaiah De Peazer and Sharda Ranglall were promoted from 1st brown belts to 2nd brown belts. Genoveva Buelna skipped from 1st brown belt to 3rd brown belts and Laurence Baptiste, Laurie Baptiste, Randolph Scott, Nathanael Archer, Sarah Persaud and Sharda Persaud moved from 2nd brown belts to 3rd brown belts. There will be one more grading examination in July of this year before Team GKC departs these shores to represent Guyana at the IKD World Karate Tournament in Barbados in August 2018.

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GCB 50-over U-17 Inter-County cricket

Bissu & Singh spurs Demerara to title Former Champions Berbice finish second

Berbice skipper Jevon Shultz collects his MOM trophy from ex-Windies pacer Colin Stuart. By Sean Devers The third and final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U-17 Inter-County 50 overs cricket tournament concluded yesterday with wins for new Champions Demerara and former Champions Berbice. At Bourda, Demerara registered an emphatic nine-wicket win against the National U-15s to be the only unbeaten team in the four team competition, while the defending Champions, whose only loss was to Demerara, beat Essequibo by 126 runs at Everest. Demerara’s Leg-spinner Niron

Bissu continued to befuddle the batsmen; taking 3-9 and the Manof-the-match Awards in every game Demerara has played. Andrew Samaroo and Andre Seepersaud supported with two wickets each as the U-15s crashed to 114 all out as only Chandra Saffie (20), Movindra Dindyal (17) and Ajay Gainda (14) reached double figures for the U-15s, who used this tournament as preparation for next month’s Regional U-15 tournament in Jamaica. Romel Datterdeen trapped Yeudister Persaud LBW for 14 at 331 before Captain Sachin Singh, who

hit five fours and two sixes in an unbeaten run-a-ball 56, shared in an unfinished 84-run second wicket stand with Navindra Singh who made 27 not out from 62 balls with three boundaries as Demerara reached 117-1 from 23.2 overs. While the left-handed Singh was the more aggressive of the two and took more chances; hitting the ball with ferocious power, Persaud played the supporting role and stroked the ball into the gaps and rotated the strike cleverly and the pair complemented each other as they took their team to an easy win. At Everest, fifties from Seon Glasgow (59), Nigel Deodat (58) and Skipper Jevon Shultz (54*) helped Berbice to 267-6 after they had lost both of their openers for ducks with just two runs on the board. Shultz returned with the ball to claim 3-13 and got support from Abdul Ramsammy (2-11) as Essequibo were bundled out for 101 in 44 overs as only National U-15 all-rounder Sheldon Charles, who had five fours and a six in his 43, passed 10. When the game began in bright sunshine, Pacer Syvian William (242) sent Fawaz Gaffoor’s stumps for walk and had Mohabir Seeraj LBW before Marvin Prashad and Glasgow took the score to 67. Persaud (20) was brilliantly caught and bowled by 14-year-old spinner Manoj Dasrath, who has bowled impressively throughout this tournament. Glasgow, who took the Player-

Demerara’s spinner Niron Bissu collects his 3rd consecutive MOM trophy from former Guyana U-19 off-spinner Sean Devers at Bourda yesterday. of-the Tournament Award with scores of 110, 21 and 59 yesterday, was the only batsman to score a century in this competition but he soon lost Abdul Ramsammy (1) caught behind off Lance Roberts at 68-3. However, Deodat, who hit seven fours from 83 balls in his second fifty of the tournament, added 32 with Glasgow, who reached the boundary five times and cleared it once in his 61-ball innings before he was removed by Roberts at 100-5. Shultz, a National U-17 allrounder, joined the elegant Deodat and shared in a 68-run partnership

before being dismissed just before the end, while Shultz became the third batsman to reach 50 with his unbeaten knock. Roberts (2-31) and Williams (242) were the most successful bowlers for Essequibo who slumped to 14-4 and never recovered. Azim Mohamed (0) was run out, while Shultz removed Ameer Singh (0), Saeed Hach (2) and Mahesh Ramnarine (0) before Roberts and Charles took the score to 48. But once Roberts (8) departed, only Badesh Parsotan and Lallchand Seepersaud, with 10 each, reached double figures.

New Champions Demerara share the moment with officials at Bourda yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

