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

GUEST EDITORIAL

Privatization of state-owned media

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f the saying is true that any modern democracy places great emphasis on an independent media, then it is time for this government to privatize the state-owned media. The tens of millions of dollars which the government pumps into the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) and Guyana Chronicle, provide irrefutable evidence that the time has come to divest these entities. Unlike the Chronicle, NCN has a broadcast monopoly and therefore, it should be profitable, but it is not. Its survival depends on government subventions. In a small economy such as Guyana’s, it is bordering on lunacy that taxpayers’ limited dollars should be thrown into the bottomless wells of both NCN and the Chronicle. It shows that both entities from time immemorial have been financially mismanaged. When in opposition, both the PPP and the APNU+AFC coalition parties have persistently stated that they would privatize both media entities. Understandably, the PPP was in office for 23 years and instead of privatizing NCN and the Chronicle, it used them to its advantage to spread propaganda. Now in power for almost three years, this government has followed in the footsteps of its predecessor. By doing so, it has missed a golden opportunity to save the taxpayers millions of dollars. The role of the state is to regulate the media in Guyana as opposed to be the ownership of it. The government has to do a better job than its predecessor in providing the best regulatory environment so that television and radio licences could be granted on a fair basis to various entities. This is spot-on good advice to the coalition government, which while in opposition had promised to privatize NCN and the Chronicle, but now in office, it is singing a completely different tune. But if anyone thinks that this government would ever privatize those entities, then they had better think again, because it is not going to happen. As one senior public official put it: “Let the word go forth, the coalition government will not privatize the state-owned media, and there shall be no debate over that.” In essence, they have neutered any politicking or contrary opinion from the Opposition PPP which did the same when in power. Between 1995 and 2005, it was revealed that NCN and the Guyana Chronicle accumulated debt that had quadrupled. In the last three years, both entities had needed more than $350 million in taxpayers’ dollars for their operations and they are no closer to emerging from their eternal deficits. Not only does NCN have a broadcast monopoly, but its huge operational costs show that it also has a monopoly on financial mismanagement. It was publicly revealed that the PPP had owed NCN millions of dollars for advertisements from the last election campaign, which is a clear indication of the ineffectiveness of those responsible for its financial management. It also demonstrated just how the network was viewed and used by political entities and those in power. Those in power have always cherished the idea of having a state-owned television station to defend the status quo and promote the policies of the government. However, the time is ripe for the government to privatize both state enterprises in the interests of taxpayers, and especially in the interest of both media outlets. We are no longer living in the 1960s, which was the golden age of state-owned media enterprises. Today, that is no longer the case. That said, it seems that the government is content to pump the taxpayers’ money into NCN and the Guyana Chronicle for the simple reason of having both media outlets to do the bidding of the administration. It is inappropriate and a waste of public funds.

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Expectations are high in the face of oil DEAR EDITOR, With much interest, I have been following the discussions on the ‘supposed prosperity’ that the oil industry will bring to Guyana from 2020. Numerous seminars, workshops and conferences are being held to edify and sensitize people about the impending bright future for all. Many people have criticized the contract with ExxonMobil, while others are

contending that in the absence of information on the presence of oil in Guyana, that was a good contract. The Government, in particular, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, said that with the oil money, each Guyanese will become rich. This was reported on January 20, 2018, filed under Kaieteur News captioned “Guyana’s oil needs minimum refining.” He said, “...With an economy where it is now and the population where it is now with less than a million

people, each one of us is going to be wealthy in US dollars in a few years’ time.” This, I think is the general view of the government, hence they are solely depending on the projected income that the oil industry will generate and the prosperity it should bring to all Guyanese. I can’t begin to fathom who the Minister was referring to when he said ‘each one of us’. Was it each Minister or each citizen in Guyana? Realistically speaking, it can never be each citizen, since that defies logic.

Unfortunately, many Guyanese are buying into this theory and because of that, we are gradually abandoning our rice, sugar, agriculture, fish, forestry and gold industries, for this promising oil sector. This is a colossal mistake we are making as a nation. Name me one country where oil has made all its citizens wealthy. In fact, all the oil dependent countries are going through ‘real life’ problems presently. So, it’s time that we wake up Guyana! Ashan Bacchus

have stability clauses. (3) The contract (PSA) can be renegotiated. Sir, it is important that your government consider the worth of our oil resources. Oil is a scarce resource. These discoveries that Exxon made in our territorial waters may constitute the last significant discovery on the planet. Once extracted, oil does not regrow like a tree. Now that we are aware that the oil is there we must demand our fair share. The present Environmental Impact Agreement does not hold Exxon liable for any accidental oil spill. The Production Sharing Agreement gives us a measly 2% royalty, it tags us with a US$460 million cost for Exxon’s search for oil, it gives Exxon free concession for importation, “from rope to soap,” it allows only one audit of their expenditure per year.

It compels the minister to give one week’s notice before visiting the extraction site; it stops future governments from increasing any taxes or penalties throughout some 40 years of extraction (stability clause). Are we that hungry for some oil money to sign up for such atrocities? Sir! This explains why all the experts, including your own Dr. Mangal insists that Guyana got a bad deal. While so many PSA’s that Exxon had signed with other Countries were languishing out there in the electronic spectrum, from which our negotiators could have compared and contrast as they iron out a credible deal in the realm of orthodoxy for us. Our PSA leads the normal mind to wonder if Exxon “wined and dined” our representatives, then gave them to sign whatever Exxon (Continued on page 6)

An open letter to the president DEAR EDITOR, Despite the release from the Office of the Presidency that the PSA between Exxon and Government of Guyana is a “done deal” there is the call for Government to reconsider its position continues from all quarters of society. In all due respect, the cries from the masses should not and will not abate, until this objective is achieved. While the Government ostensibly has its legitimacy from the 2015 General Elections, we as the citizens have the right to have a voice in the “management and decision-making processes of the state, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well being.” The asininity of the PSA will affect our well being and the well being of the next two generations to come, long after the present personalities

in Government go to the Great Beyond. For this reason, we the people hereby appeal to the Government, particularly the President to do what is right for Guyana, by renegotiating the PSA with Exxon. Mr. President, we urge you to think carefully about the legacy you would like to leave for future generations as a president of this Country. VAT on private education was an issue that we the people were against; you rescinded it. We are grateful to you for that, albeit it took a year. The PSA is titanic in proportion to VAT on Private education and as such requires greater urgency. Sir your own adviser on petroleum had told the public that: (1) Royalties around the world are around 10 to 20% and more in some cases. (2) Contracts need to be dynamic (open to changes) therefore they should not

Use The Deposit Fund To Account For The Us$18M Signing Bonus DEAR EDITOR, Much have been said and written about the transfer of ExxonMobil US$18 million signing bonus to a bank account of the Bank of Guyana (BOG) instead of the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Guyana. Article 216 of the Constitution and Section 38 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) have been cited as being breached for this transfer of those funds to the BOG. In effect, my understanding of the Government’s position is that no monies have yet been appropriated to an expenditure head (account). When this is done the funds would be paid into the Consolidated Fund, hence there will be a delay in complying with the Constitution and the FMAA.

What indeed is of utmost importance and has apparently not been addressed is that monies received by Government are required to be included in a bank account as an asset and as a liability on the “Annual Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Government of Guyana.” At this point of time, it has not been shown on the 2016 Statement, and the same may hold for 2017 when that Statement is published. There is however another procedure to be considered and be followed in accounting for this US$18m and that is, to utilize the Deposit Fund. The Deposit Fund is an accounting entity established through Section 42 of the FMAA. This Fund is for non-budgetary transactions such as auto and personal advances, deposits made by entities such as

GuySuCo, Dependents Pension Fund, Etc. Hence, Section 42 provides for accounting of this US$18m non-budgetary transaction, by establishing an account. When appropriation(s) of expenditure is/are made in a Financial Paper(s) or in the Annual Budget(s), then those funds will be transferred from the Deposit Fund bank account to a Consolidated Fund bank account and expended thereafter. There is no statutory time limit for accounts to be transferred from the Deposit Fund. Further, while the funds are being accounted for in the Deposit Fund, they can be invested in interest bearing securities until they are appropriated to expenditure account(s). Depositing this $US18m in a Deposit Fund will result in it being recorded as an asset

account and as a liability account in the Annual Statement of Assets and Liabilities along with other Deposit Fund Liability Accounts such as the “Dependents Pension Fund, the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund,” only to mention two. In so doing, it would be complying with the principles of accountability and transparency of funds received by the Government. That being said, the Government of Guyana is required by the Constitution and the FMAA to account for this US$18m on its Annual Statement of Assets and Liabilities. It is therefore suggested that the Government Officials address the use of the Deposit Fund for this transaction in compliance with Section 42 of the FMAA. Yours sincerely John Seeram

Some allowed to violate the rights of others DEAR EDITOR, The state embraces and is obligated to abide by this nation’s constitution. That constitution addresses almost every aspect regarding the fundamental rights of constituents and the responsibility of those entrusted with upholding Guyana’s constitution. Those responsibilities ought to transcend personal feelings or partisan political positions, and contribute to the stability and progressive development of this Cooperative Republic. So I, like many others by way of writing, am exercising one of the constitutional rights. It is our collective expectations that those to whom the matters relate will take responsibility and act towards ensuring that being Guyanese becomes the envy of every other nation on earth. It is not the responsibility of those bestowed with public trust to take umbrage or become unduly defensive when faced with realities by those they are obliged to serve. It is an opportunity for

them to improve their competence, trust, and ultimately add to making life livable and a good one in Guyana. Reference is made to a letter captioned “Noise nuisance is killing me” in the March 14, 2018 edition of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper, which was submitted by “A distraught senior citizen”. The writer still seems to be in a traumatic state and is equally petrified to the point of seeking anonymity. Several posts have also been made over the past year by a gentleman named Malcolm Harripaul regarding a similar situation where he lives in Region #3. I know how it feels to endure such horrible experiences. I know how much restraint it takes to resist the temptation to respond in similar irresponsible ways. Why aren’t the rights of some of our citizens being respected? Why are a selected few being allowed to continuously get away with irresponsible acts at the expense and

violation of the rights of other citizens? What will happen if we all decide to violate each other simultaneously because those bestowed with ensuring civility do not act in timely or responsible manners to deter demagogic perpetrators? I invariably attach my name to every missive I post. I am not bothered or afraid to do so. It is a part of my innate and constitutional right to express myself in a responsible way on matters of concern or contribution to the development of Guyana and preservation of its sovereignty. No other nation on the face of this earth owes me the obligation of protection like Guyana. The same applies to every person born within the jurisdiction of Guyana, and by extension others who have taken the oath to citizenship of this beloved land. Citizens of Guyana have the right to undisturbed peace, and those who abuse their liberties must be made to act responsibly. Orette Cutting

Taking the protest to another the Council to make against the Town Clerk of the Georgetown a better place for city of Georgetown. level all. I suggest that the writer DEAR SIR, Please refer to a letter which appeared in your Kaieteur News issued March 14, 2018: “It’s frightening that these are the people who are in charge of our city” by Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM). The contents of this letter seem to suggest that the MAPM has metamorphosed into a movement against the Council and in fact, a movement against the city. One gets the impression from the letter that this particular group of individuals seems to have concluded that they have a duty to continue to spin a negative narrative against the attempts by

