Kaieteur News

Monday March 19, 2018

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Kaieteur News

INVESTMENT THE WPA MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES ITS FUTURE IN THE COALITION IN BERBICE

DEAR EDITOR, When the news broke that columnists, Dr. David Hinds Executive member of the WPA, and prominent trade unionist Mr. Lincoln Lewis were banned from the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper, I was certain that the decision to stop publishing the “Hind Sight”, and “Eye on Guyana” columns was one made by the government either at the formal or informal levels. In spite of this conviction, I supported in the WPA executive an appeal by Sister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, WPA Chairperson and member of the Chronicle Board, that we refrain from commenting on this grievous matter since the decision to fire the two columnists was one that was not sanctioned by the board and would have been addressed with urgency, at the next board meeting. Since the board has spoken on the

matter I am now free to engage the issue in an open and frank manner. It is no secret that in the corridors of power at the highest levels there were concerns about the criticisms of the government by David Hinds. Whether those views were expressed in the pages of the state-owned Chronicle or other newspapers, they had become for the ruling politicians a matter of great concern which had to be dealt with in decent haste. Objectively, the thrusts and tones of the articles by the two supposedly ‘controversial’ columnists have emerged as undisputed clashes of political cultures between Hinds and Lewis on one side of the divide and the authors of the decision to relieve them of their right to propagate their views in the Guyana Chronicle, a fully owned paper of the citizens

of Guyana, on the other side. I have spent a large part of my political life functioning as a member of the WPA Executive Committee and I say this, without fear of contraction, that as a party, we have never challenged, placed or, sought to place restrictions on the fundamental right of any leader, member, activist or supporter of the party to express their political views on matters, even when those views conflict with and or, are critical of the party or its leadership. In adopting this approach we believe that the political culture of the party has been strengthened immeasurably. This characteristic of the WPA is what has distinguished it from all the other political parties in Guyana. The PNCR leadership cannot now claim ignorance of this fact, and, if

truth be known, it did not hinder WPA’s participation in the process that led to the formation of the APNU, which successfully participated in the General and Regional elections of 2011 and 2015. Now that the APNU+AFC is in government and, given the mindset of some of the ruling politicians, some of whom have neither sense nor history of struggle in Guyana, the issue of the right of the WPA and its members to engage in objective criticisms of the political process has emerged as a cardinal sin. After reading the public explanations by Nigel Williams, Editor in Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, on the removal of Hinds and Lewis as columnists, I am forced to conclude that David Hinds, the WPA and Lincoln Lewis are victims of a conspiracy Continued on page 6

A MOST UNNECESSARY REBUFF DEAR EDITOR, United States Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Perry Holloway recently issued a wonderfully balanced recommendatory piece on the urgent need for the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund as Guyana positions itself on the threshold to establishing a petroleum based economy. Ambassador Holloway observed: “Guyana is poised to be a very rich country for this region with considerable revenue streams in the future.” It was therefore, a matter of considerable shock and surprise to read the response of Minister Winston Jordan that the Ambassador’s comments “may give the impression that the Government of Guyana and by extension the Ministry of Finance…has not made significant progress on this important piece of legislation.” Minister Jordan’s reaction led me to conclude, and I am sure that many who read the Ambassador ’s comments concluded similarly, that Minister Jordan was impulsive and spoke from the

top of his head, he not having read the Ambassador’s comments in detail and seemingly just reacted to the headlines in the newspaper. Ambassador Holloway, referring to his comments said: “In writing this, I do not imply that work is not being done to develop a Sovereign Wealth Fund. In fact I strongly commend the Government of Guyana for working on a draft bill and preparing to have a fund in place by 2020.” Notwithstanding his deliberate effort to be his diplomatic best and not appear to be critical of the Government, Winston Jordan, roundly rebuffed the Ambassador. Just so Ambassador Holloway understands, Guyanese understand Minister Jordan to have told you, “Don’t poke your nose in our affairs. The oil money is ours. Mind your own business.”!! No one could have failed to notice that in his comments Ambassador Holloway emphasized the need for G o v e r n m e n t ’ s

“consultations” and “conversations” with the people of Guyana in the development of a “framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation.” Ambassador Holloway is temporarily resident in Guyana. He is no doubt aware that wherever Government is with the development of a Sovereign Wealth Fund legal framework, it has not involved the people of Guyana in “consultations” and “conversations” in this regard. It is this underlying theme of people involvement in the Ambassador’s comments, that I suspect has irked the rulers, much more than just his call for a Sovereign Wealth Fund. The truth is Ambassador Holloway does not know the nature of the APNU/PNC beast. He has been told to exercise restraint in relation to Guyana’s business. In other words Minister Jordan has told Ambassador Holloway that he and Guyana can do without his advice. The only thing that this undemocratic regime needs

from the US Government is for visas to be given freely to PPP/C supporters to facilitate their travel out of Guyana in the run up to the 2020 elections, so that the support base of that party can be significantly reduced. Additionally, this inept, blundering regime as Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon says, would be happy if the USA were to keep the PPP/C out of Government and to turn a blind eye to their known potential for elections rigging. The PNC, the prime mover in APNU is well aware that the USA looked the other way as they, in the past, for about nearly three decades, brutalized the people of Guyana and trampled upon their dignity and mercilessly violated their basic human rights and freedoms. The time is now, for Ambassador Holloway to reassure the people of Guyana that come 2020, the only interest of the USA will be in a rig free elections, free from fair and patently fair. Sincerely, Selwyn Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, Along the Atlantic Coast of Berbice in what is known as the Corentyne there are two major towns that anchor the development of the area; those being Rose Hall and Skeldon. It is quite substantial given the size of Berbice. Over the years there has been significant investment in these two areas to ensure banking, government, and commercial facilities are modernized and all the amenities of a 21st Century town are available in these two areas which support the surrounding communities. The two sugar factories which carry the same name have been significant contributors to the stability and development of the Corentyne. With the ongoing focus on sustainable development it is important that there is continued investment opportunities in these areas, so as to ensure successful economic growth in this substantial part of Berbice. The University of Guyana campus in Tain and the technical development offered by Guysuco over the years have enhanced the skills of the workforce in these areas and have positioned them well for future growth in multiple industries. It is important that the government continues to nurture this development and quickly invest in the continued economic growth of these areas so as to reduce potential long term unemployment and economic slowing of this highly populated region. We as a nation must continue to do the responsible thing when it comes to our citizens and their long term wellbeing, while also keeping in mind the limited skilled human resources we have available in the country. If we are serious about Guyana being for Guyanese, we must give first priority to our citizens when it comes to employment opportunities. If the local talent is available and the infrastructure is in place for successful investments in key areas of the country, as in the case of Rose Hall and Skeldon, then the overall payback on the projects undertaken will be shorter thus resulting in faster profitable growth for investors. Currently the plan to offset the economic impact of the closure of parts of Guysuco is still unclear to the population of the affected areas. There is a communication gap that needs to be rectified if such a plan does exist. Best regards, Jamil Changlee

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF FREDDIE DEAR EDITOR, In today’s Freddie Kissoon column (Sunday, March 18, 2018), we saw the lighter side of Freddie. No fire and brimstone, no unrelenting trashing and dressing down. This time, we were introduced to the music and musicians that he loves. They happen to be my favorites too. Whatever you may say of the man, based on his regular features, this journey into the musical side of him clearly shows us a different guy, a soul man. Right on, bro! You sometimes wonder how such a hell raiser doesn’t go off the deep end. I bet you it is this kind of music that allows him to keep his sanity. One song he mentioned, which has become a favorite

of this daughter, is “Don’t Let Me be Misunderstood.” She prefers Santa Esmeralda’s version. She is going to eternally remember daddy for this part of his legacy. I have heard many versions of the song, including one from the original performer Eric Burdon, live and in person. But for me the best interpretation remains Nina Simone’s. If you check in out, don’t do so via a low-res medium like YouTube. You will miss the heart and essence of the anthem. Come to think of it, a song so good can only sound good even through a no-good medium and by a less than good singer. Rock on, my friend. P. D. Sharma Los Angeles, CA

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Kaieteur News

The WPA may have to consider... The recent flooding on West From page 5 hatched by major players in the APNU and AFC. What subsequently played out in the Chronicle Board meeting of Tuesday, March 13, 2018, confirmed my suspicions. It is now crystal clear to any right-thinking Guyanese at home and abroad, that the decision to remove the two popular columnists from the Chronicle Newspaper was orchestrated by and had the blessings of senior members of the APNU+AFC government. Overtime, I have played a major role in the WPA to improve relations with the PNCR, in spite of the historic “bad blood” between the two parties. I, along with Desmond Trotman in the lead up to the 2011 general and regional elections which occurred at a critical juncture in the discussions that led to the formation of the APNU, sponsored a motion in the WPA executive, which was carried, requesting that Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine reverse his decision that he had communicated to the PNCR leadership, (which was similar to one by Professor. Clive Thomas) that he was not interested in being in any of the top spots in an APNU slate at those elections. At the time that the motion was tabled and passed both comrades, Thomas and Roopnaraine, were out of the country. The concerns that led to the motion being sponsored had to do with our belief that the PNCR was having extreme difficulty finding a suitable Indian candidate to be Mr. Granger’s running mate. Time was running out as the elections were drawing closer. More importantly, and given the real politic in the WPA both at home and overseas and conscious of the failed effort to have WPA and PNCR contest the 2006 general and regional elections under the umbrella of “One

