Kaieteur News

Monday March 27, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The failed nurses and Adam Harris’ article was public school systems right on the ball DEAR EDITOR, Every aspiring developing country wants to have a well-trained, educated and qualified workforce. But without proper capacity building institutions the training and teaching of hundreds of young people and thousands of children can be an extreme waste of resources and time. What is needed is a decision by the government that all learning institutions in Guyana discard outdated and ineffective training and teaching methods and replace them with modern training and teaching methodologies. Like many other Guyanese, I reeled in shock when I read recently in the daily newspaper that only 29 out of some 167 nursing students passed the nursing exam. Few people appreciate the implications of that outcome. And even fewer people understand the consequences of that result. One wonders what sort of training is being meted out to young unsuspecting adults in other training institutions in Guyana. It is indeed painful to read such daunting statistics. I feel sorry for those students: the hours they put into their studies, the long, boring lectures sitting passively in box-like classrooms, the dull textbooks and inadequate teaching resources, the depressing learning environment and the hassle to get there. They are the victims of administrative ineptitude. I firmly believe that any one of those students is capable of excelling in their chosen area of study if provided with adequate and effective training. As I read the report, I noted, yet again, the knee-jerk reaction of the administration - blame the teachers. That is a cop out. I believe the blame lies squarely with the administration and their stubborn and persistent reliance on outdated and ineffective teaching methodologies. It is not the teachers who are at fault. It is the administration that sets out the teaching methodologies that are used for training those aspiring nurses. As I reflected on the nursing exam results, I got a flashback of the equally shocking 2016 NGSA results. According to a recent article that appeared on the Ministry of Education website, the reporter Synieka Thorne wrote: 2013 CSEC English I-III 45.69% CSEC Math I-III 28.97%

2014 46.98% 38.75%

“The results for English and Mathematics, at the Grade Six levels, were alarming. In 2016, 10 and 11-year-olds took tests on core subjects, which resulted in 14 percent passing Mathematics, revealing that over 12,000 children were not numerate. More than half of those writing English could not sufficiently comprehend the official language to attain a 50 percent score.” I asked myself, is there a connection between the teaching methods used in the public school system, at both the primary and secondary school levels, and the outcomes in the training institutions? The answer is yes: the same ineffective methods are being used with stubborn persistency. What cognitive psychologists tell us is “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” If you want a different outcome, then you must do things differently. That brings me to the COI into Education. It is now almost a year since the Commission of Inquiry into Education was launched on April 29, 2016. I sat in the auditorium at St. Stanislaus College. I saw the battery of commissioners at the head table – some ten or more ‘so-called’ experts who would deliberate on the submissions of the participants and

come up with solutions to the problems in the education sector. I looked around the sparse audience and noted the poor turnout. I asked myself, was that a reliable barometer to gauge the level of the public’s interest in the workings of the Ministry of Education? I think so. I heard the voice of the Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine bemoaning the poor turnout then urging all Guyanese to participate in the process. I heard him enunciate, with his usual flair, the purpose of the inquiry: to review, revise, upgrade, expand and modernize the Education Sector Plan. I heard him reaffirm the ministry’s approach of ‘evidence-based decision making’ and I listened to him appealing to the few there to make submissions in writing to the commission. I watched and listened as the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ed Caesar, sought to reassure all that their submissions would be welcomed and taken on board. And I thought, well now, things are going to change. A year later, things haven’t changed, except for some collateral damage: the former CEO of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Olato Sam is no longer with the Ministry of Education. And the COI into education is yet to submit its report. So, I did some research on the performance of students in mathematics and English over the period 2013 – 2016 to determine under whose watch fell the lowest performance. Who were the decision makers, the architects of the education policies then? Who were the achievers and the underachievers? In other words who were the Ministers, CEOs and Deputy CEOs at that time and I leave you dear readers to make the inferences because you are literate, numerate and think critically. The Ministers of Education were Mr. Sheik Baksh, Ms. Prya Manickchand and Dr. R. Roopnaraine (2015 – present). The Chief Education Officers were Mr. Ed. Caesar and Mr. Olato Sam. The Deputy CEO, Mr. Hudson. The percent passes are shown in the table below. Note: Source of the data: Ministry of Education. 2015 49.07% 45.07%

2016 59.33% 38.37%

2017 -

Based on the figures shown, it is clear who the underachievers are. Albert Einstein is reported to have said, and I quote: “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created it in the first place.” The question therefore is: why is it that the level of thinking that created the problem in the first place is being applied to solve the problem it created? Is that not the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I saw recently on Channel 27 CGTV a contest between a group of British teachers and students pitted against a group of Chinese teachers and students to see which group would perform better in the following three subject areas: English, Mathematics and Science. And guess what? Who you think won? The Chinese! In all 3 areas. Why? You guessed it: the British still relied on outdated teaching methodologies like those used in Guyana. The crux of the matter is Guyana is still using early 19th century teaching methods to teach children and adults in the 21st century. Based on results - and the Ministry of Education has publicly asserted its policy of ‘evidence-based decision making’ - the public Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR, Adam Harris’ article in the Sunday 26th March edition of Kaieteur News, is right on point. He has covered all the angles and it is true that we didn’t have the will to stay with the import substitution thrust that occurred during the Burnham era. So, Guyana is in fact wasting its foreign currency on food items that we really don’t have to import. Burnham was really not all bad; he made some good economic initiatives.

Mr. Harris’ article should be required reading in all high schools in Guyana as well as at U.G. It shows that Guyana could improve economically if we make some minor or major adjustments in the area of importing foodstuff. I hope that Mr. Granger and Mr. Nagamootoo are paying attention. I hope that Freddie Kissoon can also learn a bit from Adam Harris by thinking in more positive terms about Guyana and realise that we do have a brighter future than Freddie

predicts. It all depends on how you think about Guyana. Is the glass half full or half empty? Instead of putting his mental powers into thinking negatively about Guyana, Freddie should turn it around. He has the power to do so and it should be easy for someone who claims to love Guyana. Guyana needs you Freddie; stop being so negative. If you throw your fine mind behind Guyana, we could accomplish great things Rudy Vyfhuis

Tagore Memorial Secondary School has serious problems DEAR EDITOR, A student is a learner, a learner who is assiduous. Teachers are persons who help others acquire knowledge, competence and good proficiency. Teachers play an important part of a child’s life, but when teachers display disdain to students’ concerns, students are triggered to seek professional help from the public and higher authorities in the system. This has been an ongoing issue at TAGORE MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL- which is located at No 63 Village in Region 6 of Guyana. Students are being victimized over an incident which occurred in the previous year. You may ask, “Do teachers victimize students?” and unfortunately the answer is yes. In this modern era, students are being victimized and not a single action is taken in relation to this issue at Tagore. In the Science Department of the above named school, students have had their SBA books marked with prejudice and bias. Despite students submitting what teachers have requested, the grading schemes are being fabricated

and modified with equal and unbiased indifference, in order to ensure that students gain undeserved marks. Why? So that it would appear as if the students are producing bad grades and for rumors to spread that certain teachers are the best and they are the only persons on Earth capable of teaching tough subjects. You may ask “Why have you not lodged a complaint to the senior authorities?” Students have a stance, but are not allowed to voice their opinions, but rather are forced to be submissive. Teachers also have stances. Senior teachers should therefore have reconciliation with compromise. They should not be haughty, impetuous, incompetent, perfidious and rancorous. Students have consequently tried to vent their feelings on this issue but no actions have yet been taken. When students go to the offices of the senior teachers to query the matter, they are chased away and given deceitful promises. How will students gain a feeling of identity in this institution? If this is the treatment students receive from senior teachers, then

those seniors of the above named school are not worthy of the positions they hold and should be immediately discredited. Several teachers have been concerned about this unethical practice (against students) and they too are discriminated against when they speak out. Students aspire to be doctors, humanitarians and what not. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And that single step is to gain good grades in order to be what they aspire to be. Imagine these students ending world hunger and even saving millions of lives in various ways. Consequently, these desires have been suppressed at this school. Moderators are the only hope for these unfortunate students who have been robbed of their aspirations. Moderators are assigned to be equitable. They are given that status to ensure that every student gets what he or she fully deserves, but not of recent. Students are told they are not allowed to speak to moderators to express their concerns and open up on the causes of the situation. Why Continued on page 6

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Kaieteur News

Four reasons for the foreign Caribbean Diaspora in the US to meet Trump administration officials exchange crisis in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Everyone is blaming each other for the Exchange Rate for the U.S dollar. The Private Sector, the Government and the people are all confused. Everyone is blaming the other for the exchange rate. Four factors contributed to the exchange rate crisis and the shortage of US dollars. 1. There are less exports, so less US money coming in to the economy. 2. There is more demand for US currency from importers who are importing all types of stuff that are not essential to Guyana, hence a wastage of foreign exchange. Why do we need 12 different brands of corn beef, sardines, cooking oil, flour, etc. Used tires, motor vehicle imports, soft drinks imports, alcoholic beverages etc. also contributed to the shortage

and high exchange rate. These imports should be monitored. There is a lot of duplicity of products imported. 3. The Cuban traders bring in almost US$5 million each week; that is about US$20M per month on average to purchase goods from strictly Chinese businesses. These U.S dollars are not ploughed into the local economy as the Chinese businessmen keep it for their own use. Besides the Chinese are running cambios in their businesses by buying US$ at G$215 to G$220. They are not selling, only buying. So enterprising business people would buy US$ at G$210 to G$214 from registered cambios and the commercial banks and sell these to the Chinese businessmen at G$215 to G$220 thus creating a

shortage in the foreign exchange market. The Chinese businessmen are backed by large consortiums in China and even by the Chinese Government. Can the Bank of Guyana carry out an audit on Chinese businesses to see if they wire transfer US$ to China for purchases and if they do so, are they real companies or fake companies just to receive cash? 4. Finally, in the last few months Trinidadians flooded the local cambios and commercial banks buying out as much US$ as possible contributing to the shortage as US$ is fetching TT$6.75 in Trinidad for each US$. There is a shortage of US$ in Trinidad. Guyana should have never had a shortage or a rise in exchange rate if not for the above. Balwant Persaud

Eternal leaders in Guyana believe in the birthright claim DEAR EDITOR, Recent news items include coverage of forever-leaders in unions and civic and political organizations. These foreverleaders must believe in the birthright claim. Each usually treats their position as an inheritance and without doubt these forever-leaders will have been registering very low in the attribute of personal growth. Of course, these organizations often fall way short in fulfilling the expressed purpose for their existence. What a surprise! Organizational dry-rot sets in and what is accomplished is a pittance compared to what was possible with ‘State of the art Leadership’. No one person can maintain

organizational growth and goal achievement for an unlimited number of years. Over time, usually both the forever-leader and the organization shrink and the gap widens between what is accomplished and what was possible. Members become restive and internal battles are waged. The situation does not get pretty from here. To grow and fulfill the hopes, dreams and aspirations of any organization the first requirement is ‘inspired leadership’. This is true for a family, a club, a business, a political organization and certainly for a country. After all what is best for the organization should always be the designing purpose of decisions. The focus here is on