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This is unfortunate as it could only occasion a challenge to the collective effort of the Mayor and City Council to sustainably improve conditions in all local communities and the city as a whole. It is to be regretted that the MAPM appears to have outdone itself to speak on a matter for which it has no knowledge and competence, I refer to the matter, which involved a no confidence motion

of the letter familiarize himself or herself with the powers, duties, responsibilities of the Town Clerk, standards and protocols that are involved in receiving and placing motions on the Council’s agenda and the Standing Order Rules of the Municipal and District Councils Act, chapter 28:01. Regards Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer Mayor and City Council

In support of Behavioural Science Unit in the GPF

DEAR EDITOR, Please oblige me a space in your daily column, so I can lend some support to a letter written in your daily column,(K/N dated, last 22nd November, 2017,)”A Behavioural Science Unit is required for the police force,” Clinton Conway, Assistant Commissioner of Police .(retired) The laws of Guyana cover a vast terrain in its various responsibilities, from law-enforcement to crime prevention, punishment and the rehabilitation of offenders; most importantly the availability of human resources, where ranks must be trained to effectively carry out the man-date of a law-enforcement agency, have for decades evaded a good image for the GPF. Behavioural assessment procedure provides reliable information about how frequently and under what conditions certain classes of responses occur. Observing behaviours in

different settings, at school, in work places, churches, playgrounds and in our very homes allows us to identify specific problem areas in people’s daily lives. Our personality involves our overt behaviour, where it can be noticed by observers in what we do. Covert behaviour processes our thoughts, tendencies and fantasies on how we put things together as one and one; then we can fit them together in a meaningful fashion and attribute them to a personality. There are many disguised forms in which hostile impulses maybe released, such as in competitive sports, military service, law-enforcement, political debates and hunting of game; for example, a subliminal process is when individual channels unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviour. It is therefore, imperative that we give some support and recognition to the clarion call made by Mr. Clinton

Must I pay without receiving a bill?

DEAR EDITOR, I would like to address two reasons that contribute to the suffering of the poorer class of the population of Guyana. We have GT&T and GWI who are demanding customers to pay their utility bills without receiving a bill through the post. Is this the new law of the land? GT&T is demanding customers to print their bills online. Editor I would appreciate if you can please inform the public if there was any change in the laws of Guyana whereby you have to pay your utility charges without receiving a bill. Thank you. Sincerely Roy Persaud

Conway, for a “Behavioural Science Unit” to be established in the GPF. Such an important unit can develop methods for selecting police officers who are likely to become successful and some can become skilled in counselling police officers and their families, and young couples of the force, when personal problems arise. They can create personality profiles of people being sought for serious crimes, and train police officers in crowd control and handling of potentially explosive domestic disturbances. It can also work in our correctional institutions with Behavioural medicine and psychotherapy where this can treat offenders and assist in their rehabilitation. The court system can also benefit from the services of these skills and knowledge, where help can be made to assess the mental competency of a defendant to stand trial and testify in other instances which psychological factors are important. The relationship between the legal system and a “Behavioural Science Unit” can go a far way to reduce the possibility of injustices done to victims, especially in rape cases; where cues can possibly be identified on (Continued on page 6)

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Chronicle should reverse on Hinds and Respect this Mandir Lewis

DEAR EDITOR: When I read the initial reports of the discontinuation of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis as columnists in the state-owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper I resisted any public comment on the issue although I was tempted to comment immediately. I said to myself something couldn’t be right and lo and behold it took only a few hours for the chairperson of the board of directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd (GNNL), publishers of the Chronicle, to confirm, through the press, that something wasn’t right. Having met on Tuesday, it is now reported that the board has voted (5-4) to confirm the discontinuation of Hinds and Lewis as columnists. Simply shameful and pathetic! The Chronicle is the state’s newspaper, not the government’s newspaper. The government is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the newspaper serves the best interest of the state, as is the government too, should serve the best interest of the state. However, there will always be issues which many amongst the population would feel a government is not pursuing in the best interest of the state, and it is

the responsibility of the press, both state and private, to provide news reports and opinions which would inform and educate the populace on such issues. Hence, there must be room for critical analysis in the media and the last section of the media to suppress such analysis should be the state media. The reason advanced for the discontinuation of the two columnists is that the newspaper is “rebranding”. What exactly that means is open to several interpretations. The bottom line is that two columnists who have been constructively analytical of the issues of the day, whose conclusions have not constantly been in keeping with the views of the government, have been discontinued. If we are to build a truly decent, democratic and prosperous society then all ideas

must contend. This recent decision to discontinue the columns of Hinds and Lewis, even if there is the assumption that these two may have political ambitions that would threaten the ruling coalition, is a blow to press freedom. As one who published a parochial newspaper in the US for several years I know how it feels to be paying columnists whose views don’t sit well with the publisher. But as a journalist for more than 40 years I am committed to the ethics of the profession which, regardless of all the analyses about the role of media in society, maintain that the views of the people must not be suppressed. As a young journalist in Guyana in the 1970’s at both the privately owned Graphic and later the state owned Chronicle I often wrote articles, both news reports and opinion pieces which did not

sit well with the government of the day. Just ask Godfrey Wray about the Evening Citizen newspaper. I also referred to Prime Minister Burnham as General Burnham when the instruction was to refer to him only as Prime Minister Burnham in military attire. I was summoned to his office and contrary to popular belief prior to our meeting, I was not fired. Against this backdrop I urge His Excellency President David Granger, himself at one time a publisher, to intervene and to advise the Chronicle board that it should revisit its decision . His should be advice and not an instruction. For him to instruct the board would be political interference. He should simply ask the board to take another look at the matter. Sincerely Wesley Kirton

An open letter to the ... From page 4 wrote-the trick that one expert suggested is used by Exxon on third world leaders. Mr. President! One does not require a high intelligence quotient to detect that the PSA Exxon got from Guyana is more favorable to Exxon, beyond comparison to any it has with other Country- the experts say it is bad, we hire

experts for their expertise-a statement you can scarcely deny, having hired Dr. Mangal as your adviser on petroleum. In this regard the adamancy of your Government towards renegotiating the PSA is incomprehensible. It was noted that you had said that “the adviser advises me, “but policy comes from the Cabinet. We, the people, consider it as highly illogical and unorthodox that the present government policy on the PSA is not reflective of what your adviser had told the public. I

would not want to think Dr. Mangal told you something different. The present stance of your Government now begs a question. Did Exxon give or promise Government something that the public is unaware of? The secrecy of the signing bonus and the one year delay in releasing the PSA stand out like code RED indicators. The contract needs to be renegotiated to prove otherwise. Rudolph Singh

DEAR EDITOR, The Grove / Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (N.D.C) is an administrative body for the villages of Grove / Diamond, two housing schemes and the two squatting areas, all on the East Bank Demerara, Guyana. The very first Mandir to be built in Grove/Diamond, was the Vishnu Mandir (Guyana Pandit’s Council) that is located on the western-side (riverside) of the Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara. It is also at the entrance and border-line of the now two housing schemes (Grove/Diamond). There are vendors on the eastern-side of the Public Road (opposite the Mandir). Some of them are selling slaughtered meat for human consumption. The stench emanating from that area goes straight into the Mandir and disrupts services on Sunday mornings.

Last year a letter signed by petitioners was addressed and delivered to the chairman of the Grove / Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council office, and to date no action has been taken, although follow-ups were made. I deemed the Grove / Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (N.D.C) a lackadaisical attitude on this matter and I appeal to the Ministry of Communities and the Public Health Ministry, department of environment, to take immediate action to relocate those meat vendors to a most suitable place, so that the Pandits, devotees, friends and visitors, could once again peacefully meditate on their Sunday mornings worship. ‘’Respect the Grove / Diamond Oldest Mandir’’ Thanking You. Yours Sincerely, Parmanand Ram

From page 5 perpetrators in various forms. If we can take a closer look and pay more attention to these signs and signals of both role-model and maladaptive Behavioural patterns, not only on those who are institutionalized in our prisons, but during t h e p o l i c e r e c r u i t m ent stages where applicants can be processed in a special interview. Inferences can also be made on the weaknesses and strengths of both junior and senior ranks, so to

apply the necessary reinforcements and conditioning of behaviours, which can lead to better communication and inter-actions skills between the police and the public. If the present administration can pay heed to Mr. Clinton Conway’s call for a “Behavio u r a l S c i e n c e Unit” to be established in the GPF, it may well be on the way to creating a catalyst for change and to illuminate the image of the force. Sincerely yours, Mark Anthony Rodrigues

In support of ...

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Exxon’s uncapped delivery costs will significantly affect Guyana 2% royalty Is there any clause in the ExxonMobil Agreement that is in Guyana’s favour? In the eyes of the fledgling coalition Government, the “generous” two percent royalty and a 50/50 split of profit oil was one. But a closer look by local commentators shows that even this is a poisoned chalice. In his continued analysis of the ExxonMobil-Guyana agreement, Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds has found that even when it comes to the two percent royalty, Guyana will not get its fair share. Hinds said that this is evident in Article 15.6 of the Agreement which deals with taxation and royalty. That Section says, “The Contractor shall pay, at the Government’s election either in cash based on the value of the relevant petroleum as calculated pursuant to Article 13 or in kind, a royalty of two percent (2%) of all petroleum produced and sold, less the quantities of Petroleum used for fuel or transportation in petroleum operations, from all production licences subject tothisagreement…” Hinds explained, “What this section is telling you is

that before Government gets its two percent from the gross production, ExxonMobil has the right to deduct first, the cost of fuel it used in transportation for the operations”. “Think of it as if you have a contract with a farmer. You and farmer Jones agree that after the sale of x amount of plantains, you are entitled to two percent of the earnings. But before you get your two percent, he says to you that he must first take out his cost to transport the crops from Essequibo to Georgetown.” The Chartered Accountant continued, “Therefore, if the sale of the crops comes up to $100 and he says that the delivery or transportation cost is $40, then that leaves you with $60. You will now get two percent on that $60. The significance of this is that in your deal with the farmer, you have no agreed cap or limit to the delivery costs. So today it can be $40 and tomorrow it can be $50.” Hinds added that in Guyana’s agreement with ExxonMobil there is no cap mentioned for the transportation or delivery costs. The Chartered Accountant also went further to ex-

- Chartered Accountant tant continued, “But we are dealing with a peculiar situation here. Exxon has to take out their transportation costs first. Since the contract gives no idea of what that would or could look like, let’s assume its 10 percent of the gross sale price. That way, we would be left with US$2.4B. Apply the

Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds plain how Guyana would be shortchanged by the arrangement in Article 15.6. Hinds said, “We know by ExxonMobil’s projections that Guyana can expect 120,000 barrels of oil per day. At US$60 per barrel, the gross sale would be US$2.6B. If we take royalty immediately from this, Guyana stands to benefit US$52.6M.” The Chartered Accoun-

Weeping mom tells court she didn't ... From page 3 arguments yesterday. In her arguments, Prosecutor Lyken argued that it is unlikely for a person to buy cold tablets from a man selling on the streets at the bus park. Lyken insisted that it was Rutherford who gave the children the deadly poison, and it was as a result of problems she was experiencing at the time. To support her argument, Lyken pointed out that on more than one occasion, after her children died, Rutherford told detectives that she was experiencing problems. The prosecutor contended that of the many persons on earth, Rutherford was supposed to be the one to love her children, but instead failed. On the other hand, Thompson insisted that his client had given the children tablets for cold. He further asked the jury to

acquit his client of the charges since the prosecution produced no evidence to support that Rutherford had given the children rat poison tablets to drink. But the prosecution maintained that it was the mother who gave the children the poison. Recapping the evidence for the State, Lyken said that the woman's sister Monica Sealey had testified that she overheard Rutherford telling the children to “come and drink tablet.” According to Lyken, Sealey testified that she also overheard her sister telling her niece, Odaceia “Why is it you can't drink something when I gave you. And your brother (Jabarie) who smaller than you done drink it already.” Justice Singh will summate the evidence in the trial this morning. Thereafter, the jurors will be sent for deliberation on a verdict.

two percent royalty to that and Guyana would be taking home US$43.2M.” Hinds added, “This is significant because Article 15.6 can see us losing US$5.3M, given the example I used.” He said the fact that ExxonMobil has to deduct its transportation costs first,

which is uncapped, leaves Guyana in a horrible position. Hinds insisted that the figures indicate, too, that with such deductions, the nation is not even benefiting from a flush two percent royalty. Even its 50/50 profit split would be affected.

