Kaieteur News

Thursday March 16, 2017

A former president must be treated with more dignity DEAR EDITOR, The unlawful arrest and detention of former head of state and opposition leader of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, must be condemned by all civil and religious organistaions as well as trade unions and Guyanese at home and the diaspora. The arrest of the former head of state is not in keeping with political respect for the former head of state and office of the opposition leader. I am calling on the Government of Guyana to offer a humble apology to the former president and let political maturity and humbleness prevail. The former president and former ministers of government were questioned by SOCU as being the recipients of house lots which is alleged to have been acquired below market price in Pradoville 2. From all indications and signs the arrest has nothing to do with stealing state assets as is being alleged by SOCU. Instead the issue at hand is simply wanting to have the right price being paid for the house lots. If all protocols were fol-

lowed in the acquisition of house lots by the recipients of the same then the burden of proof remains on the state to prove its case of stolen state assets against the value of the house lots awarded. In keeping with respect for the former president and ministers, a more respectable approach should have been conducted and remain so, on the way forward, by SOCU in their attempt to recover what they deemed or termed stolen state assets. Careful note must be taken of the approximate 20,000 comments and views on the said issue where the positives outweighed the negatives. I am appealing to our leaders in both government and opposition to desist from using words or actions that would only serve to further bring division among Guyanese. The once vocal voices of the representatives of the diplomatic community in Guyana have for some strange reason gone silent. In my opinion Sam Sittlington, the British citizen who is the advisor to SOCU’s visible presence generates questions. Sherwyn Delano Downer

Why no response to what Gary Best asserted? DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter written by Lakshman Persaud, published in March 14, 2017’s edition of Kaieteur News, captioned, “Outrageous opinion from a Former Attorney General.” I have no doubt that Lakshman Persaud is a fake name. The greater part of the letter was dedicated to ad hominem acts of me; it contains illogical arguments and was expressed in repugnant language. From what I was able to apprehend, the writer argues that my contention, that if Pradoville 2 alottees are to pay market value, then all other house-lots recipients under the Government housing programme should do the same, fails to take into account the different income of persons in society. I wish to thank the writer for permitting me the opportunity to point out that the price fixed for the Pradoville 2 house-lots does exactly that, hence, it was among the highest price, if not the highest, charged by the

Government for a house-lot when compared to the fact, that house-lots under the same programme were sold for as low as $50,000 each to different categories of income earners. The writer has also permitted me to highlight that apart from differentials in income, the housing programme also made provisions for other differentials and the costs differed accordingly. For example, there is a housing scheme for re-migrants; there is a housing scheme for professionals. Pradoville 2, obviously, targeted top State/ Governmental and Private Sector functionaries. I hope that I have clarified the issues raised. It is interesting to note that neither this writer nor any other commentator has expressed any response to Mr. Gary Best’s assertion that he will not pay a cent more for his house-lot at Pradoville 2. The rest of the letter is simple unworthy of a response. Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law, MP

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Minister of Agriculture not performing DEAR EDITOR, Jagdeo did not operate like a dignified President of Guyana, and that is why he believes that the current President, H.E. David Arthur Granger, is operating like him - a trickster and a “master at conspiracy theories”. Granger is upright; he has no personal axe to grind. No one can accuse him of corruption, but there are questions about his sloth in taking action against corruption, indolence and incompetence, which he has now begin to work on. Mr. Harmon, the official spokesperson of the government, has outlined recently that the government will stamp out all forms of laziness in the public service and there will ACCOUNTABILITY at all levels of government. The recent action to take the SARA (STATE ASSET RECOVERYAGENCY) Bill to the National Assembly is a big step in this direction and if the “doubting Thomases” want more proof - here is it. I am tired of hearing that Mr. Granger is like Jagdeo. I never believed that and my conviction has come to pass. When the President stated in his weekly TV broadcast this week that SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force, should have acted “nicely” to Mr. Jagdeo, he did not mean that

they must not question him. Far from it - the President went on to state that no one is above the law and if anyone is suspected of engaging in any wrongdoings, then, the accused must be questioned and the law-enforcing body must be allowed to do its job. The PPP - JAGDEO, NANDLALL AND RAMOTAR - came on the airwaves after PPP officials were arrested (when they refused to go to SOCU offices) and accused the government of a “witch hunt” against the PPP, hoping to stir-up outrage, but no one took any notice of those “crying wolves” on the scene ! It was just a ploy by our erstwhile past rulers to prevent a PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE INVESTIGATION. As the President has stated many times; “if you have done the crime, you must pay the time.” No decent person will be upset with the President for making such a statement. President Granger is called by another name Rtd. Brigadier David Arthur Granger - but he is not Forbes Burnham. He has said that many times and so Jagdeo and others must stop this nonsense of trying to malign the President for things that he was not responsible for and had no powers to change. Jagdeo and Ramotar made out

that the raid on his office where they were waiting for SOCU - and the subsequent arrest was a dark day for Guyana and a return to the past. This president has recognised that wrongs have been committed by people within all of our political, religious and social structures and he has established a certain framework to bring about the necessary changes in our society that will prevent those harmful things from happening again. The President has established two Ministries - the Ministry of the Communities and the Ministry of Social Cohesion, which, if the Ministers and others who function within these two structures understand their individual and collective roles, their day to day duties and responsibilities - then a process will be put in train to heal wounds and create a better society for all of our people. Bharrat Jagdeo and Anil Nandlall, in particular, are offering no leadership to this nation. Their continuous and daily battering of the government and its officials must be seen as a form of lunacy - not acting in the best interest of their own supporters, much less the rest of the population. They use the media and the

press to pump their daily poison to an uneasy and restless population - yearning for FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES - as has been promised by this government. It is true that the AGRICULTURE sector is a failure - under Noel Holder. The AFC, the junior partner in the Coalition, does nothing to correct this situation. Agricultural advocates, like myself, will not defend this failed performance of Holder. Nagamootoo, the Prime Minister, is reported to be “fed-up” with HOLDER’S approach, but he, as usual is a good talker and not a doer. I have been calling on the President to dismiss Holder nearly a year ago. Now, that George Jervis, the former Permanent Secretary is gone, it is a step in the right direction, but farmers need action to enable them to produce food for the nation. The promise to RE-ESTABLISH the Agriculture Bank (GAIBANK) - a MANIFESTO COMMITMENT - is an unforgivable set back. The commercial banks and IPED - which Mr. Holder is recommending to farmers, are charging high interest - preventing the development of agriculture and finding EMPLOYMENT for the long-term unemployed. I will have more to say on these themes. Jinnah Rahaman

Who does the Ethnic Relations Commission serve? DEAR EDITOR, The ERC is here to serve all Guyanese and persons living or working in Guyana, including: Persons who believe they were discriminated against based on their ethnicity. Persons who believe others were discriminated against because of their ethnicity, i.e. the complainant does not have to be the victim. Article 212A of the Constitution of Guyana provides for an Ethnic Relations Commission. Article 212D of the Constitution of Guyana states the functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission

which are to: 1. Provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons; 2. Promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity; 3. Discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity; 4. Foster a sense of security among all ethnic groups be encouraging and promot-

ing the understanding, acceptance and tolerance of diversity in all aspects of national life and promoting full participation by all ethnic groups in the social, economic, cultural and political life of the people; 5. Promote educational and training programmes and research projects which provide for and encourage ethnic peace and harmony; 6. Encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society; 7. Promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic

harmony and peace; 8. Establish mechanisms and procedures for arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution that would ensure ethnic harmony and peace; 9. Recommend to the National Assembly criteria to be considered for the purposes of deciding whether any person has committed acts of discrimination on the ground of ethnicity; 10. Investigate complains of racial discrimination and make recommendations on the measures to be taken if such complaints are valid, and Continued on page 6

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The role African-American women in America space programme DEAR EDITOR, African American women actually helped launch NASA astronauts into space and bring them back safely to Earth speaks to us from so many angles. Several civil rights and political issues were addressed, and despite the fact that it is set in the 1960’s an extremely significant decade in American history, yet it still carries a message that is significantly relevant to present day educational systems. Hidden Figures is much more than a feel good historical film, a story of excellence but not of ego, one of struggle and willpower but not of individual or personal glory. The movie about these women highlights not just the struggles of women in the NASA Space Program, but also brilliantly shows the value and application of their education, the reasons underlying the importance of educational degrees, the importance of regular library con-

tact to learn new things and applying them to real world situations along with a personal and individual responsibility to prepare for the future. This movie merits being seen, again and again and should be applied to the learning initiatives in all schools, to allow students to see why they need to be serious about their education and envision their dreams of success. Girls will equally take away many lessons from the movie, especially how history was changed not merely by protests, but by going to school to gain advanced degrees, being familiar with the laws of the land, displaying proper elocution in the absence of profanity, the relevance of family unity and support and setting goals that everyone aspire towards. Another key of prime importance is to behave and act as if there is intelligence, cultural pride and self-respect. Throughout the movie

there are multiple scenes where, working with many types of math and integrating mathematical equations that sometimes had to be created, and following discovery and recognition of their analytic abilities, the women were called computers. One of the women was considered a peer only after she had proven herself more brilliant at calculating trajectories for landing spacecraft than anybody else in the workstation. However, these three scientists only gained respect after showing and demanding equality through leadership opportunities and promotions that were previously withheld solely on account of their colour. These achievements bear out the fact that girls and women have the skill sets and analytical abilities to function in complex and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) areas that demand creativity and innovation. This movie can be understood by anyone and should

be seen by everyone, for its message, not only shows the historical application of educational and cultural pride and respect, but harmoniously transcends race and sex. It shows that gender is not a liability, anything is possible, skin color is not a curse, everyone deserves respect, curiosity should never be sated and success begins with the mind. The emotional and psychological inspiration of this movie demands we ask what is next to keep the seriousness and the historical value of this movie moving forward. STEM and STEAM programs that are being applied in the educational cultures of our schools are only now being seen as not only career necessary, but also possessing scientific, business and commerce influences on a global scale. Time will tell. The figures will no longer be hidden. The growing number of boys and girls in STEM careers will tell the story. Yvonne Sam

Who does the Ethnic Relations Commission serve? From page 5 where there is justification therefore refer matters to the Human Rights Commission or other relevant authorities for further action to be taken; 11. Monitor and review all legislation and all administrative acts or omissions relating to or having implications for ethnic relations and equal opportunities and, from time to time, prepare and submit proposals for revision of such legislation and administrative acts and omissions; 12. Immediately report to the National Assembly and to all relevant authorities any proposed legislation, which the Constitution thinks, may be contrary to the constitutional provision relating to ethnicity; 13. Promote equal access by persons of all ethnic groups to all public or other services and facilities pro-

vided by the Government or other bodies; 14. Promote and encourage the acceptance and respect by all segments of the society of the society identity and cultural inheritance of all ethnic groups; 15. Promote cooperation between all bodies concerned with the fostering of harmonious ethnic relations; 16. Investigate on its own accord or on request fro the National Assembly or any other body any issues affecting ethnic relations; 17. Identify any analyse factors inhibiting the attainment of harmonious relations between ethnic groups, particularly barriers to the participation of any ethnic group in social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political endeavours and recommend to the National Assembly other relevant public or

private sector bodies how these factors should be overcome; 18. Monitor and report to the National Assembly on the status and success of implementation of its recommendations; 19. Study and make recommendations to the National Assembly on any issue relating to ethnic affairs, including conducting studies to determine whether race relations are improving; 20. Monitor and make recommendations to the National Assembly and other relevant public and private sector bodies on factors inhibiting the development of harmonious relations between ethnic groups and on barriers to the participation of all ethnic groups in the social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political life of the people; 21. Consult with other bodies and persons to determine and specify the perceived needs of the various ethnic groups for the fostering of harmonious relations; 22. Train and enlist the aid

of such persons and acquire such facilities as the Commission deems necessary to accomplish its functions; 23. Make recommendations on penalties, including the prevention of any political party or any persons from participating in elections for a specified period, to be imposed for any breach of provisions of this Constitution or of any law dealing with ethnicity; 24. Do all other acts and things as may be necessary to facilitate the efficient discharge if the functions of the Commission. Considering the above benefits of having such a body in a multi ethnic country as ours must be a national priority. In the 2015 election campaign, the APNU-AFC leaders made a lot of promises. This is one that can easily be fulfilled. Names are lying in the Parliament Chamber, waiting to be appointed. With the recent accusation of racially motivated action, such body is needed. Please do the honorable thing, Mr President. A Cameron