The PNC is afraid of... From page 4 greatest enemy of the State.” One such lie perpetrated by the APNU+AFC in opposition, now in government, is that Bharrat Jagdeo and former PPP Ministers are corrupted. That, under the PPP/C Administration, billions of dollars was stolen from the treasury. The second lie is that Jagdeo and the PPP are racist. I have seen no evidence to support this ridiculous allegation, and it is an indisputable fact that Afro-Guyanese prospered more under the PPP than at any time under the PNC. Even today, Afro-Guyanese are not exempt from the sufferings imposed by the Granger Administration on the Guyanese people. The third lie perpetrated by the Granger-led Administration is that Guyanese are now enjoying the “Good-Life” under the APNU+AFC. But while there is conclusive evidence of massive taxation; high unemployment; the suppression of the rice and sugar industries; an unacceptable surge in the crime rate; a declining economy; high cost of living; and the devaluation of the Guyana dollar, which now pegs against the US dollar at GY$230.00, our citizens are now waking up to the harsh reality of this big, fat lie because they are the ones suffering under this government that promised “a good life for all”. I will have much more to say in the coming days Harry Gill MP -PPP

organizations like GPSU with leadership in place for decades. These organizations share a common outcome. They lack any significant tangible positive achievements that most members would agree on during their time in existence. Any leader who believes or exhibits the tendencies to signal that they know it all without input from others is in the same group of achievers as the ‘also-rans’. Organizational financial resources are directed to ineffective activities and the decline is inevitable. True leaders would, therefore, be seeking to grow their organizations on these journeys and would find it impossible to also avoid personally growing. On this growth path the leader will recognize the potential in those around him or her and seek out ways to harness these nascent human resources. So, that, over time, the inspired leader will recognize that their task is really to develop the organization’s human resources and with good measure begin to see and fashion, not unaided, their replacement. Not a birthright to stay on and on but rather to pass leadership on to another. An inspired leader will often find greater satisfaction and sense of achievement when the baton is passed. That a successor could be developed during your watch -the true feeling of a proud parent! Well, almost! Phil Williams

DEAR EDITOR, An alliance of Caribbean Diaspora community, religious and business leaders assembled by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) will meet with Trump administration officials this week to provide input into the construct of future US/ Caribbean relations and the role of the Diaspora in contributing to the process. These consultations follow up on meetings held last month to identify a mechanism to provide for ongoing consultations between the Administration and the Caribbean Diaspora in the United States. At the centre of the discussions is the United States-Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 which was signed last December by President Obama and which provides for the identification and implementation of specific initiatives and programs to enhance America’s relations with the Caribbean at both the multilateral and bilateral levels. The Act identifies nine broad areas which the US State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are mandated to address and to provide recommendations and a proposed plan of action to the US Congress by June this year. The Caribbean Diaspora Alliance has prepared a “white paper” which it submitted

to the State Department Friday and which is expected to form the basis for Wednesday’s consultations. The paper addresses the nine issues and received input from diaspora leaders across the United States representing organizations whose membership are made up of Caribbean Americans from every Caribbean nation. Input for the “white paper” was also garnered from consultations with organizations in the Caribbean region including private sector organizations and the CARICOM Secretariat. Wednesday’s consultations will address issues under three broad themes-diplomacy and security; economic development; and education and health. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State will lead the US discussion with an overview of current US Engagement with the Caribbean while Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, who is also the current chair of the Caribbean Caucus of Ambassadors will deliver opening remarks. The diaspora discussion on diplomacy and security will be led by Wesley Kirton and Herbert Nelson; economic development by Alland Leandre and Oscar Spencer and education and health by Eric Walcott and Roxanne Valies. Wesley Kirton

Russian Embassy explains Le Pen’s visit to meet with President Putin DEAR EDITOR, Marine Le Pen, National Front candidate in the upcoming French presidential elections, discussed with President Putin in Moscow the prospects of cooperation with Russia in counterterrorism, culture, energy and trade, breaking Cold War stereotypes. Great Powers Should Not Be Engaged in Cold War. There is no good reason for France to engage in a Cold War-style policy against Russia, National Front leader Marine Le Pen said adding that if elected French president, she would seek balanced relations both with Russia and the US. “Russia as well as the US is a great power. It’s very important for France to build up balanced relations with both of these countries. I think we could do that with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump,” Le Pen said. She went on “I believe France shouldn’t put limits on itself when it comes to improving relations with Russia. First of all, we should lift the sanctions against Russia that actually have been forced upon us by the European Union.” Touching upon the accusations of Russian meddling in the French election campaign, Le Pen said the claims were groundless. “I hear all the time [French President] Hollande talking about it, but I have never seen any proof to these accusations,” acknowledged Le Pen. “At the same time, I see that Hollande does not ask the US for explanations, although it

turned out the CIA eavesdropped on some European leaders and the 2012 candidates for the [French] presidential elections,” she added. “I think we should stop this policy of double standards – this is what creates a sense of injustice not only for Russian people, but for many nations worldwide,” Le Pen concluded. Paris and Moscow should establish strategic partnership in counterterrorism and energy spheres, Le Pen called for comprehensive strategic partnership between Paris and Moscow. “First of all, it is necessary to establish cooperation between France and Russia, both in the field of culture, energy and trade. The

same applies to strategic partnership in many areas — in particular, the fight against terrorism, elaborated Le Pen. Le Pen also said that France and Russia should exchange intelligence to jointly combat terrorism. President Putin shared Le Pen’s view that only by combining efforts the countries we can effectively counter the threat of terrorism. Earlier Italian President Sergio Mattarella announced his decision to pay official visit to Russia and meet Vladimir Putin in April 2017. Aleksei Illiuviev Press Attache Russian Embassy in Guyana

The failed nurses and... From page 5 school system is failing our children. What business analysts tell us is that in order to predict future performance it must be based on past performance. On hard data and facts and figures. It’s called trend analysis. Given the dismal performance over the past 3 to 5 years it would be very optimistic to expect a 10 percent improvement in performance. According to the reporter, last year 14 percent passed math at the NGSA. Even if you were to add on 10 percent improvement, that still spells failure. If action is not taken now, it would only get worse. Tony Willis

Tagore Memorial...

From page 5 were students from the previous batches allowed to? It has only unfortunately occurred to this batch. Moderators are fallaciously convinced to mark using grading schemes students have never seen and were altered. Who should students plead to? It is a matter of not one, but several students’ future. I, remaining anonymous would like to request (on behalf of the victims), the Ministry of Education and capable persons of the general public to step into this crucial issue ASAP. Concerned student

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VAT on education, if used correctly, can improve its quality DEAR EDITOR, The recent imposition of 14% vat on families who use private providers to educate their children can be a master stroke of policy-making, if the government uses the

revenue raised from this initiative to increase the education allocation at budget time. One can easily see where the payoffs can be reaped. Currently public education is poor across

most of Guyana. Teachers who have many years of experience leave our shores to find employment where their labour is better rewarded. Increased funding can promote increased rewards to

Coalition Govt. is straight out of the PPP’s play book DEAR EDITOR, Here are just four examples of how closely the Coalition’s behaviour follows that of the PPP’s. 1. The drug purchase by the Coalition is straight from the PPP-Civic play book. 2. The Coalition’s retention of the ‘No Objection’ clause, associated with regards to the Public Procurement Commission, is straight from the PPP-Civic play book. 3. The Coalition’s Norton drug bond purchase is straight from the PPP-Civic. 4. The Coalition increasing their salaries while refusing to engage in Collective Bargaining with the PSU and TSU, is straight from the PPP-Civic play book Editor, I could go on and on but you get the point. Similar to what is happening with Donald Trump, the Guyanese voters are suffering from buyers’ remorse. It is daily becoming obvious that the Granger-led administration had internalized all the dirty tricks of the PPP and is now unleashing them on the Guyanese people. “The PPP used ill-gotten monies to fund their election campaigns.” This was a valid claim, often made by the then opposition. Now in government, we see them using the exact unethical means to pad their campaign war chest. The United Republican Party (URP) fought these corrupt behaviours when the PPP did it and we will continue to fight it now that the PNC-Coalition is doing the same. The USA voters have given Donald Trump

the lowest approval of any American President, ever, and if we did any similar kind of polling in Guyana, President Granger would probably get the lowest rating than any of the Guyanese Presidents, ever. The USA presidential elections is fraught with good over evil; meaning that the GOP is ‘good’ because they are Bible toting, Evangelicals, and the Dems are ‘bad’ because they are liberals. We saw a similar display during the last general elections. We saw Mr. Granger kneeling and praying in church during the elections while Mr. Jagdeo was backballing at an army fete. We saw the supporters of the PNC call prayer rallies at the National Cultural Center tarmac and the Square of the Revolution, while the PPP supporters were cast as Godless. Yet, Just like Trump, the Coalition is proving to be godless, devious and unsympathetic to the needs of the Guyanese people, even as they fatten their personal bank accounts. It is time that the supporters of the Coalition admit that the current administration is just as financially corrupt as the PPP. The quandary that faces the Guyanese voters is the notion that if you run from the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC, there are no other options. God help Guyana if the next 50 years leave us with the two parties that have alternatively destroyed our beautiful country through shameless corruption. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu

Region 8 administration is backward in this technological age DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me some space to highlight an area of concern as it relates to the administration of Region 8. As a son of the region I find it difficult to sit back while my family, friends and colleagues are being abused by the powers that be in the region. Region 8 as we are all aware is probably the worst administered district and is usually the dumping ground for the unwanted. For example, as a disciplinary measure police officers are sent to places like Orinduik or Kato. Only recently, there was a video on social media with a high ranking officer of the ministry of education threatening to send a junior staff to Region 8. Recently I have been receiving several complaints from staff of the region that have been released to further their studies on the coast. These persons are studying at the University of Guyana, Nursing School, CPCE and other places. The issue at hand is that the regional

administration has made a decision to pay these staff by cheque rather than by bank transfers in the manner they were doing for the longest while. This Mr. Editor is a backward step in an age where we are promoting ICT. Additionally it directly impacts the studies as students now have to make time to go meet the accounting staff to collect their pay as well as go to the bank and wait to cash their cheque. Just imagine a nursing student has to travel from Linden to Georgetown to collect their cheque, cash it and then having to go back to Linden. It is just a waste of precious time that could be otherwise used for studying. Mr. Editor, Region 8 has always struggled to keep up with the progress in the country many times because of the lack of vision and the will by those in authority to lead the region forward. While other regions are moving forward it seems like the authorities in the region are bent on moving backward. It

must be noted that others are being paid through their banks while only a select few are being meted this vindictive act. It is my hope that by highlighting this issue those in the government with responsibility for oversight of regional officials will take note and intervene to ensure that the students studying in Georgetown are granted the opportunity to receive their salaries through the bank like they always did. Additionally, it is my hope that an audit of the regions finances be done as many times there are delays in the implementation of projects. As someone from the region I am quite aware of the difficulties one faces while studying on the coast. It is not easy and for officials of the region to add to the already stress levels is unwarranted. It must be noted that these students are upgrading themselves to return to the region as stipulated under the conditions of their release. Michael Mc Garrell

retain our best and brightest educators. It can also improve our schools’ lab facilities; improve the curriculum offered, adding subjects such as music, foreign language and a greater emphasis can be placed on sports. I know that this fee will cause some hardship on some families who put their faith in private education but if they can afford the fee surely they will afford the taxes. I am a fee paying parent and I am not rich. I am glad to pay the additional tax as I completely get the intent of this policy. I do hope that the government safeguard the revenue raised and inject it back into education as it appears as if they would. The total cost of this policy however does not

need to be fully borne by parents who are the fee payers for the most part. The private schools that make a profit can share the burden and absorb some of this cost if their motive is educating the nation. I challenge them to put their money where their mouth is. Imagine for a second what would be the outcome if we as parents gifted our financial support to our local primary and secondary schools? Our public school would have benefited from our diligent funding which could have purchase more after school activities such as physical education, improve sports facilities and even hire extra teachers to support those

children who need extra help. We as a people need to think broader about the society we want to live in. We need to be wise about our choices and avoid being too selfish to our own detriment. The only accusation I have about this policy is that the government needs to become better communicators to the masses about their intentions and hope for the nation. The government’s PR needs to be kicked into to gear to bring people along with their vision. This I hope will improve over time. Great policy intent guys, keep it up. We want a better Guyana and so we must be willing to pay for it. Malachi James