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Defence Attorney argues to overturn conviction for Cobra Defence Attorney George Thomas has addressed the Court of Appeal on a number of points which he claims formed an erroneous basis on which his client, Tyrone Rowe called “Cobra” was sentenced to 78 years in prison for murder. In 2010, Rowe, 17 years old at the time, found himself on a list of Guyana’s most wanted. He was later charged for Troy Collymore’s murder and was accused of robbing Mark Hunte on May 16, 2010, of articles valued $160,000. A third charge had stated that Rowe, armed with a gun, robbed Troy Collins, of gold and diamond jewellery valued $1.4M. In 2013, Rowe was sentenced to 78 years in prison by Justice Navindra Singh after he was convicted for murdering Troy Collymore called ‘Colly’ and ‘Nelly’ during the course of a felony. His attorney, Hookumchand, at the time had appealed the severity of

the sentence. The attorney unfortunately died a few years after the matter concluded in the High Court. Consequently, when the matter came up at the Appeal Court last month, Rowe was without legal representation. The Court therefore granted time for Rowe to acquire a lawyer, failing which, an attorney would be provided for him by the State. Appearing before Appellate Judges, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Rishi Persaud and Arif Bulkan, yesterday, Defence Attorney George Thomas raised a number of points in which he believes the trial judge erred or misdirected the jury towards the end of the trial in the High Court. In addition to severity of sentence, Thomas addressed the Court on five additional grounds which he claims led to the erroneous conviction and sentence of his client. During his address, Thomas pointed out, inter alia,

Tyrone Rowe called Cobra what he claimed is a “conflict” in the evidence of the two main eyewitnesses. He stressed that the trial judge, at the summing up of the evidence, only underlined the strength of the testimony provided by eyewitness and police constable Neil Thornhill.

Massy Service guards accused of stealing $3M, cash deposit bag Three security guards attached to Massy Service as cash in transit officers found themselves before the court yesterday accused of stealing a Republic Bank tamper-proof money bag, along with over $3M in cash and cheques. The guards, Sean Goodluck, 43, Clarence Patterson, 48, and Cosmo Chichester, 50, were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for the offence of simple larceny. The charge against the trio alleges that on November 13, 2017 at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, they stole Republic Bank tamper-proof money bag #00051810, containing $1,000,000 cash and $2,235,028 in cheques, property of Marics Company

Limited. They each pleaded not guilty to the allegation and were ordered to post bail in the sum of $200,000. They will make another court appearance on April 25. According to information, on the day in question at around 16:00hrs, the defendants went to Marics Company Limited and uplifted the bag containing the items, which were to be deposited at Republic Bank. Sometime later, the company reported to Massy Security that the bag and its contents were not deposited to the bank. As a result, the matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station, investigations were carried out and the charge filed against the men.

Thomas told the court that while constable Thornhill said he recognized one of the men involved in the crime to be Rowe, he also said that there was a light which cast a shadow on the faces of the men at the time of the incident. Thomas noted that the Judge failed to point out the latter to the jury. The lawyer said too that that the policeman claimed that he recognized Rowe, because of encounters with him when he was 14 years old. However, Thomas said, at the time when the crime was committed his client was 17 years old. “His features would have been notably changed by age seventeen. You cannot say that the person you knew at 14 years would look the same way three years later,” he argued. He claimed a failure to highlight such weaknesses added to his detriment of his client‘s case. Pointing out what he described as conflict in the evidence, Thomas told the Court that he believes the testimony of Chandrika Datt, another eyewitness, was not handled in the same manner. Recounting the evidence

of Datt, the lawyer noted that this eyewitness told the court he attended an identification parade in September of 2010, but he is not certain that Rowe was the man that he picked out. Datt is owner of the pharmacy in which the fatal shooting took place. “He said that he picked out a man, but he is not certain it was the accused,” added Thomas. According to the attorney, the trial judge erred when he failed to adequately direct the jury on the evidence of the second eyewitness. He surmised, therefore, that in the minds of jury, the testimony of one witness was given more prominence than the other. “On one hand,” he said “the testimony of a policeman (constable Thornhill) is highlighted as saying that he recognized Cobra (Rowe) and on the other, no (prominence) was given Datt, who is saying he is not certain that he (Cobra) was the man he picked out at the ID parade.” Thomas argued that the jury should have been instructed to carefully assess the evidence of both witnesses. He noted that the ab-

sence of that direction is critical and that is where the conflict lies.” Expounding on the issue of severity of sentence, Thomas argued that the Judge administered a lengthy “term of years” sentence, without taking into consideration the time the crime was committed. He noted that in August 2010 (the time of the alleged murder) there was no amendment to the law as it relates to the legal punishment for murder; it was still the death penalty. “No amendment was made to the legislation at that time to allow for a term of years sentence.” While he agreed that the imposition of the death penalty could not be less severe than the term of years, the lawyer argued that the excessiveness of the sentence should be viewed in the same manner as a mandatory death sentence. Emphasizing that the law cannot be retroactively administered, Thomas held that it was a wrong determination by the Court to hand down a term of years sentence without taking into consideration the amendment took effect until October of 2010.

C’tyne man jailed for sexual abuse of under-aged girl Vijay Singh, 21, was yesterday sent to jail for six years by Justice Sandil Kissoon when he appeared before him and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court. Singh was found guilty of having sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 years. The accused, who hails from the Upper Corentyne area, was in a relative’s workshop on the 8th October 2015, and during that time he took the opportunity to insert his finger into the private parts of the underage girl.

While committing the act he was seen by a relative and the matter was reported. Singh was arrested and charged. Before sentencing Singh, the Judge said he had 20 years in mind. He took ten years off for the man’s early plea. He took another four years off for Singh’s plea of mitigation which was put forward by state-appointed attorney Sasha Roberts of the Legal Aid Service. Singh will serve a total of six years in jail.

City group to stage protest today The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) has called for Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk, Royston King to be held accountable for the mismanagement of Georgetown. In a statement, the group classified the decision Monday by the mayor to throw out Councilor Sherod Duncan’s ‘no confidence’ motion against King as a well orchestrated stage show and nothing short of ludicrous. “MAPM would like to make it clear that after an assessment of the conduct of the Mayor and Town Clerk, and taking into account the important nature of the role of the offices they hold, (the group) considers them both to not be fit and proper to hold such office,” MAPM stated.MAPM called on the Local Government Commis-

…say Mayor, Town Clerk not fit and proper to hold office sion and the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan to act. The group supported Councillor Duncan’s decision to table the ‘no confidence’ motion against King. The motion was thrown out by the Mayor at the council’s meeting on Monday when she accepted the legal advice provided by King’s attorney, Maxwell Edwards. According to the group, the mayor’s decision left the Guyanese citizenry in nothing short of shock as they all watched basic concepts of democracy and good governance reduced to mere ashes. While encouraging Duncan to bring a similar motion against the mayor,

MAPM invited the public to join their silent protest today from 12 noon to 1 pm to register not only their support for Councillor Duncan, but also the unequivocal rejection of Chase-Green and King to continue as administrators of the city.“The continued reckless decisions, nepotism, bullyism, cronyism and evidence of mounting corrupt transactions that do not pass even a basic transparency test has eroded any remaining trust the citizens of Georgetown held for the city’s chief administrators,” MAPM stated.The council will today hold elections for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the year 2018.

Thursday March 15 ,2018

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UG expanding human ...

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From page 14 Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health has embarked on a rigorous programme to address mental illness in Guyana. For the first time in the Ministry of Public Health, a mental health unit has been established [and] a number of interventions have already been conducted countrywide as we seek to build capacity within our public health system,” the Minister informed. She'd moreover noted that the launch of the programme amplifies that the university is fulfilling its mandate of developing the human potential to tackle mental health issues. As such, it was highlighted that the programme is designed to increase the number of mental health providers available to evaluate and treat psychological conditions, reduce the high rate of suicide and also increase awareness, prevention, support, and compassion for those suffering from mental illness. It is also geared at providing professional growth and development for those currently in the mental health field by offering them undergraduate and graduate-level clinical psychology training. It was highlighted that the development and enhancement of competence in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of psychological problems would not only increase the level of professionalism of the field, but reduce the burden of mental illness among the general population.

Exercise restraint when ... From page 11 said, too, that it values the comments from its bilateral and multilateral partners on the draft content of the SWF, and welcomes further engagement and support. “However, we would like to recommend that our partners exercise restraint when pronouncing on Guyana's national priorities, and to refrain from making premature statements on its petroleum resource management, given the existing challenges of managing expectations and avoiding the Dutch disease.” The Ministry of Finance said that it welcomes direct engagement with its partners as it navigates these pivotal moments in the history of the country's development.

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Senior citizens’ clubs established in four regions

T

Senior citizens and other representatives at the meeting yesterday

Road works moving apace at Canal Number One Ongoing road works in Canal Number One

The Canal Number One, (West Bank Demerara) access road will soon be a completely rehabilitated asphalt road, with speed bumps included. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently refurbishing the stretch of road, which was previously in a bad shape, to allow for better access for scores of pedestrians and drivers. The road users would utilize that particular road to access communities such as Inner Bagotville, Onderneeming, La Parfaite Harmonie, and Westminster, according to a Government release. Previously, the road, which is one of two main access points to several housing schemes, was uneven and filled with potholes. A series of accidents have occurred in the area due to the deplorable conditions of the road. Sandra Pompey, who has resided in Inner Bagotville for over thirty years, said: “Well

after (former President Forbes) Burnham do the road, the road didn’t do back from since then and we so happy and proud that the road is doing... we very happy.” Marlon McRae, a foreman attached to the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) said that currently, approximately two miles of road in Canal Number One is being rehabilitated. So far, about four inches of compacted crusher run has been placed on the road. “We did some shoulder work and we’re actually blinding the road now because what you find, when the sun is out and we don’t get to soak [the road] enough, the dust affects the residents so [we’re] trying to blind it off as fast as possible.” McRae hopes to begin paving the road by next Monday, once the weather is favourable. The road project is slated to be completed by the end of March, but the timeline is dependent on weather conditions.

he Ministry of So cial Protection, through the National Commission of the Elderly, held a training exercise for executives of Sunset Senior Citizens clubs in Regions Three, Four, Six and Ten, at the Ministry’s Cornhill Street Office. Seven groups from the four regions participated in the training exercise, a government release said. The Senior Citizens’ Clubs provide opportunities for seniors to meet and share their knowledge. It also provides a platform for seniors to raise issues and concerns affecting them. At yesterday’s training exercise, the participants were educated on their roles and responsibilities, and the objective and perspective of the National Commission of the Elderly. Director of Social Services, Wentworth Tanner, explained that the Sunset of Senior Citizens clubs were established to serve as guides for the Government’s

policies for the country’s seniors. Through the Ministry of Social Protection, these groups will be used as vehicles to ensure seniors benefit from programmes implemented by the government Tanner said “the main reason for establishing the clubs is to get feedback on some of the concerns that seniors have. I think it would be unfair for decision and policies to be made without the involvement of seniors.” Moving forward, he said, the ministry is hoping to foster a greater relationship with the clubs that will eventually be established in all of the ten administrative regions. This initiative is part of the government’s overall plan to ensure senior citizens across Guyana lead meaningful lives.