Thursday March 16, 2017

The President recognised these were threats by Jagdeo From page 4 government contracts, land frauds, non-payment of royalties and tax evasion, is proving to be difficult and challenging. In spite of the difficulties the work has continued unabated, since stopping the financial and economic hemorrhaging of the country‘s resources is a national priority. While many of the measures taken by the government to address the situation is not well known among the masses, the same is not true of the efforts of the opposition party and criminal syndicates that operate in the country. These forces are employing every trick in the book to undermine efforts to end their dishonest and corrupt practices. The government therefore has to be more robust and creative in its PR campaign if it intends to keep citizens apprised and supportive of the work it is doing. The opposition party has been the major beneficiary of the corruption and misappropriation of state assets. Their political survival is linked to the preservation of the criminal infrastructure in the society. They are now the principal political actors, organizing and coordinating the fight of the political/business criminal elite to neutralize the regime’s actions. These efforts are manifested in the party’s positions on the following issues: (1) the unpatriotic and racists position taken on government’s

efforts to restructure Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); (2) their hostility to SOCU and SARU;(3) their opposition to the widening of the tax base;(4) efforts to arrest tax evasion; and (5) measures to deal with currency smuggling. Government’s actions in the above areas are consistent with that of normal governance, but, in so far as the PPP and its criminal allies are concerned these policies, point to a life and death struggle. An examination of the PPP’s rhetoric at its Berbice rally tells it all: (a) Sugar workers must rise up against the closure of estates;(b) APNU+AFC government are i n t i m i d a t i n g businesspersons; (c) allegations against SARU;(d) the coalition government is driving fear in various sections of the population;(e) people must be prepared to come on the streets;(f) the government wants to unilaterally appoint GECOM Chairman;(g) PPP is the only party that stands between this government and dictatorship; and(h) an appeal to foot soldiers. While most of the above propaganda is not new, the choice of place, timing and the tone of the rhetoric is not accidental. For Jagdeo and the PPP it amounts to reading the “riot act”and signals the road they intend to take Guyana down. The threats implicit in t h e s e remarks were not missed by President Granger. Tacuma Ogunseye

The Culture Advisor to the Govt.... From page 4 response to my questions were; “two men are beaten and recount the circumstances of their being beaten in the media, including a false accusation levelled against them. Meanwhile the perpetrators of the incident cannot be found and are unwilling to give ‘their side’ of the story and your answer is that the victims of the beating and the media to which they reported openly are unreliable.” Now this is the cultural advisor to the government, if

a person which such a high office can openly state this in such a manner on such an incident I humbly ask are we really tolerant as Guyanese, as six people, as the ones who celebrated holi together recently? How can the culture advisor advise on matters of Guyanese culture if he is quick to jump to conclusions on an incident like this. I do not condone the assault on the men, and there are always two sides to any story. I’ve heard parts of the assault victims’ story, it is time we hear the other side. I call on the Guyana police force to do a thorough and proper investigation in this matter, I call on the village NDC to do an investigation, I call on the Social Cohesion Minister to take a stance and see his ministry do an independent investigation before anyone else label this is a very bad way Dave Roshundatt

Thursday March 16, 2017

“There would be no harm in us visiting Canal #1” - Minister Norton reacts to racial beating The racially motivated beating of two men in Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara is seen as an issue that has grave implications on Social Cohesion in the country. During a media conference yesterday, Minister, Dr. George Norton, acknowledged that there are some “sensitive areas” in the country, where racial profiling and violence occur.

contents of the Social Cohesion Ministry’s Draft Strategic Plan 2017-2021. A National Validation Exercise is expected to kick off tomorrow morning at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. The one-day exercise will afford participants of the countrywide consultations previously held by the Ministry, to review and

all, enhancement of citizen safety and security, promotion of social inclusion and tolerance, strengthening inclusive and participatory governance, and promoting harmonious ethnic and race relations. A draft of the strategic plan was released for public vetting and input, on February 14 last. Programme Coordinator,

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton (right) and Programme Coordinator of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Sharon Patterson speaking at yesterday’s media conference. “And we certainly will be concentrating on that,” the Minister added. Dr. Norton explained that while the beating of Dameion Gordon and Vernon Beckles on Phagwah night, is a matter currently engaging the Guyana Police Force, “There would be no harm in us (Ministry representatives) visiting Canal No. 1.” Dr. Norton said that he is fully cognizant of the implications that a racially motivated beating would have on national unity in the country. “Recently, we had a situation; just on the outskirts of Bartica had some difficulties...We were there on the spot,” The Minister highlighted. Dr. Norton explained that in such sensitive situations, the Social Cohesion Ministry expects the intervention of regional authorities.”...And whatever they need, we will provide the assistance,” the Minister added. Quizzed further on the topic of what the Social Cohesion Ministry plans to do to address such blatant cases of profiling and violence, Norton said, “What we plan to do is coming out directly in our strategic plans.” Stakeholders from all across the country will be meeting to validate the

provide final input for the completion of the strategic plan. “The plan gives attention to examining possible areas for intervention. This would be deliberated on by stakeholders. We look forward to full participation from duty bearers and continued engagement of all constituents as the Ministry moves towards implementation of the 20172021 Plan for building a socially cohesive Guyana,” Dr. Norton said. Over the past year, the Social Cohesion Ministry held approximately 30 consultations in various parts of the country. A total of 1,485 persons participated in this exercise. These sessions sought to garner input from stakeholders in all the municipalities and administrative regions. Persons were invited to provide comments on the five thematic areas. These are the promotion of economic equity and opportunities for

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Sharon Patterson, has explained that as soon as the document is finalised, the Ministry will promptly move on to the implementation phase. “We will then move toward the strengthening of capacities of regional and municipal officials, persons in the municipalities and the regions, who will be involved in the process. We are looking at empowering and connecting with institutions, both at central and regional level, statutory commissions and so on and we will work with them,” she said. Patterson highlighted, too, that the Ministry will also be looking at programmatic actions at the community level. “We will be working with communities so barriers can be removed and we can work toward building a unified Guyana,” the coordinator added. The process is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Random auditing of businesses can avert tax evasion – Dr. Thomas Singh It is the advice of Dr Thomas Singh that the relevant authorities should conduct random auditing of businesses to ensure that they are tax compliant and are keeping proper records. According to him it does not have to be a large number on every occasion, just a handful of randomly selected businesses. Singh, a Senior Economics lecturer at the University of Guyana was questioned on the issue of tax evasion. Some businesses in the City and around Guyana are evading taxes by not issuing receipts to their customers. He said that the trouble with dealing with the issue is that persons have learnt to play the system. There are usually two sets of books, one for the Guyana Revenue Authority and the other for the owner of the business. However, he believes that random auditing will still help the situation. According to the economist it is not just that businesses are dodging income and corporation taxes, but they are also facilitating the avoidance of taxes by consumers. “By not issuing receipts, businesses are not reporting all their sales, and so they will pay less in income taxes. At the same time, the prices paid by customers will be the Value Added Tax-exclusive prices.” Singh explained that under Guyana’s invoice system businesses would pay VAT to suppliers on purchases that are subject to VAT and then claim a refund from the GRA, so that eventually it is the customer who pays the VAT in a legal sense.

Dr. Thomas Singh He added, “If therefore the customer doesn’t pay VAT, but the seller, and indeed all the people from whom that seller makes purchases, get refunds, then it would seem that no one pays the VAT after all, when receipts are not issued.” In addition to conducting random auditing of businesses financial records, Singh is of the view that expediting the processing of VAT refunds will also help as businesses will have every incentive to avoid the VAT on input purchases if the refund process is lengthy and cumbersome. “Once the businesses avoid the VAT it’s an easy matter to offer the customer the ‘no receipt’ prices, as the businesses didn’t pay VAT anyway.” Singh said that VAT is self-enforcing once the businesses have to pay the VAT. This is so because each entity would then have to recover its taxes by applying to the GRA for a refund. This will force the business to keep

proper records and ultimately have to charge the customer VAT inclusive prices. “If businesses themselves avoid the VAT, the system breaks down.” For 2016 there have been 141 reports of businesses not issuing receipts to customers while in 2015 there were 101 reports; a 40 per cent increase in reported instances. This data was provided by the Head of the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (GCCAC), Haroon Khan. Khan said that businesses who do not produce receipts are acting in contravention of the Consumer Affairs Act. He added that efforts were made to sensitize businesses about their obligations to consumers regarding the issuing of receipts. He said that the entire business hub excluding Sheriff Street between 2013 and 2015 received excerpts from the Consumer Affairs Act for which they signed. “What you find is that they keep on contravening the law. Once there is an intervention on our part, they rectify the problem quite quickly but you give them a month or two, they go back to the same thing.” According to Khan, if the GCCAC receives a report of a repeat offender, the owner of that business would be summoned to the commission and if he continues, he would more than likely be eligible for summary conviction. He said that if found guilty before the court, that businessperson would be made to pay a fine of $1M and one year imprisonment.

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Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

City Hall to re-engage citizens on paid parking – Acting Mayor The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has decided that it will be re-engaging the citizens of Georgetown to discuss the issue of paid parking within the City. This is according to Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor Sherod Duncan who is filling in for Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. The Mayor is out of the jurisdiction. It was reported that Cabinet on Tuesday had decided to ask Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, to recommend to the M&CC a threemonth suspension of the parking meter project and to use that time to speak with protesters against the project. Six protests have since been organised in-front of City Hall by the apolitical group, Movement Against Parking Meters. According to Duncan, yesterday, government has made such communication to the council through the Ministry of Communities and Minister Bulkan. Duncan said, “He has been in touch with us and we will re-engage citizens of Georgetown on the matter of paid parking.” The Acting Mayor said that the intervention by Government is welcomed and as a municipality, at the end of the day it only wants what is best for all the citizens. “If it is the government’s view that more can be done on the matter, then as a local government entity working with central government in the best interest of all the citizens we will re-look at what we’ve done so far and hopefully at the end of the day come out with what is in the best interest of all.” Asked whether City Hall has informed Smart City Solutions (SCS), the company which signed the parking meter contract, about the decision to re-engage the citizens of Georgetown, Duncan said that he is certain contact

Acting Mayor, Sherod Duncan

City Hall commits to re-engaging the citizens who have concerns with paid metered parking in Georgetown with the company will be made shortly. He said that the communication with the company must go through the office of the Town Clerk since Mr Royston King is the person through which the council enters into contracts and as such is the point person. When asked how soon the three-month suspension will go into effect, Duncan said that he believes it may begin following the Mayor’s return on March 25, 2017. The company, yesterday, circulated a statement to media houses saying that it has not received any instruction or any official word in respect

to taking action to suspend the GeoPark project from the M&CC. Based on this, the company said that it plans to continue to operate and enforce the project in accordance with its obligations under the Georgetown Metered Parking Project contract. Speaking with Public Relations Consultant for SCS, Kit Nascimento, this newspaper was told that despite the company not receiving any official notice from the government or the M&CC, it remains willing to sit down and have a discussion with any group that has a concern with the project.

Further, he said that the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) which has organised six protests so far against the project, has not made any attempt to meet with the company and discuss any of the movement’s pressing concerns. Meanwhile, the MAPM in a statement yesterday said that it is heartened by the recent recommendation of the Government of Guyana to suspend the parking meter contract. However, the group said that it will continue its public call to revoke the contract and the bylaws in their current forms.