Guyana”. We felt an obligation to ensure that history did not repeat itself in the 2011 elections. Based on the arguments advanced by the movers of the motion when it came up for discussion it was carried and Trotty and I were mandated to meet and discuss the matter with the then Leader of the PNCR, Mr. Robert Corbin. At the meeting, Mr. Corbin, who was accompanied by the PNCR General Secretary, Oscar Clarke, reminded us that both Professor Thomas and Dr. Roopnaraine had indicated zero interest in any of the top positions on an APNU slate, and this was told to the PNCR leadership. Consequently, and as a result of what Thomas and Roopnaraine had indicated, the PNCR was working assiduously to find a running mate for Mr. Granger. Corbin said that while he recognized and respected our political judgment, he could not give any assurance that his party will agree to change course. He however promised to do what he could to convince his comrades to agree to the new position. I recall being at a public meeting at the Stabroek Market Square when Mr. Corbin approached me with the news that his party had agreed to Rupert Roopnaraine being proposed as APNU’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2011 elections. We both felt that we had done something good for Guyana - the rest is history. Mr. Editor, my reference to what I have just stated has been done for the benefit of your large following of readers including APNU supporters, and members of the African Community, whose interests at that time were of paramount importance to me and were reflected in the actions I took. I hope they will have an appreciation, for the positions I assumed then and am now disclosing publicly

for the first time. After careful consideration of the WPA’s experiences – negative and positive - in the APNU, the coalition and government, I am convinced that the WPA, should as a matter of urgency, put on its political agenda, the issue as to whether it makes political sense to remain in the APNU coalition and government. The need for a frank and open debate in the party on this and other very important matters impacting the coalition assumes greater importance, particularly, given the consistent disregard and disrespect shown to the party. The victimization of Dr. Hinds is yet another example of this unceasing political high handedness and disregard for coalition politics. If the WPA cannot be respected in the coalition and government that it helped to bring to power and is unable to defend its, its members’ and the people’s interests in keeping with its stated principles and objectives against political bullyism and dictatorial behaviour, then thought must be given to its future direction and role on Guyana’s political landscape.. I end by saying that while the treatment of David Hinds can be seen and interpreted as simply a political matter between parties, in the context of Guyana, it raises a profound and unavoidable issue of the evaluation of African politics and the role of its leadership in the political life of the nation. Additionally, one cannot ignore what the removal of “Hinds Sight” and Lincoln Lewis’ “Eye on Guyana” signals. It gives the impression that we are returning or, that we have already returned to the dark days of intolerance of views that are inconsistent with that of the political rulers of the day and the trampling of the rights of those citizens who express those views. Like the WPA has said in its most recent statement on the Hinds and Lewis affaire those who champion this course of action have never struggled for anything in their lives. We need to resist them. Tacuma Ogunseye

Demerara was instructive

DEAR EDITOR, The recent inundation at Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Leonora, Stewartville and Uitvlugt, Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara has left many citizens in discomfort. They are slowly bringing themselves back to normalcy but the response mechanism that was activated during this ordeal is worth recognition. The Civil Defence Commission headed by Lt. Col. Craig along with Major Welcome and Lt. Persaud joined officials of the Regional Administration on that sad Friday morning, visited all the affected areas, coordinated emergency responses, advised residents of necessary precautions and opened Emergency Shelters for affected and displaced residents. Later that very morning the Guyana Fire Service (Leonora Branch) came out in numbers and assisted the staff at Leonora Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Center (Cottage Hospital) with the cleanup exercise. The Guyana Police Force ‘D’ Division under the

stewardship of Commander Rishie Dass also came out in numbers to lend support. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA Engineer Lall) stood with us throughout and GUYSUCO (Mr. Mana) quickly responded in the affirmative when approval was needed to use the Community Center as a Shelter and their staff prepared the meals (3 times a day) for the occupants at the Shelter. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure CORE (Charlene and team) and Sea Defence Department were also with us throughout the ordeal. I believe the CORE groups that came from West Berbice, East Bank Demerara, Essequibo Coast and Leguan deserve a special thank you and I therefore offer it here unconditionally. Editor, seven Ministers of Government visited (Minister Karen Cummings, Minister Annette Ferguson, Minister Ronald Bulkan, Minister Carl Greenidge (who was acting Prime Minister at the time), Minister Raphael Trotman, Minister Joseph Harmon and Minister David Patterson) the

affected communities and every time one showed up decisions were taken on the spot to complement the already existing system thus making the citizens more comfortable. Close to five hundred homes were attended to by the team that responded to this unfortunate natural disaster and the Regional Administration is very thankful to all who played a role. Editor, the response was tremendous and it proves beyond all shadows of doubt that the Regional Administration has a powerful, effective, efficient and well-coordinated response mechanism in place. The Government of Guyana through the Regional Administration headed by Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran along with all the other players did well and even though the NDCs of the areas limited their participation, we are still thankful for their intermittent presence. Ganesh Mahipaul Regional Information Officer

The truth about GuySuCo’s... From page 4 with no plan or financing on hand to support such ventures is tantamount to sacrilege and beyond the comprehension of any rational thinker. The atrocities created by the IMC and which has led to the suffering of thousands including staff through their incompetence, are second to none and while Errol Hanoman beat a hasty retreat beyond the boundaries of Guyana, one is left to wonder why is Paul Bhim still on the payroll. If anything, he should have been held accountable too and put out to pasture. Their implementation of nepotism and cronyism, led to the recycling of mediocrity and the collapse of an Industry. Enter Mr. Colvin Heath London, a young efficient executive with a vision for the company and who, within a short span of time since his appointment, has engineered quite effectively changes in the industry, the resuscitation of GuySuCo proper and of Rose Hall and Enmore Estates. While the Rose Hall factory is not able to recommence grinding this first half because of the mammoth work required to get it going and which would be done during this offseason, canes from RH/Providence are being cut and delivered to the Albion factory in an

effort to not only ensure continuity of the Albion Factory, but also give the people in the surrounding communities and Guyana, hope. The Enmore Factory is slated to commence grinding operations this Sunday and Skeldon, in early April. This is taking into consideration that he started with nothing and the unabated resistance of the IMC certainly did not aid the process. Success for Mr. London is not an option, it is a must and so one must take pause to ponder why he has not sent Mr. Paul Bhim packing as yet. With Heath-London on board and the actions and results he has already engineered, he has raised the morale and enthusiasm of the management team and work force. His strong leadership, surgical analysis and decision making has already set the tone in GuySuCo. A knowledgeable insider

Monday March 19, 2018

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Kaieteur News

1000 taxpayers under review for unexplained wealth - Tax Chief By Kiana Wilburg Whether it is a politician or a businessman with the world of clout, nothing will stand in the way of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in going ahead with its audits on taxpayers who appear to have unexplained wealth. In fact, Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia was able to confirm that there are at least, 1000 taxpayers under review. In an interview with this newspaper, Statia said that he is very much aware of the concerns of citizens on this matter. He assured however that the revenue authority continues to look at the matter. Statia said, “The GRA continues to look at the issue of taxpayers with unexplained wealth. This is not the first time GRA is doing this…There are various ways of finding unexplained wealth, one of which is where the taxpayer exhibits his wealth and that would call for a Net Worth Analysis. With this, you see how their wealth has grown over the years, expenses, gifts and donations and the necessary deductions are made.” The Commissioner General noted that while this type of audit was done prior to his taking over the job, several checks revealed that those were done incorrectly. He explained that in some cases, it was clear that the audits were done incorrectly out of ignorance while others were a clear case of fear. “Some that I checked, you saw the basis for doing it was incorrect…I keep lamenting that you need to train your staff and even the ones who knew how to do it they were

Accordingly, the IMF gave a D grade for this activity which is considered the lowest level of performance. There was no system of public or private rulings nor were cooperative compliance arrangements in place to facilitate GRA’s clarification of tax issues. There was also no legal framework to support the issuance of binding rulings nor were there any compliance gap studies for Value Added Tax (VAT).

afraid to do it because they were given mixed signals... Now, it is being done. They have gone full speed ahead…No taxpayer is exempt from this. Everyone must pay their rightful tax. Right now, there are at least 1000 taxpayers under review.” DOUBLING COLLECTION Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran has written extensively on the need for the Guyana Revenue Authority to step up its approach on unexplained wealth. The Chartered Accountant said, “Suffice it to state that too many of these persons continue to flaunt unexplained wealth with impunity. There are also many large unincorporated entities for which there are no legal requirements to file audited accounts with the GRA. This poses significant difficulties when considering the tax liabilities of the owners these entities.” On the other hand, Goolsarran said that while there is a requirement for incorporated entities to file audited accounts with GRA within a specified timeframe, and duly certified by chartered accountants in public practice, GRA must be more proactive in carrying out its own independent assessment as to whether these audited accounts do indeed reflect a fair presentation of the financial condition, performance and cash flows of these entities. In other words, the former auditor general said that GRA must be prepared to challenge these accounts rather than accepting them at face value simply because they have

Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran been certified by chartered accountants. IMFHIGHLIGHTS Goolsarran also pointed to the fact that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in one of its latest reports, highlighted that there were several weaknesses within the revenue authority. In the area of verification of returns filed by taxpayers, the Fund noted several problems. It said that there was no automated cross-checking of internal and external information to detect and deter inaccurate reporting; no proactive initiatives to encourage accurate reporting; and no monitoring of the extent of inaccurate reporting in any of the core taxes. In addition, the IMF found that GRA’s Customs Department was not used on a systematic basis to verify amounts reported for personal and corporate taxes. The need to monitor regularly tax revenue losses from inaccurate reporting was also highlighted, especially by business taxpayers, so that the necessary actions can be taken to ensure compliance.

MOVING FORWARD In the face of the aforementioned, GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia informed this newspaper that efforts are already in place to correct such deficiencies. In fact, Statia revealed that the IMF report was done based on his request. He noted that in 2016, a team from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) visited Guyana. The Commissioner General said that he asked the team to have a diagnostic study conducted on the revenue authority to ascertain its strengths and weaknesses in tax administration. Statia said he was later informed by the said team that such a study can be conducted by the IMF. The Chartered Accountant said that a request was made to the IMF for the study to be done. The assessment was carried out in March and the report on the findings submitted to the revenue authority in May. The Commissioner General asserted that the IMF made recommendations based on its findings. He noted however that several of these suggestions for improvement were either al-

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia ready a work in progress or envisaged to be done next year. Statia acknowledged that there is a manual system at GRA but noted that the very weaknesses regarding declarations exist because of an IT system that is not working effectively. He said that moves are already in the pipeline to correct this. The Commissioner General said, “I am very much aware of the findings regarding false declarations. But let

me say this, taxation is circular. What you miss at the customs part you ought to find at the VAT part and what you miss there you ought to catch it at the Income Tax part. In order to do that, it therefore means that all the information must be stored in a common database…for you to do that, you need a proper IT system.” He continued, “IT systems are not only lagging at GRA but all over. GRA is now straightening up its IT system. Unless you have a proper IT system, you cannot cross check because everything is manually done; so if the IT system is not up and running you will have problems.” Statia added, “What we have done is we have now started doing all the scanning of all the (Income Tax) Returns and all these documents that come in so by mid next year, when a man comes, he brings his original, the scanning is done there and then and fed into the system…There is no need for him to bring that back.”