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J’cans must see agriculture as primary source of income KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Chief Technical Director, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Courtney Cole, is calling on Jamaicans to change the culture of identifying agriculture as a vocation, to a primary source of income for the growth of the society. Speaking at the Agricultural Information Forum hosted by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew Tuesday, Cole said for years, Jamaicans have identified agriculture as being among the lower-class jobs and not the worthwhile investment that it can be. “Agriculture can no longer be seen as a vocation for those with limited education and shallow pockets. It is a discipline that requires a scientific approach as well as a serious business mindset if one expects to make a meaningful return on investment,” Cole emphasised. He said Jamaica’s economy benefits significantly from agriculture on an annual basis, and if more persons took agriculture as a serious business investment, then there would be a boom in the sector and the economy.

Chief Technical Director, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Courtney Cole (left), speaking with (from second left), President, JAMPRO, Diane Edward; and Chief Executive Officer, Agro-Investment Corporation, Sylburn Thomas, at the Agricultural Information Forum. “Before the devastating rains of 2017, Jamaica’s agricultural sector, forestry and fisheries grew by 13.5 per cent. We can go back to those places, because we have the basic makings of getting back to those numbers, but we

need all hands on deck; not just Government and the 220,000 small farmers but the private sector,” Cole said. “When there’s growth in agriculture, the economy benefits directly. When things are down and agriculture is up,

Police seize plane, arrest several people PA R A M A I R B O , Suriname - CMC – Police seized an aircraft with more than 400 kilograms of cocaine and have arrested seven people including two “foreigners”, according to a statement released here. The arrests come less than two weeks after a submarine with drugs was discovered on a remote property in District Saramacca, but while the aircraft was found in the same vicinity, authorities here are reluctant to say that there is a link between the two. “It was not clear yet to which extent there was a relationship between the aircraft and the submarine,” according to the statement released yesterday by police, noting that the aircraft had been discovered near the East-West highway in District Saramacca, west of Paramaribo. The plane, a four-seater Cessna Centurion twin-prop, was apparently forced to land, after taking off from an airstrip that has been constructed on a parcel of agricultural land. The statement described the airstrip as two-kilometres long and “advanced”.The police have not yet released the names of those arrested but said there were two “foreigners” and five Surinamese nationals.Media reports have

Cocaine seized in Suriname linked the ownership of the land to the same person who owns the property where the submarine was discovered. The flat semi-submersible vessel was found stuck in the mud of a shallow river in District Saramacca, a few kilometres off the coast with western neighbour Guyana. Its engine appeared broken. It is not clear when exactly it entered Suriname.Police have said that they found the boat after receiving leads from international partners. So far police have arrested eight foreigners in connection with the sub-marine; seven Colombian nationals and one Cuban who

resides in Suriname illegally. Opposition legislator Edward Belfort has called on the authorities to investigate what happened to the drugs the boat allegedly came here to collect.“These types of submarines are capable of transporting at least 10,000 kilograms of cocaine at a time. So that means there is 10,000 kilograms of cocaine somewhere in Suriname that they had to pick up or dropped off. Where is it?” Belfort said, adding that he is worried that Suriname is becoming the narcotics barn of the region. “We should fight that,” he added.

the economy is up also. The year, when it grew by 13.5 per cent the economy grew also. It is showing us how important agriculture is to the growth of the economy,” he added. Cole said agriculture-

based jobs should not be seen as low-level jobs, because this sector helps to build other sectors, such as manufacturing. “Manufacturing is a big part of what agriculture feeds into, because we have provided the throughput that the value-adders and the processors need to fill their market demands. This vision [of changing the culture of identifying agriculture as a vocation, to a primary source of income for the growth of our society] is closely aligned to Jamaica’s Vision 2030, which sees Jamaica being the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business,” he said. For her part, President of JAMPRO, Diane Edwards, supported Cole, arguing that his stance is one reason her organisation decided to host the forum and to promote investment projects in agriculture and generate interest among local investors. “This is really critical to the country’s future. Agriculture accounts for seven per cent of GDP in Jamaica, so a lot of times the GDP in Jamaica sinks or swims relating to the movement of agriculture,” Edwards said.

“When you take into account value-added products, including agro processed goods, the contribution of the sector rises to 12 per cent of GDP. When agriculture grows, GDP grows, and this is something that we saw happen about three quarters ago when agriculture grew 28 per cent. So we know that agriculture can grow, and we believe the time for agriculture has arrived,” she said. The event also focused on the Government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the sector and demonstrated how private-sector companies are successfully employing innovative approaches such as anchor farms/contract farming to grow their businesses. The forum also addressed other related matters, including financing options for agricultural activities; traditional and non-traditional crop opportunities; land availability and suitability issues; marketing of agricultural products locally and overseas; and government initiatives and programmes to support agriculture, such as agro parks and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) support to farmers. (Jamaica Onserver)

Trinidadian named as UN Assistant Secretary General UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres Tuesday named Trinidadian Elliott Harris as Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development and Chief Economist in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). He succeeds Lenni Montiel of Venezuela whom the Secretary General and the Under Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs praised for his commitment and dedicated service to the Organisation.Harris brings over 25 years of international experience in the fields of international economics and development policy analysis, coupled with knowledge of the United Nations system, multilateral and inter-agency coordination processes. He has extensive experience in the design of macroeconomic policies and its application as a central instrument for the reduction of poverty and for resilient and sustained economic development. His work in the field of economics also focuses on the macroeconomic linkages with global social and environmental policies. Since 2015, Harris has served as Assistant Secretary General and Head of the New

…As Economic Development and Chief Economist Elliott Harris

York Office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He joined UNEP’s Senior Management Team in 2013 as Director of the New York Office and Secretary to the Environment Management Group. Prior to joining UNEP, Harris began his career in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1988, where he worked in the African Department and the Fiscal Affairs Department. In 2002 he became an adviser in the Policy Develop-

ment and Review Department, and was appointed in 2008 as Special Representative to the United Nations, in addition to serving as Assistant Director of the Strategy and Policy Review Department. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in German and political science and an advanced degree in economics. He was awarded an Advanced Studies Certificate in international economics and policy research from the Institute of World Economics in Kiel, Germany. (CMC)

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 15 ,2018

PM Browne promises to follow Grenadian colleague and whitewash opposition ST. JOHN’S Antigua CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne is seeking to follow the lead of his Grenada counterpart, Dr. Keith Mitchell, and lead his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) of a whitewash of the opposition in the March 21 general election. In a congratulatory statement marking Mitchell’s 15-nil rout of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the third time he has achieved the feat since 1999, Browne, who called the general election here more than a year ahead of the constitutional deadline, said he intends to win all 17 seats in the Parliament. In the last general election in 2014, the ABLP won 14 of the seats with the remainder going to the then ruling United Progressive Party (UPP).“Prime Minister (Dr. Ralph) Gonsalves (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) said in a recent interview that myself and Keith Mitchell that we have worked very hard considering the circumstances that we inherited in our respec-

Prime Ministers Dr. Keith Mitchell (left) and Gaston Browne tive countries that we worked with aplomb…and clearly we have done well for the people. ‘I am quite sure the results here in Antigua and Barbuda will be just as exciting, as we say 17 none,” Browne said, extending “congratulations to my dear friend and brother. I think it is a well-deserved win and I am looking forward to joining him very shortly to celebrate a 17 none here in Antigua and Barbuda,”

Browne said. The prime minister has also defended the use of “a significant amount of resources” to be paid to be paid to regional and international performers at the ABLP rally this weekend, saying the funds were not that of the state and had been raised by the party for the occasion. Moreso he said, some of the artistes were his personal friends.

Govt. defends outsourcing policy KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica government says outsourcing services remain a key pillar of the country’s economic growth and job creation strategy. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) that the Andrew Holness government has been proactive in promoting, engaging and securing investments in the sector. He said that business processing outsourcing (BPO) has contributed to the reduction in unemployment to 10.4 per cent as at October 2017, which is the lowest since October 2008. “The unemployment rate was 2.4 percentage points lower than in October 2016, and a 0.9 percentage point lower than in July 2017,” he said, noting that a strategy has been adopted with the goal of nearly doubling the employee count within the BPO sector by 2020. “But, we have gone even further by forming the BPO task force, which oversees the implementation and update of the development work plan for the industry. “In addition, we have secured a National Coordinator for Outsourcing (NCO) to ensure that all elements of the ecosystem are in place, to ensure the success of the industry,” he said. Vaz said that the focus is

Douglas Vaz on strengthening the enabling environment, particularly the policy and incentive framework; labour market enhancement; infrastructure development and market penetration. He said that these initiatives have paid off, “as the sector continues to enjoy a high employment growth rate surpassing many of our other sectors”.The minister said that there are approximately 60 BPO companies in Jamaica offering a wide range of services, including customer care, technical support, among others, and accounting for over 26,000 jobs. “I am happy with the performance of the sector, but we want to ensure that even more Jamaicans are empowered through jobs. To this end, we have mandated the relevant government agencies to cre-

ate the environment for the expansion of the industry,” he said. He said that the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has committed US$73 million to finance 15 BPO projects island-wide. Last year, work commenced on development of new spaces in Montego Bay and Portmore to create over 6,000 new job opportunities.In addition, the Factories Corporation of Jamaica has undertaken to design and construct BPO space on 34 acres, with a target of approximately 20,000 jobs.“The job creation potential of the BPO sector is encouraging, to say the least, and augurs well for our (economic) agenda,” Vaz said, assuring that challenges, including the length of time for approvals, are being addressed.