The MAPM said that it is not against a structured system for traffic regulation within the city, inclusive of measures to facilitate the orderly parking of vehicles while simultaneously raising revenue. Nevertheless, the group stands firm that the project is an imposition on the Guyanese people and did not benefit from a feasibility and social impact study and has breached Guyana’s procurement regulations. In addition, the group believes that the bylaws which were signed into being by Minister Bulkan are oppressive and infringes on the con-

stitutional rights of every Guyanese. “For these reasons, the MAPM will continue to reject this project in its entirety and will not accept any action less than a full revocation of the contract and bylaws.” One of the issues which the group has had with the project is the enforcement activity by employees of the company whereby motorists’ vehicles are being clamped for failing to pay for parking and parking in an unmetered parking space with a metered zone. Only recently a member of the group and Attorney-atLaw, Pauline Chase, had her vehicle clamped for parking on the parapet infront of her Chambers and not in a designated parking space at 217 South Street, Lacytown. Immobilization devices or ‘boots’ were affixed to two other vehicles within yards of the Attorney’s Chambers, one belonging to her secretary, while other vehicles similarly parked were not affixed with the devices. Chase had filed proceedings against the Town Clerk and Minister of Communities on behalf of the New Building Society challenging the bylaws by which the parking meter project was instituted. This matter is still pending and is expected to be called before Justice Brassington Reynolds on March 20, 2017.

Thursday March 16, 2017

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There is a shortage! One year ago, you could walk into any bank, place an order for US$5,000 and be almost sure that you would get it right away. Not anymore! You can still walk into a bank and ask for foreign currency but nine out of ten times you will walk out empty-handed. There is now a waiting period at most banks for foreign exchange. The banks simply do not have the amount which is being demanded and which, from all accounts, does not constitute a run on foreign exchange. Businessmen need foreign currency to finance their purchases. They are finding it difficult to obtain this currency and many of them may be tempted to go to the informal markets to obtain funds. There are reports that some persons are so desperate for foreign exchange that they are paying as much as $220 to US$1. This is sometimes the only means by which they can source foreign currency immediately. If you need money to do an emergency surgery overseas and it cannot be had in a timely manner, then there is little other choice than to raise the amount you are willing to pay.

This represents a 5% devaluation of Guyana’s currency. The least thing that Guyana can afford at this time is an unofficial devaluation. This will hurt the economy further. This will also lead to higher prices for imported goods which constitute a significant share of household expenditure. The cost of living will increase and so too will inflation. The waiting time for foreign currency at commercial banks signifies that indeed there is a shortage of foreign exchange in the system. It is therefore time for the government to take off its blinkers and stop denying what is now undeniable It is time for the government to admit that there is a problem with the availability of foreign exchange. The banks are not holding back on selling currency. They simply do not have the amounts that are needed to meet normal demand. The banks are doing this country a favour by not allowing demand and supply to dictate the foreign exchange rates because then there would be a graver shortage of foreign currency as well as a soaring rate. The reputations of some

businessmen are on the line with their suppliers. These suppliers are accustomed to being paid on time. They are suspicious when they are being suddenly told that it will take some time for their payments to be remitted to them. We also have a problem with correspondent banks which are refusing to conduct foreign exchange transactions. This is adding to the uncertainty and costs of foreign exchange transactions.

there is a problem a solution cannot be found. Short-term measures such as limiting the spread between the buying and selling rates at the cambios and at commercial banks will not solve the problems with availability. It has not eased the problems of traders. It has reportedly helped to push some currency transactions underground. The causes of the problem need to be investigated. The investigation needs to be

done by an independent authority so as to remove any suspicion of politically contrived explanations. The government should ask the World Bank to send down a small team to look into this matter because it does have implications for the cost of capital which is already rising in the country.

Detectives fingered in death of Berbice carpenter…

Case still under investigation by OPR After more than five months, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is still investigating the allegation made against two detectives that they deliberately tried to cover-up the murder of 26-year-old carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. The two detectives, who are still on the job, are said to have ignored Narinedatt’s relatives when they reported that the man was murdered and not killed in a hit and run accident as was initially reported. The relatives said that they provided details of Narinedatt slaying to some of

Dem boys seh... De parking meter deal stop on de seventh protest De Bible talk how Joshua bruck down a wall. He walk round and round de wall fuh seven days blowing he trumpet. Then one day, de last day he blow he trumpet again and de wall fall down. De parking meter protesters decide that dem didn’t want no parking meter in de city suh dem gather outside City Hall, chanting and mekking nuff noise fuh six days. Dem was planning to come back on de seventh day but City hall foundation shake. That is how dem suspend de parking meter before de people could gather on de seventh day. Dem boys hear that Soulja Bai decide to tell de Mare that she and she colleagues better halt de parking meter. Of course Soulja Bai is a church man. He does go to church and pray. People don’t understand that was on de day after de seventh Sunday after Lent that Jagdeo lose de elections. People does see things and dem know how to tek action to avoid disaster but de parking meter people seh that dem gun tie up

Consumers are hurting in this country. They cannot bear any more increases. The government can pronounce all it wants about higher disposable incomes but the reality on the road is that that higher disposable income is not the same for everyone and that the majority of people are feeling the squeeze of increased prices and the VAT on things which formally did not attract VAT. This is the reality. There is a problem. Unless there is an acceptance that

Georgetown in de courts. De contract seh that City Hall got to pay dem fuh dem whole investment. Dem boys want to know wheh City Hall gun get de investment. It broke. That ain’t de whole story. De real story gun come if anybody tek money and now got to give back. And when people talk bout giving back, Jagdeo done seh that he not tekking back he word. He seh that Greg de British High Commissioner been in Oasis. De big man seh he was not there and de video footage show he was not there. That is how dem boys know Jagdeo is a dreamer. He does dream things and when he wake up he does think is true. He did dream how Brassington was a slim ballerina. But dem boys hear that de Chat-3 who carry de news to Jagdeo shame because Will, de Oasis man, tell him that Greg de High Commissioner was not there. He trying to mek friends wid de High Commissioner. Talk half and watch how Jagdeo gun apologise in seven days

the detectives, and even identified the suspects and a vehicle that was used to transport the corpse. But they said that the detectives failed to question any of the suspects. One detective even asked, “Where is the evidence?” The truth of the carpenter’s death was eventually exposed after his relatives contacted officials at CID headquarters, Eve Leary, who put the Major Crimes Unit ranks on the case. Residents and police sources from Berbice have stated that the detectives under scrutiny were closely associated with 27-year-old USbased Guyanese, Marcus Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder. Yesterday, the carpenter’s relatives expressed their dissatisfaction at the way the police were dealing with the investigation regarding the two policemen. “They are trying to cover up this thing because it is

more than two police who are involved in this thing,” a relative noted. In response to the victims relatives’ claims, a source from the OPR said that investigations involving police officers take a longer time when compared to a normal citizen since the matter has to be passed down to different departments. The source said that the probe into the two detectives’ misconduct is still active. This newspaper was informed that on the night Narinedatt was murdered (November 1, last), there were two policemen providing security at the home of overseas-based Guyanese, Marcus Brian Bisram. “Those two police are now claiming that they did not see or hear anything but money passed because neighbours saw what happened,” a police source, who was probing the case explained. Orlando Dickie, 39, of Stevedore Housing Scheme,

Faiyaz Narinedatt North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of 124 Number 78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Niran Yacoob, 37, of 65 Number 67 Village, Corentyne Berbice were subsequently charged.

PAGE 10

Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Pleasant surprise at the GRA yesterday They say in life, one must be decent and fair and give Jack his jacket when he deserves it. Yesterday, I went into the GRA to renew my vehicular road licence. There was this wicket that read “vehicular road licence,” and there was no line. I walked up to the attendant and within a minute I was gone. Given the sadism that inheres in the Overdeveloped State in post-colonial societies, this was a phenomenal occurrence. This is a mighty plus for the government. It is simply an incredible transformation in state delivery. If the Coalition can continue with such service, it will

win people’s support. Contrary to the popular notion that people concentrate on politics and judge governments by its political attitudes, untold numbers of citizens just want to live their lives in peace with access to modern state services. These folks have no interest in which Minister was drunk, which Minister employed his cousin at which public corporation, or which Minister has a mistress. Overall, in the world we live in, people want to live peacefully in their country and they will not devote energy and passion to participate in a picket or demonstration once the country is peaceful and they have mod-

ern comfort. It goes wrong, terribly wrong, when people have to wait in long lines to pay a bill, get a driver’s license, secure a passport, procure a birth certificate, receive an answer for an NIS enquiry etc. You are not going to believe the next line of this column. My daughter is a witness. I tried calling the Bank of Nova Scotia and got through forty-one minutes later. And I know it was forty-one minutes because my daughter counted the time. These are the unpleasant things people do not want in their lives. What happens, then, is that governments receive the hatred of its citizens because

Gunman placed gun to driver’s neck, hijacks car Kevin Prince, the driver of HC 6287, a black Fielder wagon is lucky to be alive after the motor car he was driving was hijacked by a man who allegedly placed a gun to his neck. According to the owner of the vehicle, Barbra James, 57, of South Sophia, around 01:00hr yesterday, the driver called her and informed her that the car was hijacked .The woman also stated that the driver told he was on his way

to the Sparendaam Police Station to make a report. The woman said that she was informed that Prince picked up a female passenger at the Demico outlet, Stabroek Square. The passenger, she said, was going to Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. According to reports the woman said that while the driver was heading to the destination, the female Continued on page 12

The stolen vehicle

of the pain involved in those waits. Unreasonable bosses are

Frederick Kissoon not going to tolerate an employee absent out of the work place for four hours. But that is the time it takes

to submit a birth certificate application, passport application, see an NIS attendant, make a GPL query. What happens when a woman has a baby and GPL comes to disconnect her and she insists she has paid? She has to wait three hours at a GPL branch to make a complaint. The PPP invoked the hatred of Guyanese because of extremely terrible state services. This is coming from a citizen who has endured these nightmares under the PPP. I know about non-existent state services. I know what it is like to be in a line for three hours. I have not used the Freddie Kissoon name to jump the queue because the people in the line would bring down the house. The PPP Government had a sadistic disdain for these kinds of suffering Guyanese had to put up with because always was the thought, “We can’t lose elections.” Based on that mythology, they treated this entire nation with utter contempt. This was one of the areas that the PPP created self-destruction. Every major state service was an experience in pain, stress and grief. I remember when my mother-inlaw died. To apply for the death certificate, you had to submit the original hospital’s statement

of cause of death. When I went to the NIS to apply for death benefits, NIS told me they have to get the original state of cause of death from the hospital. So two state agencies, literally created an impossibility for a citizen. I went to the hospital and was told they can only give a photocopy. This is the kind of sadism that citizens lived with under the PPP government which lasted almost 23 years. I really don’t know what happened at the GRA yesterday to cause the line to be empty. I hope it is a beautiful, encouraging, spiritual sign of things to come but I honestly cannot tell my readers I am optimistic because I am not. I acknowledge here that I did not have to wait at the GRA yesterday but I should be cautious because I know my country. I study my country. I live in my country. I also accept the theory of the Overdeveloped State which argues that state services are not a priority in post-colonial countries and that security is the overwhelming passion of the leaders. I did see a huge queue under a tent on the lawns of the GRA. People were waiting to hand in their application for driver’s license renewal. That what I saw is wrong. Citizens should not be treated like that.

Thursday March 16, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Rehabilitatory works moving apace at Arthur Chung Conference Centre The Arthur Chung Conference Centre had been closed since December 1, 2016 to facilitate rehabilitation works to the building. Based on information received work is moving apace in keeping with the original schedule. According to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, the Conference Centre will be closed until February 2018. She said that as far as she knows, the foundation at the front of the building has been ‘dug up’ since it was a major area which was sinking. This newspaper was later informed that the repair crews have completed the necessary assessments and measurements that will help with the design of the new substructures for the buildings. Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Marjorie Chester, said that materials are arriving on time and workers are at their stations working to have the building ready within the 18-month schedule. The Rehabilitation works are being funded completely by the government of China through a grant aid as was done when the centre was first constructed between 2004 and 2006. Guyana will only contribute to the provision of on-site security services. The Ministry had debunked speculations last October regarding the source of funding for the project. According to the Ministry the terms and conditions for repairs to the structure

were written into the agreements which were signed in 2004 which state unambiguously that the same construction firm will effect repairs to the interior and exterior of the main and adjoining building at no cost to the people of Guyana. According to government’s assessment of the building, it was found that the more than 10 years of continuous use, wear and tear coupled with the effects of natural elements including shifting foundations and saline breezes from the Atlantic Ocean took a toll on the building. It was said that the concrete stairways and floors on the upper level as well as ceilings are cracked in certain places. The foundation and walls on the ground floor also have widening cracks. As a result of structural movement and undulation, a number of the ceramic floor tiles have come loose. The back-up generating system at the building had stopped working a number of years ago and is expected to be replaced as well. In February 2006, the building, originally named the International Convention Centre, was handed over to the government of Guyana by the People’s Republic of China. It was renamed the Arthur Chung Convention Centre by President David Granger in May 2015, soon after the coalition government came to office.