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Kaieteur News

Monthly rental cost GWI $2.5M The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), which is before the Public Utility Commission (PUC) asking for rate increases, has been renting private buildings that total $2.5M monthly, inclusive of electricity. Based on the most recent information received by Kaieteur News, the water utility company paid as much as $600,000 monthly in rent to Lennox Cush in Da Silva Street, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown. GWI also paid approximately $198,138 monthly for electricity along with rent for the Cush property, which houses the internal audit and water quality department employees. In the upscale neighbourhood Section K Campbellville, GWI pays a monthly rental of $400,000 to Ameera Kissoon to house staff from the infrastructure planning and implementation department. Also housed at the Section K location are employees in the Water Supply and Sani-

tation Infrastructure Improvement Program (WSSIP) which is part of the Inter-Development Bank-funded program for Guyana. For the property, GWI pays electricity of $97,037. In Georgetown, GWI is also renting from Cheryl Ibbott, Lamaha Gardens to house the Managing Director’s Secretariat, media and communications department, human resources department and the strategic planning evaluation and monitoring unit. Electricity cost is pegged at $85, 702. GWI’s Manager, customer services and customer relations staff are housed at Station Street Kitty which the company rents from Ahilya Singh for $60,000 per month. Outside of Georgetown, GWI pays out a combined $460,000 monthly for rental. The company rents one building each in New Amsterdam, Berbice; Springlands, Correntyne, Berbice; Anna Regina, Essequibo; Onveragt, West Coast Berbice; Bartica,

...this Section K C/ville building alone costs $500,000

Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo). Mr. Jaigopaul Ram, GWI’s Executive Director of Finance has faced several questions during the Public Accounts Committee. He conceded that if GWI collects the monies owed by customers there would be no need for rates increases. In February, GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van West Charles, made a case before the PUC for the increases. GWI is proposing that a

fixed charge of $500 be applied to all customers except pensioners. The fixed charges for pensioners will be waived, GWI said. According to the CEO, the water company has some serious challenges to bringing potable water to customers. With 180,800 customers, GWI is charged with overseeing 137 well stations and 24 treatment plants, with three more to be constructed. There are more than 900 staffers with 60-plus contractors and 220,000 Km of transmission and distribution mains.

However, despite investments, GWI claimed to be facing major problems with its energy efficiency, with stability and reliability being major problems. For domestic customers with meters, GWI is proposing the monthly fix charges of $500 and with standard rates of $112 per m3. For pensioners, GWI wants to waive those fixed charges, but the pensioners have to pay $74 per m3. For residential unmetered, there is a $500 fixed monthly with a $1,500 monthly charge. GWI wants unmetered

pensioners to pay no monthly fixed charges, but for $740 m3 for fixed charges. Significantly, GWI is proposing to get tough with tampering with a $50,000 fine for domestic customers and $100,000 for commercial ones. GWI said that it will need a minimum of three months from time of approval, as it has to make software changes, including automatic billing for VAT and creation of new tariffs for billing. The PUC has requested all the financial statements from GWI before fully considering the increase.

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The reason why David and Lincoln were fired David Hinds of the Working People’s Alliance has become a victim of his own advice. He is the latest casualty of the coalition’s inability to utilize the skills at its disposal to deal with criticisms of the government. In a letter published in the 16th November 2017 edition of this newspaper, and entitled, “Public relations never win people over to political positions” Hinds made the observation that the coalition and its government tend to rely on public relations rather than political narratives. He noted that the coalition has within its ranks people who know the issues, understand politics and political polemics, and could contend with the PPP’s propaganda any day.

Hinds made two mistakes in his assessment. Firstly, he was being too generous to the coalition government by labelling what it practices as public relations. The weakest link in the coalition government has been its inability to counter criticisms of its work. And this inability is because what it does is simply put information out there without providing any framework for that information. A good example is the webpage which is run by the Ministry of the Presidency. This webpage is run by a unit with that Ministry that is heavily staffed by inexperienced persons. The unit has become something of an inside joke within local media circles. All this unit

DEM BOYS SEH

does is to churn out information as to what the President or some minister within the Ministry of the Presidency is doing. It takes this information and places on its webpage for the other media houses to utilize. It runs two television programme each week which more or less states what the President did, a copycat of what was done under the PPPC. “This week with the President” is no different from the “President’s Diary”. To call that public relations is to give it a sobriquet that is misleading. The second error made by Hinds was to limit the need for political narratives – an even much more misleading term – to countering criticisms by the PPPC. In fact, criticisms by the PPPC have been the least of the problems of the

Trinidad got a lesson fuh Guyana Some things does always look good at de beginning but when it sink in then people does see wha really happen. That is wha happen to Trinidad. When that country find oil more than 100 years ago things look good. Money start to come in. Gas come too but everybody was looking at de oil suh dem ignore de gas. Dem think it was a waste till a foreigner come in and mek de waste into money. Before that Trinidad use to bun off de gas. Dem call it flaring. De gas begin to power machines but Trinidad didn’t pay too much attention till de gas bring in $20 billion couple years ago. By then it was too late because dem sign out everything to de foreign investor. Guyana declare that it wouldn’t flare de gas and Exxon promise to bring it to shore. Guyana got to tek it from there. But dem mek de mistake of signing away de oil although dem believe dem was getting nuff money. Dem boys seh if dem did tek dem time dem

woulda get more. But dem can do wha Trinidad planning to do. Dem should revisit de contract. Of course de contract gun get a review in four years but people can’t wait till den. De Trinidad Prime Minister nearly cry when he think about all dem who had to deal wid de oil people. Dem give away concessions and Guyana doing de same thing. De man tell de Trinidadians yesterday that dem give so much concession that it wuk out to de point wheh Trinidad paying de investor fuh tek de gas. One man tell dem boys that it look like if Guyana want pay Exxon to tek all de oil. Trinidad seh that de country want money and it could get de money from de IMF. But de Prime Minister want to know wha sense it mek to give away billions and got to borrow couple hundred. Guyana got to tek note. Talk half and learn from de mistake wha others mek.

coalition. The main criticisms have been coming from the not-so-usual suspects. The coalition has been pilloried by civil society for the signing, by the PNCRdominated City Council, of the parking meter contract. It has faced harsh criticisms over the production sharing agreement with ExxonMobil. The PPPC has been relatively guarded in this matter. The President has himself faced stern criticisms from civil society over his handling of the race-laced outburst by one of his press staff, his irregular hosting of presidential press conferences and his unilateral appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The typical response of the President’s press unit to criticisms is to claim that the critics are malicious and reckless. But if that Ministry was to take the mole out of its eyes it would recognize its inability to respond effectively to criticisms of the government. It can hardly defend then President. David Hinds, along with Lincoln Lewis, became the victims of the inability of the government to effectively respond to its critics. The

government is besieged with criticism. It has been hopeless in dealing with the landslide of criticisms which has come its way. The little kids which the government has in charge of its ‘public relations’ are out of their depth. They do not have the experience or knowledge to deal with the daily barrage of criticisms faced by the government. The government itself does not know how to deal with the problem and so they have turned on themselves. In panic and frustration someone has decided that the Guyana Chronicle is owned by the government and that it is incomprehensible for that paper to entertain criticisms of the government. This is why Lincoln Lewis and David Hinds were dropped. They were dropped because the government’s inability to respond to its critics. They were dropped as part of the response to that inability – the muzzling of critics.

Yet, within the government there is an example of how effective public relations can be conducted. The Ministry of Finance produces a television feature called “Dollars and Sense”. The Ministry of Finance has one public relations officer and this one officer does a fantastic job in producing this programme which is framed to achieve the objectives of clarifying, informing and responding to criticism. The Ministry of Finance is not interested in getting its Minister’s name and picture in the papers. It is interested in getting its message across. This is what is called effective public relations. Contrary to what Hinds claimed, public relations does win people over. But it has to be carried out by experienced and competent persons.

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

“Depression almost made me kill my daughter” By Shevon Nedd “I wanted to kill my daughter, not because I did not love her but because I did not want her to be in this world to suffer the way I was suffering.” That’s the shocking admission Alecia Patterson made last Saturday at her 549, Mandela Avenue Home. Alicia was suffering from chronic depression, a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how someone feels. thinks and acts. Alecia was 22 when she gave birth to her daughter Adouna Patterson: her pride and joy. She had a successful business, a great marriage, and a good life overall. But all that changed when Adouna got sick at the age of two. For two years doctors were unable to say what was

wrong with Adouna and this threw Alicia into a state of depression because her world was crumbling. Adouna was having seizures several times a day and was becoming more ill. “It was a combination of everything, especially my daughter’s sickness. Things changed in me, I no longer saw the world as a happy place” Alias explained. Alecia was unable to comprehend what she was going through at the time but thought it was a normal reaction to her daughter’s condition. “I started feeling as if life was not worth it anymore; the feeling of complete unhappiness was all I was getting.” She said during that period she woke up every morning not wanting to see the daylight. All she wanted to do was to be in a dark, cold room.