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Britain expels 23 Russian diplomats over nerve attack on ex-spy LONDON (Reuters) Britain is to kick out 23 Russian diplomats, the biggest such expulsion since the Cold War, over a chemical attack on a former Russian double agent in England that Prime Minister Theresa May blamed on Moscow. May pointed the finger firmly at Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as she outlined retaliatory measures in parliament. Russia denies any involvement in the attack on exspy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who have been critical in hospital since they were found unconscious on March 4 on a bench in the southern English city of Salisbury. May announced the potential freezing of Russian state assets that pose a security threat, new laws to counter hostile state activity and a downgrading of Britain’s attendance at the soccer World Cup in Russia this summer. She had given Moscow until midnight on Tuesday to explain how the Soviet-made Novichok nerve agent came to be deployed on the streets of Salisbury, saying either the Russian state was responsible or had lost control of a stock

of the substance. “Their response demonstrated complete disdain for the gravity of these events,” May said in her statement to parliament. “They have treated the use of a military-grade nerve agent in Europe with sarcasm, contempt and defiance.” The only possible conclusion was that the Russian state was behind the attempted murder of the Skripals and the harm that befell Nick Bailey, a police officer who is in a serious condition after being exposed to the nerve agent, May said. “This represents an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom,” she said. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow would swiftly retaliate against the British measures which had been undertaken for “shortsighted political ends”. “The British government has made a choice in favor of confrontation with Russia,” it said. Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, on Wednesday repeated Moscow’s denial that it had anything to do with the poisoning and called for proof of its involvement. “We demand that material

proof be provided of allegedly found Russian trace,” Nebenzia said at a U.N. Security Council meeting on the poisoning. MAY DENOUNCES PUTIN The two governments blamed each other for the crisis. “Many of us looked at a post-Soviet Russia with hope. We wanted a better relationship and it is tragic that President Putin has chosen to act in this way,” said May. Britain, which has received statements of support from the United States, the European Union and NATO, has said it would seek to coordinate an international response to the attack. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council meeting called by Britain that Washington believes Russia was responsible, and she urged the council to take “immediate, concrete measures to address this now.” In a phone call between May and U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the two leaders agreed that Russia must provide “unambiguous answers” about how a Russian-developed chemical agent came to be used in the attack.

Tourist walks into the Red Sea and gives birth (Yahoo) Incredible pictures show the moment a woman gives birth to her baby underwater in the Red Sea. The new mom, believed to be from Russia, gave birth with the help of her husband and a Russian doctor who specializes in water births. Pictures of the doctor and the baby’s dad carrying the baby out of the waves in the resort town of Dahab, Egypt, went viral after being shared on social media. The images, which show the baby with its umbilical cord still attached and its placenta in a plastic container, were taken by a tourist from a hotel balcony. The baby’s mom had just given birth after going into the sea while wearing a bikini, according to eyewitnesses. Some Facebook users praised the apparent “beauty” and “easiness” of the baby’s water birth. Dahab, which lies 50 miles northeast of the popular resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, has become increasingly popular with moms-to-be aiming for a seawater birth, according to local media reports. The woman, her husband and their baby have not been

named, and there is no report on the baby’s gender or condition. One social media user commented: “The sea was really red that day!”

Dahab, formerly a Bedouin fishing village, is popular with tourists and is now considered to be one of Sinai’s most treasured diving destinations.

Thursday March 15 ,2018

Kaieteur News

Florida shooting: US high school students stage mass walkout

(CNN) Students and school staff across the US are commemorating the Florida school shootings with a walkout, exactly one month after the killings. They are stopping lessons for 17 minutes in memory of the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Pupils at the school, which was targeted by a former student, hugged each other on the football field.Protest organisers accuse Congress of failing to tackle gun violence.The White House revealed a plan this week to deter school shootings which does not include President Donald Trump’s repeated calls to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21.Instead, it moves ahead with his controversial proposal to provide firearms training

to school employees. The walkouts began at 10:00 in the eastern US (14:00 GMT) and moved west across America’s time zones. Organisers of the National School Walkout, who were also behind the Women’s March in January 2017 against Mr Trump’s inauguration, called on “students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies” to take part. On their website, they accuse Congress of “inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing” schools and neighbourhoods. Schools taking part included Colorado’s Columbine High School where 13 people were shot dead by two students in 1999.

Tillerson’s dismissal rattles foreign nerves ahead of North Korea summit (CNN) Rex Tillerson may have spent the last 14 months being contradicted by his boss on all manner of foreign policy, but the nowfired Secretary of State was at least a known quantity for US allies during tense moments in 2017.His summary dismissal, by Presidential tweet on Tuesday, caught foreign ministries around the world by surprise and left diplomats scrambling to craft a response. In Asia, where governments are engaged in hurried preparations for a momentous inter-Korea summit followed by a potentially historic encounter between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, there were signs of nervousness.Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono said he felt “much regret” over Tillerson’s firing, saying he “was a counterpart who I truly trusted and could talk to candidly.” Kono had been “looking forward to working on the North Korea issue” with him. South Korean representatives had been expecting to meet Tillerson in Washington

later this week, and Seoul insisted that business would continue as usual. “Both South Korea and the US shared the view that maintaining strong cooperation is ... necessary despite the personnel reshuffle in the US, as there are important pending issues between the two countries,” the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Moscow, however, could not resist a dig. When asked whether he was concerned Tillerson’s firing would further sour relations between Russia and the US, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, said: “It’s hardly possible to get worse.” Analysts said that, despite often being undermined by his boss, Tillerson served as a useful buffer to Trump’s impetuousness. With Defense Secretary James Mattis, he created “speed bumps” to any military escalation between Pyongyang and Washington, said John Park, Director of the Korea Working Group at Harvard Kennedy School.

Stephen Hawking, who unlocked the secrets of space and time, dies at 76 LONDON (Reuters) - Stephen Hawking, who sought to explain the origins of the universe, the mysteries of black holes and the nature of time itself, died on Wednesday aged 76. Hawking’s formidable mind probed the very limits of human understanding both in the vastness of space and in the bizarre submolecular world of quantum theory, which he said could predict what happens at the beginning and end of time. Ravaged by the wasting motor neurone disease he developed at 21, Hawking was confined to a wheelchair for most of his life.

As his condition worsened, he had to speak through a voice synthesizer and communicating by moving his eyebrows - but at the same time became the world’s most recognizable scientist. Hawking died peacefully at his home in the British university city of Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday. “He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years,” his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said. “His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.”

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Thursday March 15 ,2018

Go vt. accuses local and inter na tional oil Govt. interna national companies of withholding rro oyalties and tax es taxes

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday accused a number of oil companies operating here, including the state-owned PETRORIN, of not paying the necessary taxes and royalties as the country continues to struggle in a bid to reverse its ailing economy. Speaking at a one-day conference titled “Spotlight on Energy Conference,” Energy Minister Franklin Khan said PETROTRIN and the other companies owe the state billions of dollars in revenue and that was totally unacceptable. Khan told the audience that since last December,’ PETROTRIN has been owing the state an estimated two billion dollars (One TT dollar=US$016 cents) in taxes and the amount has been increasing on a monthly basis. “ S t a t e - o w n e d PETROTRIN…is also complicit in the underpayment of revenue due to the government. PETROTRIN which produces 60 per cent of the country’s crude oil has

been withholding payment due to its financial challenges and other financial obligations. “As of December 31, 2017, the company owed the government approximately two billion TT dollars in taxes and royalties,” he said, noting that with the current oil price on the global market averaging US$60 a barrel “the debt continues to accrue at a staggering TT$70 million dollars per month without any indication by PETROTRIN of any forthcoming payment. “This is an unacceptable position which the board of directors has been requested to address, Khan said, adding that international upstream companies operating here were also guilty of withholding much needed royalties and taxes to the government. While he did not disclose the names of any of these companies, he told the conference that some companies were recording high profits without meeting their financial obligations to the state. “Whereas an upstream company in that other juris-

diction pay taxes of US$3.6 billion or 53 per cent of its gross revenue of US$6.8 billion, that very said company paid only US$31 million or 0.6 per cent in taxes on its gross revenue of US$5.3 billion in Trinidad and Tobago”. Khan said that a comparative analysis of Trinidad and Tobago’s competitiveness shows the island “is in the median range with respect to fiscal incentives and the rate of return achieved by investors was among the highest in oil and gas economies. “Also of immense concern is the fact that while the Minister of Finance (Colm Imbert) is challenged by revenue collection, upstream companies holding substantial assets in Trinidad and Tobago are at this time recording record profits” Khan said there is a feeling among some stakeholders that the gradual increase in oil and gas prices means that the island is rebounding, but insisted that this was not so. Meanwhile, a senior official of the Ministry of Finance said despite the increase in oil

and gas prices, Trinidad and Tobago is not showing any increase in revenues. Permanent Secretary Vishnu Danpaul told the conference that the absence of royalties is partially to blame adding “most specifically SBTs directly linked to the price of oil is triggered when oil prices rise above US$50 per barrel. “Of course the price of oil is averaging close to US$60 a barrel, the national community by definition and by wish must expect more revenues to be coming in. We are not seeing that in the numbers “Royalties and payment paid by a petroleum company for the right to explore and produce from Trinidad and Tobago’s oil and gas acreage….SBT collection declined significantly from 2015 to 2017,” Danpaul said, adding that the decline in revenue was affecting all sectors of the economy. He said while new measures had been put in place to deal with the decline, oil revenue over a six year period declined by more than 30 per cent.

“Oil revenues as a percent of total revenue worth 33 per cent in 2011 are down to down to 1.2 per cent in 2017. So if you follow the trend, 40 per cent in 2007 to 1.2 per cent in 2017. This precipitous decline in oil revenue impacted every sector of the economy. “In the real sector as we call it, economic growth declined significantly. The fis-

cal accounts we have had to introduce major consolidation efforts, in monetary policy, the Central Bank (of Trinidad and Tobago) had to determine how it is going to use its instruments of monetary policy,” he said, adding that the government is hoping to see an increase in royalities at the end of the first quarter this year.

Thursday March 15, 2018

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Woods and Els named as Presidents Cup captains ORLANDO, Flori da (Reuters) - Tiger Woods and Ernie Els shifted their decades-long friendly rivalry onto the international stage as they were officially named captains for the 2019 Presidents Cup on Tuesday. Woods, who holds the matchplay competition’s record with 24 match wins for the United States, and Els, who has won an International side best 20 matches, will lead their teams to Australia for the 2019 edition on Dec. 12-15 at Royal Melbourne. The announcement was made in the Latrobe Room at Bay Hill, site of this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour.Els and Woods have frequently shared golf’s main stage. Four-times major winner Els of South Africa has been runner-up to Woods seven

times in his professional playing career, including twice in majors — the U.S. and British Open in 2000. Woods and Els served as captain’s assistants in the 2017 Presidents Cup, when the 12-man U.S. team won 1911 at Liberty National in New Jersey for their 10th Cup victory against one loss and one draw in the biennial event. Els and Woods also shared an iconic moment at the 2003 Presidents Cup when they faced off in a sudden-death playoff to decide the competition. They battled evenly through three tension-packed playoff holes before failing light forced officials to declare the event in South Africa a draw. “Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I look forward to the chal-

Ernie Els Tiger Woods

lenge of going against my longtime friend yet again in 2019,” said Els.