Somalian fined for uttering forged UK passport A 25 year old Somalia national was on Tuesday fined or ordered to serve time in jail for uttering a forged United Kingdom of Britain passport to an immigration officer. Abrahim Sheik Mohamed, a shop owner, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on March 9, at Lethem, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Constable Stephen Williams, an immigration officer, a forged United Kingdom of Great Britain passport in the name of Steven Rhimestone, bearing a photograph of the said Rhimestone. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan fined Mohamed $100,000 with an alternative of serving a four-month prison term. The Chief Magistrate also ordered that he be escorted to the nearest port of exit upon paying the fine or serving the jail sentence. Police Prosecutor Denero Jones told the court that Mohamed came to Guyana via Brazil and presented the fake passport to the police rank. Upon checking, it was discovered that the travel document was stolen. Police detained the foreign national for further investigation and checks made with INTERPOL revealed that the passport was indeed stolen.

The Arthur Chung Conference Centre

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday March 16, 2017

Public Health Ministry places emphasis on quality of imported drugs - Investigation ongoing into “fake” drugs by a drug supplier to GPHC By Kiana Wilburg As it continues to ferret out the loopholes within the system, the Ministry of Public Health is also making moves to address the quality of drugs being imported by some suppliers. Senior officials within the Ministry of Public Health said, recently, that emphasis is being placed by some critics on the cost of the pharmaceuticals being purchased. However, none is being placed on the quality of drugs imported for the health sector, the officials stressed. “Most of the pharmaceuticals imported are generic drugs from Third World countries. In many cases these drugs are not produced under international standards.” The Public Health officials said that many of the manufacturers are not certified with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) while others are not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of certain diseases. Kaieteur News was also able to confirm that there is even an ongoing investigation into “inferior or fake” drugs which were supplied to the Georgetown Public Hospital by one local supplier. The matter is being investigated by the Analyst Food and Drug Department. The Ministry noted, however, that this is not the case with all suppliers of drugs. The officials said that the drugs imported b y A n s a McAl Trading Limited are from internationally renowned manufacturers who are both ISO certified and whose pharmaceuticals can be verified by checks on the WHO website. Additionally, Ansa McAl Trading Limited recently lauded the return of a level playing field in the procurement of drugs and other pharmaceuticals after being shut out from the system for several years. This was because for over 20 years, one company, New GPC, was the beneficiary of billions of dollars worth in contracts through sole sourcing. New GPC is owed by Dr. Ranjisinghi “Bobby”

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence Ramroop, a friend of former President and now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. When it served in the opposition, the current administration had lashed out at the PPP/C for granting billions of dollars’ worth in contracts to NEW GPC during the lead up to the May 11 National and Regional Elections. On May 8, 2015, New GPC uplifted a billion-dollar cheque for a drug contract awarded to that company. That was the last working day before General and Regional elections. The payment arrangement was also contrary to all the country’s procurement procedures. Traditionally, 25 percent of the contract is paid up front. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had said that the situation surrounding the health contracts and New GPC was nothing but “kick-down-the door banditry.” Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, had said that the actions of the previous Government in the lead up to the May 11 polls, was evidence of how “evil, corrupt, greedy and ruthless” it can be. Greenidge had said that the PPP/C has given so much to Dr. Ramroop by breaking the laws that it has made him a king in this country.

”Another critical point we need to pay attention to, and that is the fact that Ramroop was given the opportunity to supply almost 85 percent of the country’s drugs for nearly 20 years. “Considering the empire he has been able to build through the sole sourcing of drugs, we see clearly, too, for how long value for money in the health sector has been evaded.” It is estimated that over the past seven years more than US$200 million was spent on drug purchases, with the lion’s share going to New GPC. Greenidge had said that the control Jagdeo gave Ramroop over the health sector was not only unhealthy for the competitive market, but it also marred attempts at transparency and accountability. The politician had reiterated that through the sole sourcing of drugs, “Jagdeo and his government did not only ruthlessly rob the nation, but invited his best friend to help further corrupt the system and to rob the poor people at the same time.” New GPC has been a feature in the Auditor General’s report over the years with several reports focused on multi-million-dollar deficiencies in the procurement and supply of drugs under the previous administration.

Gunman placed gun to driver’s neck... From page 10 passenger told him to stop and picked up her husband whom she observed standing on the road. The driver then picked up the male passenger. Upon arrival at the location the male passenger paid with a $5,000 bill. However, when the taxi driver turned his back to make

change, the male passenger placed a gun to his head and demanded that he exit the vehicle. Prince being fearful for his life, complied. According to reports the driver jump out the vehicle while the man drove away with his wife sitting in the front passenger seat. The woman further stated

that Prince has been driving the car for the past six months and she recently had to pay over $300,000 to repair the said vehicle which was involved in an accident last year December. The woman said that after the incident she went and made a report at the Sparendaam Police Station.

Thursday March 16, 2017

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Iraqi troops seize main bridge, advance on mosque in battle for Mosul (Reuters) Iraqi government forces battling Islamic State for Mosul took control of a main bridge over the Tigris River yesterday and advanced towards the mosque where the group’s leader declared a caliphate in 2014, federal police said. The seizure of the Iron Bridge, linking eastern Mosul with the militant-held Old City on the west side, means the government holds three of the five bridges over the Tigris and bolsters Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s assertion that the battle is reaching its final stages. The bridge, which was damaged in fighting late last year, was captured by federal police and Interior Ministry Rapid Response units, a police statement said. The gains were made in heavy fighting in which troops fought street-by-street against an enemy using suicide car bombs, mortar and sniper fire, and grenade-dropping drones to defend what was once their main stronghold. “Our troops are making a steady advance ... and we are now less than 800 meters from the mosque,” a federal police

spokesman said. Losing the city would be a huge blow to Islamic State as it has served as the group’s de facto capital since its leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi proclaimed himself head of a caliphate spanning Iraq and Syria from the Nuri Mosque in July 2014. The capture of the mosque would thus be a huge symbolic victory as well as a concrete gain. But many hard days of fighting could still lie ahead as government forces try to make headway in the streets and narrow alleyways of the Old City. Islamic State fighters have booby-trapped houses, and government forces will also be fighting amongst civilians, ruling out the extensive use of air and artillery support. Heavy fighting was also reported yesterday around the Mosul museum by journalists and combatants. An Islamic State suicide car bomb exploded near the museum. Helicopters strafed the ground with machinegun fire and missiles. DECISIVE STAGE The intense combat marked a decisive stage in the battle for Mosul which started

Displaced Iraqi families who fled from clashes during a battle between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants, walk with their children, in the city of Mosul, Iraq yesterday. (REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani) on Oct. 17 last year, and in the wider struggle against Islamic State. In neighbouring Syria, three separate forces are advancing on the city of Raqqa, the main Syrian city under Islamic State control. As well as waging jihad in

Iraq and Syria, the militants have inspired attacks in cities in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of civilians. In Baghdad, Abadi said: “Daesh (Islamic State) become day after day surrounded inside a tight area

and they are in their final days.” In a news conference on Tuesday night, he warned the insurgents that they must surrender or face death. “We will preserve families of Daesh who are civilians but we will punish the terrorists

and bring them to justice if they surrender,” he said. “They are cornered and if they will not surrender. They will definitely get killed.” Iraqi officers said cloudy weather hampered air cover yesterday morning. Police commander Younes Jabouri said troops were moving forward but it was not easy because of the weather. “We’re on the edge of the Old City. There are lots of shops, garages and markets and a lot of residents and small streets and alleyways. It takes time because there are a lot of civilians and Daesh uses them as human shields, they don’t let them leave,” he said. Residents have streamed out of western neighborhoods recaptured by the government, many desperately hungry and traumatized by living under Islamic State’s harsh rule. Haider Ibrahim Rohawi, a market trader, was fleeing Lagedat district with his family, pushing his possessions in a handcart. “Yesterday afternoon the army came. Just a day before Daesh were in our houses with us. There was a lot of fighting.

PAGE 22

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to refrigerators washing machine, gas stove, all units. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202

LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2.3M, $2M – Call: 642-1252 1 Lot of land @ Yarrowkabra -$950,000. Call: 672-5876 Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M, $1.8M, $1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2M, Diamond -$4M, Providence $4M, Zeelught $1.6M. Call: 614-6802 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M, $1.8M, $1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2M, Providence -$3.5M, Zeelugt .6M, New Road V/Hoop -$27M. Call: 604-6724

Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Passport application services and consultancy – Call: 233-6517 Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 Salon Dior, Industry, E.C.D, best in hair care, nail designs. Call: 600-2455/ 216-4097 for appointment.

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

Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR SALE

VACANCY

WANTED

1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101 1 New model Vitz, press start, A/C, excellent condition $1.5M, good for bank purchases, 1 Toyota Verossa -$2.3M. Call: 639-2490

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

Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Receptionist, Male Security guard age 30-45, 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198

One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks. Call: 6144358 Experienced Hire Car Drivers/Dispatchers. Call: 622-6413

Urgently needed workers to work at Ice Company @ Meadow Bank Wharf, training provided. Call: 2311408/ 642-9191/ between 8am-1pm.

Dwayne Stephen Auto Sales! New Shipment of Vehicle: Rush, Blue Bird, Note, Axio, Allion. Call: 665-2330/ 6486869 Next to new 2013 Silver Nissan March PWW series, new magrims & new tyres – price $2.6M negotiable. Call: 660-6145 Rita

1- CAT 320 BL Excavators, 428- CAT Backhoe, 1 CAT 930 Front End, 9 wheeled pneumatic roller, Double Steel drum compactor- Call: 275-0538/ 683-7225 2 Leyland Dump truck (55210), 1 Caterpillar Backhoe, owner migrating, very good condition. Call: 672-5876 Fibre-Tech 220 9192/6907. Fiberglass, Resin materials in any quantity all for your repairs.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876 1-2 Bedroom apartment to rent fully furnished, including internet, cable, TV, parking available. E.C.D –Call: 6672536 Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, storage bond, lesson place, church -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400 3 Bedrooms upper flat located at Vreed-en-Hoop, 3rd Building in from Junction. Call: 673-3064 House for rent @ 112 Duke Street Kingstown G/Town: 3 bedrooms. Call: 603-7147/ 665-6433

TO LET 2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme, rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234

CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF 55 Tipper Truck, D4H CAT Bulldozer. Call: 2750538/ 683-7225

Newly refurbished 2 bedroom apartment D’urban Street Lodge, secure parking. Call: 687-4050

Two Massey Ferguson tractors 4299 and 290. Price negotiable- Call:611-1277 One Mitsubishi Canter – Call: Rayon: 671-7108 Doberman pups- Call: 6997077/ 619-6086 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course: starting 14th March. Hands on training repairing all types of TV’s etc. Call: 226-6551/ 2250391 HEALTH Have your health checked through iridology- Monday April 3. Call Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136 MASSAGE The Gent’s Spa: Massage done by Tiffany, mobile services. Book appointment now! Call: 677-5465

Now Hiring: Marketing Agents. Models/Media Reps. Call: 233-6517 Gardener , watchman, handyman, guard – Call: 2237500 Monday – Friday 8:154:15pm, Saturday 8:15am1:15pm 1- Pump attendant – Call: 6240033; 1-customer service/ sales assistant. Call: 6240033 1 – Accounts/office assistant- Send CV to laltag@yahoo.com or whatsapp: 680-3863 Employment Available @ Hicks Ville Hotel: washer/ presser and hotel attendants. Call: 231-0951/ 223-3448 Experienced salesman. Apply with handwritten application to Key Food Trading, Mc Doom Village, next to post office.