- a survivor tells her story “I just wanted to be alone and not bothered by anyone,” she recalled. This continued for more than nine years and got worse as the days went by. It began affecting her marriage, her relationship with her daughter, and her overall physical health. Adouna dropped back in class, Alecia was forced to close her business; and like many Guyanese, her husband did not take depression seriously. “He said I had everything and I had no reason to be depressed,” she said. With the support from her mother, a close friend, and her desire to get better, Alecia pushed on until she was able to put a name to what she was

feeling. BEING DIAGNOSED Help came in many different ways: through friends, family or even reading a book. For Alecia a CNN report which showed a depressed woman, who killed her children by drowning them, was all it took for her to understand that something was wrong with her. “I remember clearly wanting to kill my daughter,” she said. Alecia was in pain— mentally—but did not want Adouna to suffer the same way she did. At that time, she said, the thoughts of suicide were not going through her mind. “I can’t explain why I wanted to kill my daughter and not myself.” To Alecia, this situation reported on CNN was relatable and being the avid reader she is, Alecia began researching her symptoms. In Guyana many seem to believe that Guyanese cannot be depressed because “Guyanese people can handle anything, we don’t get duh” one person said. For this reason, Alecia hid the way she was feeling from everyone around her. “I never let anyone know what I was going through because I thought I was the only one going through it, and I thought no one would understand,” she said. But after suffering for nine years she became physically ill and had to be rushed to the hospital. “When I was in the hospital the doctor realised that it was more than me being physically ill so he called in a psychiatrist who then diagnosed me with Chronic Depression,” she said. Alecia said the voices that were telling her to do bad things were intense. But she was able to fight back because of all this new information available to her. “In my mind, the information that I researched was there and I knew what the doctor said, so I knew not to do those bad things” she said. BEINGTREATED FOR DEPRESSION One session a week with her psychiatrist, in addition to several pills a day was what Alecia was taking to treat her

condition. “I remember one day calling my mom and telling her I couldn’t take it anymore, I wanted to talk to a pastor…someone who would believe with me.” She recalled. Walking became difficult, and driving was now impossible. Alecia now wanted to take her own life because of how she was feeling. “I remember taking medication and all I wanted to do was run under a bus or a truck…anything.” She said she sometimes felt as though she was going crazy. “I wanted to take cocaine because I thought that could possible ease my pain and help me deal with the side effects from the medication I was taking,” she said. But the thought of eating from a garbage bin kept her from trying cocaine. “At one point I had to be taken to the intensive care unit because of how bad the situation was. My daughter was preparing for Common Entrance and it was really affecting her studies, instead of coming home to study, she was worried that her mom will not make it.” Alecia said that she lost her entire thirties to depression but said she is now taking it back and will not allow depression to win. “Happiness is more than material things, I know of so many persons who are multimillionaires but are unhappy, they drive the best cars and have the biggest houses but they are depressed.” RECOVERING FROM DEPRESSION “I am good now, life is good, I am starting over and I am living the 30s I lost” Alecia has now spent the last two years without taking anti=depression medication or having thoughts of depression. She is now focused on spending time with her daughter who is now 17-years old and a student at the University of Guyana. Alecia is currently in talks with persons to create a foundation anyone suffering from depression. The foundation, she said, would provide the necessary help a depress person would need. She said it is her desire to create a safe place where persons could have someone to talk to without being discriminated against. Meanwhile, Alecia currently operates a restaurant at her home in Mandela Avenue where person can sit and have breakfast and interact with her if they need to. “My vision is to create the best breakfast place where persons can come, sit and interact with me and the other persons here. This must be a safe space for persons to come

Alecia Patterson after recovering from Depression and feel comfortable to talk about what they are going through.” Alecia is now 42, and wants to inspire others to be open about their mental health problems DEPRESSION, SUICIDE AND GUYANA Over the years Guyana has been among the top five countries with the highest suicide rate. One of the most frequently used suicide methods in the country is the ingestion of pesticide. In 2014, the government, in a pilot project, supplied 150 pesticides users with storage cabinets as a way to curb the suicide problem. Persons are afraid to speak out due to the stigma attached to being depressed. Though services may be available to assist depressed persons, the issue is not often placed on the front burner. Just recently a man who came to Kaieteur News asking to speak to someone explained that he was feeling extremely depressed. He said he had just left the Georgetown Magistrate court and because of the way he was feeling decided to walk into the Ministry of Social Protection to get help. The man who said he had recently spent some time in jail for trafficking cocaine, explained that he is now trying to “live a straight life” He said that after entering the Ministry’s compound he explained what he was going through to the security guard and ask to speak to someone. Instead of being allowed to speak to someone who would’ve been able to assist, he was told “We don’t do that here.” As frustration grew, the man said he then went to the Ministry of Public Security. He said he spoke to the Minister who forwarded him to another senior officer in the Ministry. “As soon as I walked in the man’s office, I knew I was stereotyped because of how I look,” he said. He was once again turned away.

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Region Ten contractors highlight concerns in meeting with new CEO By Enid Joaquin Recently installed REO of Region Ten Orrin Gordon says that he wants to see people bidding for $203M contracts in Linden and Region Ten, and not just the smaller contracts. Gordon said that the resources that are coming in to the community are there for the people to maximize and added that the Regional Chairman also is there to see that resources are being maximized. Gordon added that he wanted to ensure that all projects are out by July. He was at the time speaking with contractors in Linden in the RDC boardroom on his first day at work last Monday. MP Jermaine Figuiera congratulated Gordon on his new post and said that he endorsed the position that he had taken. Figuiera said that the budgetary allocation is not necessarily only to improve infrastructure but to empower people. RDC Councillor Charles Sampson pointed out that he was not surprised at the position taken by the REO. He exhorted contractors to read through the lines. Sampson said that he knows of contractors who were for years” taking blows.” “We expect you our local contractors to deliver, because if you don’t you will make us look bad.” Sampson said. Alluding to the issue of late payments, Gordon acknowledged that it is one of the very limiting issues that gets in the way of contractors’ development. He said it was frustrating and not an issue to be swept under the carpet Figuiera said that if the Region is taking a radical position, then the contractor has to deliver work that is not just good in their eyes, but in the eyes of the people.

“If we are to enhance the image of the region we got to ensure that the work is quality work…If they say use green heart, use green heart, or you will not be paid.” With regard to late payments, Sampson said that this seems to be a “sick” in the Region, and asked why payments cannot be made in a timely manner. One contractor said that he was having a “really rough” time, and queried how he could take a loan if he was not getting jobs. He said he only received one contract for the year. Another said that even though he is prequalified he was not given any contracts last year. Those sentiments were echoed by several other contractors who bemoaned the fact that they were being bypassed for contractors outside of the region. The contractors had taken the opportunity to congratulate Gordon on his recent appointment and also to voice their concerns as regards the awarding of contracts and the general procedures employed in effecting payments for works executed. Expressing optimism that things would improve, the contractors regaled Gordon with stories of the inordinately long time they often have to wait for payments and in some instances being unable to work for months. The REO was also presented with a letter by one of the contractors outlining their expectations with him at the helm. The letter spoke to, among other things, about how disenfranchised the contractors felt about the awarding of contracts both at the Regional and National Tender Board levels. It also alluded to the recent awarding of contracts, valued some $800M, which went to contractors outside of the Region. Gordon promised that in his capacity as REO, he would ensure that the rest of the

Gun-toting ‘customers’ rob bottled water facility

One of the bandits in the process of hitting Adams with a gun. They came with an empty water bottle, but left with a haversack of stolen cash. It happened at around 17.30 hrs yesterday when two men posing as customers carried out a brazen robbery at Ultra Waters on Camp Street. The robbery took place minutes before the workers received their salaries. The entire ordeal which was captured on CCTV footage lasted for about five minutes. The footage shows two males crossing Camp Street, with one carrying a water bottle. One of the armed men then entered the store while his accomplice remained in the compound. After about two minutes the robber went

to the office of the manager, who was speaking to a worker. He then put a gun to the manager’s head before dragging his victim to the floor and gun-butting him. After ordering the worker to hand over his haversack, the intruder took out an undisclosed sum of cash from a desk drawer and placed the loot in the haversack. His accomplice then entered and searched the worker’s pockets before instructing him to lie on the floor. The bandits then calmly exited the store and entered a dark blue heavily tinted Premio that was parked a few feet away from where the robbery took place.

monies allocated to Region Ten for infrastructural and other works go to contractors within the Region. He however admonished the contractors to deliver value for money, lest they embarrass the administration and themselves. Those sentiments were reiterated by Member of Parliament Jermaine Figuiera who emphasized, “we are not promoting automatic promotion. Region Ten party chairman Derron Adams and RDC Councillor Charles Sampson exhorted the contractors…..Don’t let the people down that are empowering you!” Chairman of the Linden Chamber of

Industry, Commerce and Development Victor Fernandes who is himself a contractor, also spoke of the dearth of contracts that are awarded to contractors in Linden and region Ten. According to Fernandes for last year he was only awarded two contracts. Fernandes said that contractors from outside of Linden often come with their machinery, men and ration and their workers when paid, return to their communities to spend the money earned in Linden. “ What we find is that we have been exporting our resources, through allocation of work to outsiders who come here with everything.”Fernandes lamented.

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

President says Zimbabwe to hold elections in July

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa HARARE (Reuters) Zimbabwe’s first presidential and parliamentary elections since the end of former strongman Robert Mugabe’s long rule will take place in July, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Saturday. The polls will be the first major test of the new leader, who took power in November after a de facto military coup forced the 94-year-old Mugabe to resign. They will also be the first without Mugabe’s name on the ballot since independence from Britain in 1980. “As a nation, party and government, we are looking forward to very peaceful, transparent and harmonised elections in July this year,” Mnangagwa told reporters after a meeting with South Africans President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday night. Mnangagwa, 75, said the elections would be free of the violence that gripped previous polls and which was one of the reasons for strained relations between Zimbabwe and the West. “I have already invited all political parties in Zimbabwe to a roundtable where we all commit ourselves to nonviolence,” he added. Mnanaggwa will have to announce a date in an official notice. He has said he would invite Western observers, who had been banned under Mugabe’s rule. The state-owned weekly Sunday Mail said a European Union preelection team was expected in Harare today. The EU head of mission in Zimbabwe, Phillipe Van Damme, told the paper it would meet the president, political party leaders, and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Mugabe, in his first comments since he stepped down, said last week that Mnangagwa’s rule was “illegitimate” and a “disgrace”.

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Laid off estate worker opens barber shop, turns to cash crop farming

Afzal Deendial is second from the left surrounded by officials of the RDC and the course facilitators. Afzal Deendial is a former GUYSUCO estate worker. He worked 21 years at the Enmore Estate and when that estate closed recently, Deendial decided that he was going to find ways in maintaining his economic viability. As such, he ventured into establishing a barber shop and a small cash crop farm. The barber shop, ‘Classy Touch Barber Shop’ and the cash crop farm are both located at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, where Deendial lives with his family. “I was disappointed when the estate closed as I had 21 long years working there. However, I refuse to give up as I have a family to care and feed and I can’t allow that situation to get me weak,” he said.

Deendial hearing about the Self Reliance Business Workshops for women approached RDC Region Four with a simple and clear request and that is to be a part of the workshop so that he can benefit from some business related training. He said that all he wanted was the information on how to get started and tips on running the business. His request was granted and Deendial has expressed thanks to the first lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, on the initiative and the Regional Chairman, Ms. Genevieve Allen, on making the opportunity possible as he declared, “I will use this training to further grow my barber shop and cash crop farm as hopefully it may even create employment for others.”