Thursday March 15, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This should be a very busy day for you, Aries, as communications involving business matters could take up much of your time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) New enterprises that you've worked to perfect for a long time, perhaps involving writing, speaking, or publishing, might pay off today, Libra.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Business matters take a sudden turn for the better, Taurus. Paperwork may need to be executed. A new sense of selfconfidence contributes to these developments, and the more good things that happen to you

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some paperwork involving business enterprises could be executed today, Scorpio, possibly in your home.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A chance to travel, perhaps for business purposes, could present itself to you today, Gemini. This might require some temporary adjustments in your personal life, but don't let this stop you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Someone in the know could come to you today with opportunities for increasing your income, Cancer, perhaps involving investments of time or other resources in new business enterprises. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If you've been thinking about starting a new business partnership, Leo, this is the day to take some positive action toward that end. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some rather boring and mundane tasks, perhaps involving paperwork, could take up much of your time today, Virgo. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Success in business, perhaps involving writing or speaking, might come your way today, Sagittarius. Paperwork, such as contracts, could take up a lot of your time. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You've worked hard to promote your business interests, Capricorn, and today it might pay off. Money, or contracts promising it, could come your way, as well as new opportunities to pursue success AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your optimism and enthusiasm should be very high today, Aquarius. Business and partnerships have been proving both satisfying and profitable lately PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today your level of imagination and intuition is especially high, Pisces. Trust your heart today, especially where new projects and money are concerned. Insights may appear to knock at the doors of your conscious mind

Els might even have to stomach Woods once again wielding a golf club in the matchplay competition. Woods, who has launched a comeback after his spinal fusion surgery a year ago, finished joint runner-up by one shot last week at the Valspar Championship. He said on Tuesday with a smile that he had thought about a possible playing captaincy. The 42-year-old American acknowledged there was a lot of time and a lot of golf to go before the teams are set. “That’s a bridge that’s a long way away from now to be crossing but, if it does come to that point, it won’t just be my decision, it will be a collaborative effort, what is best for the team,” said Woods. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said having contemporary giants such as Woods and Els captain the Presidents Cup teams could have a huge impact on the event and the game of golf. “I think it’s huge for two reasons. One, they’re going to bring the world at large to the Presidents Cup as they

Matthews, Taylor... From page 31 caught by Satterhwaite running in from long-off off Kasperek – shifted the advantage to New Zealand. Windies Women play their second match at the same venue tomorrow. Scores: NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 167 for six off 20 overs (Katey Martin 54, Suzie Bates 49, Amy Satterthwaite 36; Deandra Dottin 2-23). WEST INDIES WOMEN 159 for six off 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 53, Stafanie Taylor 51 not out; Leigh Kasperek 3-35, Sophie Devine 2-27).

have done every time that they’re competing on a global stage,” he said. “And in doing so they’re likely going to be bringing forward future stars. “We don’t know who is going to come forward between now and then, but it’s likely that stars from new countries are going to come with Ernie Els and Tiger Woods leading their respective teams. So I think it’s just going to take the game deeper and wider than it’s ever been.”

In addition to the naming of the captains, two format changes were announced. Each player will only be required to play one match prior to the final-round singles instead of two as in past competitions. Also, the top eight players for the International and U.S. team standings will automatically qualify following completion of the 2019 Tour Championship. Captains will later select four wild-card picks instead of the two they had previously.

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Kaieteur News

Venus, Halep win, Wozniacki upset at Indian Wells INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — (ABC News) - Venus Williams defeated Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 7-6 (8), 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday as the oldest woman in the draw. The 37-year-old American was coming off a straight-set victory over younger sister Serena a night earlier, ending a three-match skid against her sibling. “It was a quick turnaround from last night when it feels like, ‘Hey, this is a final to you’re only in the fourth round,’” Williams said on court. Playing under cloudy skies in 80degree heat, Williams had her hands full with Sevastova, who used drop shots, top spin, lobs and jerked her 10-years-older opponent side to side.“There were some points where she just played and it was too good,” Williams said. “I thought I was in control of the point and winning the point, and she turned it around. It’s just real talent.” After early losses in her first two tournaments of the year, Williams hasn’t dropped a set at Indian Wells, where she has yet to reach the final in six previous appearances. Awaiting Williams in the quarterfinals is 27th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain, who beat American wild card Danielle Collins 6-2, 6-4. Simona Halep is on track to retain her No. 1 world ranking after defeating Wang Qiang of China 7-5,

6-1 in the fourth round. Halep is the only former Indian Wells winner left in the women’s draw after No. 20 Daria Kasatkina upset No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5. Wozniacki blew a 3-0 lead in the first set and was on the run most of the match before losing for the second time this year to the 20-year-old Russian. “She outsmarted me,” Wozniacki said. By reaching the quarterfinals, Kasatkina is projected to surpass her career-best ranking of 17th. She has beaten all four current Grand Slam titleholders in the past year, including U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens in straight sets this week. “I’m playing best matches against the best players,” Kasatkina said. “But as I say, if you want to be on the top, you have to beat the top players. So quite simple rule.” Halep improved to 17-1 this year and needs only to reach the final to stay at the top. Next up for Halep is Petra Martic of Croatia, who beat Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-6 (4). American teenager Amanda Anisimova’s run of success ended in a 6-1, 7-6 (2) loss to No. 5 seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. Anisimova, a 16-year-old wild card, won her first three WTA Tour matches at Indian Wells, beating Pauline Parmentier, No. 23 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and

Daria Kasatkina beat US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the third round at Indian Wells. (Reuters) two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova without dropping a set. “She’s 16, so she’s not scared,” Pliskova said of Anisimova. “You can see she’s hitting the ball without thinking. But everybody is playing like this when they are 16. I think this will change a little bit in the future, but for sure the game is good and not really any weakness. I think everything is pretty solid.” Pliskova faces a quarterfinal against Naomi Osaka, who beat Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-1, 5-7, 6-1. Halep attended Venus Williams’ straight-set victory over 36-year-old sister and new mother Serena on Monday night. “I love the way that they are motivated and they are still playing at this age, Serena with the kid,” Halep said. “It’s a great thing what

Kohlschreiber stuns Cilic at Indian Wells (Reuters) - Philipp Kohlschreiber upset second seed Marin Cilic 6-4 6-4 to advance to the fourth round in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Tuesday. Cilic’s booming serve lacked its usual accuracy and G e r m a n y ’s Kohlschreiber was able to control long rallies, pushing the towering Croatian around the court with pinpoint groundstrokes en route to a quick victory. Cilic, runner-up at this year’s Australian Open, only managed to get 51 percent of his first serves in play and was unable to convert any of his four break-point opportunities. It is the third time that Kohlschreiber has reached the fourth round at the tournament in the California desert and his seventh victory over Cilic in 11 career meetings. The 31st seed will next face Frenchman PierreHugues Herbert, who advanced after Gael Monfils was forced to retire from their match due to back pain. Sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro fended off veteran Spaniard David Ferrer 6-4 7-6(3), who

Philipp Kohlschreiber (facebook)

battled gamely but was ultimately worn down by del Potro’s big serve and punishing forehand. The win sets up an allArgentinian fourth round battle between del Potro and countryman Leonardo Mayer, who earlier cruised to a 6-4 61 victory over Japan’s Taro Daniel. Del Potro is the second-highest seed remaining in the competition, behind No. 1 Roger Federer, but the Argentine said he was giving no thought to his title chances. “I’m not thinking about

that. I just want to keep winning,” he told reporters. “It’s good for me to feel this confidence when I get to the court and I play well, but I’m going step by step. I will play another Argentinian guy tomorrow, which is a special match for both. It’s not easy when you play against a friend.” In other matches, Feliciano Lopez beat Jack Sock 7-6(6) 4-6 6-4, Milos Raonic beat Joao Sousa 7-5 4-6 6-2, Sam Querrey took down Yuki Bhambri 6-7(4) 64 6-4 and Marcos Baghdatis beat Dudi Sela 7-6(5) 6-4.

they do for sport, and it’s great that tennis has them. I have many things to learn from them. That’s why I’m trying just to go in to watch every time I can.” On the men’s side, Gael Monfils retired in the second set with a back injury trailing fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hughes Herbert 6-2, 3-1. Monfils used an eight-minute injury timeout in the second set to get his back worked on before returning to the court and getting broken in fourth game. He then walked to the net and ended the match. Herbert moved on to a fourthround matchup with Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany, who upset No. 2 seed Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4. Cilic won 19 of 23 points on his first serve, but failed to convert four break points against 31st-seeded

Kohlschreiber, who snapped a 12match skid against top-10 opponents. Herbert remains in contention for the $1 million bonus offered to a player who sweeps the singles and doubles titles. No. 6 Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina defeated No. 29 David Ferrer of Spain 6-4, 7-6 (3) for the fifth straight time. With Cilic, Ferrer, Novak Djokovic, Monfils and John Isner all eliminated from his quarter of the draw, things are looking wide open for del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion. Top-ranked Roger Federer and del Potro are the highest seeds remaining. “I’m not thinking about that. I just want to keep winning,” del Potro said. “Still far away from the final, but of course, any chance to play with Roger would be great.” Del Potro’s countryman, Leonardo Mayer, beat Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-1. Mayer next plays del Potro. No. 18 Sam Querrey rallied past Indian qualifier Yuki Bhambri 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-4 and will play No. 28 Feliciano Lopez of Spain. He spoiled a potential all-American quarterfinal by beating No. 8 Jack Sock 7-6 (8), 4-6, 6-4. No. 32 Milos Raonic of Canada defeated Joao Sousa of Portugal 75, 4-6, 6-2 and will meet Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, who beat lucky loser Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (7), 6-4. (Beth Harris, AP Sports Writer)

Rabada appeals ban, could yet play at Newlands ESPNcricinfo - Kagiso Rabada has appealed against his Level 2 sanction, which earned him three demerit points during the second Test between South Africa and Australia in Port Elizabeth, and could yet play in the third Test next week if his two-Test ban can be suspended during the appeal process. Rabada was found guilty of making inappropriate and deliberate contact with Australian captain Steven Smith after dismissing him in the first innings. The pair brushed shoulders after Rabada yelled “yes, yes, yes,” in Smith’s face and then ran through to his team-mates. The sanction took Rabada’s demerit points to eight, after he came into the Test on five points. Eight demerit points carries an equivalent of two suspension points, which is why Rabada was suspended from the rest of the series. He also earned a ninth point in the second innings when he gave David Warner a send-off. The next threshold of demerit points is 12, which would result in a minimum three-Test ban. The ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner “at

the earliest opportunity”, according to a tweet from the organisation. The ICC’s code of conduct clause 8.2.3.1 states that a judicial commissioner must be appointed within 48 hours of receipt of a players’ notice to appeal and clause 8.2.3.4 states that a hearing must be held within seven days of the commissioner being appointed. The time frame means that at the latest, a judicial commissioner will be appointed by this Friday. The hearing must then take place by next Friday, March 23. The third Test against Australia starts in Cape Town on Thursday March 22, which theoretically means Rabada cannot play in that match, because he remains suspended while the appeal is pending. H o w e v e r, C S A c a n present an argument to the judicial commissioner to put Rabada’s suspension on hold while the appeal is pending and therefore allow him to play in the N e w l a n d s Te s t . S h o u l d Rabada succeed in his appeal, he could be available for the final Test of the series in Johannesburg at the end of the month.