Three storey 75ftX25ft building/bond. Call: 2230654/ 225-0604

CAR RENTAL

Refrigeration & Ice Machine maintenance workers age 25 & older. Call: 231-1408/ 6429191 between 8 to 1pm Earn 5k-20K daily at home. Call: 233-6517/622-1957/ www.jobfairworldwide.com

One live in domestic to work in Mahaicony River, Serious person. Call: 655-9419 FOR SALE/RENT 1 Big music set for sale, owner migrating. 1-3 Bedrooms house for rent @ Plantation Lilendaal. Call: 690-5225

ACCOMMODATION Secret Villa apartments fully furnished, hot & cold water, Jacuzzi, air condition from $20USD daily. Call: 225-6337/ 266-5244/668-0306 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Harmony Inn: Furnished self contained apartments & rooms from $20USD daily. Call: 218-1400/ 694-7817

Wanted land to buy at Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, best price offered. Call: 657-9594

One shop assistant to work in the Interior, must have experienced. Call: 678-0565 Two hundred 8inX4inX2in, Clay Bricks. Call Edward: 6534797/ 223-0952 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children & home, must know to cook various dishes 38-48yrs. Call: 600-1898 Live-in waitress with secondary education, salary $80,000 monthly. Boarding & lodging free. Age 18-25 years- Tel:610-3974 Farm Workers, preferably couple. Call: 265-3586 (8:00am-4:00pm, Mon- Sat)

Thursday March 16, 2017

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Kaieteur News

West Dem Carpenter’s death... Eleven years for Diamond Post Mortem reveals injuries are Housing Scheme killing Christopher Da Silva, 23, of Diamond Housing Scheme was on Tuesday sentenced to 11 years in prison for the unlawful killing of Riad Khan. The incident took place at 17th Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, (EBD) on June 28, 2012. The young man was stabbed in the chest by Da Silva following an altercation on the day in question. But according to the caution statement Da Silva gave to police officers following his arrest, he was with his girl when he was confronted by Khan and two of his friends. The information provided to the court recorded the accused as telling the police, “I was with me girl when she come out of practice and I was talking to her when Riad came up and ask if I want done it now. He slap me.” “Two guys were with he; one of them went at the back of me, he had a knife. I tek it away and push he down and go back and bore Riad who had the gun and run away. I throw away the knife in the yard.” On Tuesday, Da Silva who was initially indicted for murder pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed twelve member jury. He was represented by Attorney-at-law, Maxwell Mc

Christopher Da Silva Kay. Mc Kay asked the court to be lenient with his client. He disclosed that his client had been incarcerated for the past five years with his family as his only support base for that time. Mc Kay noted that his client was a teenager at the time of his incarceration but he is now a boxing champion in the prisons. However, State Prosecutor, Siand Dhurjon, asked the court to consider that the deceased was 17 years old when he died; he was full of potential, a top student of his school and the only son for his father. He therefore asked the court to mete out a sentence in accordance with the act committed. Dhurjon represented the State in association with Attorney-at -law, Tuanna Hardy.

In answer to questions from the Judge, Da Silva told the court that he understood that he could be sentenced to a term of imprisonment. He reaffirmed to the court that he had not taken drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. He said that he clearly understood and agreed to plead to the lesser count. As a result the jury was directed to enter a formal plea of not guilty for murder and guilty to manslaughter. When the Judge permitted him to speak, Da Silva told the court that that his time in prison has been difficult on his family given that his mother is a single parent and was supporting him. His family members who were seated in the gallery became emotional at this point. Da Silva said that he was sorry for his actions and also apologized to the father of the deceased who was seated in the court. In response, Justice Singh told the killer that it is unfortunate that he got himself into trouble but that he should use the experience as a lesson learnt. “I trust that you will pursue a meaningful life… but a life has been lost.” The Judge therefore sentenced Da Silva to 11 years in prison for manslaughter. Five years was deducted from the 11 sentence for the time the man would have spent on remand.

Family up in arms as suspects charged with manslaughter

The family of Aslam Gafoor, who died last Wednesday after he was brutally beaten into unconsciousness some five months ago by four men, are not happy because two of the men have only been charged with manslaughter. Gafoor, 22, a cane harvester and father of two of Lot 235 No. 77 Corentyne, Berbice, died in the Georgetown Public Hospital, even after undergoing a number of surgeries. The four men were subsequently arrested, but only Haresh Persaud, 19, of Lot 5 No. 75 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was charged with attempted murder. He appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail, on his first appearance in the sum of $500,000. At the time the victim was still critically ill and in an unconscious state in the Georgetown Hospital. After the man’s death Persaud and one Vashie Sukhoo, the car driver of Skeldon, Corentyne were charged with manslaughter. They appeared again before

…accuse police of not doing enough Magistrate Singh in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court and just like the first time were immediately granted bail in the sum of $500,000. Gafoor was ambushed and beaten around 17:30 hrs on October 21, last, by the men with pieces of wood and a lug spanner which was subsequently flung at him and stuck in his head. The incident occurred in the No. 77 Housing Scheme area. According to Gafoor’s mother, Bibi N. Shakemohamed, the accused began threatening her son over a year ago. This was after he was warned not to interfere with her daughter. The accused began to threaten to kill her son. On two previous occasions the accused and his colleagues attacked Gafoor and damaged his motorcycle in the process. The matter was reported. However, the police advised him to forget about the matter since the case will take a long time in the court. Gafoor was attacked at a school sports event at Skeldon by the accused, his brother and two others. He

subsequently left the event on his motorcycle with the men trailing him in a car. Gafoor sought refuge at a relative in the Housing Scheme. The men attempted to damage his bike which he left on the road. In an attempt to retrieve his bike he was attacked and beaten. When he tried to escape, a lug spanner was thrown at him. The spanner got stuck in his head. He was floored and the perpetrators escaped. He was picked up in an unconscious condition with blood oozing from his body and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. He was immediately transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and then to the Georgetown Public Hospital for emergency surgeries. The man underwent a number of surgeries to his head due to internal bleeding and swelling on his brain. The family is not happy and believes that the accused should be charged with murder, citing the circumstances in which the incident occurred.

consistent with vehicular accident

The Post Mortem (PM) examination on the body of a West Demerara carpenter has revealed that the wounds sustained by the 46-year-old man, are consistent with that of a vehicular accident victim. This was according to a relative of the deceased, yesterday. It was later confirmed by the ‘D’ Division Commander of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), former Crime Chief Leslie James. The body of Seecharran Lall, called “Lalah”, was discovered on the Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara, during the wee hours of Monday morning. While many Harlem residents concluded that the man might have been struck by a vehicle, relatives of the deceased, believed and continued to suggest otherwise.

According to the man’s aggrieved brother, Taijram Lall, he and Seecharran on Sunday morning journeyed to a relative’s home in Crane, West Coast Demerara, to participate in the Phagwah celebrations. After several hours of imbibing, Lall requested that he wanted to return home. The brothers, in the company of other relatives, proceeded to the main road around 19:30hrs, where a “short-drop” taxi was flagged down. Taijram recalled that the car could have only taken one passenger so Lall boarded. “When we reach home he didn’t reach yet. This morning we get a call that they find he body in Harlem,” the tearyeyed Taijram said on Monday. Lall’s relatives subse-

quently paid a visit to the taxidriver’s home seeking answers. “He tell we that he drop back Lalah where he pick him up from. He didn’t say why he drop him back there,” Taijram said. Kaieteur News was informed yesterday that the taxi-driver was taken into custody to assist with the investigation however, the Commander refuted this claim. A subsequent telephone call to the Vreed-en-Hoop outpost, confirmed that no one was held in connection to the matter. Meanwhile, the relatives of Seecharran Lall remain convinced that there was foulplay. They argued that the carpenter was allegedly murdered and dumped at the location.

Guyana remembers Rose Hall... From page 15 Hall is to be closed then it will havel a serious devastating effect.” He pleaded with the Prime Minister Nagamootoo, “Please, when any consideration is given as to what will happen to the sugar industry in Rose Hall, people must come first”. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo also focused on sugar. “Too many people depend on sugar but how do we ensure that the living and the livelihood ought to be better than our foreparents? We have to use science and technology; we have to transform the work of the sugar industry. Fetching canes on their heads, walking in the back dams barefooted must be things of the past. We have to transform them into workers of the modern industry.” He said that even if there are fewer sugar factories and estates the work must be made less burdensome with emphasis being placed on converting the sugar industry that has become “burdensome” and “bankrupt”. According to Nagamootoo the Government has invested some $38 Million to pay wages in the sugar industry and to keep the factories going. “We have to think that we can no longer treat the sugar industry as if it is a stone around our neck; that sugar as bad as its history has been; should be allowed to drag the entire nation down. Sugar should not take monies that ought be spent on training and educating our young people. It should make the livelihoods of nurses and teachers who are educators and take care of

our health a better one in ensuring that we pay everyone in the public service decent wages so that they do not steal. But we have to find an answer that is not permitted to drain the treasury and pouring the money down into a dark hole.” He told the attendees to not pay heed to the rumours that he does not have sugar at heart. “This has been my singular obsession since entering politics, today I would like to invite the trade union to be part of the solution and not the problem, to join us to find answers of how we can transform the sugar industry and make the lives of sugar workers better.” The Prime Minister also stated that some sugar estates will have to be closed

because all of the factories are not yielding the profits as expected. But having a few estates to produce and reach their targets is a much better road to saving sugar in Guyana. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan also paid homage to the slain sugar workers. He traced a brief history of what occurred on that day and reminded of the sacrifices that were made during those years. Wreaths were laid at the monument in honor of the fifteen sugar workers that included a woman to recognize the struggles and sacrifices endured that kept the sugar industry alive. A tribute was also given by a surviving relative of one the sugar workers shot that day, 104 years ago.

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More than 150 illegal guns seized in Jamaica so far this year KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – National Security Minister, Robert Montague, says more than 150 guns and over 1, 500 rounds of ammunition have been seized by law enforcement authorities so far this year. Montague said that up until March 11 this year, 163 illegal guns and 1,684 rounds of ammunition had been seized as compared with 116 illegal guns and 1, 592 rounds of ammunition for the same period last year. “We are making progress in taking the illegal weapons and ammunition off the streets, but that is not good enough. We must get to the supply which is the root cause of our problems, because the more we take up, it also tells us that more is coming in,” the National Security Minister

said during the handing over of a BULLETTRAX-3D System to the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine. He said that last year, more than 700 illegal guns and 8,721 rounds of ammunition were seized under the “Get the Guns” campaign. “We are working very hard to dry up the supply of illicit firearms and ammunition in Jamaica,” Montague said, adding that the Andrew Holness government has been working very closely with international partners to stop the flow of illicit firearms and ammunition in Jamaica. He said a review of the Firearms Licensing Authority (FLA) has been undertaken, while the operations have been “tightened” to ensure that legal gun owners are properly vetted, ap-

propriately trained in the handling and keeping of firearms and are held accountable. “Legal gun owners cannot enable criminal access to guns and ammunition through negligence or irresponsible actions. Every firearm and every round of ammunition in the country will be properly accounted for. We cannot stamp out the scourge of crime and murders in Jamaica unless we overcome our gun problem,” Montague said, noting that 70 per cent of the murders committed in Jamaica involve the use of firearms. Under the “Get the Guns” campaign, the police intercept illegal firearms entering the island as well as recover guns from criminals. Monetary rewards are offered to the public for information that leads to the seizure of the weapons.

Number of Zika, dengue and chikungunya cases drop in Brazil SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Brazil’s Health Ministry says the number of cases of Zika, dengue and chikungunya reported during the first 6 ½ weeks of the year is nearly 90 percent less than in the same period in 2016. The ministry says in an email that 60,124 cases of the three diseases were reported between January 1 and February 18, against

549,510 cases one year earlier. The ministry attributes the drop in the number of cases to increased efforts to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the three diseases as well as yellow fever. Well-adapted to humans, it lives largely inside homes and can lay eggs in even a bottlecap’s worth of stagnant water.