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Efforts afoot to phase out septic tanks Housing schemes being developed in the coming years, will most likely be outfitted with central water treatment plants, intended to replace the erection of septic tanks on individual premises. This is according to Junior Communities Minister, Dawn Hastings-Williams. “Right now, we are in the discussion phase,” the Minister told Kaieteur News on the sidelines of a Wastewater Conference held recently at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)’s Vlissengen Road, Georgetown office. The initiative to construct water treatment plants is being executed with the aim of addressing the growing threat of water pollution. During his presentation at the conference, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles pointed out that despite a plethora of septic tanks countrywide, there has been a deviation from the established design and construction of such units. “Our Engineers are therefore collectively seeking to arrive at more efficient septic tank designs and in some cases, looking at their replacement with water treatment plants. This would in turn, require behavioural modification among the citizenry of Guyana,” Dr. West-Charles said. He explained that the water company is currently

Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles delivering his remarks at yesterday’s Wastewater Conference focusing on the conversion of the sewage collecting station at Tucville, Georgetown, to a sewage treatment plant. “As we observed World Water Day, March 22, 2017, under the theme ‘Wastewater’, every effort must be sought for the treatment of waste water, which is derived from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities,” Dr. West-Charles said. The GWI official pointed out that Guyana, at the ministerial level, has not embarked on the treatment of water, but the water company

has moved to heighten its focus and commitment to ensuring that Guyana is in a better place in this regard. “These initiatives however, are not isolated to the coastland...it also takes into consideration, the rural and hinterland areas of Guyana.” GWI has commenced a so far fruitful collaboration with Dr. Carlos Lopez Vazquez, Associate Professor at Wastewater Treatment Technology at the UNESCOIHE Institute for Water Education. One component of the collaboration is a series of training under the broad topic of ‘Biological Wastewater’. The exercise will see participants being trained in the design and assessment of wastewater treatment plants, using modern technologies. “This is also to determine the best option that we can use in the treating of wastewater in Guyana,” Dr. West-Charles added. He said that the water company has recognised the dire need to collaborate “intersectorally to ensure that the treatment of wastewater is a topic of central focus.” “Hence, agencies such as the Ministry of Public Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the University of Guyana, the Mayor and City Council and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) are among those that we partner

...as GWI moves to treat waste water Junior Communities Minister, Dawn Hastings – Williams (left), sits alongside Junior Public Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings

with,” Dr. West-Charles noted. Also attending the event was Junior Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. Speaking on the health impact of wastewater, she pointed out that waste water can originate from many sources such as homes, businesses and industries. “Storm water, surface water and ground water can enter the wastewater collection system and add to the overall volume of wastewater in any given geographical space. The source of wastewater will determine its characteristics and how it must be treated,” Dr. Cummings said. She made specific reference to the One Health Concept. “This is simply one which recognizes that the health of humans is directly connected to the health of animals and the environment,” the Minister explained. WASTEWATER – A VALUABLE RESOURCE Rensforde Joseph, GWI’s Sanitation Manager, highlighted several valuable uses of the country’s wastewater supply. He explained only three to one percent of wastewater accounts for contaminants. “The other 97 to 99 percent is actually pure water,” Joseph added. He explained that

wastewater, which is packed with beneficial minerals, is a valuable source of energy. “In fact, I think we should redefine wastewater as “new water”...it should be harnessed and respected,” Joseph said. For a start, wastewater can tremendously benefit the agricultural sector. Guyana, as indicated by Joseph, would be better off if it were to convert aspects of its wastewater into fertilisers. “Agriculture is one of our main bases of income, but yet, we are purchasing fertilizers and other additives for soil from all parts of the world, but we have resources within our wastewater, that can be used to help in our crop yield,” Joseph said. He specified that the utilization of sewage sludge for the production of fertilizer is a practice long in use by countries like China, India and Holland. Additionally, wastewater, just like wind and solar, is also a very valuable source of alternative energy. “A recent study by Newcastle University in England, found that the internal chemical energy of the sample of sewage is approximately 6.3 kilpjoules per litre. It is estimated that wastewater produced per year by the world’s 6.8 billion people contained 70 – 140 gigawatts of electricity,” Joseph highlighted.

He explained that in Guyana’s case, the Georgetown Sewage system alone sees a daily discharge of over 11,000 cubic meters. This, Joseph pointed out, has the potential to generate as much as 500 kilowatts or 0.5 megawatts of power per day. “Therefore, as we observe World Water Day 2017 under the theme, “wastewater,” let us grasp the opportunity to begin the paradigm shift, so that wastewater is no longer seen as a problem, but rather, as an opportunity,” Joseph advised. Even with the benefits, wastewater is still a major health hazard. According to Statistics provided by GWI, over 80 percent of wastewater generated globally, flows back into the ecosystem without being treated. Some 1.8 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated by faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene cause around 842,000 deaths each year. World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 March. The day focuses attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in developing countries.

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Kaieteur News

WARNING SIGNALS! The secret about understanding the reports made by the International Monetary Fund is to learn to read between the lines. The IMF does not wish to ring alarm bells in the country by its report of its Article IV Consultation on Guyana. But it sent out smoke signals about areas where greater attention needs to be paid. The media has, so far, presented a lopsided report on the IMF findings which makes it seem as if Guyana’s economy is not in a bad shape. A careful reading of the report however identifies a

number of risks facing the Guyanese economy. The first is the uneven growth in the economy. Guyana’s economy is effectively on one cylinder. It is akin to an airplane which is gaining altitude but based on the one engine alone. If that one engine begins to malfunction, that is, if gold prices dip or fuel prices increase then the economy will enter a free fall mode from which there can be no return. Too much is therefore hinging on one commodity. It is dangerous for Guyana. Secondly, even though inflation was low at 1.5 % in

460 prisoners given reduced sentences

- for Republic Anniversary Four hundred and sixty prisoners countrywide have been granted reduced sentences. Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, said that the ‘Special Remission’ was granted to these inmates, who are orderlies, for the country’s 47th Republic Anniversary. “This is for prisoners who work in the prisons, and are not paid,” Samuels said. “It’s a form of reward for daily contribution to the prisons. They work in the tailor shops, farms, kitchens, clean the yards, transport self-support meals. At the end of the month, we calculate the value of that labour. So, as a form of compensation, they receive Special Remission, which is reduced time on their sentences. “It is a form of incentive for those who are serving long terms. If you look at the preparation of meals for 1,000 people a day (at the penal institutions), the bulk of it is done by prisoners.” Among those benefiting from special remission are 64 inmates from the Georgetown Prisons, 89 male and female inmates from the New Amsterdam Prisons; 202 from Mazaruni; 59 from the Lusignan Prisons and 46 from the Timehri Prison. A total of 8,743 days were taken off from the sentences. “In the past, it was seven to 28 days, but this time we started from 14 to 21, to 28 days,” Samuels said. The Acting Director said that in the past, inmates convicted for serious offences were not among those considered. This time, however, some who were

convicted for capital offences were among those have had their sentences reduced. According to Samuels, “many of them are well behaved and go beyond the call of duty of what is required. “This (decision) was carefully considered, and in my view, they deserve more than that.”

2016, it is projected to increase by a full 1%. There is a view in Guyana that inflation is likely to be far higher. Thirdly, the government is keeping reserves at around 3-5 months of imports. This is too cautious a position by the government. It mimics the PPPC’s monetary policy. There is no need for reserves to be more than three months of imports, not when there is a forex shortage. The IMF is hoping that Guyana’s international reserves will be boosted when oil production starts in 2020. But what if it does not start then? What happens then? There is no plan by the government to increase export earnings, and this in a country whose economy is supposed to be export oriented. Fourth, the fiscal deficit will get worse but not dangerously so. It is only expected, according to the IMF, to reach about 7% of GDP. This is nothing to be

alarmed about. But what is of greater consequence are the measures that the government is likely to take to reduce this deficit. A cut in expenditure which is being suggested by the IMF, will hinder the priming of the economy for economic takeoff in 2020 when oil revenues are supposed to roll in. Fifth, the IMF is recommending its usual medicine of fiscal consolidation. What this means in common language is that the government should be spending less and increase its tax take, as opposed to increasing taxes. Unfortunately, it is consumers who will feel the pinch. Sixth, the IMF is urging an improvement in the business climate. The government has not had a good relationship with established private sector bodies. This, it is felt, has to do with the fact that these bodies were seen as being

close to the opposition PPPC when that party was in power. It is a blinkered position by the government, because the private sector has traditionally been close to all governments; PNC and PPPC. The reason why it is not close to this government is because time has not been taken by the present government, to establish good relations with the private sector. It is a sign of political arrogance. Seventh, the IMF mission urged that the reforms in the sugar sector continue but suggested that a social impact of the overhaul be done. This is most likely a compromise which the IMF came up with in order to balance the position of the government with that if the opposition, in relation to the sugar industry. The government wants to close estates. The opposition is calling for a social impact assessment before any estate

is closed. Eight, the IMF sees the possibility of VAT reforms impacting in inflation. It does not say so directly, but it can be deduced that this impact can be negative. The IMF is calling for closer monitoring of VAT on inflation. Ninth, the IMF has recommended that that any official foreign exchange purchases and sales use a market mechanism similar to the one used for auctioning treasury bills. This is another way of saying let the market determine the price of foreign exchange. But we know that the only road this will take us is the devaluation road. Tenth, the IMF is sending smoke signals about the increase in bad loans – which it called non-performing loans.

Monday March 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Amid industrial action for pay hike…

UG Vice-Chancellor says majority of staff benefit from a host of allowances Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Ivelaw Griffith has revealed that a majority of staff at the tertiary educational institution benefit from a host of allowances in addition to their base salaries. Professor Griffith made this disclosure last week in a telecast during which he spoke extensively on the recent industrial action taken against UG by the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU). The UGSSA and the UGWU have insisted that they be called to the negotiating table instead of the administration imposing an increase in salaries. They are currently demanding a 15 percent pay hike that was recommended by government in the last budget. According to Professor Griffith apart from their salaries, staff members benefit from travel, entertainment, housing, responsibility among other allowance and tuition waivers. “I will tell you something which is a fact that many people don’t know about or prefer not to know about. Our university doesn’t pay very well compared to other universities. But beyond the base salary there are a whole host of allowances that people get.”

Specifically, the Vice Chancellor said that a travel allowance of $21, 960 per month is applicable to all managers while $32, 940 and $17,000 per month are applicable to other categories. He further said that entertainment allowances ranging from $9,600, $6, 720 and $4,800 per month are paid out. He also disclosed that staff also benefit from housing, rental, annual academic material, annual leave and bicycle allowances. Professor Griffith said, “Housing allowance 20 percent of basic salary. Rental assistance that is there… Annual academic materials allowance… Annual leave (one calendar month and five days for certain people) three months for other people, vacation leave, medical insurance…” “So when I go to request a sum of money. I have got to look at the whole package, not just the base salary.” Nevertheless, he said that the entire package will be reviewed and placed on the agenda of a UG council meeting scheduled for Thursday. The University of Guyana, Professor Griffith said, spends millions of dollars every year on tuition waivers. He stated that he recently authorized tuition waivers for three staff members.

He repeated, “So it’s not just the basic salary that I have got to consider. I have got to consider other things.” The Vice Chancellor noted that reality is that salaries need to be improved for staff both academic and non academic. He said that it is something that has to be taken more importantly and significantly. “Not only have I said it. I put in my budget request last year for a 30 percent salary increase knowing that I wouldn’t get 30 percent. But I wanted to send a signal both internally in the university and to the government which I was making that request.” “They (the unions) are hooked on a 15 percent (increase).” “There is a relationship between paying something and having the money to pay. I am looking at an almost $5M gap in this budget coming up. I have also got to consider that the government is not the only source we are trying to set the basis to get money from,” he stated. Professor Griffith continued, “”I am committed to being the best Vice Chancellor that I can be for the primary constituency of any university and that is the students. I respect the right of any worker, faculty or staff to protest. To conduct themselves in a way

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith which they feel is appropriate. I want to assure you that I will do everything with my team to ensure that the primacy of the responsibility that we have which is to enable students to get the best possible education experience…the primacy is at the top of my agenda.” The UG in a missive to the media expressed disappointment that the union has opted to take industrial action while efforts are being made to resolve outstanding matters. The statement said that the top issues for the union have always involved salaries and benefits, and that the administration is committed to increasing salaries.