However, his appeal also puts him at risk of an increased sanction as the judicial commissioner can “increase or decrease, amend or otherwise substitute a new decision on the appropriateness (or otherwise) of the sanction imposed at first instance,” according to clause 8.2.3.3 of the ICC’s code. CSA are yet to confirm who is on Rabada’s legal team for the appeal but will issue confirmation shortly. Meanwhile, South Africa are yet to announce a squad for the remaining two Tests in the series but it is expected they will add a bowler as cover for Rabada. Morne Morkel, who is in the squad and did not play the second Test, is expected to slot back in, but Chris Morris may come into contention. Morris was left out of the original squad but took four wickets and scored a century for Titans in a first-class match at the beginning of the month. Duanne Olivier is another contender after claiming six wickets in a warm-up match against the touring Australians at the start of their tour.

Thursday March 15, 2018

Savory powers to top podium spot at CRCA Grant’s Tomb Criterium

Top Three! Scott Savory is flanked by Connor Sallee (left) and Stalin Quiterio Cuello. Guyanese cyclist Scott Savory, who resides in USA, came up big on Saturday last when he won the Century Road Club Association (CRCA) Grant’s Tomb Criterium Men’s Category 1/2/3 in New York, NY in a time of 56:35:00. Riding for CRCA/Jamison Cannondale Racing Team in the event which served as the New York State Criterium Championship, Savory took the gold medal ahead of Connor Sallee (UCI CT: Cyclus Sports) and Stalin Quiterio Cuello (CRCA/Dave Jordan Racing) in that order. A total of 64 cyclists completed the event, while 25 failed to do so. In sharing his thoughts after the win, Savory informed that his mindset prior to the event was that it’s generally favours a

breakaway and this year there was more on the line than at the NY State Championships. ”I wasn’t worried as I knew that I and my team (CRCA/Jamison Cannondale) have been training well and we had good options for either scenario of a break or bunch finish. The race was fast and hard, we had teammates in every move and being present.” Savory noted that during the race he conserved energy and played his cards correctly as the race reached the critical final stages. ”I was still way back coming into the last corner but I knew the headwind and uphill would make most who went early, fade. I had some ground to make up and went a tad early myself but in the

end it worked out perfectly.” On crossing the finish line, Savory shared his feelings: “I was so excited I yelled so loudly I lost my voice. I went so deep that as soon as I passed the line I made the left turn and immediately stopped and sat down, I felt as though I would pass out. I sat there and was in disbelief, it’s a race I had struggled to win or even finish for years and today (Saturday) was that day that it finally happened.”He also shared that his team would be boosted by the win as they have an amazing squad of diverse talents and for this year, even more exciting additions. ”Everyone knows each other so well that racing happens naturally for us and that’s one of the hardest things to have within teams.”

Fitness Express again fuels GABBFF Novice C/ships Come Sunday April 8 next, the National Cultural Centre would be the battle ground for up and coming bodybuilders to showcase how good they are when the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) brings off the 2018 edition of the beginners competition. Stepping on board yet again is Fitness Express which has already handed over sponsorship to the federation to cement its ongoing partnership.

GABBFF President Coel Marks made his way to the John and Sheriff Streets headquarters of Fitness Express to receive the sponsorship cheque f o r m M a n a g e r, J a m i e McDonald who once again expressed his company’s delight to be associated with the event. ”We have been supporting body building for many years now and see it necessary to maintain this commitment to our nation’s athletes

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who work hard to get their bodies in shape for the stage. Body building has been making encouraging strides and we would like to see this continue to the other level.” Marks in response expressed his federation’s gratitude to McDonald and Fitness Express for the continued confidence placed in the sport. Show time on Sunday April 8 is fixed for 19:00hrs and admission is pegged at $1,500.

Matthews, Taylor unable to prevent Windies defeat MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, CMC – Teenaged opener Hayley Matthews and captain Stafanie Taylor stroked halfcenturies but West Indies Women lost momentum late in their run chase and slipped to an eight-run defeat in the opening Twenty20 International here yesterday. In pursuit of a competitive 168 at Bay Oval, Windies Women came up short at 159 for six off their 20 overs, despite an attacking 53 from Matthews and an unbeaten 51 from Taylor. The Caribbean started the final over requiring 13 runs for victory but experienced seamer Sophie Devine, who ended with two for 27, kept Akeira Peters scoreless from the first three deliveries before conceding just fours runs from the over. Sent in, the White Ferns had earlier posted 167 for six off their allotted overs, with wicketkeeper/batsman Katey Martin top-scoring with a fluent 54, captain Suzie Bates getting 49 and Amy Sattherhwaite, 36. Devine perished early in the second over, top-edging

speedster Shamilia Connell to mid-on for six with 15 on the board but Martin and Bates combined in a 76-run, second wicket stand to bolster the innings. Martin faced 35 balls and counted seven fours while opener Bates struck seven fours and a six in a 38-ball knock. When Bates top-edged a sweep at leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and was taken at short fine leg in the 12th over, Satterhwaite joined Martin to put on a further 52 for the third and frustrate the W i n d i e s bowlers.Satterthwaite smashed six fours off just 19 balls before top-edging a heave at medium pacer Deandra Dottin (2-27) to be caught by wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira running around to silly mid-on. Martin followed in the 18th over, holing out to deep backward square off off-spinner Anisa Mohammed. In reply, the Windies took command of the contest through the aggressive Matthews, who stroked 10 fours in an exciting 31-ball half-century.

She posted 42 off 35 deliveries for the first wicket with Aguilleira who struggled with just five off 14 balls. West Indies were rollicking along at seven runs per over when Aguilleira missed a slog at Devine and had her stumps shattered. Matthews raised her halfcentury off 28 balls in the eighth over when she swung a Hannah Rowe full toss to the square leg boundary but she then fell in the next over from off-spinner Leigh Kasperek, stumped after missing a charge. On 60 for two at that stage, Windies Women suffered slide where three wickets tumbled for 37 runs before Taylor and Kyshona Knight (19) revived their side’s hopes in a 56-run fifth wicket stand off just 32 deliveries. Taylor was excellent once again in gathering her third half-century of the tour, facing 31 and and belting three fours and sixes. The game, however, remained in the balance with 22 required from the last two overs but Knight’s dismissal in the penultimate over – (Continued on page 29)

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FIA boss Jean Todt responds to halo criticism BBC Sport - Motorsport boss Jean Todt has hit back at criticism of the new halo head protection device. Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said last month that he would take a chainsaw to the halo if he could. But Todt, the president of motorsport’s governing body the FIA, said it had been introduced to save lives and at the request of drivers’ body the GPDA. “I am amazed to hear some people say: ‘OK, motor racing is dangerous, if it happens, it happens,’” Todt said. “Can you imagine how we would all feel if something happened and if we would have had the halo it would not have happened?” And he dismissed critical comments from Wolff by saying: “I will not react. It is a childish game. It’s very inappropriate, whoever you are, to publicly deny something which is introduced.” The halo has been under development for several years, and has emerged as the most effective of the designs tested at protecting the driver’s head from impact with large external objects. But Todt pointed out that the process that led to its adoption in Formula 1 was kick-started two years ago by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.

Todt has defended Ferrari receiving more prize money than other teams. (Getty Images) He said its directors Alex Wurz, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel had written to him in December 2015 “urging us to decide for head protection for the drivers”. And he said that before a meeting to decide on its adoption in July 2016, the GPDA said: “Don’t be weak and please respect what we have asked you on safety.” Although a majority of drivers are in favour, some have said they are opposed to the idea of it, while others have raised objections surrounding the difficulty of getting in and out of the car and identifying drivers on track.

“If we are able to find something better, I am sure we will be able to over the years,” Todt said. “Honestly, I am not disturbed with what I see. I read somewhere we do not see who is driving. We have been complaining for years that we do not see who is driving the car; we don’t see the name. You need to be a big expert. For me it could be a facilitator to know who is driving the car.” He said that he had heard no criticism of the halo in Formula Two, which is also using it this season, or the all-electric Formula

The Halo device has been developed over several years. (Getty Images) E series, where it is being introduced in 2019. Progress on engine regulation deal To d t , s p e a k i n g a t a news conference in London, also said that he was confident of reaching a solution on new engine regulations needed after 2020. The basis for these would be the current turbo hybrids, he said. “The whole idea is to work on what are the engine rules now and make them better,” he added. The engine manufacturers in F1 have put forward a

counter-proposal, after objecting to an initial plan made by the FIA and F1 Group in November. Todt refused to say what had been proposed, and said he wanted to be “fair” to the existing manufacturers. But he emphasised that all parties in F1 had agreed unanimously to make the engines cheaper, simpler rev higher, sound better, remove restrictions on fuel flow and ensure the regulations facilitated new entrants.In a wide-ranging discussion of the fact that F1 is in the process of negotiating new commercial con-

tracts with the teams for post2020, Todt said he was personally not in favour of Ferrari maintaining its contractual veto over rule changes. But he added that he had also been opposed to this the last time contracts were negotiated and backed down because all other parties had been in favour of it. And he defended Ferrari receiving more prize money than other teams. “Is it normal that Leonardo DiCaprio gets more money than an actor from a TV series?” he said rhetorically. “It’s normal.”

Bermuda to send team CoA asks BCCI anti-corruption unit to of 14 to CARIFTA Games investigate allegations against Shami HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermuda will send a team of 14 athletes to this year’s CARIFTA Games in Nassau, Bermuda National Athletics Association president Donna Raynor has announced. High jumpers Sakari Famous and Elisha Darrell have been appointed as the respective girls’ and boys’ captains of the Bermuda team for the region’s junior athletics showpiece to be held over the Easter holiday weekend. “We are very pleased with the team that has been selected and have no doubt they will represent us very well,” Raynor told a news conference. “We have a quality team with athletes who have committed themselves to this sport and have given their best to gain a place on the team.”Multiple CARIFTA medal-winner Famous and Darrell were among the first to reach the qualifying standards back in January. The Bahamas are hosting the Games, which will bring together about 500 athletes

Bermuda’s girls captain Sakari Famous. and 150 team officials from 26 countries, for the eighth time. The Games were first held in 1972. Bermuda won two medals at last year ’s Games in Curaçao, with Famous claiming bronze in the under-18 girls’ high jump and Tiara DeRosa in the under-20 girls’ discus. Meanwhile, Raynor also revealed that Bermuda will be submitting a bid to host the 2020 Games, with the support of government. “I feel confident that in 2020 we will have Bermuda

bubbling with excitement as we did with CARIFTA 2012 if we are awarded the Games,” Raynor said. “I am also excited when I look at our young athletes who are coming up and I have no doubt Bermuda will have a very strong athletics team representing Bermuda in 2020. “Some of the athletes who just missed out on this year’s standard will get stronger and be ready to showcase their talents right here in Bermuda.” SQUAD – (Under-17 Girls) Jessie Marshall – 1,500m; Taylor Hines – 200m; Tilly Norman – 1,500m, 3,000m; Amelia Othman – high jump; (Under-20 Girls) Sakari Famous – high jump; Ashley Irby – 1,500m; Isabelle Dutranoit – 3,000m; (Under17 Boys) Clevonte Lodge – 200m, 400m; Ryan Outerbridge – 1,500m, 3,000m; Nirobi Mills – 800m; (Under20 Boys) Elisha Darrell – high jump; Johndell Cumberbatch – 5,000m; Robert Edwards – 5,000m; Deneo Brangman – 400m.