IDB Country Rep. underscores need policy decisions based on sound data Country representative of the International Development Bank (IDB), Sophie Makonnen has highlighted the need for policy decisions based on sound data. Speaking at the recent launch of the first quarterly labour force survey, Makonnen said that reports are often submitted with the help of international donors, but in some cases, they are never continued. “Recent new and future investment in Guyana will increase its man power needs. More than ever, I think Guyana needs to match the supply of labor with the current and future investments to make sure that the population has the skills for the jobs that are going to be out there,” Makonnen stated. Makonnen stated that the study is a step on the path to more evidenced- based planning on which Guyana has embarked. “I see there will be fresh and up to date information to support decisions. And I think this is ground breaking,” Makonnen pointed out. According to the IDB representative, the bureau of statistics is fully equipped to use the technologies. It also has a team trained to support ongoing surveys. The report covers the

Sophie Makonnen, IDB Country representative third quarter of 2017, providing main tools used to track labour market dynamics such as employment rate, job creation, and job destruction. It was noted that the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above was 12 percent, with the situation for women being substantially worse than that of men, 15.3% versus 9.9%. The data show no substantial differences between urban and rural areas. According to the survey, the employment-topopulation ratio of persons aged 15 and above is 49.2 %, with the rate being substantially higher for men than for women 62.1 % against 36.9%. This situation

is substantially similar to that outlined by the 2012 Census. The survey found that the situation of women who, despite showing a sizeable disadvantage in the labour market, appear to be more engaged in the labour force and be less likely to be unemployed. For salaried workers, the average labour income is $82,636 per month across all the economic sectors, while the figure decreases to $67,064 for self-employed workers. The survey considered the labour population as persons aged 15 and above residing in Guyana, –550,831 persons. The 72.2% of the labour force is based in urban areas.

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Mahaicony Community Policing celebrates 42 years

CPG Officers assembled at the sports club ground. A route march was held on Saturday in Mahaicony to observe the 42nd anniversary of the establishment of the Community Policing Groups (GPGs) in Guyana. Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramattan, in his address to the gathering at the Mahaicony Sports Club commended the CPGs for their dedication to their communities; he, however, noted that more can be done. “I want to thank you for all the great work that you have done, but we have more that we need to do. Today it is necessary, in these evolving times, that you be prepared for a shift in focus and we need a shift in focus to include more public awareness,” Minister Ramjattan said. He also issued a call to the older members of the CPGs and the various communities to pay keen attention to the young people within their areas. This, Minister Ramjattan

opined, will help to deter them from being involved in criminal activities. “We have to know what the leading members of the community can do to ensure that we nip criminal activities in the bud; especially among young people. It can only happen when we bring back the elders to watch and look after the young people. “Spot their talent, shift them into positive areas, so by the end of their times, they would’ve taught so many positive attributes to young people, that we will not have them indulging in negative things. So, it is not only an enforcement role, but it is a role to mould our young people in the communities.” Community Policing in Guyana commenced in 1976, with the objective being, to harness the energies of willing members of communities across Guyana in support of the work of the Police, to achieve a crime-free

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan addresses the gathering. society, and to be responsive, together with the Police, to the needs of the communities in respect of the necessity to maintain law and order. The theme of this year’s observance is Promoting Safe and United Communities by Building Social Cohesion through, Improved Quality of Communication; Community Understanding and Citizen’s Needs.

The Police Band performing in the Route March.

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAHO to help improve local health service CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and technical officers from the Ministry of Health have devised a clear plan for the upcoming two years to strengthen various aspects of governments health sector response. This was the outcome of a recent two day meeting at which budgetary allocations for the improvement of health services in the island over the next two years were discussed. PAHO has agreed to provide financial support to help boost the delivery of health services. On Saturday, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Merlene Fredericks told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that PAHO has been a consistent and reliable partner, and Government was pleased to be engaged in this meeting. “We do value the relationship that we have with

PAHO. We have a long standing relationship with the Pan American Health Organization and they have provided much needed assistance to us in various aspects of public health.” PAHO’s representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, identified pivotal areas where assistance and financial support will be required. “We have five key areas that we have identified already with the Ministry of Health. The first is infectious disease and communicable disease which also includes the international health regulations. “Second, is the prevention and management of non-communicable disease, which is a high priority both for PAHO and the government of Saint Lucia. Third, we have family and life course so that includes young children and all the way to aging.

Dr. Merlene Fredericks “Fourth is the important area of health systems and information systems in health; and finally the preparedness for disasters both natural, as well as those that we are being faced with in the region like chikungunya, zika and others that are coming into the region from external sources,” he said. On the final day of the meeting, the PAHO team met with the Minister for Health and Wellness to discuss the outcome of the meeting and continued collaboration between PAHO and Saint Lucia.

ROWLEY: Housing projects casualties of PNM spat

Trinidad Guardian - It is not only your political opponents that can do bad things, your political friends can do bad things too, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley warned yesterday as he recalled a public spat with former prime minister Patrick Manning which he said left citizens deprived housing from the State. Rowley made the statement as he delivered the feature address at the Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) distribution ceremony for the Vieux Fort housing Development in St James, Saturday. “I’ve carried this burden for so long that I felt that today I can lay it down and I asked the Minister of Housing to make sure that I was invited to today’s function so I am here at short notice because I really wanted to see this project completed and today for me is the beginning of the completion of a long journey,” Rowley said. Rowley said the “Vieux Fort” project represents “everything that is Trinidad and Tobago.” “A lot of potential, a lot of good and too much that is bad,” he said. Rowley said the project was started in 2006 when he was a housing minister in Manning’s Cabinet.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Previous speakers at the function, Housing Minister Randall Mitchell and MP for the area Marlene McDonald also mentioned that in their addresses. However, Mitchell said the project was stopped when the People’s Partnership came into office in 2010. This was not so Rowley explained. “Permit me to get personal on this, I heard my colleague talk about our political opponents. It is not only your political opponents that can do bad things, your political friends can do bad things too. This project wasn’t stopped by our political opponents, it fell prey to our own politics in the PNM (People’s National movement)”, Rowley said. Rowley replaced Manning as the PNM’s

political leader in 2010. Mitchell is now the MP for the San Fernando East seat that Manning held for over 30 years, “You may recall one day in the Parliament our prime minister got up and mentioned that $10 million was missing from the HDC and the minister had to account for it, the minister being me because the other minister had told the then prime minister that $10 million was missing that resulted in a commission of enquiry. Y’all forget that? I can never forget that,” Rowley said. “And in search of that $10 million all these projects became casualties of that development and then soon after we lost the election and worse was to come,” he said. Manning questioned Rowley about what he said was $10 million missing from the Cleaver Heights Housing Project during the budget debate in the Parliament in October 2008. Rowley had been fired from Manning’s Cabinet in April that year. Manning died on July 2 2016. Rowley said the when the People’s Partnership won the general election in 2010 they had five years of record budgets but never thought of completing the housing projects.

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

State of Emergency enforced in sections of central parish

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is flanked by National Security Minister Robert Montague (second right), Justice Minister Delroy Chuck (right) along with Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, Major General Rocky Meade (left) and Acting Police Commissioner Clifford Blake as he announced the second state of public emergency yesterday morning at Jamaica House. KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday declared a State of Public Emergency in sections of the central parish of St. Catherine in an effort to fight crime. Holness, who made the announcement during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister – declared that the State of Emergency was effective as of yesterday and will remain in place initially for 13 days. According to Holness, this was necessary in order to facilitate enhanced security measures in areas faced with high levels of criminality which have threatened pubic order. The Prime Minister added that under the enhanced measures, security forces will have

the power to search, curtail business operating hours and detain persons without a warrant. As a result all persons using roads in and out of the area will be subject to being searched. The area under curfew is the base for one of the most notorious gangs operating in the islands – the Clansman gang. Also present at the press conference was Major General Antony Anderson, who takes office today as Police Commissioner, National Security Minister Robert Montague and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck. The Prime Minister says he will address Parliament shortly on the measure.

Opposition concerned about register for upcoming general election ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), has expressed concern about the state of the register for elections ahead of Wednesday’s general election. In a statement late Saturday, the party said that the Register for elections that was published on March 12, could have been released in “error and may not be the list upon which the elections may be held”. The party notes that the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001 at section 24 states – “The Commission shall, not later than seven days after the issuing of the writ for an election for a constituency, publish in respect of that constituency, a register of electors to be known as a register for elections.” “Our understanding of these provisions is that the Register published on or about March 12, 2018 shall be used for the elections scheduled for March 21, 2018,” UPP noted in the statement.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne “However, in our effort to obtain an electronic copy of the List for Elections published on or about March 12, 2018 we have learnt that the Commission is in the process of preparing the List for Elections. We find this information perplexing since the List for Elections has already been published.” The opposition party has called for an explanation of this situation from Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) with a view to minimizing any adverse effect the situation

could have on Wednesday’s poll. “Given the imminence of the general elections, we expect ABEC to give this matter its most urgent attention,” the UPP said. Wednesday’s general election will be a straight fight between the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the UPP, although there are five other political parties and five independents vying for control of the 17-seat Parliament. Prime Minister Gaston Browne who is leading the ABLP into a second general election, is promising to follow his prime ministerial colleague in Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell, where he led his New National party (NNP) to a complete rout of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by winning all 15 seats. But the UPP, which governed this country for 10 years before being ousted in 2014, is not perturbed and is instead urging supporters to put an end to the corruption, unfulfilled promises of the Browne administration.