PAGE 12

Monday March 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

Granger urges Lindeners to become entrepreneurs By Jacquey Bourne Under the theme “Linden the Gateway to Investment Opportunities; a Window to Future Development” the Linden Exposition, Trade and Investment Fair 2017 opened on Friday at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre. This Trade and Investment fair is a collaborative effort of Linden Enterprise Network and the Linden Chamber of Commerce. President of the Chamber of Commerce, Kevin De Jonge, noted that this year the exposition will focus mainly on local producers and the intention of the organizing committee is to provide a showcase for their produce and services and to encourage them to enhance their products and services. De Jonge noted that the partnership brings together the experience of the Chamber of Commerce and the resourcefulness of the Linden Enterprise Network. “Over the next three days of the Expo we intend to showcase what Linden has to offer in its quest to achieve this economic stability.” De Jonge addressed President David Granger, who attended the launch of the expo, “As you observe the exhibits, Mr. President, it is my hope that you realize that your idea of a good life for all Guyanese is being taken seriously by us here in Linden.

- as Linden Exposition, Trade and Investment Fair 2017 opens

President Granger delivering his address

A section of the audience “With this demonstration, we hope to encourage all the stakeholders to follow suit; let us come together, pool our resources so that we can make Region Ten and our country at large great again.” Coordinator of the Exposition and Trade Fair, Staydon Payne, said that the aim is to create a forum that is informative to businesses, operators and owners which will allow local manufacturers, agro processors, entertainers, producers and service providers to be promoted and identified. It will also establish LEN and LCICD as partners to

develop business opportunities in Region Ten. Payne noted that for the three days of the exhibition, it is expected that new businesses will be established and old ones will develop and see new opportunities. He quoted the President in saying that Guyana’s economic renaissance will be led by this Region. “It is the committee’s hope that this Trade and Investment Fair is our first step in answering that question. This is the beginning of our renaissance as we represent businesses in the Private Sector in Region

Ten. We accept and consolidate our role as the catalyst and engine to drive Private Sector development and growth.” According to Chairman of Linden Enterprise Network, Klensil Grenville, as a people, Lindeners will stand strong and develop economically. He thanked President Granger for coming to the assistance of LEN when they needed it so that they can assist Lindeners to move their businesses forward and noted that LEN is a blessing to the community and the Region. “We (LEN) are in talks

with investors to establish a bottling plant; we are in talks with others to reopen the Call Centre so that it can create jobs. In the next month or so we will have over 150 jobs once everything goes well.” He noted that the venture revealed that Lindeners still have the courage to move forward despite the difficulties. Grenville said that he was overwhelmed by the event because he believes that Lindeners can move from Primary production level to Secondary Production level. He urged them not to wait for persons to come and create avenues but to do so

for themselves through Linkage Industries. President David Granger told the gathering that if they continue to export the raw materials and import the finished product they will remain poor and will always be the victim of high prices. The President said that it is painful to see that all some can do is ‘digging, cutting and catching.’ “The time has come to add value and unleash the energy which will combine the natural resources and financial capital. Linden is not only the leader of Town Day but the (Continued on page 14)

Linden Trade and Investment Fair….

Chanzar’s Enterprise, a local manufacturing success story By Enid Joaquin The Linden Trade and Investment Fair held at the Egbert Benjamin Centre over the weekend, drew hundreds who turned up at the facility to view, sample and purchase the myriad items that were on display by the various booths. Coordinator Staydon Payne, who represented the Linden Chamber of Commerce, said that he was quite overwhelmed with the response from both the business sector that used the opportunity to showcase their businesses and the public that turned out to support the venture. Payne said that his only regret was the fact that the business seminar planned for Saturday and Sunday was not possible because of a few challenges. He however dubbed the event a success, and said that he looks forward to making it an annual feature. Opened on Friday last,

Member of Parliament Jermaine Figuiera at Chanzar’s booth the fair was graced by President David Grainger and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, among others. President Granger in his feature address exhorted entrepreneurs to progress to

exporting value-added products, instead of just focusing on materials in their raw state. One of our own local manufacturers John Ceasar, proprietor of Chanzars

Enterprise has been doing just that; adding value to many of the agricultural produce grown in Linden. Considered one of the more successful manufacturing businesses in Linden, Chanzar’s booth was manned by its two managers, Caroline David and Joan Ceasar, who are Mr. Caesar’s daughters. A family business, Chanzar’s Enterprise, which manufactures various spices, condiments, among other items, is probably the oldest manufacturing entity in the Mining town. It employs eleven persons, most of whom are women. Both Caroline and Joan boast of being involved in the business ever since they were little girls. Caroline quips,” I remember as a little girl, going around the neighborhood selling chocolate (sticks of cocoa) which people used a lot in those days to make tea.” The chocolate was one of the first products their father started making in the family’s

kitchen. Those early days also saw Mr Ceasar producing plantain flour and cornmeal which was very popular with mothers of young children. Joan reminisces, “Daddy used to ride around with the plantain flour and other porridge stuff and he would look for the houses with baby diapers on the line, and he would encourage the mothers to buy. Well once the babies were introduced to these products, there was no turning back- the mothers became our main customers.” That was over thirty seven years ago. Over the years Chanzar’s has added other items to their long list of locally manufactured products. Some of the more popular include their special brand of curry, jerk seasoning and preserved fruit. “I can’t bake me black cake unless I get Chanzar preserved fruits!” is a popular refrain by many housewives. Member of Parliament

Jermaine Figuiera, who was observed shopping at the Chanzar booth, was loud in praise of the local business entity, and congratulated them on their new and improved packaging. Figuiera opined that many other businesses could ‘take a page’ out of Chanzars book, in that regard. Without realizing it, John Ceasar has heeded the call for agro-processing and “value added”, even before such calls were made! But this former bauxite employee has come a long way from the days when he manufactured all that he sold in the family kitchen. Chanzar’s enterprise is today located on Pine Street, in the Heart of the Mackenzie business centre. Here, myriad items, all locally produced, line the shells of the shop. Of course the smells emanating from the various spices and condiments and wafting in the air, are the only directions needed to find Chanzar’s!

Monday March 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

Probe to be launched into alleged civil rights abuses in implementing Trump’s immigration executive orders WASHINGTON - CMC – The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to conduct a probe in response to Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s concerns about alleged civil rights abuses in implementing United States President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, has expressed outrage over Trump’s executive orders, saying that they wantonly discriminate against Muslims, and Caribbean and other immigrants. Clarke had also written to DHS Inspector General John Roth, calling for a probe into potential abuse of civil and constitutional rights of immigrants detained by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents under implementation of Executive Order (EO) “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” “Our office has initiated an investigation into the implementation of the EO and has asked Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) to stay their investigation until DHS OIG [Office of Inspector General] completes its work, so as not to inadvertently duplicate, interfere with or compromise the OIG’s investigation,” said Ross. “As a result, CRCL will begin its investigation into the civil rights and civil liberties issues raised once the OIG investigation concludes,” he said. “In addition to reviewing its implementation, we will review DHS’ adherence to court orders and allegations of individual misconduct on the part of DHS personnel, including CBP agents. We will also consider adding other issues that arise during the course of the review. “We are adding you as a co-requester to this investigation and will notify your office about the timing of the final report,” Roth told Clarke in his letter, a copy of which has been obtained by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Several immigrant advocacy groups have accused DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of physically and,

Yvette D. Clarke even sexually, abusing immigrants. In recent years, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said ICE has detained and deported “record numbers of people from the United States.” “Many of ICE’s removal tactics take away even the right to a fair hearing in court, as the government rushes to judgment and tries to ram people through a rubber-stamp system that ignores individual circumstances,” said the ACLU in a statement. “These enforcement programmes pose a variety of threats to civil liberties – They implicate the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the constitutional guarantee of due process, and the constitutional guarantee of equal protection and freedom from discrimination based on race, ethnicity and national origin. “ICE’s enforcement practices also impose heavy social costs, tearing American families apart and undermining community trust in law enforcement,” it added, stating that CBP’s “militarization of the border region has produced rampant abuses, ranging from racial profiling to excessive force.”

Phillips says giving more power to security forces not an effective crime solution KINGSTON, Jamaica — Newly appointed President of the People’s National Party Peter Phillips has dismissed government plans to give more power to the security forces as an ineffective method of solving the country’s crime problem. “The solution to crime is not to be rooted in having the state unleash more violence on the people or in passing laws that take away people’s rights,” he said. According to Phillips, who yesterday afternoon took over leadership of the PNP from Portia Simpson Miller, the solution lies in the building up of communities and not tearing them down. “Look at August Town! A few years ago August Town was being over run by

Peter Phillips violence until the community decided to organise to stop it,” Phillips said. Additionally, he said “Dialogue and community building must go hand in

hand with efffective intelligence -led policing by a trustworthy and honest security force.” Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness tabled the Law Reform Bill, which seeks to establish a legal framework in which the prime minister may declare any high-crime area of Jamaica a zone for special security operations and community development measures. It will authorise members of the security forces to search places, vehicles or people within specific areas without a warrant. The Opposition party has objected to the move, arguing that such legislation would infringe on some of the findamental rights and freedoms of Jamaicans.

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WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802 Singh AC Service & Refrigeration, repairing auto A/C, washer, fridge & stove @ ZZ Durban Street Wortmanville. Call: 698-7807/ 683-6741 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 35yrs Experience Spraying and repairing all types of furniture, also floors, spindles, all different stripes. Call: 677-6679/ 662-7965 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822

VACANCY Gardener , watchman, handyman, guard – Call: 2237500 Monday – Friday 8:154:15pm, Saturday 8:15am1:15pm High-level client care management support specialists wanted. Contact jobs@expresstruckingcorp.com or 227-6025 for inquiries Security Guard, office clerk, bilingual person, bus driver. Call: 638-5303/ 227-7380 Exist for sewing machine operators, persons with intermediate level training will be considered. Call: 2255948/ 644-4398 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 Exists for 2 Kitchen assistants @ People’s Choice Café, strictly night shift. Call: 679-9449/ 231-3059

Driver for water truck, preferably on the E.B.D- Call/ Whatsapp: 682-1048 Live in female supervisor with secondary education @ bar shop 25-35yrs, waitress, salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 General service mechanics to work in the interior with a mining company. Must be capable of servicing dredges and excavators. Call 2237165. Attractive salary.

Handy boys must have police clearance, puri cooks. Apply to Shanta’s, 225 Camp and New Market Street. Drivers for canter truck- must have experience, to work on W.C.D-$30,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231.

Tutor/Nanny with computer knowledge – apply to Alabama Trading, 66 Robb Street Bourda.

We are buying lands in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, Zeelugt, Bartica, Providence. Call: 648-5822/629-2881.

Handyman between age 25 to 35. Contact 223-5273/74 WANTED One maid to work eight hours Monday to Saturday. Call 225-8645

One shop assistant to work in the Interior, must have experienced. Call: 668-6421 Handyman and Driver, apply at Nimbus Water, 79 Albert and Laluni Street, Queenstown. Call:231-7002/ 622-0445 Minibus Drivers - 45yrs and older. Call: 666-6991

CAR RENTAL

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

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

FOR RENT

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 2 Leyland Dump truck (55210), 1 Caterpillar Backhoe, owner migrating, very good condition. Call: 672-5876

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876

Fibre-Tech 220 9192/6907. Fiberglass, Resin materials in any quantity all for your repairs.

Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: office, storage bond, lesson place, church -$20,000 per month. Call: 603-6400

Bottom Flat – 2 Bedroom with toilet and bath, fully grilled, C.I, W.C.D. Call: 6999128/ 277-0108

Fully Setup taxi service with 16 Radio sets, location Sherriff Street. S e r i o u s i n q u i r y o n l y. Call:695-0704

Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business.Call: 226-7012

Furnished apartments @ 318 East Street, North Cummingsburg, few lots away from G.P.H.C & Balwant Singh Hospital. Call: 6530490/641-4614/226-3199

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.8M, $1.7M, Uitvlugt $2M, Diamond -$4M, Herstelling -$3.5M, Farm $6M, New Road V/Hoop $27M. Call: 604-6724

Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013

2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme. Call: 225-3234

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.8M, , Uitvlugt -$2M, New Road V/Hoop -$29M, Tuschen -$1.5M, House & Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$20M. Call: 614-6802 Kobelco 210, Perkins 4 CYL, Yangdong 4CYL, Miller Welder, HondaATV, asking -$18,000,000. Call: 651-4699/ 677-8104

TO LET

Experienced excavator operators. Good salary.Call 223-7165

One experienced female Accounts Clerk- apply in person to Alabama Trading, 66 Robb Street Bourda.

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

FOR SALE

Urgently needed investor to invest in gold purchasing in the Interior. Call: 658-7553

Wanted land to buy at: Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling. We Pay Cash. Call: 614-6802

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

SALON

Live in or live out waitress. Call: 643-9007/ 666-4647

1 AC Technician with tools, 1 porter, 1 painter with knowledge of carpentry. Call: 698-7807 CAR RENTAL

Monday March 27, 2017

Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274

New Portable Massage chair with free carry case$42,000.Call:227-1939

Tuschen: 2 storey building, 2031 ft2 - $9.8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs).

New Portable Massage table with free carry case$58,000.Call:227-1939.

Parfaite Harmonie: 2 storey building, 1245 ft2 - $9M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs).

One Ford Van E350, one Toyota Tundra, One Caterpillar back hoe 4x4, one bobcat Tel: 660-2212

Tain, Corentyne: 2 storey building 3309 ft2 - $8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs).

1 Twin Steer Leyland DAF dump truck, GMM6584 & for flat beds Leyland DAF lorries. Call: 649-8449

Subryanville property for sale: 44 fifth Avenue., Subryanville, Georgetown $45M or best offer. Call Mortimer: 625-7669/ Richard: 624-1154 Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond $7.5M Call: 688-0087 Riviera Island: 145Acres -$30M, Tuschen property -$5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 688-0087

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231

Tuschen 5,8,6,2 bedrooms; Hope- 2 bedrooms $7.8M. Call: 688-0087 Melani 2 bedrooms - $10M, Tuschen $11.5M & $25M, Canal #2 (15 acres) -$9M. Call: 688-0087

2 Bedroom Executive furnished Apartment in residential Area, close to Ogle Airport with all modern amenities.Call:622-5725/6641070 Spacious 3 bedrooms lower apartment, prime location @ Diamond E.B.D - $62,000. Call Romona 6pm – 642-2054 Apartment for rent at Lot 656 Diamond, 4th Avenue, E.B.D: 2 bedrooms with AC. Call 2164563/685-1640. Three storey 75ftX30ft concrete building, open floors, two offices, two washrooms, driveway @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/225-0605 1 Bedroom apartment well secured for working person $35,000 monthly, light, garbage included. Call: 6388858 Fully furnished three bedrooms, top flat, opposite Georgetown Hospital School of Nursing. Call: 225-3756/ 662-0973

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 ACCOMMODATION

HEALTH Dietitian’s Clinic: dietary counseling for all disease conditions, BMI check, blood pressure testing etc. Call: 231-9335, 699-7083 ENTERTAINMENT Cotton Club: Restaurant & Banquet Hall, buffet Sunday, breakfast & soups, daily lunch, breakfast specials. Call: 231-1908

Harmony Inn: Furnished self contained apartments & rooms from $20USD daily. Call: 218-1400/ 694-7817 Secret Villa apartments fully furnished, hot & cold water, Jacuzzi, air condition from $20USD daily. Call: 2256337/ 266-5244/668-0306 Hilton Int’l Hotel, “your home away from home”: rooms fully self contained $20USD. Call: 225-9211 Continued on page 23

Monday March 27, 2017

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Iran sanctions 15 U.S. Syrian opposition ‘fed up with terrorists’, seeks help against Assad firms, citing human rights abuses and Israel ties

Syria’s opposition delegation leader Nasr al-Hariri (C) arrives for a meeting of Intra-Syria peace talks with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. REUTERS/Xu Jinquan/Pool Reuters - The Syrian opposition rejects terrorism and is “fed up” with banned militants but they cannot be stopped if Syria continues evicting populations of besieged areas, opposition negotiator Basma Kodmani said yesterday. Syria’s government has always cited the fight against terrorism to justify its part in a six-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands, and brands all its opponents and their backers as terrorists and sponsors of terror. The opposition’s chief negotiator Nasr alHariri, who is trying to negotiate an end the rule of President Bashar al-Assad, began this month by saying its stance against terrorism was proven on the battlefield and not mere words. But subsequently rebel groups launched an offensive spearheaded by suicidebombers from the jihadi Tahrir al-Sham alliance. Tahrir al-Sham includes fighters who formerly belonged to the Nusra Front, once an al Qaeda affiliate and - along with Islamic State - one of the two groups in Syria designated as “terrorists” by the United

Nations. Kodmani, in Geneva for U.N.-led peace talks, said the opposition’s stance was “unambiguous condemnation, disassociation from, and willingness to fight the terrorist groups” designated by the U.N. “The fact that Nusra or Tahrir al-Sham puts itself in those battles does not mean in any way that this is a new alliance or a renewed alliance,” she told Reuters. The militants liked to elbow their way into prominent roles but they never led an offensive on their own or maintained a ceasefire line, she said. “We are fed up with Nusra. They are the biggest danger inside the areas where the opposition is sitting. But if you are bombed from above, you just have to postpone the battle against extremists, even though they are a mortal danger for you. “The day the international community gives us anything to work with, believe me, the opposition will immediately turn against all the extremists and expel them from their areas.”

May to set out plans to reclaim legislative sovereignty Reuters - Prime Minister Theresa May will set out how her government plans to restore sovereignty over Britain’s laws on Thursday, publishing a detailed paper on ending “the supremacy of EU lawmakers”. A day after the British leader is due to launch formal divorce negotiations with the European Union by triggering Article 50 of the bloc’s Lisbon Treaty, May’s government will publish a formal policy document on its “Great Repeal Bill”. The repeal bill will convert EU law into British law, a process the government hopes will ensure continuity for businesses, workers and trade in a process some experts say could be more complicated than it sounds. A government source said that this week would mark “a defining moment in this country’s history” when

May invokes Article 50 on Wednesday to open the way for formal negotiations to leave the EU following a referendum last June. “But a strong, sovereign country needs control of its own laws. That, more than anything else, was what drove the referendum result: a desire for the country to be in control of its own destiny,” the source said. Thursday’s publishing of the repeal bill white paper — a policy document setting out proposals for future legislation — is part of May’s attempt to reassure business and workers that they can plan for Brexit with some certainty. Some companies have expressed fears that an expected two years of talks after the triggering of Article 50 could easily get bogged down by disputes and that the country will crash out of the EU in a so-called hard

Theresa May Brexit with little in place to ensure to ensure there is no disruption to markets and trade. David Lidington, leader of the lower house of parliament, said that much of the legislative work would involve small tweaks in the language used to make sure it relates to Britain.

Reuters - Iran has imposed sanctions on 15 U.S. companies for alleged human rights violations and cooperating with Israel, the state news agency IRNA reported yesterday, in a tit-fortat reaction to a move by Washington. The agency quoted Iran’s foreign ministry as saying the companies had “flagrantly violated human rights” and cooperated with Israel in its “terrorism” against the Palestinians and the expansion of Jewish settlements. It was not immediately clear if any of the companies, which included defence technology firm Raytheon, had any dealings with Iran or whether they would be affected in any way by Tehran’s action, which IRNA said would include seizure of

their assets and a ban on contacts with them. The sanctioned companies also included ITT Corporation, United Technologies and speciality vehicles maker Oshkosh Corp. The Iranian move came two days after the United States imposed sanctions on 11 companies or individuals from China, North Korea or the United Arab Emirates for technology transfers that could boost Tehran’s ballistic missile programme. Iran would face tighter U.S. sanctions over ballistic missile launches and other non-nuclear activities under a bill announced on Thursday by a bipartisan group of senators, echoing a harder line on Tehran espoused by Republican President Donald Trump.

Fights erupt at pro-Trump rally on California beach HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (Reuters) - Supporters of President Donald Trump holding a rally on a popular southern California beach clashed with counterprotesters on Saturday and four people were arrested, law enforcement said. Multiple fights broke out and at least one Trump supporter was doused with pepper spray when proTrump demonstrators marching along Bolsa Chica State Beach encountered a small group opposed to the Republican president who had gathered to denounce the rally. Four counter-protesters were arrested, three for illegal use of pepper spray and one for assault and battery, Kevin Pearsall, a spokesman for the California State Parks Police said on Saturday evening. The fights appeared to start in the early afternoon when around a dozen antiTrump protesters dressed in all black refused to move from a bike path to allow a larger group of pro-Trump supporters taking part in the Make America Great Again rally to pass. The confrontation escalated into a fight with

more skirmishes quickly breaking out. At least one person was pepper-sprayed by an antiTrump protester, Pearsall said. Park police estimated that 2,000 Trump supporters flocked to the stretch of coastline located south of the ocean-side community of Huntington Beach. Around 20 counter-protesters attended, Pearsall said. Known as Surf City, U.S.A., Huntington Beach is located some 40 miles (64 km) south of Los Angeles. Video footage from social media uploaded to the Los Angeles Times’ website showed a chaotic scene with men fighting in the sand and a group of around 20 Trump supporters, some carrying Trump flags, chasing a man in a black mask away from the beach and on to a freeway. The man was stopped by members of the California Highway Patrol, the newspaper said. Demonstrations denouncing the Trump administration have drawn hundreds of thousands since he took office in January. Smaller rallies have been staged across the country in support of Trump.

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Tearful Portia bids farewell as PNP President The Gleaner - A tearful Portia Simpson Miller yesterday afternoon bid goodbye to the presidency of the People’s National Party saying throughout her 11 years at the helm, she’s faced the pain of defeat and had the sweet taste of victory. “I thank everyone,” she said, listing former delegates from her St Andrew South Western constituency. She also singled out former Prime Ministers and party presidents Michael Manley and PJ Patterson for their belief in her. Manley was head of the party when Simpson Miller, a popular councillor, was chosen in 1976 to represent the party in the then Jamaica Labour Party stronghold of St Andrew South West. She won and has been MP since, except for the period 1983-89 when the PNP did not contest the snap election of 1983. Simpson Miller reiterated achievements during her period as head of government including the stabilisation of the economy under a tough agreement with the International Monetary Fund. She would also level criticisms on the Andrew Holness-led administration. Those out of the way, Simpson Miller urged PNP members to give “full support” to Dr Peter Phillips, her successor. “He cannot do it alone,” she said. Phillips twice ran against Simpson Miller for the leadership and lost. The past two years of her presidency have been tumultuous and became a public

Portia Simpson Miller spectacle after the shock defeat to the JLP in the 2016 general elections. But, like she said in making her last speech to parliament as Opposition Leader, Simpson Miller said she did her best. “Without the PNP, there would be no voice for the poor. With courage, this party will never falter.” “I have been blessed to serve the nation as prime minister, not once but twice,” added Jamaica’s first female head of government. Her first stint was from 2006-2007. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have served as your president. I will never forget you,” she said. With tears, she blew kisses to an adoring crowd, stepped down from the lectern, turned her back to greet senior party figures and, to salutes, closed her chapter as the fourth president of the PNP. She’ll step away as Opposition Leader on April 2.