ESPNcricinfo - The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) supervising the BCCI has asked the board’s anticorruption unit to investigate if Mohammed Shami collected money sent to him by a UK national through a Pakistani woman in Dubai. Shami’s wife Hasin Jahan had alleged that Shami made that claim when she confronted him and accused him of committing adultery. Jahan released an alleged recording of that telephonic conversation, and the CoA has taken note of it. Kolkata Police is currently looking into various criminal charges filed by Jahan against India fast bowler Shami and his family, including attempt to murder. Shami has rejected all the accusations and has pleaded with his wife to sort the issues out in private. A day after Jahan first made the allegations, the BCCI withheld Shami’s annual contract, choosing to wait for the police probe. Kolkata Police has been in touch with the BCCI, asking the board about Shami’s travel schedule after India’s

recent tour of South Africa, and whether he extended his stay in Dubai, as alleged by his wife, while the rest of the team returned home. The CoA or the BCCI has not made any comment on the issue. However, the recording released by Jahan has led to the CoA calling for an internal probe. In the alleged audio tape, the person claimed to be Jahan is heard asking the person claimed to be Shami why he met someone referred to as Alisba in Dubai. Shami allegedly tells Jahan that he had to collect money from Alisba, money sent by a certain Mohammed Bhai from the UK. In a letter addressed to the head of the BCCI ACSU Neeraj Kumar, which ESPNcricinfo has accessed, the CoA has asked the board to submit a report “preferably” within a week. “The Committee of Administrators is concerned only with such portion of the said audio recording in which the person who it is claimed is Md. Shami is heard saying another person by the name

of ‘Mohammad Bhai’ had sent money to Md. Shami through a Pakistani lady by the name of ‘Alisba’,” the letter said. The CoA has asked the board to investigate whether Mohammed Bhai and Alisba exist, if any money was sent to Shami, and, if it was indeed sent, why. “Please investigate the above assertions/allegations under the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code and submit a report to the Committee of Administrators with your findings as to whether there is any basis to proceed further in terms thereof. The investigation should cover (i) the identity and antecedents of “Mohammad Bhai” and “Alisba”; (ii) whether any money was in fact sent by the said Mohammad Bhai through the said Alisba to Md. Shami; and (iii) if yes, the purpose for which the said money was received by Md. Shami.” The CoA has asked the ACSU to restrict the investigation to what might fall under the BCCI’s anti-corruption code.

Thursday March 15, 2018

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National Schools’ Basketball Festival Launched -Tip off date set for March 23 at the CASH By Calvin Chapman The 13th edition of the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), National Schools’ Festival was launched yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Present at the simple but significant ceremony were head of YBG, Chris Bowman, head of the National Sports Commission (NSC); Chris Jones, head of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Physical Education department; Nicholas Fraser and representatives of the two sponsors; Edward B. Beharry & Company and Banks DIH Ltd. Although they weren’t any representation from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Bowman noted that the Federation was happy to sanction the tournament which has been revolutionary in developing the sport at the grassroots level for over a decade. Bowman shared during the launch that during this year’s festival which bounces

off on March 23, all stakeholders are expected to see the continued acceleration of female basketball development since the ladies division which will see President’s College defend their title, is expected to have highly competitive matches. Chase’s Academic Foundation that has had successes in cricket and football by winning respective nationwide competitions, will be making their debut in the festival this year and based on the efforts the school usually make in offering top athletes scholarships, a very competitive squad are anticipated to be fielded by the school. NSC director, Chris Jones, noted that the entity is excited to partner with YBG because of their work at the grassroots level which is pivotal in sports development. Meanwhile, MOE’s P.E. head Nicholas Fraser noted that, “After humble beginnings in the festival the Ministry (Of Education) is happy

to see the vision of the YBG coming to fruition. This year we will be allocating extra resources to have a training programme for schools in collaboration with the YBG during the July-August vacation period.”Chico Brand Manager, Reena Williams, within Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited, posted that, “Or Company is proud to be a sponsor of Youth Basketball Guyana for 10 years in a row. We will continue our partnership as we firmly believe in giving back to our youths. Sport, combined with education produces disciplined and committed young people, in both body and mind.” In conclusion, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, Troy Peters, whose company will sponsor the tournament through their PowerAde brand, shared, “When I look at some of the youths that has come out of YBG and gone on to represent Guyana at IGG (Inter-Guiana Games) and CBC (Caribbean Basketball

National U-19 Opener Alex Algoo receives cricket bat

Young Alex Algoo right, receives the bat and a pair of white cricket uniforms from Mukesh Appiah in the presence of former national player Huvern Evans. Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC), Berbice and national Under-19 opener Alex Algoo was the recipient of a cricket bat compliments of Mukesh Appiah. The presentation was done recently in Berbice with Appiah stating that he follows the career of this young talented cricketer closely. He further stated that he is a keen fan of the game in the ancient county and will

from time to time make contributions to assist in the development the sport. He wished Algoo well and is confident that he can follow the footsteps of his opening partner for the YWCC, now West Indies opener, Shimron Hetmyer. He added that this will only come with hard work, dedication and commitment. In response, Algoo thanked the sponsor for

the bat and promised to make everyone proud. He even urged other youngsters to get involved in sports and stay away from idle and evil things. He said that our society is infested with crimes and drugs and the “oldheads” target teenagers in an effort to recruit them to ply their trade in criminal life. He urged them to stay away from such behavior and focus on Education.

Championships) level, I applaud the efforts of the this body (YBG).” He further

stated that, “Banks DIH looks to give back to the youths in any way possible, but Basket-

ball is special to us and that is why we support wholeheartedly each year.”

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Plans afoot for successful staging of 3rd annual National Schools’ Relay Festival (Ministry of Education release) The stage is being set for the successful hosting of the 3rd annual Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts National Schools’ Relay Festival 2018. The committee headed by Nicholas Fraser, who is the Ministry’s head of Physical Education department, had their first meeting Tuesday, ahead of the two-day mega event tentatively slated for the 13th and 14th of April at the National Track and field Centre Leonora, West Coast Demerara. This event is being hosted in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and its objective is to afford second and tertiary institutions the opportunity to

showcase their skills in track and field events. It promotes healthy/ positive life choices, while encouraging camaraderie and networking in addition to team spirit. “Fifty two races are carded for the event which will see participation from seasoned athletes while providing the platform for the discovery of others who may well further put Guyana on the international circuit and we expect stars to be born and records to be broken,” Fraser noted. Invitations have been issued to all Regional Education offices, inviting them to field the best athletes from secondary schools along with higher education institu-

From left) Marketing Coordinator, Mr. Mondale Smith, Officials and Volunteers Coordinator, Tanika Caldeira, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG)Mr. Aubrey Hutson and Chairman of the Committee, Nicholas Fraser during the meeting. tions. The meet director is Aubrey Hutson, President

Windies looking to get one over hosts in Super Sixes HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – Captain Jason Holder says West Indies will be keeping a close eye on hosts Zimbabwe, as his side prepares to do battle in the Super Sixes of the ICC World Cup qualifiers beginning today. West Indies and Zimbabwe, along with Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Ireland and Scotland, have all qualified for the second stage of the competition. The Caribbean side reunite their rivalry with Zimbabwe in their second match next Monday with memories of their last meeting during the 2016 Tri-Nations Series still fresh. They lost to Zimbabwbe in a rain-affected final preliminary match and missed out on the final against Sri Lanka. “I think everybody will be up for it. Obviously it’s a must-win game and a very important game,” Holder said. “I think the last time we played Zimbabwe in an ODI they got the better of us on Duckworth/Lewis so we won’t forget that and we will have that in the back of our minds going out there. “They are a quality side, obviously they’re playing at home and they will have definitely have the support of the crowd.” West Indies, the pre-tournament favourites, played unbeaten in the preliminaries to top Group A and will take four points into the Super Sixes where they open their campaign against Afghanistan today.

West Indies captain Jason Holder. They will also face Scotland in their final match on March 21. Holder said the Windies were in good shape heading into the vital second round of the tournament and would be treating every match with equal importance. “ We ’ v e obviously qualified for the Super Sixes and not only qualifying, but going into the Super Sixes with four points,” he stressed. “I think that was crucial coming out of the group stages. I think every point is crucial in this tournament and every game is very important.” West Indies produced dominant performances with the bat throughout the preliminaries with totals of 357, 257 and 309 while batting first in three of their

four outings. And Holder believes key to similar strong totals in the Super Sixes will be the attacking opening pair of veteran Chris Gayle and the youthful Evin Lewis. “It’s not the first time these guys are opening the batting together,” he said of the pair who have already shared two half-century stands in the competition. “They play for the same franchise in the CPL back in the Caribbean and they have some pretty good opening partnerships so far, mainly in T20 cricket. “But having said that, they have a good cameraderie, good understanding, good communication between themselves and it’s really good to see them complementing one another so well.”

AAG. He assures that the AAG is fully on board because this event provides

another platform at the schools level for Guyana to produce, prepare and also

build on the local pool of athletes for local, regional and international engagements.

Play continues in the Ramnaresh Sarwan Upper Corentyne 40 Overs 2nd Division cricket A number of matches were played in the 24 teams competition with a brutal 169 from Lakeram Latchman of No73 and a miserly bowling spell of 7-18 from Ganesh Singh for No73 against NO70 Young Blood highlighting the results. NO73 devoured No70 Young Blood by 315 runs. NO73 batted first and hammered 355-4 in their 40 over with Latchman’s savage 169 containing (16x4, 8x6). He received admirable support from Odraj Singh 75(5x4, 4x6) and Dhamesh Seenarine 53(7x4). Young Blood were sucked dry and they were skittled out for 40 in 8.2 overs with Singh 7-18 in 4.2 overs ripping the heart out of their opponents. In a close encounter NO43 Scorpions stung Crabwood Creek Sports Club by 5 runs. NO43 Scorpions made

Lakeram Latchman

Ganesh Singh

137all out in 30 overs with S. Soohkoo30 and A. Dhairam 31. Bowling for CWC Sports Club Q. Khan with 4 and E. Chalitar with 3 were the main wicket takers.CWC Sports Club were bowled out for 132 in 25 overs with S. Seegobin 34 and D. Sookram 31. Bowling for the Scorpions R. Pattaya picked up 4, while B. Deen and M. Harvey supported with 3 wickets

each. In another game, NO59 Sports Club defeated No48 Challengers by 8 wickets. Scores - NO48 Challengers 80 in 21 overs with S. Ramdat 18. Bowling for NO59 Sports Club Victor Ramdat took 4, J. PBudho 3 and Papilo 2 being the wicket takers. In reply NO59 SC sped to 81-2 with R. Romell 37 and Tagenarine Ramsaroop 19.

Police overcome MSC by an innings and 65 runs Police defeated Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) by an innings and 65 runs when the latest action in the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament concluded on Sunday last at Eve Leary. Batting first, MSC were bowled out for 99 with Nickose Barker scoring 35. Hemchand Persaud bagged 7-30. Police responded with 244-8. Mark Gonsalves struck 73, while C. Kendall made 56 and Vishal Jaigobin 28. Marcus Watkins captured 4-83 and Kim

Eon Rodrigues

Mark Gonsalves

Carmichael 2-34. Trailing by 145, MSC were sent packing for 80 with Barker again be-

ing the top scorer with 40. Eon Rodrigues grabbed 5-28 and Persaud 4-10.