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IMF chief warns ‘no winners’ in trade wars BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AFP) — International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde cautioned the United States against putting up barriers to trade in an interview published Sunday. “Trade wars leave no winners,” she said in the interview with Argentine daily La Nacion, responding to a question about President Donald Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. She said poor countries and poor people in rich countries have benefited from the surge in global trade over the past decade, but acknowledged that some regions and industries have suffered. “The effect generated by innovation and trade should be taken into account to remedy that harm, but trying to reduce trade or erect additional barriers won’t generate any winners,” she said. Lagarde is in Buenos

Christine Lagarde Aires for a meeting Monday and Tuesday of G-20 finance ministers and central bank presidents. She said the global economy is in good shape, with 3.9 percent growth projected this year as well as higher levels of investor confidence. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t some clouds on the horizon that we should pay attention to,” she said. Tr u m p ’s sudden

decision earlier this month to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent on aluminum has revived fears of a trade war. He has since extended temporary exemptions to Mexico and Canada, pending renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. But the European Union has threatened retaliatory tariffs on US goods unless it is exempted. South Korea also is seeking an exemption and China has warned it won’t stand idly by if its interests are harmed. Lagarde noted the rise of China as an investor in Latin America, saying it was only natural that the world’s second largest economy would seek partnerships in the region. “Any country like the United States or Europe might have thought in the past of this region as part of its territory, and (they) are now surprised because it no longer is,” she said.

Putin easily wins another six-year term, firms grip on Russia KEMEROVO, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin won a landslide re-election victory yesterday, extending his rule over the world’s largest country for another six years at a time when his ties with the West are on a hostile trajectory. Putin’s thumping victory will extend his total time in office to nearly a quarter of a century, until 2024, by which time he will be 71. Only Soviet dictator Josef Stalin ruled for longer. Putin has promised to use his new term to beef up Russia’s defences against the West and to raise living standards. In a widely-expected result, an exit poll by pollster VTsIOM showed Putin, who has already dominated the political landscape for the last 18 years, had won 73.9 percent of the vote. Backed by state TV, the ruling party, and credited with an approval rating around 80 percent, his victory was never in doubt. None of the seven candidates who ran against him posed a threat, and opposition leader Alexei Navalny was barred from running. Critics alleged that officials had compelled people to come to the polls to ensure that voter boredom at the one-sided contest did not lead to a low turnout. Russia’s Central Election Commission recognised that there were some irregularities,

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Russian president and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin at a polling station during the presidential election in Moscow, Russia yester. Credit: Sergei Chirkov/POOL via Reuters but were likely to dismiss wider criticism and declare the overall result legitimate. Putin loyalists said the result was a vindication of his tough stance towards the West. “I think that in the United States and Britain they’ve understood they cannot influence our elections,” Igor Morozov, a member of the upper house of parliament,” said on state television. “Our citizens understand what sort of situation Russian finds itself in today.” The immediate question is if and when opponents like Navalny organise protests, citing widespread fraud, and

how large and sustained those protests will be. A senior opposition politician has warned they could descend into street clashes if police crack down too hard on demonstrators. The longer-term question is whether Putin will soften his anti-Western rhetoric now the election is won. Putin’s bellicose language reached a crescendo before the election in a state-of-thenation speech when he unveiled new nuclear weapons, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and evade a U.S.-built missile shield.

U.S. Republicans to Trump Let Mueller do his job WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Republican senators warned President Donald Trump yesterday not to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and said the president must let federal investigators looking into Russian meddling in the U.S. election do their jobs. The Republican president has renewed his Twitter attacks on both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mueller’s probe since the firing on Friday of the bureau’s former deputy director, Andrew McCabe, two days before he was eligible to retire with a full pension. Republican Senator Jeff Flake, who has criticized Trump harshly, said the p r e s i d e n t ’s latest comments appeared to be aimed at the firing of Mueller. Senator Lindsey Graham, another Republican, said if Trump were to dismiss Mueller it would mark “the beginning of the end of his presidency.” AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, said: “As the speaker has always said, Mr. Mueller and his team should be able to do their job.” The comments underscored the risks for Trump if he goes too far to thwart the federal probe. “I don’t know what the designs are on Mueller, but it seems to be building towards that (firing him), and I just hope it doesn’t go there, because it can’t. We can’t in Congress accept that,” Flake told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “So I would expect to see considerable pushback in the next couple of days urging the president not to go there.” In a series of tweets over the weekend, Trump accused the FBI leadership of lies, corruption and leaking information. He called the Russia probe a politically motivated witch hunt. “The Mueller probe should never have been started in that there was no collusion and there was no crime,” Trump said on Saturday. Yesterday, he attacked former FBI Director James Comey and McCabe, top officials who were involved in the Russia probe and subsequently fired. The U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Moscow conducted an influence campaign aimed at swaying the 2016

President Donald Trump (left) and Special Counsel Robert Mueller presidential election to Trump over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Mueller is investigating the Russian meddling and any possible collusion with the Trump campaign. On Saturday, Trump’s personal lawyer John Dowd urged the Justice Department official overseeing Mueller, Rod Rosenstein, to “bring an end to alleged Russia Collusion investigation manufactured by McCabe’s boss James Comey.” Republican U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy criticized Dowd in an interview with “Fox News Sunday.” “I think the president’s attorney, frankly, does him a disservice when he says that and when he frames the investigation that way,” Gowdy said. “If you have an innocent client, Mr. Dowd, act like it.” White House legislative affairs director Marc Short said the Trump team was fully cooperating in the Mueller

investigation and that the president was expressing his growing frustration with how long the probe has lasted. Graham, a co-author of legislation that would make it harder for a president to fire a special counsel, said it was very important that Mueller be allowed to proceed without interference and that many Republicans share this view. “The only reason Mr. Mueller could ever be dismissed is for cause. I see no cause when it comes to Mr. Mueller,” Graham said on CNN. Another Republican, Senator James Lankford, said he does not believe Trump would fire Mueller. Trump also drew criticism from fellow Republicans yesterday over the firing of McCabe, who said he believed he was targeted because he c o r r o b o r a t e d C o m e y ’s claims that Trump tried to pressure Comey into killing the Russia probe.

Five Indians killed in cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops SRINAGAR/MUZZAFARABAD (Reuters) - Five members of an Indian family were killed and two injured by shelling from Pakistani troops yesterday along the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan, according to army and police officials. Both sides were engaging in heavy shelling despite a 15-year-old ceasefire between the nuclear-armed rivals in the area, the officials said. Nine people were also wounded across the border in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir due to the shelling from India that began late Saturday night, Pakistani officials said yesterday. Tension has been running high since an attack on an Indian army camp in India-controlled Kashmir last month in which six soldiers were killed. India blamed Pakistan for the attack and said it would make its rival pay for the “misadventure”. The South Asian neighbours have fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part.

Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Turkish forces and Syrian allies drive Kurds from Afrin ISTANBUL/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies swept into the northwestern Syrian town of Afrin yesterday, raising their flags in the town centre and declaring full control after an eight-week campaign to drive out Kurdish YPG forces. A spokesman for the rebel fighters said they entered Afrin before dawn, meeting no resistance. A war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said pockets of YPG fighters defied orders to withdraw, but Turkish forces were in control. The fight for Afrin, a once-stable pocket of northwest Syria, has opened a new front in Syria’s multisided civil war and highlighted the ever-greater role of foreign powers such as Turkey in the seven-yearold conflict. Ankara says Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters are an extension of a militant group waging an insurgency inside Turkey, and vowed to crush what it described as a “terror corridor” of YPG-controlled territory along Turkey’s southern border with Syria. It has threatened to extend the Afrin offensive to another Kurdish-controlled region

further east where U.S. forces are stationed alongside the YPG, Washington’s ally against Islamic State in Syria. “Afrin city centre is under control as of 8:30 this morning,” Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told a rally commemorating the World War One Gallipoli campaign, adding that Turkish and Free Syrian Army flags had been raised in the town centre. “Most of the terrorists have already fled with tails between their legs. Our special forces and members of the Free Syrian Army are cleaning the remains and the traps they left behind,” Erdogan said. “In the centre of Afrin, symbols of trust and stability are waving instead of rags of terrorists.” An official from the local Kurdish authority raised the prospect of a guerrilla campaign against Turkey, saying Kurdish forces were still present across the Afrin region and would “strike the positions of the Turkish enemy and its mercenaries at every opportunity.” “Our forces all over Afrin will become a constant nightmare for them,” Othman Sheikh Issa, co-chair of the Afrin executive council, said in a televised statement.

Trinidad and Tobago is Happiest Country in the Caribbean, Says UN Report

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A United Nations (UN) report says Trinidad and Tobago is the happiest Caribbean nation on earth – at least when compared to a handful of other regional countries surveyed for the 2018 World Happiness Report. The twin-island republic ranks 38th among 156 countries and is the highest placed Caribbean country in the report, released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network ahead of World Happiness Day Tuesday. The only other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations in the happiness rankings were Belize, which placed 49th; Jamaica, which was in position 56; and Haiti, which, at 148, ranked as the unhappiest country in the Caribbean. Finland has overtaken Norway to become the happiest nation on earth, while the US has slipped five places down to 18th. The East African nation of Burundi, scarred by bouts of ethnic cleansing, civil wars and coup attempts, is the unhappiest place in the world, according to the report. Countries were ranked based on six key variables that support well-being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.

A Whatsapp group run by the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces said Turkish and Syrian rebel troops tore down a statue in Afrin, in what it called a “blatant violation of Kurdish people’s culture and history”. In Turkey, dozens of proKurdish and leftist groups appealed to world powers to press for the Turkish and Syrian rebel forces to withdraw from Afrin and avoid a “human tragedy”. Free Syrian Army spokesman Mohammad alHamadeen said the fighters entered the town from the north, east and west. Kurdish forces had pulled back to Syrian governmentcontrolled areas around the city of Aleppo, or to the Kurdish-held region east of the Euphrates river, he said. “Maybe (Afrin) will be cleared by the end of the day — it’s empty of fighters, they cleared out,” Hamadeen told Reuters.

Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army soldiers celebrate after reportedly taking complete control of the city of Afrin, northern Syria

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Britain accuses Russia of secretly stockpiling deadly nerve agent used in attack LONDON (Reuters) British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said yesterday that Russia has been stockpiling the deadly nerve agent used to poison a Russian former double agent in England and has been investigating how such weapons can be used in assassinations. Britain has said Russia used the Soviet-era nerve agent called Novichok to attack Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the first known offensive use of such a weapon on European soil since World War Two. Russia has denied any involvement.

“We actually have evidence within the last 10 years that Russia has not only been investigating the delivery of nerve agents for the purposes of assassination, but has also been creating and stockpiling Novichok,” Johnson told the BBC. The identification of Novichok as the weapon has become the central pillar of Britain’s case for Russia’s culpability in the poisoning. Britain and Russia have each expelled 23 diplomats over the attack as relations between the two countries reach a post-Cold War low.