Body of missing T&T police officer found at sea PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – One week after woman police officer, Nyasha Joseph was reported missing, her body was retrieved from the Gulf of Paria yesterday. Police confirmed that the body spotted by a fisherman is that of the 22-year-old police officer, who had failed to report for duty last Thursday and had joined the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service last November. The body was found near the mouth of the Caroni River and media reports say that bricks were attached to ensure that it sank to

the bottom of the water. Police have detained one man in connection with their missing colleague, whose four year-old daughter celebrated her birthday earlier this week. Police have one man in custody in connection with the missing officer and Crime Stoppers had offered a TT$25,000 (One Tt dollar =US$-.16 cents) reward. In recent weeks there have been calls by various organisations here for a halt to the murder of women in Trinidad and Tobago.

UN expert urges more aid for Hurricane Matthew victims in Haiti PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti — An independent United Nations expert on human rights yesterday welcomed the recent completion of the electoral process as “remarkable progress” for the island nation, while he also urged the authorities to address the situation in prisons, and redouble efforts to help Haitians affected by Hurricane Matthew and the 2010 earthquake. Following his sixth official mission, Gustavo Gallón, the independent expert, praised “the transparency, professionalism and commitment of the Provisional Electoral Council, and the provisional government authorities in leading the elections.” Even though not enough, the independent expert has noted the election of a female senator as well as three female parliamentarians to the lower Chamber. He also invited the authorities to intensify their efforts in continuing to promote the po-

litical participation of women. He went on to say that detention conditions in Haitian prisons are extremely inhumane, cruel and degrading. Long pre-trial detention, which amounts to an average of 70 percent at national level, is among the main causes of prison overcrowding, which reaches a rate of 358 percent, equivalent to 1.43 square metres per prisoner. There are prisons where the situation is even worse, according to a study conducted in 2016. “It can be said that 91 percent of all detainees in this prison who are awaiting trial are illegally or arbitrarily detained, which represents an increase of 23 percent since 2014,” Gallón explained, adding that the excessive level of overcrowding is also a factor, among others, that contributes to the high death rate in prison.

Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

IDB launches website to monitor education systems in the region WASHINGTON (CMC) – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) yesterday said it has launched a website with education and statistics indicators for Latin America and the Caribbean that seeks to address the needs of policy makers, researchers, media, and civil society to monitor education systems in the region. The IDB said that the site, CIMA, will also inform the policies that contribute to their improvement. It said while similar datacollection efforts from other organizations already exist, CIMA offers an intuitive and easy to use platform with information available in Spanish, English and Portuguese that is comparable and relevant for the challenges faced by countries in the region. “CIMA centralizes data from three main sources: harmonized household surveys, learning assessments and

administrative data. It currently contains close to 40 indicators that altogether provide a regional education outlook and allow comparisons between countries and years.” The IDB said users can also browse indicators by accessing the country profiles that explore in detail specific characteristics of each system. These different approaches allow identifying areas in which systems have made progress and those that still require attention, contributing in the process of setting goals for the provision of educational services at the national and regional levels. “CIMA provides evidence to support informed decision-making that improves the quality of our education systems as well as student learning. We are convinced that, with more knowledge about what our students know and can do, we will be able to ensure that all of them reach the top” said

Emiliana Vegas, Chief of the Education Division at the IDB. The official said that CIMA is more than a statistics portal and should be seen as a holistic project to guide education policies and objectives. The IDB said in this regard, CIMA hopes to encourage countries to strengthen their data collection and analysis systems, participate in regional and international learning assessments, and evaluate the impact of their education reforms. “In this manner, they will generate more useful and high-quality information that can be used in policy making. To achieve this goal, CIMA aims at creating a regional network with active participation from the ministries, evaluation agencies and statistics centers to generate and take advantage of quality education data,” the IDB added.

Brazil workers protest pension reform, disrupt transport

Protestors partially block the main avenue during a strike against Brazilian Social Welfare reform project from government, in Sao Paulo, yesterday. (REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker) (Reuters) Brazilian civil servants, rural workers and labor unions staged nationwide demonstrations yesterday against President Michel Temer’s pension reform plan, with hundreds of protesters occupying the finance ministry in the capital Brasilia. Bus and subway services were partially disrupted in São Paulo, the country’s biggest city, where small street demonstrations around the city snarled drivers in traffic. “The traffic stopped everything. It was chaos,” said Claudio Rogerio Santos, a taxi driver in Sao Paulo who brought four carpooling workers to a telemarketing firm that paid for their ride. “It meant more demand for cabs, but I doubt the politicians are paying any attention.” Temer and his allies in the ruling coalition say capping pension benefits and raising the retirement age is key to fixing public finances and pulling the country out of its worst reces-

sion in more than a century. Powerful unions have pledged to fight the proposed reform tooth and nail. In Brasilia more than 1,500 people from peasant and homeless groups protested at the finance ministry, the Landless Workers Movement said in a statement. Protesters invaded the ministry in the dawn hours and some remained nearly eight hours later. Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said some damage occurred inside the ministry, without providing details. “Several floors of the building were invaded because of this strike,” Meirelles told reporters in Brasilia. Public transportation workers in the cities of Recife, Belo Horizonte and Curitiba also pledged to join the strike. Striking teachers and bankers shuttered some schools and banks in Rio de Janeiro, where public transport was less affected.

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Nadal, Federer set up California clash with wins (Reuters) Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal powered to third-round wins at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Tuesday to set up a mouthwatering rematch of their recent Australian Open final. Fifth seed Nadal defeated fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 7-5, while ninth seed Federer served impeccably to get past American Stevie Johnson 7-6(3) 7-6(4) and book the 36th showdown of their famous rivalry. The last time they met, Switzerland’s Federer claimed a record 18th grand slam title in a rousing 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 triumph over Nadal in Melbourne in January. Federer, 35, lost only five points on his first serve in his double tie-breaker win over Johnson in a match completed

without a service break. Fourteen-times grand slam winner Nadal, 30, was comfortable as usual in the California desert, dismissing compatriot Verdasco to keep his Round of 16 date with the Swiss maestro. It was the 50th win at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for Nadal, who has lifted the trophy three times, in 2007 (over Novak Djokovic), 2009 (Andy Murray) and 2013 (Juan Martin del Potro). “History says that this tournament works well for me,” Nadal, who holds a 2312 winning record over Federer, told reporters. Federer has also enjoyed his time at Indian Wells, winning four times with the last triumph coming in 2012. Three-time defending

champion Novak Djokovic also had reason to celebrate as the second seed ran off the last five games to overcome big-hitting Juan Martin del Potro 7-5 4-6 6-1 in a bottom half of the draw stacked full of top players. “It was definitely difficult to overcome this challenge tonight,” Djokovic said. “The third set was probably the best tennis that I played this year and I’m just glad I was able to pick up my game.” The victory gave Djokovic a chance for revenge as he next meets young Australian Nick Kyrgios, who defeated the Serb at this month’s Mexican Open on his way to the semi-finals. Kyrgios prevailed 6-3 6-4 over Alexander Zverev in an entertaining first tour-level

Thursday March 16, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be aware of any emotional deception. Do not sign legal contracts or documents today. Travel may change your attitudes with regard to your philosophy. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Leave your checkbook and credit cards at home. Avoid any hassles. New love connections can be made through group associations. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You should look into a healthier diet. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Small business ventures can earn you extra cash. Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. Make those phone calls and pay your bills.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can make money through your own creative efforts. It is best not to upset the apple cart if you learn information that may damage a colleague's reputation. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't be too open or put your faith in unreliable coworkers. You won't get the reaction you want from your mate today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. Advancement can be yours if you are assertive in your approach. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Let them know what your intentions are. Hidden matters are likely to surface. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Unexpected bills may set you back. Your ability to add a sophisticated touch will help you capture the look you're after.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) An older loved one may be having problems. Be sure to get involved in self improvement programs that will bring you in contact with interesting people.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take time to find out if anyone has a better suggestion before you make arrangements for the whole family. You can't make things better if you don't know what to fix.

meeting between the young guns. A controlled Kyrgios put on a masterful display, mixing strong serving with an array of showman shots to beat Germany’s 19-year-old Zverev, a friend from their junior tennis days. “I thought I just competed well,” Kyrgios, 21, said. “He’s got a big game. I was happy with my performance.” Fourth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan also cruised into the fourth round with a 6-2 6-2 rout of Gilles Muller of Luxembourg. Muller, who won his first ATP World Tour title in Sydney at the start of the year, made only 49 percent of his first serves and Nishikori broke him four times. Nishikori next faces American Donald Young, who needed seven match points to complete a 6-4 1-6 6-3 victory over 14th-seeded Frenchman Lucas Pouille. American Jack Sock joined the Round of 16 by knocking out Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, edging a third-set tie-breaker to advance 3-6 6-3 7-6(7).

Roger Federer (SUI) hits a volley as he defeated Steve Johnson (not pictured)7-6, 7-6 in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

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FIFA ethics chiefs facing uncertain future ZURICH (Reuters) The two FIFA ethics chiefs responsible for banning some of the sport’s most prominent figures following a corruption scandal face an uncertain future and may not have their mandates renewed, sources with knowledge of the matter have told Reuters. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, his right-hand man Jerome Valcke and former European soccer boss Michel Platini are among dozens who have been banned by the ethics committee in the last four years. The scandal has also led to the indictment of several dozen soccer officials, mainly from Central and South America, in the United States. Blatter, Valcke and Platini, who have denied any wrongdoing, were not among them. The sources said that a change of personnel could lead to a two-year delay in ongoing investigations as the new incumbents would have to familiarize themselves with both the ethics committee set up and the cases themselves. The mandates of Cornel Borbely, a Swiss attorney who heads the investigatory division of the ethics committee, and Hans-Joachim Eckert, a German judge who heads the adjudicatory chamber, expire in May. The sources told Reuters that neither have so far been invited to the next FIFA Congress on May 11 in Bahrain, where their mandates would be extended for another four years. According to the FIFA statutes, the 37-member FIFA Council has responsibility for proposing candidates for the two roles and the final decision is made at the Congress by representatives of the 211 national federations. CONSULTATION PROCESS FIFA would not comment directly on whether Borbely and Eckert would be nomi-

FIFA’s new chief ethics investigator Swiss attorney Cornel Borbely speaks during an interview with Reuters in Zurich March 4, 2015. (REUTERS/ Ruben Sprich) nated for reappointment, saying in a statement that the continental confederations had been asked to put forward names. “In line with our good governance processes, a consultation process has started and the confederations have been asked to provide candidates,” it said. “Please understand that we can’t speculate about any matters that are subject to the decision of the Congress’ delegates. We have no further comments.” Sources said that both Borbely and Eckert wanted to continue. Under FIFA statutes, they are each entitled to two further four-year mandates. The sources said that FIFA president Gianni Infantino could easily end speculation about their future with a statement of support and an invitation to Congress but this had not been forthcoming. FIFA reformed the ethics committee in 2012 in response to a series of corruption cases.

technically intact, especially when he played on the front foot through cover. He and Taminni Ceaser (5) took the score to 33 before Ceaser was bowled by Manoj Dasrat at

Ramraj four-wkt haul hands Demerara 10-run victory over Berbice

Hans-Joachim Eckert, Chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee attends a news conference at the at the Home of FIFA in Zurich July 27, 2012. (REUTERS/ Michael Buholzer) Eckert has headed the adjudicatory chamber since then while Borbely has led the investigatory chamber since 2014 after the resignation of the original head Michael Garcia. Infantino has already overseen a drastic restructuring of FIFA since he was elected in February last year and several key heads of department have left, in some cases abruptly. Last year, the committee investigated Infantino’s own conduct, focusing on some of the flights he had taken during the opening months of his presidency and his failure to sign an employment contract. It found no evidence of wrongdoing. Last May, the FIFA Congress gave the FIFA Council power to appoint or dismiss members of independent bodies such as the ethics committee and the audit and compliance committee. Domenico Scala resigned as head of the latter in protest, saying FIFA had taken away the independence of its watchdogs.

E’bo keep title hopes alive with... From page 27 Mohabir and Bacchus ensured that Essequibo batted out the 50 overs. President’s X1 began solidly with Yearwood looking

Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

53-2 and the President’s X1 had passed the 49 they were bundled out for by Berbice. But when Yearwood, the first of three batsmen to be run out was dismissed, President’s X1 were 58-3 and they soon slumped to 79-6. Zeynul Ramsammy (8) and the correct looking Zechariah Mootoo (12) put up resistance before Ramadhin sent back Ramsammy at 93-7 and when Mootoo, who hung around for 29 balls and reached the boundary once, was run out it was all over despite a cameo 15 with two fours from Shazam.