Mexico commits US$5 million to construct hospital in Dominica ROSEAU, Dominica — The government of Mexico has informed the government of Dominica that it is committing US$5 million (EC$13.5 million) for the construction of the Marigot Hospital. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Mexico’s Ambassador to Dominica, Luis Manuel Moreno, met at the Prime Minister’s Office in Roseau late last week. Also at the meeting was Dominica’s foreign affairs and CARICOM affairs minister, Francine Baron, and planning, economic development and investment minister, Dr John Collin McIntyre. Skerrit said at the meeting: “Pleasure to have you here in Dominica and thanks for your government’s continued interest in the welfare of Dominica. Over the years I believe that we have developed a very good relationship between ourselves. Mexico has been very instrumental in a number of areas of cooperation, collaboration. And we can always rely on the friendship and the solidarity of Mexico. “We appreciate very much. Yourself personally has been exemplary in your efforts to strengthen the

Mexico’s Ambassador to Dominica, Luis Manuel Moreno (left) with Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. relationship between Mexico and Dominica and I dare say Mexico and the Caribbean. We have great regard for the leadership of Mexico and the Mexican people and the efforts which they are playing whether it is at the PanAmerican Health Organization or whether it is at the Organization of American States, or whether it is the joint commission of Mexico and CARICOM. Mexico has been very instrumental. “After TS Erika you were one of the first to reach out to

us; very first to reach out to us and expressing concern and also offering assistance. We really appreciate the efforts of the Mexican people and the Mexican government. We know you are doing all of this notwithstanding your own domestic challenges; many challenges, but it speaks to the genuine desire of Mexico to embrace countries like Dominica and others.” Dominica established diplomatic relations with Mexico in 1991. (Caribbean News)

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Venezuela asks UN help in boosting medicine supplies CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has asked the United Nations for “help” boosting medicine supplies as he struggles to combat crippling shortages. “I’ve asked for support from the U.N. to help treat economic and social injuries that have hit our people caused by the economic war and the sharp fall in petroleum prices,” Maduro said in a televised appearance late last week. He didn’t provide any details about the request except to say that the U.N. has the expertise to normalize the supply and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs in the country. But just acknowledging that Venezuela needs outside help is a telling sign of how far the nation sitting atop the

Nicolas Maduro world’s largest petroleum reserves has fallen under Maduro. Maduro’s socialist administration prides itself on being a provider of humanitarian aid to poor

nations around the world. Even as he called Friday for the U.N.’s assistance, his aides were hosting a business forum called “Venezuelan Powerhouse” and the military was dispatching two cargo planes of emergency supplies, including some medicine, for victims in Peru of that nation’s worst flooding in two decades. Opponents say such generosity should be reserved for Venezuelans, who have been suffering from widespread shortages and triple-digit inflation since Maduro was elected in 2013 following the death from cancer of former President Hugo Chavez. There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the U.N. about the Venezuelan request.

Hundreds demonstrate to support Brazil corruption probe

A demonstrator in the likeness of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in prison stripes takes part in a protest against corruption at Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Hundreds of people are demonstrating on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach to support a sprawling corruption probe that has ensnared Brazil’s top politicians and even threatens to bring down President Michel Temer. Investigators say more than $2 billion in bribes were paid in kickbacks centered on state oil company Petrobras and included major construction companies. Dozens of politicians and businessmen have been convicted and more face charges. Yesterday’s demonstrators were carrying Brazilian flags and photos of judge Sergio Moro, who oversees the case. Some also are demanding the arrest of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was indicted for alleged corruption and money laundering. The crowds so far are significantly smaller than those last year demanding the ouster of former President Dilma Rousseff.

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Opposition leader among hundreds arrested at Moscow protest

This handout picture taken and provided by Evgeny Feldman for Alexei Navalny’s campaign yesterday shows police officers detaining Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny during an unauthorised anti-corruption rally in central Moscow (AFP Photo/HO) Moscow (AFP) Hundreds of people including top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny were arrested yesterday as thousands of Russians defied bans to stage protests across the country against corruption. Navalny had called for the marches after publishing a detailed report this month accusing Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of controlling a property empire through a shadowy network of nonprofit organisations. The report has been viewed over 11 million times

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on YouTube, but so far Medvedev has made no comment on the claims. Yesterday’s march in Moscow was one of the biggest unauthorised demonstrations in recent years, with police putting turnout at 7,000-8,000 people. Police detained Navalny, who has announced plans to run for president in the 2018 election, as he was walking to the protest, putting him in a police minibus. The crowd briefly tried to block it from driving off, shouting “Shame!” and “Let

him out!” “Guys, I am all right, go on along Tverskaya,” Navalny tweeted from the van, referring to Moscow’s main radial street. Police said about 500 people had been arrested in Moscow, while OVD-Info, a website that monitors the detention of activists, said at least 933 had been detained, as well as dozens in other cities. The Interfax news agency said 130 people were arrested in Saint Petersburg, where about 4,000 people gathered in the city centre.

Property tax to raise $500 million Trinidad Guardian Approximately 400,000 households in T&T, expected to begin paying property taxes this year, will raise around $500 million in revenue for the Government. This, according to the Estimates of Revenue available on the ministry of finance website. At a post-cabinet press conference last week, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that notice of assessment of properties for collection of the Property Tax will be posted or handdelivered to owners and occupiers within the next week or two. The issuing of notice of assessments will be the first step towards collection of the property tax which was announced in the Government’s first (2016) budget. It was not collected that year, but was re-stated in the 2017 budget for collection starting this year. In response to questions sent to the Ministry of Finance, the communications unit said the Valuation Division at the ministry has commenced the necessary

Colm Imbert preparations and Valuation Return Forms will be made available to residential property owners first. The ministry said the hiring process for the 248 job vacancies had also started and should be completed soon, adding that not all 248 of those hired will be field staff. The 248 people would be hired on a three-year contract, though ministry officials did not give an estimated cost for the labour component of property tax collection. Forms are expected to be

mailed to property owners, as well as they will be available at the Valuation Division Offices and via the ministry’s website. Opposition members have raised concerns over implementing the tax during an already uncertain financial period for citizens, with MP Bhoe Tewarie asking why the property tax was being implemented during this tough economic period. In Parliament Friday, Tewarie said “T&T’s 600,000 workers have become the working poor, the middle class is under real strain...given all the circumstances being faced today, is this the most opportune time to institute this additional tax?” According to economist Roger Hosein, Government had lost about $80 million per year in property taxes since the decision was taken by the People’s Partnership coalition in 2010 to suspend the collection of the tax. Hosein had said then, using Central Bank figures, if we compared what existed today with the 2006-2007 fiscal year, we were losing about $80 million a year in property tax.

Thousands of Yemenis rally in Sanaa on war’s second anniversary

Nearly 1,200 migrants picked up off Libya, heading to Italy ROME (Reuters) Humanitarian ships rescued almost 1,200 migrants who were crossing the Mediterranean Sea at the weekend on an array of small, tightly packed boats, Doctors Without Borders said yesterday. A young woman was found unconscious on one of the vessels and later died, the group said. Some 412 people were crammed onto a single wooden boat, while the others were picked up from huge inflatable dinghies, which had set sail from the coast of Libya. The weekend rescues mean that about 22,000 mainly African migrants have been

picked up heading to Italy so far this year, while around 520 have died trying to make the crossing. An Italian prosecutor said last week that humanitarian ships operating off Libya were undermining the fight against people smugglers and opening a corridor that is ultimately leading to more migrant deaths. The chief prosecutor of the Sicilian port city of Catania, Carmelo Zuccaro, said he also suspected that there may be direct communication between Libya-based smugglers and members of charity-operated rescue vessels. Non-governmental organizations deny any

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wrongdoing, saying they are simply looking to save lives, but they are facing criticism in Italy, which has taken in about half a million migrants since the start of 2014. A parliamentarian with the right-wing Northern League party on Sunday accused the NGOs of acting as a “taxi service”, bringing migrants straight to Italy rather than to closer nations, such as Tunisia and Malta. “If the government does not decide to put a brake on these NGO boats, we will find ourselves overrun by tens of thousands of African immigrants by the end of the year,” lawmaker Paolo Grimoldi said. Migrants who have come this year have told of increasing violence and brutality in Libya, where rival factions battle for power and people smugglers operate with impunity since the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Supporters of the Houthi movement and Yemen’s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh ride on the back of a truck as they attend a joint rally to mark two years of the military intervention by the Saudi-led coalition, in Sanaa, Yemen. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah Reuters - Thousands of Yemenis packed a square in the capital Sanaa yesterday on the second anniversary of a war that has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people and pushed the impoverished country to the brink of famine. It was the biggest gathering since a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states entered the conflict in 2015 to try to restore President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi to power after he was ousted from Sanaa by the Iran-aligned Houthis. Witnesses said that a crowd estimated at more than 100,000 people comprising supporters of the Houthis

Ansarullah group and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s General People’s Congress (GPC) party pressed into Sabeen Square in central Sanaa. Many waved the red, white and black national colours and denounced Saudi Arabia and the United States they blame for the war. Some displayed placards that read: “Steadfast” and “End Siege on Yemen”. “This is a message to the world to tell everyone that despite two years of war, the Yemeni people are still victorious, still alive and still love peace,” said Essam alAbed, a GPC leader.

Saleh al-Samad, chairman of a governing ruling council that comprised members of the Iran-aligned Houthis and Saleh’s GPC, struck a defiant note when he addressed the crowds. “The battle is still fierce and the war will not end without a victory for the truth and justice,” Samad said to loud cheers. The former president, who had rarely been seen in public since he was forced to step down following months of protests in 2011 against his 30 years in office, mad e a brief appearance to cheers from his supporters as the crowd began to disperse.

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Kamworor and Cheptai lead Nishikori survives Miami marathon, Raonic withdraws Kenyan cross country domination

Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a forehand against Fernando Verdasco of Spain (not pictured) on day six of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) Second seed Kei Nishikori of Japan outlasted Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 7-6(2) 6-7(5) 6-1 in a nearly three-hour marathon at the Miami Open yesterday. The victory came hours

after third-seeded Milos Raonic of Canada, suffering from a hamstring injury, withdrew before his thirdround match. Nishikori, the runner-up to Novak Djokovic last year,

Nadal celebrates 1,000th match with hard-fought win in Miami Omnisport - Rafael Nadal recovered from a worrying start as he blitzed Philipp Kohlschreiber to reach the last 16 of the Miami Open in his 1,000th match. Nadal’s milestone outing did not go according to plan early, condemned to a bagel for just the 14th time in his illustrious career, but the former world number one kept his composure to win 06 6-2 6-3. The fifth seed - who boasted a superior 13-1 head-to-head record - was sensationally shut out in just 25 minutes in the opening set before halting Kohlschreiber in his tracks. Next up for Nadal is Nicolas Mahut as he seeks his maiden title at the ATP 1000 event in Miami after reaching the final on four occasions without success. Nadal did not look like a 14-time grand-slam winner from the outset, such was Kohlschreiber’s dominance and the ease in which he had his way. Kohlschreiber - the 26th seed - stormed out of the blocks, breaking in the opening game of the match as Nadal struggled to cope with the German’s aggression. While Kohlschreiber who fended off a pair of break points in the second game covered the court with ease

and precision, Nadal struggled to read his opponent, tallying an uncharacteristic amount of shanked shots. It got no better for Nadal, who did not hold serve in a lopsided first set as he won a woeful five of 15 points on his first serve. Kohlschreiber won 18 of 26 points of 1-4 shots, wrapping up the first set in just 25 minutes, but Nadal emerged a changed man in the second. Nadal was able to rectify his serve and rhythm to hold for the very first time in the opening game. He had the chance to earn a 3-1 lead but Kohlschreiber showed he can produce in tight situations, saving a break point to level proceedings. But Kohlschreiber - who recorded 18 unforced errors having only managed five in the first - finally stumbled, broken in the sixth game as a rejuvenated Nadal pulled clear to force a third set and strip the former of all his momentum. There was only going to be one winner when Nadal levelled the match as Kohlschreiber went off the boil, serving out the match to love, with Mahut now standing in the way of the Spaniard and a quarter-final berth.

fired 37 winners but Verdasco, aided by persistent swirling winds, used his varying pace and depth to rattle the eventual winner, inducing 48 unforced errors. Verdasco rallied to force a first-set tie-break after trailing 3-0 but Nishikori’s lunging half-volley backhand winner enabled him to take the set. Nishikori served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but Verdasco saved a match point to break back and eventually forced a decider with a scorching cross-court backhand. Nishikori won six of seven games in the third set to advance to the Round of 16. Raonic had been scheduled to play American qualifier Jared Donaldson in a third-round match. “It’s related to the previous injury I sustained almost four weeks ago... in Delray Beach,” he told reporters. “It’s the same muscle in the hamstring, up high. It got progressively worse after my first round. It seemed like it was not possible for me to compete today without putting myself at significant risk.” Raonic said he would not return until he felt 100 percent fit again. “That could be in two weeks; that could be a little bit longer.”