Skripal, a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who betrayed dozens of Russian agents to Britain, and his daughter are fighting for their lives after they were found collapsed on a bench in the city of Salisbury two weeks ago. Officials from the world’s chemical weapons watchdog will arrive in Britain on Monday to investigate the samples used in the attack and the results should be known in about two weeks, Britain’s foreign ministry said. The foreign ministry said that if Russia has been

stockpiling nerve agents this would amount to a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, of which Moscow is a signatory. Russia’s ambassador to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov told the same programme that his country has destroyed its reserves of such substances and a British research laboratory could be the source of the nerve agent used in the attack. Johnson dismissed those claims and said Russia’s reaction “was not the response of a country that really believes itself to be innocent”.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson “Their response has been a mix of smug sarcasm and denial and obfuscation,” he said. Skripal and his daughter may have been exposed to the nerve agent used in their attempted assassination through his car ventilation system, intelligence sources told the US television channel ABC news. The sources said the toxin was used in a “dustlike powdered form” and that it circulated through the vents of the car, the channel said. Johnson said Britain’s National Security Council will meet later this week to decide “what further measures, if

any” may be taken, and that the government may decide to target Russian wealth in Britain. The British capital has been dubbed “Londongrad” due to the large quantities of Russian money that have poured in since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Some British lawmakers have urged Prime Minister Theresa May to freeze the private assets of senior members in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s circle. Putin is expected to easily win a presidential election on Sunday which would take him to nearly a quarter of a century in power.

Cabinet To Review INDECOM Ruling

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck The Gleaner - Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says the parliamentary committee that examined the legislation governing the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) had agreed that the oversight body should have the power to arrest and prosecute police personnel. The disclosure comes in the wake of Friday’s landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal that INDECOM does not have the power to arrest and prosecute cops. Chuck told The Gleaner he plans to take the issue to the Cabinet today for discussions with his colleagues. He says he will suggest that another parliamentary committee be appointed to re-examine the INDECOM legislation. According to Chuck, the government needs to make it very clear whether INDECOM is to be empowered to arrest and prosecute police personnel.

Monday March 19, 2018

CHEDDI JAGAN MEMORIAL CYCLE RACE – 2ND LEG

Garbarran pedals to victory; John is top junior; Niles (veteran) & Teixeira first female

2018 Milo Schools’ Under-18 football tournament

Pure Masters and Annandale Secondary win semifinal berths

Action between Pure Masters’ and Lodge Second yesterday afternoon at the MOE ground.

Briton John - United We Stand Cycle Club

Junior Niles - Team Coco’s Cycle Club

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Deeraj Garbarran – United We Stand Cycle Club

United We Stand Cycle Club’s Deeraj Garbarran pedaled to victory in the second leg of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race yesterday on the West Demerara. Garbarran stopped the clock at One Hour 42 Minutes 04 Seconds in the 40-mile contest which started at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, proceeded to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, before returning to the starting line for the finish. Taking second place was Differently Able cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart in another sparkling performance; he was followed by Alanzo Ambrose – winner of the first leg in Berbice one week ago, Junior Niles and Curtis Dey to cap the top six spots. Niles, a Team Coco’s member was also the first veteran to cross the finish line winning this category from Raymond ‘Steely’ Newton and Alex Mendes. Another United We Stand cyclist, Briton John took the junior category from Ajay Gopaul and Adealie Hodge in that order while the top female was Shenika Teixeira and oldest competitor, Montgomery ‘Truck Tracker’ Parris.

The final two semifinals of the Milo/Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Under-18 Schools’ football tournament were contested last evening at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue. The games played were competed between Pure Masters and Lodge Secondary in the first, while Morgan Learning Center matched skills with Annandale Secondary in the second. Pure Masters and Annandale came out victorious with 2-0 wins. Masters defeated Lodge Secondary 2-0 in a very lackluster showing by both teams. Erwin Garraway who netted both goals for the winning side noted that although his team’s second half performance was better that the first, the overall play wasn’t special. He expressed delight with the win but wasn’t too happy with his performance despite scoring twice and he vowed to step his game up for the semifinals since he believes

Play during the quaterfinal action between Morgan’s Learning Centre and Annandale Secondary yesterday at the MOE ground. he will be up against way tougher opposition. National youth player Troni Semple netted both goals for Annandale Secondary. In the first half he opened the scoring after guiding in a header from a right-side cross in the box before sealing his team’s victory with a calmly taken

penalty in the second half, against the well supported Morgan Learning Center. This proved to be the second

upset of the weekend after defending Champions Chase were knocked out by Sir Leon Lessons on Saturday.

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Trial by spin awaits Windies in key Super Six match

GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U-15 League – EBFA

Timehri hand Agricola first loss to take over lead Herstelling and Upsetters post wins

Rovman Powell (left) and Evin Lewis during a training session at the Harare Sports Club. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – Favourites West Indies were bracing for a spin assault from hosts Zimbabwe, in today’s all important Super Sixes clash of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. Much will be riding on the contest at Harare Sports Club as the winners will take a giant step towards the final and clinching one of the two remaining spots at next year’s World Cup in England. With spin having played a key role in Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run in the tournament, veteran seamer Kemar Roach said Sunday the Windies were already aware of what to expect. “Spin will definitely be a factor in the match. The wickets are under wear and tear now so it’s going to be tough for us to put a big score on the board,” Roach explained. “But runs on the board is the name of the game and obviously as a bowling attack, we have to put pressure on the Zimbabwe batsmen and we’ll be fine.” In conditions which will favour the hosts, the Windies will have to deal with the likes of left-arm spinners Tendai Chisoro and Sean Williams, legspinner Graeme Cremer and offspinner Sikander Raza. The match took on even more significance after West

Indies were upset by Afghanistan in their opening match of the Super Sixes last Thursday at Harare Sports Club. Though the defeat was their first of the tournament after finishing the preliminary round unbeaten, it saw West Indies slip down the table to third and out of the qualifying positions. Zimbabwe lead the standings with five points, ahead of Scotland only on net run rate, with the Windies on four. Roach, who missed the Afghanistan defeat through injury but will return to face Zimbabwe, said the squad understood the importance of the encounter and were up for it. “It’s a big match for us obviously and I’m looking forward to it. I missed that last one due to injury but I’m feeling much better now. I put the work in at practice and I’m ready and raring to go,” he said. “There’s definitely a lot to play for. Playing Zimbabwe in their home town is going to be tough so the guys are mentally prepared and physically prepared for this game. It’s going to be a tough one but I believe we will come out on top as we should.” He added: “The guys are obviously very focussed. This is like the biggest career match for most of these guys, so to win this match and win the other one [against

Scotland] and go to the World Cup is obviously the pinnacle, so these guys are very focussed. “The camp is good – everyone is focussed, everyone is happy – and we’re just going to go out there and play the best cricket we can.” West Indies are bidding to continue their proud tradition of having contested every World Cup, since winning the first two back in 1975 and 1979 under the legendary Clive Lloyd. The qualifiying campaign has been their first, however, after finishing ninth in the ICC world rankings and outside the automatic qualifying spots. And Roach said even though they had been up against lesser-ranked teams in the competition, the Windies had been kept on their toes throughout. “There have been no easy games for us. I think we’ve stuck to our tasks and we’ve had to work for our wins but obviously it’s not finished yet,” he stressed. “We’re halfway through and I think this is the biggest part of the tournament now for us. I think once we keep doing what we’ve been doing, we will come out on top and we will be fine.” The match bowls off at 9:30 am (3:30 am Eastern Caribbean time). SQUADS: ZIMBABWE – Graeme Cremer (captain), Tendai Chatara, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams, Cephas Zhuwao WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Jason Mohammed, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.

Despite taking the early lead against the rampaging Timehri Panthers, Agricola Red Triangle suffered their first loss and in the process surrendered the lead to the former via a 2-1 loss when the East Bank Football Association, GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League continued on Saturday last at the Timehri Red Ground. Also rampant on the day were Diamond Upsetters who trounced Diamond United 60; Herstelling Raiders and their scoring machine Shoran James got past Friendship 31, while the Linden Soesdyke Highway based Swan FC held Grove High Tech to a 0-0 draw in the main event. A Floyd Boyce goal on 10 minutes had given Agricola the early lead in the head to head clash with Timehri which have been on a 6-game unbeaten run coming into this match. But as the game matured, the home team gradually got their game on

Ishmael Pulsarran – Timehri Panthers and confidence going. Neron Barrow netted the equaliser for Timehri in the 38th minute, while Ishmael Pulsarran tucked in the winning goal two minutes later to take the winners to the top of the points table, replacing the losers. Diamond Upsetters were in dismissive mood against their fellow village side,

Diamond United, winning 6-0 on account of goals from Jamal Thomas in the 18th and 34th minutes, Isaiah Hendricks (29), Michael Pierre (31), Shaquan Gilkes (40) and Joel December in the 45th minute. Herstelling Raiders were led to their fourth win of the league by leading marksman Shoran James who has taken over once again the sole top spot in the highest goalscorers race. He scored in the 45th minute; his side’s second goal after Navin Ramgobin had given them the first in the 20th minute. But all of this was after Stephen Harry had handed Friendship the lead in the 15th minute, their first and only goal of the match. Zavi Atkinson scored Herstelling’s third and final goal in the 55th minute to seal full points for them. Matches continued on Sunday at the same venue as the league winds down, each team will play eleven (11) matches.

Diamond Upsetters goalscorers.

Dovizioso pips Marquez to win... From page 33 dropping to eighth as his tyres lost performance. “It was a perfect race, perfect weekend,” said Dovizioso of his first win in Qatar after three times finishing runner-up. “We did a really bad start but I was calm. I recovered very slowly and saved a lot the tyres and was able to push at the end,” added the Italian. “As always with Marc, the last lap is very difficult but I was able to beat him again.” Marquez, winner of four of the last five MotoGP titles, did all he could at a track he sees as one of his most difficult. “When Dovi was pushing I was losing the front, losing the rear but anyway I arrived close in the last corner. I tried,” said the Spaniard.