Chanderpaul Ramesh accepts his trophy from Anil Persaud. Left arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj grabbed four wickets to lead Demerara to an exciting 10-run victory over Berbice when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Dave West Indian Imports inter county U15 50-over tournament continued yesterday at Enmore. Ramraj finished with 4-21 as Berbice were bowled out for 99 in 48.3 overs after they restricted Demerara, who decided to bat, for 109-9. Openers Shoaib Shaw and Movindra Dindyal added 37 for the first wicket with both batsmen rotating the strike nicely before left arm spinner Abdul Ramsammy handed Berbice the breakthrough by having Dindyal caught at midoff for 10. Shaw continued to time the ball well and put on 41 for the second wicket with Chad Shivratan before he was bowled by Garav Ramesh for 36. Ramesh then had Shivratan caught and bowled

for 17 to leave the score at 82-3. The rest of the batting struggled to get the ball off the square as Berbice spinners maintained a tidy line to restrict the home team. Ramesh finished with 318, while Ramsammy, Daniel Dharamdat and Marvan Prashad had one each. Sharwan Chitnarine hit a full toss from pacer Negus Walters to cover to be caught for two as Berbice in reply lost their first wicket with the score on 14. Ricardo Ramdeal and Dharamdat added 23 for the second wicket before Dharamdat was run out for four. One run later Berbice most accomplished batsman Marvan Prashad was stumped off Ramraj without scoring before Ramdeal was run out for 15 as Berbice slipped to 44-4. Anthony Williams (04) and Farouk Subhan (01) fell in quick succes-

sion before a 26-run sevenwicket partnership between Reyed Karim and Ramsammy kept Berbice in the hunt. While boundaries were hard to come by, the duo picked up singles with nudges and pushes until Karim was taken low down at cover by Walters off Brandon Jaikarran for nine. Without further addition, Ramsammy was run out for 12 with his team 34 shy of victory and two wickets in hand. Akash Harilall and Saif Amoi took the total to 90 before Hariall was caught off Ramraj for four. Amoi and Ramesh (04*) inched Berbice closer to victory, but with 10 to get f r o m t w o overs, Ramraj bowled Amoi for 13 to assure his team a place in Sunday’s final. Berbice were aided by 31 extras as Jaikaran, Walters and Andre Seepersaud had one wicket apiece. Ramesh was named man-of-the-match.

Bishoo, Fudadin join Jaguars squad Tagenarine Chanderpaul out with fractured finger Thirty-one year-old West Indies left-hander Assad Fudadin has been drafted in the Guyana Jaguars squad as replacement for fellow opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul who fractured his finger while batting in Guyana’s second innings in their last game in Jamaica. Young Chanderpaul, in his first game in this season’s First-Class tournament, scored 58 in the first innings before being forced to retire hurt before he had scored in the second innings. Fudadin, with one half century in his three-Test ca-

reer, is seen by many as more a two-innings batsman but was picked by the West Indies ‘A’ team and the Jaguars for their 50-over teams. With five centuries and 20 fifties from 86 First-Class games, Fudadin could partner Shemron Hetymer at the top of the order in tomorrow’s seventh round game against Trinidad and Tobago at the Queen’s Park Oval. Head Coach Esuan Crandon confirmed to Kaieteur Sports last evening that Tagenarine has a fractured finger and will miss the

last two away games to be played by the Jaguars. Crandon also disclosed that leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who a part of the West Indies ODI team which lost all three matches against England, is also with the team which arrived in the twin Island Republic on Tuesday evening and are staying at the Cascadia Hotel. Guyana lead the points table going into tomorrow’s game and according to Crandon the team is confident of improving their lead with a solid performance in Port-ofSpain. (Sean Devers photo)

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Kaieteur News

Dave West Indian imports Inter-County U-15 Cricket

E’bo keep title hopes alive with 59-run win By Sean Devers On another sun kissed day at Everest, Essequibo kept their title hopes alive with a 59-run win against the President’s X1 yesterday in the second round of the GCB’s Dave West Indian imports 50 overs Inter-County U-15 Cricket tournament. Beaten on Tuesday by Berbice, the President’s X1 reached 118 in 48.2 overs replying to Essequibo’s 177-7 off their allotted 50 overs on a slow track and heavy outfield. Essequibo, defeated by defending Champions Demerara at Eve Leary in the first round, elected to bat and their skipper and only National U-15 player in the side, Sheldon Charles led from the front with an attractive 38 from 53 balls. He added 67 for the first wicket with Chetram Seuatten, who reached the boundary twice in a 57-ball 18. Mark Mohabir made 22 from 36 balls with a four and added 28 in an unfinished eight-wicket stand with Inzaman Bacchus, who scored 13 from 20 balls with two fours to rally their team from 149-7 to 177-7. Left-arm spinner Ryan

Atkinson grabbed 3-16 for the President’s X1, who fell 59 short in the end despite a responsible 74-ball 29 with three fours from left-handed opener Shemar Yearwood. Wasim Mohammed (3-18) and Devendra Ramdahim (2-19) aided by three run outs, bowled Essequibo to victory. If Essequibo manage to upset Berbice in tomorrow’s crucial final round game at Eve Leary they will join Demerara, who play President’s X1 at Everest tomorrow, in Sunday’s final at Bourda. Watched by a handful of fans, Charles looked very impressive and dominated the opening stand with the more subdued Seuatten in hot conditions under a blue sky. Charles, arguably the best all-rounder in the tournament, pulled left-arm spinner Reynaldo Mohamed with plenty of disdain for a couple of boundaries before a magnificently executed cover drive raced across the slow outfield to the boundary to end an over which cost 12 runs. In the next over, bowled by pacer Elnathan Sukhandan, Charles pivoted on one leg and pugnaciously

pulled him for four to post the 50 in 11.5 overs. Charles celebrated the land mark by hitting Sukhandan onto the Lawn Tennis Court beyond the mid wicket boundary while Seuatten knocked the ball into gaps as the partnership gained momentum. Joel Gilkes broke the stand when he removed Seuatten in the 13th over before Charles was trapped LBW two runs later to Inzam Shazam as Essequibo slipped to 62-2. Wasim Mohammed became one of four batsmen to fall for 13 when he had his stumps disturbed by Atkinson at 87-3 before Reynaldo Mohamed got rid of Orin Gibson (13) at 106-4. Manoj Dasrat (13) was removed by Atkinson at 115-5, while left-arm spinner Renaldo Scouten, who hit three fours in 16 and Mohabir, carried the score to 144 before Scouten drove Sukhandan to cover. Uriah Stoll missed a big swing at Atkinson and was bowled for a duck and at 1497 the President’s X1 must have still harboured hopes of their first win. However, (Continued on page 26)

Zechariah Mootoo cover drives at Everest yesterday as the President’s X1 lower order showed fight at Everest yesterday.

Lanferman’s heroics lead Den Amstel... From page 30 showdown. The Warriors did not leave the arena empty handed as they pocketed $100,000 for their second place finish. Eagles United, a club based at Stewartville crashed Pouderoyen’s part by needling the West Coast based side 1-0 in the third place match, thanks to Jeffrey Adams’ strike. For their efforts Eagles were rewarded with $75,000, while Pouderoyen pocketed $50,000. The Best Goalkeeper accolade went to Pouderoyen’s Sherwin Bernard who conceded

5 goals in three matches, while Lanferman copped the double of tournament MVP and Highest Goal Scorer with 11 in three matches including three consecutive hat-tricks as well as blasting four goals in a 26 minute run. Den Amstel’s O’Neil Heywood will receive the trophy as Best Coach. According to organiser Ms Denise Lovell, the presentation ceremony would be held sometime next week. The sponsors were praised for the role they played in the success of the competition.

E’bo’s Captain Sheldon Charles pulls left-arm spinner Reynaldo Mohammed for four yesterday at Everest.

Shemar Yearwood cuts during his top score in a losing effort yesterday at Everest.

Akmal, Shehzad recalled for Windies trip From page 28 them to develop.”The Pakistanis play four Twenty20 Internationals and three Oneday Internationals on the trip which also includes three Tests. Squads: T W E N T Y 2 0 INTERNATIONALS – Sarfraz

Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan O N E - D A Y

INTERNATIONALS – Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Asghar

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Petra Organisation Futsal Comnpetition

Showstopping showdown likely between Showstoppers and Back Circle By Rawle Welch Following an opening round that was littered with absorbing action, the second night of the Petra Organisation Futsal Comnpetition will be played this evening, at the National Gymnasium. Another six games are scheduled and headlining the night’s action will be defending champion Bent Street who go up against a tough Stevedore Scheme outfit, while reigning West Side Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ repeat champion Pouderoyen Showstoppers, make their appearance with a clash against another Guinness champion Back Circle in what is anticipated to be a rivetting contest. Already, favourites Sparta Boss, North East La Penitence, Tucville, West Back Road, Broad Street Bullies and Agricola Champion Boys have made it to the next stage after recording victories on opening night last Monday. Hustlers looked impressive in the street format following their debut in the West Side Guinness Competition, but will by now know that their opponent Tiger Bay are no pushover and will therefore have to play at their clinical best to eliminate them. On the other hand, Tiger

Bay are a very experienced team in this format and should start as favourites to advance. The West Front Road versus Camp Street All Stars clash should be a downright crowd pleaser with the winner providing betting fans with a headache. If one is to go by experience, clearly the former has more, but has looked a shadow of themselves in recent competitions, while the latter has been the crowd favourites since making their appearance in the street format. Albouystown are another team with tremendous familiarity in this format and should have an easy time against Campbellville. The Alexander Village and Sophia game is another one that is difficult to pick a winner. These two teams play at a frenetic pace and it may very well come down to how well the players coming off the benches play since stamina could ve a decisive factor. Champs Bent Street, providing they resemble the same unit that won the last competition, should prove too powerful for Stevedore Scheme, while the night cap between former and current champions Back Circle and Showstoppers is a good way

to send the fans home. Early prediction seems to indicate that it will be showstopping showdown too good to miss. The night’s fixtures are seen below: Hustlers versus Tiger Bay West Front Road vs. Camp Street All Stars Albouystown vs. Campbellville Alexander Village vs. Sophia Bent Street vs. Stevedore Scheme Back Circle vs. Pouderoyen Showstoppers Following the conclusion of the elimination round, the 12 surviving teams will be divided into three groups of four. Upon the end of the round-robin stage, the top two finishers and the best two third placed teams from the respective groups will advance to the quarterfinal phase. Winner of the tournament will receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up takes home $200,000 and a trophy. The third and fourth place finishers walk away with $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The event is slated to conclude on April 15th.