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Arsenal beat Watford 3-0 for first Aleem Hussain wins LGC clean sheet in 12 league matches Club Tourney on Saturday LONDON, (Reuters) - ARSENAL 3 WATFORD 0 Arsenal eased their way past Watford 3-0 in the Premier League yesterday, marking their first clean sheet in 12 league matches and settling nerves at the Emirates after a string of losses in 2018. The win leaves Arsenal 10 points off Champions League qualification in sixth place in the standings, while Watford stay in 10th. “It was a convincing win. It gets us out of that negative spiral that we were in,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told reporters. Prior to their midweek 2-0 away win over AC Milan in the Europa League, the Gunners had lost four games in a row in all competitions, including back-to-back 3-0 drubbings by runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City. “In one week we got from hell to heaven,” Wenger said. Arsenal’s German defender Shkodran Mustafi opened the scoring in the eighth minute, heading home from a Mesut Ozil free kick for his third goal of the season and the home side’s 1,000th of the Premier League era. Watford pressed Arsenal back into their own area as the first half came to a close, but

they were unable to equalise. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the lead just short of the hour mark, running onto a pass from former Borussia Dortmund team mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan and rounding the keeper to slot the ball home. A minute later Watford won a penalty when Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deemed to have brought down Roberto Pereyra in the area. But Petr Cech got his fingertips to Troy Deeney’s spot kick, nudging the ball onto the post and back out, to roars of approval from the home crowd. The save helped the Czech stopper achieve his 200th clean sheet in the Premier League. Aubameyang then turned assistant for Mkhitaryan in the 77th minute, passing the ball across the front of the goal for the Armenian to smash the ball home from close range. “I’m disappointed because I can’t believe today we don’t score a goal. We conceded an early goal and then everything changed,” Watford manager Javi Gracia said at a postmatch news conference. “In the second half we created more chances, but after their second goal it was very difficult for us.”

The Winners pose with their vouchers and Captain Deo. From Left: Chatterpaul Deo, Maurice Solomon, Aleem Hussain and Rabindranath Persaud.

Watford goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis dives to his right but the pinpoint header sailed into the far corner to put Arsenal 1-0 up. (Graham Chadwick/Daily Mail)

In the staggered start (between 10:30 – 12:30) the Club Tournament hosted by the Lusignan Golf Club its President Aleem Hussain was clear winner, while 3rd place was taken by another Executive, Secretary Rabindranath Persaud. Mr. Hussain noted, “The Executive has promised to champion the Club Tournaments, and so far we are doing fairly well.” Meanwhile Secretary Rabindranath opined, “The performance shows that the Executives are practicing often, maybe more often than some Club Members. This should encourage other Members to increase their practice sessions.” The day’s winners and their performances were as follows: Nearest to The Pin (5 feet) – Rabindranath ‘Pandit Ravi’ Persaud; Best Gross (78) – Aleem Hussain; Best Net 3rd – ‘Ravi’ Persaud 72/18; 2nd– veteran golfer and

winner of the Sanjay’s tournament in February, Maurice Solomon 70/23; and 1st – Aleem Hussain 65/13. Captain Chatterpaul Deo said, “In five years this has been the best performance from a Club President.” Other golfers who placed in the top ten (10) Net performances were: Brian Hackett 73/ 16; Shanella Webster 74/16; Patrick Prashad 75/9; Haresh Tewari 75/18; Hilbert Shields 77/ 16; Robert Hanoman 77/25; Mike Mangal 78/ 8 and Dr Philbert London 79/18. Visiting the Club for the first time were Dentists Dr. Stewart and Ricardo Stewart (father and son) of Charlotte Street, Georgetown, who indicated that they were “very impressed with the state of the Club, and are committed to being involved in golfing at Lusignan.”

De Villiers’ delight at test ton as South Africa hunt win PORT ELIZABETH (Reuters) - A first test century in three years for AB de Villiers brought great delight to South Africa’s talismanic batsman, whose unbeaten 126 yesterday helped his side into a strong position to win the second test and tie the four-match series. South Africa still have work ahead on the fourth day at St George’s Park today but De Villiers propelled the home side to a significant first innings lead which could prove the foundation for victory. Australia are 41 runs ahead but only have five wickets remaining when they resume their second innings on Monday. “I still feel our bowlers have a lot in them and they are going to come with a lot

of fire tomorrow morning and hopefully knock them over.” De Villiers went to his 22nd test century before lunch with a characteristically innovative stroke, arching his back and helping a short ball over the slips and to the boundary. “I was unbelievably happy. I was quite nervous, I haven’t been in this position for a while and it means the world to me. I’ve been through quite a lot getting to this moment and I’ve worked very hard, so I feel very chuffed,” said the 34-year-old. NO FAIRYTALE De Villiers took almost two years out of the test arena to concentrate on the shorter formats of the game and spend more time with his young family but came back

in December. Yet there was no fairytale return either against Zimbabwe in the one-off Boxing Day test or India in January and only yesterday did he reach the milestone of a century for the first time in 13 tests. De Villiers, who averages over 50 in his 112 test appearances, said he had learned much since his debut as a 20-year-old against England at the end of 2004. “I was a lot more fearless when I was younger. The big difference from then to now is that I think I’m a lot smarter,” he said. Scores: Australia 243 and 180 for 5 (Khawaja 75, Rabada 3-38) lead South Africa382 (De Villiers 126*, Elgar 57, Amla 56, Cummins 3-79) by 41 runs.

AB de Villiers came out playing sparkling strokes with South Africa looking to stretch their overnight lead of 20 ©AFP