“Again he beat me, but I’m very happy. Here a podium was the main target.” In a tightly-fought race, with the pack jostling for position behind Zarco before Dovizioso’s move, the gap between winner and Honda’s Dani Pedrosa in seventh place was just 4.6 seconds. Rossi took the chequered flag 0.797 behind Dovizioso with Spanish team mate Maverick Vinales, last year’s winner in Qatar, sixth. “I expect more compared to last year, because with this year’s bike I feel good,” said Rossi, who won one race in 2017 and finished fifth overall despite breaking his leg at the end of August. “I know that Marquez and Dovizioso are faster at the moment, they have a little bit more, so when Dovi went in front I tried to give 120 percent to stay with them.”

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Barbados, T&T rivalry raise Wins for MSC, GNIC & DCC curtain on tournament GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day cricket

10-Wkt hauls for Suknanand & Jacobs, Motie (85), Barnwell (103*) shine

Devon Lord appeals for a stumping yesterday at Bourda as he finished with 4-52 in a losing effort for GCC. Ten-wicket hauls from offspinners Gajanan Suknanand and Steven Jacobs and pugnacious knocks from Gudakesh Motie (who followed his 5-67) and Chris Barnwell highlighted the final day of the latest round of the GISE, Star Party Rental & Trophy Stall First Division two-day cricket tournament in the City yesterday. Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) crushed GCC by 114 runs at Bourda, GNIC beat GYO by seven wickets at MSC and DCC hammered Everest by eight wickets in Queenstown. At DCC, the hosts, set 193 to win in 18 overs, reached 194-2 as Barnwell scored an unbeaten 103 with three fours and 12 sixes to register the second ton of the round following Rajendra Chandrika’s 149 in the same game. Barnwell and Joshua Persaud, not out on 37, featured in an unfinished 84run third wicket stand after Sherfane Rutherford (12) fell at 42-1 and Raymon Perez was run out for 32 at 110-2. DCC resumed on 194-6 and were dismissed for 297 to take a narrow 15-run lead as Perez took his 63 to 95, Nkosi

Beaton (37) and Steven Sankar (25) helped DCC to the lead as Motie had 5-67. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made 42 with six fours and Motie, who clobbered four fours and nine sixes in an explosive 85, took the score to 120-7 when Chanderpaul fell to Sankar. Motie was especially severe on Sankar and was last out after sharing in a useful stand with Travis Mohammed. Scores: Everest (282 & 207), DCC (297 & 194-2). At Bourda, Jacobs followed his five-wicket haul in the first innings with 5-25 and got support from Vishaul Narayan who took 2-20 to finish the game with six wickets as MSC beat GCC, who needing 181 to win crashed to an appalling 67 all out. MSC took their overnight 7-0 to 102 all out as Renaldo Ali-Mohammed (4-27) and Devon Lord (452) did the damage for GCC as MSC slipped from 26-0 to 41-5. Carlos Larose (24), Jacobs (16) and Stephan Browne (14) were the only MSC batmen to offer resistance on a good

track and fairly fast outfield. GCC, who included Test batsman Leon Johnson who was bowled for one by Kellon Carmichael, crumbled as only Winston Forrester (25) and Ali-Mohammed (13) reached double figures. Scores: MSC (199 & 102), GCC 121 & 67. At MSC, GNIC set 133 to win reached 134-3 as Quincy Ovid Richardson who hit Utom Munroe for six to finish the contest, ended unbeaten on 56, while Ryan Shun made 60. The pair joined forces after Richard Hoyte had removed Dwayne Dick and Keon Sinclair in the same over to finish with 2-12 as the game was done and dusted by 14:30 hrs. GYO began the day on 91 and fell for 131 for a slim lead of two runs. Treatlon Liverpool led the way with 53, but only former Guyana batsman Rohan Sarjoo (29) Darshan Persaud (19) offered fight as Suknanand captured his second six-wicket haul of the match, while Shun had three wickets. Scores: GYO (141 & 131), GNIC (139 & 134-3). (Sean Devers)

Dovizioso pips Marquez to win MotoGP opener in Qatar (Reuters) - Italian Andrea Dovizioso won the Qatar Grand Prix for Ducati by the blink of an eye yesterday as MotoGP served up a season-opening thriller at the floodlit Losail circuit. Honda’s reigning world champion Marc Marquez finished a mere 0.027 seconds behind the man who took last season’s title battle down to the wire. Valentino Rossi, the Italian great starting his 23rd grand prix season at the age of 39 and with a new two-year Yamaha contract freshly signed, joined them on the podium after the

night-time race. Dovizioso had started eighth but seized the lead from Frenchman Johann Zarco, who had set the pace from pole position, with five laps to go and pulled away with Marquez in close pursuit. The Spaniard made his move at the last corner of the last lap but failed to make it stick, with Dovizioso using the Ducati’s power to take his ninth MotoGP win. Britain’s Cal Crutchlow was fourth for LCR Honda, the best non-factory rider, with Zarco Continued on page 32

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Four-time champions Barbados will open the defence of their Regional Under-15 Championship title against archrivals Trinidad and Tobago, when the tournament bowls off in Jamaica later this month. Ironically, the Barbadians lifted the title last year after beating T&T in final round, when the championship was staged in Bridgetown. The tournament, which runs from March 28 toApril 4, will see see Leeward Islands, Guyana, Windward Islands and Jamaica joining Barbados and T&T to do battle over five rounds of oneday cricket. Cricket West Indies’ director of cricket, JimmyAdams, said the tournament represented a chance for selectors to identify the future international stars. “This is one of the key development tournaments on the Cricket West Indies annual calendar,” said the former West Indies captain. “This tournament serves the purpose of encouraging junior players from across the Caribbean to excel and be given the opportunity for early recognition, while promoting competition among their peers at the regional level. “In our bid to make Windies a consistently successful side in the near and long-term future, it is important that we pay close attention to our development pipeline and make sure it is working effectively.” Leewards, who finished second last year, take on hosts Jamaica at Up Park Camp while Windwards, who were third last year, clash with Guyana at

Kensington Cricket Club. This year represents the third time in the last six years that Jamaica will host the age group tournament, and Adams believes this will be an excellent opportunity for players to also engage personal development off the field. “Jamaica is a great place to play the game, so it’s also an opportunity for the players to become acquainted with another culture and gain a greater appreciation for the region in which they live – that is also part of the learning experience of playing in a tournament like this,” he explained. “We also hope that experiencing the passion that people from outside of their own territory have for the game will also help to inspire them to continue along the development pipeline and one day wear the Windies burgundy, so we look forward to seeing loads of talented players being unearthed at this year’s tournament.” Under-15 tournament fixtures: Round 1 – Wednesday, March 28 Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – Melbourne Oval Guyana vs Windward Islands – Up Park Camp Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Kensington Cricket Ground Round 2 – Thursday, March 29 Windward Islands vs Barbados – Chedwin Park Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica – Kensington Cricket Ground

Director of cricket, Jimmy Adams Leeward Islands vs Guyana – Melbourne Oval Round 3 – Saturday, March 31 Barbados vs Jamaica – Chedwin Park Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Jamalco Cricket Ground Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Windalco Cricket Ground Round 4 – Monday, April 2 Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Windalco Cricket Ground Guyana vs Jamaica – Jamalco Cricket Ground Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Chedwin Park Round 5 – Wednesday, April 4 Guyana vs Barbados – Up Park Camp Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Kensington Cricket Ground Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Melbourne Oval

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Monday March 19, 2018

Kaieteur News

Guyana All Style Martial Arts Federation presents certificates of honour

GFF/Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 League – Bartica FA

Rising Stars trounce Lazio; Beacons and Potaro Strikers draw Beacons FC goal scorers from right, Keenan Harper, Ian Gomes and Ashton Dutchin.

Students of the SVN DOJO display their certificates of honour while club officials share the moment. The Guyana All Style Martial Arts Federation on Wednesday last presented four top students of the SVN DOJO with certificates of honour for their outstanding performances in the art of Karate-Do. Those honoured were Kemchand Seenanan, Darmesh Singh, Narendra Somwaru and Nirmala Dookie. Present also at this event were Miss Nirmala Singh, Sensei

Mortley and Master Nasim Yasim. With the presentation of certificates to honour these students following their outstanding performance, Sensei Mortley expressed unbridled joy over the good results shown in their school work along with martial arts. He is encouraging other students to also do well in the future.

UDFA /Frank Watson U-15 Football

Milerock are inaugural champions after draw against Hi Stars

A hat-trick performance from Keenan Harper guided Rising Stars to a comfortable 5-0 win over Lazio when play in the GFF/PeleAlumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League continued at the Bartica Secondary School Ground on Saturday last. The other match of the day which opened proceedings saw Beacons and Potaro Strikers battling to a 2-2 stalemate, Beacons’ Captain Kareem Caesar netting both for his team in the 40th and 45th minutes. Potaro Strikers had taken the lead on account of Jeremiah Peters’ 20th minute goal; their second came off the boot of Joshua Jones in the 42nd minute. In the day’s main attraction, starring for Rising Stars was Keenan Harper who rocked the back of the nets in the 3rd, 41st and 57th minutes to set up a solid win. Inking their names on the score sheets also was Ian Gomes who opened the scoring in the 6th minute and Ashton Dutchin who emulated him in the 13th minute. Matches would continue on Saturday at the same venue.

Kareem Caesar Beacons FC, Bartica.

Jerimiah Peters (left) and Joshua Jones Potaro Strikers FC Members of the Milerock U-15 football team pose for a photo. The inaugural champions of the Upper Demerara Football Association run Frank Watson Memorial Under-15 title are Milrerock, who despite being held to a 1-1 draw, finished ahead of their six other opponents last Saturday afternoon at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. Milerock walked away with the top honours after being held to their second draw, a 1-1 result against Hi Stars, while in the other game played, Botafago, who would ended in the second position, also had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Amelia’s Ward, while the other game between Topp XX and Silver Shattas was not played due to Topp XX again being unable to find a team. Milerock remained the only team without a loss after

playing six games with four wins and two draws for 14 points as Botafago with four wins, one draw and one loss for 13 points were second, while another club with a similar record, Amelia’s Ward, placed third due to goal difference with Botafago scoring 12 and allowing four as the Ward side netted ten times and were breached four times also. Next were Silver Shattas with eight points from two wins, two defeats and two draws, followed by Hi Stars who also had two wins with three losses and one draw to get seven points. Topp XX were next on three points from one win and five losses to be ahead of Eagles United who finished on one point due to five defeats and one draw.