Akmal, Shehzad recalled for Windies trip LAHORE, Pakistan, CMC – Kamran Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have been recalled to the Twenty20 and One-day International squads for the Pakistan Tour of the West Indies. The 35-year-old Kamran has not played for the Pakistanis for three years. He last appeared for the side in the 2014 ICC World T20I, but he has gradually worked his way back into the line-up, due to heavy scoring in domestic competitions. Shehzad, aged 25, lost his place in the Pakistan side following the 2016 World Twenty20, due to disciplinary reasons, but he too, has fought his way back into the hearts of the national selection panel following decent scores in domestic competitions. Azhar was captain of the ODI squad up to January, but poor form has sidelined him, although chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Pakistani batting legend, has indicated he is not forgotten. Five uncapped players have been named in the

Thursday March 16, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kamran Akmal

Ahmed Shehzad

squads. They include batsman Fakhar Zaman and legspinner Shadab Khan, stars from the recent Pakistan T20 Super League. They have earned a place in the squads for both limited-overs formats. Domestic veteran Asif Zakir, left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar and medium-pacer Fahim Ashraf complete the list of newcomers. “These young players are equally good and they are

going to play international cricket for the country,” said Inzamam. “So they need to play at the highest level at some stage and I have full faith in them. They will perform, and conditions in the West Indies, we all know are similar to the ones in subcontinent and the West Indies team isn’t like the one in the 1970s, 1980s or even from the 1990s. But still if they face tough competition there, this will obviously help (Continued on page 27)

Chanderpaul hails JCA for recognising invaluable contribution to cricket

JCA President Wilford Heaven (right) presents a plaque to former West Indies batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul at Sabina Park on Monday. (Photo: Michael Gordon) Jamaica Observer Former West Indies batting star Shivnarine Chanderpaul expressed gratitude to the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) for recognising his invaluable contribution to the game globally during a polished career spanning over two decades. The Guyanese player was awarded a plaque bearing his image by JCA’s president Wilford “Billy” Heaven following the Jaguars sevenwicket win over Jamaica Scorpions in the Digicel Regional Four-day competition at Sabina Park on Monday. Known for his unorthodox stance, the left-handed batsman, who has played some 164 Test matches for the West Indies — 14 of which he led as captain — retired from international cricket last year as one of the region’s finest players at the age of 41. Now 42, Chanderpaul has scored over 20,000 runs in international cricket during his decorated career, with his 11,867 runs rating him as the second-highest West Indian scorer and seventh highest in the Test format. He was a mere 86 runs shy of Brian Lara’s 11,953. “I am very happy about it (the award) and I am very thankful that the JCA has recognised me. It is always special when, at the back end of your career, you get something and people recognise you in and around the Caribbean. “You have done over 20 years of service for the people of the Caribbean and it is only fitting you can get something to show for it,” the veteran batsman, who is only the second modern-day player, after Sachin Tendulkar, whose career stretched over two decades, told journalists.

With 30 Test centuries at an average of 51.37 in the format, complemented by 22 Twenty-20 International and 268 ODI appearances comprising 8,778 runs at 41.60, there can be no dispute that Chanderpaul was one of the strongest pillars of West Indies cricket. When quizzed about not getting any recognition from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Chanderpaul, recollecting the circumstances leading up to his retirement, believes that the opportunity to feature in the series against Australia at the time would have been even more fitting. After not playing for the West Indies for quite some time, Chanderpaul, though entertaining the chance of a comeback prior to the Australian series, was overlooked by the selection panel headed by former West Indies Captain Clive Lloyd.”I was hoping to play the last series against Australia would have been the right way to go, saying thank you to everyone who has supported you throughout your career. So playing another series and coming out like that would have been the fitting way to go,” he noted. He continued: “[But] there is nothing I could do; the president (Dave Cameron) explained to me what was happening and I told him I didn’t want to cause any confusion and if anything changes, he should let me know. “He put me back in the team and then the guys were threatening mutiny on him and I didn’t want that [confusion] because that is not what I play West Indies cricket for and that is not what I want for West Indies

cricket.” Meanwhile, Heaven explained that the tribute was befitting to the outstanding cricketer “as he nears the end of an illustrious career”. “He brought to the game not only in skills and prowess, but a high level of dedication, commitment and resilience, and throughout he has played with such level of maturity and professionalism. “Those attributes and qualities cannot be lost on the game and he has contributed a lot of times to the defeat of the Jamaican team, but we still recognise that contribution within the wider context of the game of cricket and its development,” Heaven told reporters. “I can’t speak for the WICB; I am in charge of the Jamaica Cricket Association and I am doing it in that capacity what I believe is reasonable to recognise the great contribution to the great man of the game,” he added. Refuting any negative comments that critics might have, Heaven, who has been at the helm of the JCA for over two years, argued that his association will be looking at putting a system of recognition in place for other players, particularly local players. “We are of the view that this would have been the best time to recognise Shiv; we are not even sure if there will be another such occasion, so we want to capitalise on this occasion. “It doesn’t mean that we are forfeiting other occasions and we are not going to recognise other players as they come along, because we will. But, perhaps, we may want to say we have fast-forwarded this one to suit the occasion,” he declared.

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Kaieteur News

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Benjamin fitness gym and Car wash opened in Berbice

Ashley Benjamin cuts the ribbon to signal the opening of the Benjamin Fitness Gym and Car Wash in Courtland, Corentyne, Berbice.

When others are shirking and frowning and shying away from Guyana, former national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin is looking at things differently and showing them how it is done.

The former champion is showing his love for his country by opening two more businesses in his home village of Fyrish/Courtland to complement the one already in place.

Attendees at the opening of the Benjamin Fitness Gym and Car Wash at Courtland, Corentyne, Berbice check out the equipment on offer at the gym.

The multimillion dollars Benjamin Fitness Gym and Car Wash situated at Lot 220 Courtland Village Corentyne Berbice was opened on Monday with a grand day of sports which featured open

cycle races, athletics and boxing. The two new business establishments will now compliment the Benjamin Cycle and Sports Store which was opened a few years ago. The

ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the modern Fitness Gym which is situated on the upper flat of the Benjamin Sports Store, measuring 36ft by 17ft, was done by his daughters. The

cutting was done by eldest daughter, Ashley Benjamin. The fitness gym is well equipped with all the modern training equipment including exercise bikes, tread mills, weighting lifting machines, electrical step up machines, dumbbells, barbells and cardio machines among other equipment. Trainers are expected to be available to take person through their paces. The gym will be open to regular attendees, weight and power lifters, body builders, members of sports teams and those interested in just keeping fit. The gym will be opened on a daily basis and everyone is welcome to join. Regular members will be given a free gym jersey, towel and gym gloves, yoga mat and step counter. The car wash is expected to provide the best and cheapest prices and certain concessions. Benjamin a native of Berbice was a former national cyclist who represented Guyana at both the junior and senior levels. He was also a former school and junior champion who won the national school championship on three consecutive occasions. He still rides in his adopted homeland of Canada where he also operates a sports store. At present he is one of the top cycle race sponsors in the country. (Samuel Whyte)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday March 16, 2017

Berbice Police completes first Sunday’s ‘Reaction’ Drags creating much buzz among competitors phase of yearly fitness exercises Sunday’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) ‘Reaction’ Drag Meet, which happens to the season opening event for the racing entity, is creating a lot of buzz among competitors, especially with the anticipated arrival of a team from neighbouring Suriname. This segment of the sport which has enjoyed a strong resurgence in recent years is expected to provide an exciting start to the GMR&SC annual calendar and the organisers are hoping that fans turn out in their numbers and support the event. Experienced dragsters such as Anand Ramchand,

who normally drives a batch of cars, the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter, Sean Persaud, Chet Singh, Sanjay Persaud, female dragster Sharima Khan and Shawn Persaud, are all listed to participate and their presence is sure warranty that the battle over the quarter-mile strip is a must see. The Toyota Supra of Rondel Daby is one of the machines that the fans love to flock and are usually in awe of its raw speed, but Singh, Ramchand and Peter Daby Mitsubishi Evolutions, are also stacked with unbelievable horse power. So too is the Toyota Verossa of Ramchand and

many are hoping that he does something special and pull off a huge upset in the category it normally campaigns in. Among the categories to be contested are the F Class 14 Seconds Bracket, E Class - 13 Seconds Bracket, D Class - 12 Seconds Bracket, C Class - 11 Seconds Bracket, B Class - 10 Seconds Bracket, A Class - 9 Seconds Bracket and the 8 Seconds Bracket. The Porta Tree Timing device with specialized starting lights will be operational throughout the day. Starting time is 12:00 hrs and admission is adults $1000, children $500.

NSC/Den Amstel FC Mash KO Cup

Lanferman’s heroics lead Den Amstel to championship; Eagles soar third A male police does pushups during last weekend’s fitness exercises.

The victorious Den Amstel Football Club following their triumph in the NSC Mash Cup Final over Uitvlugt Warriors.

This female police rank strides through the 5km course last weekend. Police 45 years and younger are required to undertake a yearly two days fitness exercise in all the various police divisions and departments. Police in the Berbice B Division last week completed the first phase of their requirement. According to Divisional Commander of the Police B Division, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, the activity was a new initiative introduced by the Police hierarchy a year ago. According to Amsterdam the activity was introduced with the aim of testing the police fitness level every year.

Policemen 45 years and younger are required to complete the activity. Each police officer is expected to complete five KM course. After which they are require to undergo number of physical exercises in a certain time span. The first set of ranks of B Division began their activity on Saturday and Sunday. They ran from Tacama Turn to Central Police Station. After which they underwent a number of physical exercises. Those who fail the fitness test will have another chance to complete the event. Another set of ranks will be undertaking the test next weekend.

Delon Lanferman Delon Lanferman blasted another hat-trick, his third in as many matches, this time against his fellow villagers from Uitvlugt in leading Den Amstel to a solid 5-2 win which saw them lifting the

2017 edition of the National Sports Commission/Den Amstel Mash knock-out Cup. Playing at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Lanferman followed up his hat-trick against Wales United in the quarter finals and five against Eagles United with an equally devastating and match winning performance against Uitvlugt Warriors in the competition final on Sunday night last, ending as the only undefeated team. Eagles United rebounded from that initial loss to beat Pouderoyen by the lone goal of their match to lift the third place trophy. Lanferman was in no mood to tolerate his peers whom he grew up playing football with as himself and

teammates’ focus was on the top prize of $200,000; they went about the job of jolting Uitvlugt’s march to the final, in style. And it was the destructive Lanferman who started the demolition act with his first goal in the 6th minute of proceedings. The advantage was doubled in the 37th minute when Kestor Jacobs hit the back of the nets. Lanferman was again on target in the 61st and 82nd minute, while the other goal for Den Amstel came off the boot of Jamal Pereira in the 77th minute. Jamal Harvey netted both goals for the wounded Uitvlugt Warriors. Den Amstel did an excellent job in keeping Trayon Bobb quiet for the entire (Continued on page 27)

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Kaieteur News

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Enterprise Busta SC congratulates U-19 team on recent success

The Enterprise Busta SC U-19 team following their victory. Enterprise Busta Sports Club has extended congratulations to their U-19 team following their success in the East Coast Cricket Committee Tropical Spring U-19 40over tournament. Enterprise Busta SC defeated host Fairfield in the final which was contested on Sunday. Batting first the visitors

posted 145-9 with Pradesh Balkishun scoring 64 and Bhaskar Yadram made 26. Pacer Windell Fordyce claimed 4-17 and Chaterpaul Durga 2-23 for Fairfield, bowled out for 125 in 35.2 overs. Rajendra Singh scored 51 as Yadram produced a match winning spell grabbing 6-28 which saw him taking the man-

of-the-match award. A release from the club stated that its members are extremely delighted that the youngsters have won the ECCC U-19 title for the fifth straight year. “Their achievement has shown that success can be achieved through hard work, commitment and discipline,” the release stated.

Khan cops best bowler award at Hawaiian Arctic CC Former Guyana U-15 left arm spinner Imran Khan won the best bowler award when the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) held its 2016 annual awards ceremony recently in Canada. Khan, who also plays for Good Success Sports Club in Wakenaam, grabbed 18 wickets in seven games in the Scarborough League with this best being 4-20. Khan’s best with the bat was 89 and his efforts were instrumental in his

Fee Khan (left) accepts the best bowler trophy from HACC Chief Executive Officer Eon Gunraj on behalf of Imran Khan.

Imran Khan

team finishing at the top of the points table. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Khan said that playing in the league has helped him to develop his all-round ability. “Playing on different surfaces there I had to adjust quickly because the competition for places in the team is high and this has helped to improve my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. Khan has expressed gratitude to his team mates.

rt o p S Petra Organisation Futsal Comnpetition

Showstopping showdown likely between Showstoppers and Back Circle P.28

Dave West Indian imports Inter-County U-15 Cricket

E’bo keep title hopes alive with 59-run win

P.27

Part of the action in the last final that featured Bent Street and Sparta Boss.

Uriah Stoll is bowled by left-arm spinner Ryan Atkinson who captured 3-16 at Everest yesterday. (Photos by Sean Devers)

Sunday’s ‘Reaction’ Drags creating much buzz among competitors P.30

Anand Ramchand’s Mitsubishi Evolution (outside) lines up against the monster Toyota Supra driven by Rondell Daby.

NSC/Den Amstel FC Mash KO Cup

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Lanferman’s heroics lead Den Amstel to championship; Eagles soar third Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.