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor reacts as he crosses the finishing line. (REUTERS/James Akena)

KAMPALA (Reuters) Geoffrey Kamworor retained the men’s title and Irene Cheptai led home five of her compatriots in the women’s race as Kenya dominated the world cross country championships at the Kololo Independence Grounds yesterday. Kamworor became the first back-to-back winner of the senior men’s 10km race for 11 years as he beat his team mate Leonard Barsoton by 12 seconds to win in 28 minutes 24 seconds. Kamworor kept his nerve after Ugandan champion Joshua Cheptengei, the home favorite, had burst away from the field and opened a wide gap on the third of the five two-kilometer laps only to fade badly on the last circuit. Ethiopia’s Abadi Hadis took the bronze medal seven seconds behind Barsoton. Earlier, Kenya’s women had swept the senior women’s 10km race in unprecedented

fashion, with their team filling all the first six places, headed by national champion Cheptai, who maintained her season’s unbeaten record to strike gold in 31:57. She finished four seconds clear of Alice Nawowuna with Lilian Rengeruk taking the bronze a further 10 seconds adrift. Kenya’s day of dominance had begun with three-time world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop leading the team to gold in the inaugural mixed relay race, followed by Ethiopia and Turkey. Yet the hosts enjoyed their own crowning moment in front of the Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni when Jacob Kiplimo won the country’s first-ever cross country gold in the under-20 race. Kenya headed the overall medal table, winning four golds and nine in total, with traditional rivals Ethiopia second on eight and Uganda third.

No cakewalk as Federer wins opening Miami match (Reuters) Roger Federer continued his impressive 2017 campaign with a straightsets, second-round victory at the Miami Open in Florida on Saturday. But it was far from a cakewalk for Federer, who came within two points of losing the first set before breaking twice in the second for a 7-6(2) 6-3 triumph over American teenager Frances Tiafoe. Next up for Federer is Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Dutchman Robin Haase 6-2 64 in a night match at Crandon Park. Federer has a 15-5 career record against del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion. “I would love to play against (del Potro),” Federer said, speaking before knowing who his next opponent would be. “We’ve had some epic matches against each other. I’m sure the crowd would love to see it.” Tiafoe provided a good competitive workout for the 35-year-old Swiss maestro in his first match since he won the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday last.

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a backhand against Frances Tiafoe of the United States. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Tiafoe broke in the first game of the second set, but fourth seed Federer broke straight back with a sizzling backhand winner and another break was all he needed to clinch his 1094th career victory at tour level. Tiafoe, ranked 101st in the world, has only four career victories, but he showed enough to suggest he will add to that number sooner rather than later.

Federer could be on course for a semi-final showdown with compatriot Stan Wawrinka, less than two weeks after they met in the Indian Wells final. Top seed Wawrinka defeated Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos in 65 minutes, firing seven aces in a 6-3 6-4 victory in less than favourable morning conditions. “I’m really happy with the match today,” Wawrinka told

reporters. “It’s quite tough conditions, raining and really windy today. It’s really windy on the court, so it’s never easy. “I’m happy with the way I was moving, the way I was playing and my attitude in general was really positive,” he added. “So it’s a great match.” Austrian number six Dominic Thiem was the only high seed to suffer a loss on Saturday. Thiem fell to 20-year-old Croatian Borna Coric, who overcame an embarrassing brain freeze in the final game to win 6-1 7-5. Serving for the match, Coric stopped in the middle of a rally, challenging a line call, only to be reminded by the chair umpire that he had no challenges left. Volatile Australian Nick Kyrgios won his match, and also received a code violation warning from the chair umpire for swearing at a spectator who called out during a point. Kyrgios, the 12th seed, dropped his first two service games, but roared back to beat Damir Dzumhur 6-4 6-3.

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Ferrari prancing as Vettel wins in Australia

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany (C) celebrates alongside Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (L) and team mate Valtteri Bottas of Finland. (REUTERS/Brandon Malone) MELBOURNE (Reuters) Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel won the Australian Grand Prix for Ferrari yesterday to dash Mercedes’ hopes of extending their dominance into a fourth successive season of Formula One. The German cruised to his 43rd race victory with a 9.9 second gap to Mercedes’ runner-up Lewis Hamilton, with the Briton’s new team mate, Valtteri Bottas, finishing third on a glorious afternoon at Albert Park. The victory was Vettel’s fourth for Ferrari but his first since the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2015. That triumph was also the last time Ferrari had topped the podium but Vettel’s victory underlined the huge leap in performance made by the glamour team, whose cars showed impressive pace and reliability in winter testing. “For all of us, it is a positive surprise,” a beaming Vettel said at the post-race media conference. “The big difference was being able to deliver a really

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good car... I think the new car in general obviously is fantastic and is a great reward, a big relief for everyone.” For the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era, which started in 2014, there is a nonMercedes driver at the top of the championship standings. Vettel’s 2007 championship-winning team mate Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen one behind. On the front row next to pole-sitter Hamilton, Vettel got off to a sluggish start and his British rival broke clear to avoid Albert Park’s usual messy log-jam at turn one. But Hamilton was soon complaining on the team radio about his car’s grip and was first to pit on lap 18 to change tyres. It proved a turning point as he rejoined behind Verstappen and was unable to pass the feisty Dutch teenager. As Hamilton vented on the team radio, Vettel forged ahead. The German pitted at lap

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany drives during the Australian Grand Prix. (REUTERS/Jason Reed)

23 and exited the pit-lane just in front of Verstappen, who was still gamely holding off Hamilton while riding his tyres thin. Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff was enraged. Television pictures showed him pounding his fist into a desk in the team garage. Vettel showed the reigning constructors’ champions a clean set of heels and quickly established a sixsecond gap, which only got wider as the race progressed. After crossing the finish line, Vettel howled in ecstasy and thousands of red-clad Ferrari fans flooded onto the lakeside circuit to share in the German’s triumph. Fans of home racer Daniel Ricciardo were left d i s a p p o i n t e d , h o w e v e r, after the Australian’s race ended midway through at turn three, his Red Bull stopping with smoke billowing out. He had earlier started from pit-lane two laps behind, after suffering a sensor problem with his gearbox that prevented him from taking his place at the grid. It was a better day for Felipe Massa, who came sixth in his ‘comeback’ race following his short-lived retirement from Williams last year. Force India also enjoyed a strong race, with Sergio Perez coming seventh and French newcomer Esteban Ocon also in the points after running 10th. Reliability problems were rife in other teams, however, with seven cars failing to finish, including McLaren’s twice champion Fernando Alonso and Williams’ Canadian debutant Lance Stroll.

India frustrated as Lyon bites back for Australia DHARAMSALA, INDIA (Reuters) Australia offspinner Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets in the final session to halt India’s progress and help restrict the hosts to 248 for six on the second day of the fourth and final test yesterday. At 157 for two, and with the dependable Cheteshwar Pujara and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane looking set in the middle, India appeared to have the upper hand before Lyon (4-67) intervened after tea. In the first over of the final session, Lyon sent back Pujara for 57 and went on to dismiss Karun Nair, Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin to deflate the hosts. Ravindra Jadeja clobbered a couple of sixes and was batting on 16 at the close, while Wriddhiman Saha was on 10, having survived two reviews and a dropped catch. India are still 52 runs behind Australia’s first innings total of 300 in the decider of the four-test series which is level at 1-1. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, to be pretty evenly poised after day two,” Lyon told reporters. “I know we probably left a few runs out there but to have India six down for 240odd after a pretty a good day on the field — (I am) quite happy to be honest.” Pat Cummins and new ball colleague Josh Hazlewood were aggressive in the morning session on a pitch which offered wholesome bounce to the pacemen. Hazlewood was rewarded for constantly attacking the line outside the off-stump when Murali Vijay edged him to Matthew Wade to depart for 11.

KL Rahul gets down to sweep, India v Australia, 4th Test, Dharamsala, 2nd day,©Associated Press Fellow opener Lokesh Rahul was hit on the index finger of his right hand by a Hazlewood delivery but the right-hander recovered to score 60 and give India a strong start. The 24-year-old left well, drove elegantly and slogswept Steve O’Keefe for a six en route to his fifth halfcentury of the series. The second-wicket partnership was worth 87 runs and was looking ominous until Rahul went for a wild hook, with the bouncer hitting the toe end of his bat before finding David Warner at mid off. Rahane found himself in the line of fire and the otherwise dependable batsman made things difficult for himself by trying to pull and hook his way out of trouble. Pujara, who batted for more than 11 hours in the drawn third test in Ranchi for

his 202, played with characteristic calmness at the other end and brought up his fifty with a boundary off Lyon. The off-spinner claimed a major breakthrough when he ended Pujara’s nearly threeand-half hour vigil by getting him caught at short leg. Leading the side in absence of injured regular skipper Virat Kohli, Rahane fell to Lyon for 46 with Australia skipper Steve Smith taking a sharp catch at slip. Ashwin made 30 before he was trapped leg-before by Lyon. “All of us got starts but we could not convert,” Rahul said of his top and middle order colleagues. “We’re happy. (At the) end of the day, (nearly) 250 runs for six wickets was not really the worst day for us.” Scores: India 248 for 6 (Rahul 60, Pujara 57, Lyon 4-67) trail Australia 300 by 52 runs.

Nathan Lyon had Cheteshwar Pujara caught at short leg, India v Australia, 4th Test, Dharamsala, 2nd day, ©Associated Press

Monday March 27, 2017

Hurricanes battling to stay afloat after Shillingford assault BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC — Former West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford was leading a one-man assault against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, as he pushed his Windward Islands Volcanoes to the brink of victory in their eighth round contest here yesterday. The 34-year-old claimed six for 78 to send Hurricanes tumbling for 240 in their first innings after the hosts resumed the penultimate day on 135 for four at Warner Park. Forced to follow on by 300 runs, Hurricanes once again came under pressure from Shillingford as he picked up both wickets to leave them on 105 for two — still requiring a further 195 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Opener Montcin Hodge was leading the fightback for Hurricanes on an unbeaten 51 from 145 balls with six fours. He put on 46 for the first wicket with captain Kieran Powell who made 17 before shouldering arms to

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford Shillingford and having his stumps shattered. Jermaine Otto also perished cheaply for 10, lofting Shillingford to Sherman Lewis running around at mid-wicket. However, Keacy Carty, unbeaten on 16 at the close, joined Hodge to see

Hurricanes safely to the close courtesy of an unbroken 39run, third wicket partnership. Earlier, Hurricanes benefitted from Nkrumah Bonner’s 14th first class halfcentury as they managed to push their innings past 200. The Jamaican stroked 55 off 108 balls in a shade over

2-1/2 hours with nine fours, and put on 57 for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton who made 18. All-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with a fluent 42 off 68 balls with five fours and a six. However, Hurricanes squandered a position of 173 for four, losing their last six wickets for 77 runs, with leftarm seamer Delorn Johnson snaring three for 48. With his first innings haul, Shillingford went past 500 first class wickets. Scores: VOLCANOES 540 (Sunil Ambris 231, Kyle Mayers 76, Devon Smith 65, Tyrone Theophile 30; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-151, Jason Campbell 3-100). HURRICANES 240 (Nkrumah Bonner 55, Kieran Powell 49, Rahkeem Cornwall 42, Keacy Carty 35; Shane Shillingford 6-78) and 105 for two (Montcin Hodge 51 not out; Shane Shillingford 2-22).

Milestone for Miller as Scorpions whip Red Force PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC — Captain Nikita Miller’s 26th fivewicket haul in first class cricket helped Jamaica Scorpions halt their losing skid, with a convincing 87-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force inside three days here yesterday. Set a modest but tricky 229 for victory at Queen’s Park Oval, the hosts were bundled out for 141 — the second time in the contest they failed to crack 200 after being dismissed for 173 in their first innings. Miller scythed through the innings to finish with five for 45 and claim match figures of nine for 85. In the process, the 34-year-old passed 450 wickets in first class cricket. Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs provided the support, picking up three for 55 to add to his three from the first innings. Marlon Richards, batting at number eight, top-scored with 47 while captain and opener Kyle Hope chipped in with 35 and Isaiah Rajah, 23. Red Force lost Jeremy Solozano for two but cruised to 60 for one courtesy of a 51run, second wicket stand between Hope and the lefthanded Rajah. But Miller and Jacobs combined to trigger a collapse where five wickets tumbled for eight runs in the space of 53

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Kaieteur News

Golden Jaguars ask fans to flood Linden for Martinique clash tomorrow Georgetown: The Golden Jaguars have urged football fans to come out in numbers to support the national team in the international match against Martinique tomorrow in Linden. A 30-man Guyana Senior Men’s National Squad is preparing for the clash with a series of intense tactical and technical training sessions, under the careful guidance of Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover, and new Assistant Coach and former national team captain Charles Pollard. “The 12th man is always important and the fans – you are that 12th man, and we are looking for your support as much as possible,” said attacker Vurlon Mills. “Come out in your yellow, come out roaring for the Golden Jaguars, come and represent. We will make you proud come Tuesday.” The match is the first senior international fixture of 2017, and the first in Linden since 2011. It is part of the Guyana Football Federation’s plans to ensure the Jaguars play in every FIFA international window in the calendar year to develop the team more effectively for regional competitions. “For me and the rest of our teammates, we are looking to put in a good performance, so that we can give the fans something to cheer about,” said winger Trayon Bobb. “I am begging the fans to come out and please support us.” As a part of France,

Martinique’s national team is supported and funded by the might of the French Football Federation, and features players from top leagues in Europe. The match is part of Martinique’s warm-up for their fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup appearance later this year. “They are going to be tough – Martinique has a good team,” said Mills. “They have brought in a lot of players who play in Europe, so it’s going to be tough game for us. They just came off of a win against Trinidad. They are coming to us with confidence. We have to show the same level of confidence and intensity and try to bring away a win.” Several young players such as 16-year-old Milerock FC goalkeeper Jonathan Copeland and 18year-old GFC midfielder Curtez Kellman have been included in the provisional squad to further their development. “We have a lot of young players – it’s good they are part of something like this to get the exposure,” said Bobb. “It’s a good opportunity for them so they can showcase their skills and talent.” The match against Martinique kicks off at 8:00pm tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Admission is $1500, and fans are being asked to wear yellow to show their support for the team.

Guyoil win Trophy Stall inter ministries dominoes

Jamaica Scorpions celebrating the fall of a Red Force wicket. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) deliveries. Richards brandished his bat to good effect, cracking three fours and four sixes in a 43-ball cameo but the damage was already done and Red Force never recovered. Earlier, Scorpions were dismissed for 201 — the same score as their first innings — after resuming the day on 172 for seven. Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell picked up two of the

three wickets to fall to finish with three for 52 while seamer Rayad Emrit failed to add to his tally from Saturday, ending with three for 30. Scorpions had lost both of their games since the restart of the competition earlier this month. Scores: SCORPIONS 201 (Jermaine Blackwood 68, Derval Green 53, Devon Thomas 23; Imran Khan 4-

28, Sheldon Cottrell 3-34) and 201 (Fabien Allen 60, Devon Thomas 38; Rayad Emrit 3-30, Sheldon Cottrell 3-52, Marlon Richards 234). RED FORCE 173 (Kyle Hope 67, Yannic Cariah 45; Nikita Miller 4-39, Damion Jacobs 3-46) and 141 (Marlon Richards 47, Kyle Hope 35, Isaiah Rajah 23; Nikita Miller 5-45, Damion Jacobs 3-55).

Guyoil chalked 90 games to win the final of the Trophy Stall inter ministries dominoes competition which was contested recently at Ministry of Agriculture canteen. GPHC placed second with 68 games, while Forestry Commission finished third on 60. Bhojnarine Paltoo of Guyoil was the MVP with the maximum 18 games. Guyoil pocketed a trophy and $25,000, while each member received a medal. GPHC took home a trophy and $15,000. Nine teams took part in the competition. Teams will meet again at the said venue on April 7 for the next tournament. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry Tapeball competition, which was set for Durban Park, will now be played on April 2 at the National Cultural Centre tarmac at 09:00hrs. At stake are trophies, medals and cash prizes for the top three teams. Entries will be closed on March 29 and teams can contact James Lewis on 628 -1656 or 672 - 6179 for more information.

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Kaieteur News

Monday March 27, 2017

Q Mobil Cup t20 series

Khan’s dream debut and Malik’s unbeaten 38 see Pakistan to 1-nil lead

Jason Holder is pumped after getting the wicket of Ahmed Shehzad, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st T20I, Bridgetown, ©AFP By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Stag Beer & Vnet Communications Pakistan took a 1-nil lead in the four match T20 series against West Indies with an easy six-wicket win in the first match here at the Kensington Oval before a less than capacity crowd yesterday. A 37-run last wicket stand between Skipper Carlos Braithwaite and ODI and Test Captain Jason Holder rallied West Indies, who left out Veerasammy Permaul, from 49-6 to 111-8 off their 20 overs Braithwaite, who took 14 balls for his first 14 with just a single four, finished unbeaten on 38 from 27 balls with two fours and a couple of sixes, while Holder’s 14 lasted 12 balls and included two overs. Chadwick Walton (18) was the only other batsman to reach 15 as 18-year-old leg-spinner Shadab Khan had an auspicious debut taking 3-7 from his four overs. Pakistan in reply reached 115-4 off 17.1 overs with Shoaib Malik finishing on an undefeated 38 from 29 balls with three fours and a six, while Babar Azam made a run-a-ball 30 with three fours and opener Kamran Akmal supported with 22 from 17 balls with two fours and a six. Holder had 2-27 for the West Indies who now head to Trinidad for the second game on March 30. Pakistan, on a pitch which was covered over the last three days with a rubberized mat, opened the bowling with two spinners and after Imad Wasim’ opening over cost two runs,

Evan Lewis belted Mohammed Hafeez for six over mid-wicket before Lewis (10) was caught short of his ground by a bulletlike direct throw at the non-striker’s end with the score on 131 in the second over. Marlon Samuels joined Chadwick Walton who cut Wasim confidently for four before pacer Sohail Tanvir replaced Hafiz and Walton whipped him for six over straight mid-wicket. Samuels got going by flicking Hassan Ali for four and the fair size crowd waved Bajan, Guyanese and West Indian flags but their joy was short lived when Samuels (7) was trapped in front by Wasim to leave West Indies on 35-2. It was soon 38-4 when Khan had Walton (18) LBW and bowled Lendl Simmons (1) who played an atrocious sweep at a googlie and dragged it onto his stumps, a run later in the eighth over. The West Indies batsmen seemed in suicidal mood as Sunil Narine (1), promoted in the order, lofted Khan to long-on in his second over to leave the score 42-5 and the leg spinner was having a dream start to his t20 International career and was virtually unplayable, conceding just seven singles in his fourover spell. Rovman Powell (4) stuck Ali for four but was LBW to the 23-year-old pacer next ball to leave the Windies in dire straits on 49-6 as the horrendous exhibition of batting continued unabated. Pollard, very popular here, was joined by Skipper Carlos Braithwaite, whose claim to fame was his four consecutive sixes in t20 World Cup final. The two biggest hitters in the team struggled to find the boundary with Pollard hitting just a single four in his first 27 balls which yielded 14 runs, while Braithwaite faced 14 balls with just a single boundary in his first 14 runs. Pollard pulled Wahab Riaz to Wasim on the square leg boundary and it was 74-7 in 17.1 overs before Braithwaite broke the shackles by hitting his first six and followed it up with a brutal punch which sped all along the ground past extra cover for four and at the end of the 18th over West Indies were 84-7. Holder clipped Ali off his hip for four, while Braithwaite began the 19th over with a four and two sixes off Riaz to post the 100. The final over from Tanvir cost just six runs although Holder was dropped at deep mid-wicket by Ali, who deflected the ball for four before he was taken at mid-off from the final ball. Akmal cut Holder behind point in the first over before smashing Narine to the point boundary as Pakistan raced to 18 from three overs in steaming heat. Ahmed Shehzad chipped into Holder and pugnaciously pulled him off the front foot like a scud missile to the midwicket boundary before he played loosely at one that left him and was caught behind by Walton at 25-1, while Babar Azam finished off the over by stroking the ball to the ropes. Samuel Badree was lofted for six over long-off by Akmal before the right-hander swept a full toss to mid-wicket and after six overs Pakistan were 40-2. Braithwaite struck in his second over when Hafeez (5) skied a ball and the bowler and Keeper crashed into each other but

Carlos Brathwaite flat-bats a pull over long-on, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st T20I, Bridgetown, ©AFP Braithwaite, who was knocked to the ground, held onto the ball to leave the score on 49-3 in ninth over. Malik delicately late cut Narine for four and after 10 overs the visitors were 56-3 with Azam and Malik looking well set and at halfway stage half of required runs were already made. Azam continued to bat fluently and struck some gorgeous boundaries before he was removed by Holder in the 15th over at 95-4. Malik clobbered Holder over mid-wicket for six and caressed him to the cover boundary to give Pakistan a six wicket win and a 1-nill lead in the four match series.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES E Lewis run out +C Walton lbw b Shadab Khan M Samuels lbw b Imad Wasim L Simmons b Shadab Khan K Pollard c Imad Wasim b Wahab Riaz S Narine c Imad Wasim b Shadab Khan R Powell lbw b Hasan Ali *C Brathwaite not out J Holder c Mohammad Hafeez b Sohail Tanvir Extras (lb3, w3, nb1) TOTAL (8 wkts, 20 overs)

10 18 7 1 14 1 5 34 14 7 111

Did not bat: S Badree, K Williams Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-35, 3-37 4-38, 5-42, 6-49, 7-74, 8-111. Bowling: Imad Wasim 3-0-12-1, Mohammed Hafeez 1-0-8-0, Sohail Tanvir 4-0-21-1 (w1, nb1), Hasan Ali 4-0-25-1, Shadab Khan 4-0-7-3, Wahab Riaz 4-0-35-1 (w2). PAKISTAN Kamran Akmal c Lewis b Badree Ahmed Shehzad c wkp Walton b Holder Babar Azam c Powell b Holder Mohammad Hafeez c & b Brathwaite Shoaib Malik not out *+Sarfraz Ahmed not out Extras (w3, nb1) TOTAL (4 wkts, 17.1 overs)

22 13 29 5 38 4 4 115

Did not bat: Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-40, 3-49, 4-95. Bowling: Badree 4-0-24-1 (w1), Holder 3.1-0-27-2, Narine 4-0-22-0, Brathwaite 3-0-18-1, Williams 2-0-14-0 (w1, nb1), Pollard 1-0-10-0.

Lendl Simmons drags one back onto the stumps off Shadab Khan, West Indies v Pakistan, 1st T20I, Bridgetown, ©AFP

Result: Pakistan won by six wickets. Position: Pakistan lead the four-match series 1-0. Man-of-the-Match: Shadab Khan. Toss: Pakistan. Umpires: G Brathwaite, J Wilson; TV — N Duguid.