Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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

EDITORIAL

THE FALLING DOLLAR Something is terribly wrong in Guyana. The value of the currency has plunged. But then again, this has been a trend dating back more than four decades. This is happening because we remain primary producers even as the world makes huge profits from primary products and return the refined product to the producers of the primary products. It is critically important to understand precisely what makes the economy tick, and how different components must work with each other to produce positive outcomes. The Finance Minister was crucial to the budget presentations during the previous administration. When the situation worsened he was there when the then President Bharrat Jagdeo opted to close two sugar estates—at LBI and at Diamond. It did not boost public confidence when some commercial banks proclaimed that they would be applying an exchange rate of G$230 to US$1. This was pushing the limits in the same way the previous government pushed the limits from $125 to the United States dollar to $206 to the dollar when the government changed. It was a cause of concern for all, especially for the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). According to the GMSA, imported items will become more expensive and transferring the cost to the consumers lowers spending and thus reduces retail sales which in turn could devastate the economy. But there is no need to import some of the items that we now consume. The argument is that if we so desperately want something then we must be prepared to pay, Yet the movement of the local currency is an explosive situation. The pressure is on for the regulatory bodies to stabilize the value of the dollar. In order to remedy the situation, the Bank of Guyana and the government must inject funds into the system because the exchange rate is being driven by the simple economic formula of supply and demand. Almost two years ago, a number of things have happened. The clampdown on gold smuggling and the reduction in the trafficking of illegal drugs, especially with the assistance of the US Drug Enforcement Agency, has reduced the amount of cash floating around, which in turn has caused reduced spending. In other words, the underground economy has shrunk. In addition, production in a number of key sectors, including rice, sugar and bauxite have fallen. They are failing to bring in foreign currency needed. Forestry and fishing exports have fallen by 30 percent and while the economy has been helped somewhat with the recordbreaking gold production which reportedly brought in US$800M last year, it is not enough to offset the losses in the other sectors. Remittances have also decreased by some 22 percent in the last year. This is not the first time that Guyana has been in this situation. In fact, the rest of the world is experiencing an economic downturn but Guyana is cushioned to an extent. The International Monetary Fund has predicted economic growth at over three per cent but this is slow. Everyone wants the government to take measures to halt the slide of the Guyana dollar. Venezuela was asked to do the same and those measures have proven to be very unpopular. No person would support a reduction in imports to save foreign currency unless those imports are considered wasteful. Forbes Burnham once introduced import restriction with some beneficial results that are enjoyed to this day. We may consider re-examining the nature of our imports. This would save foreign exchange for many of the very importers who are complaining about the rising exchange rates. It will also stabilize the local currency.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

The parking meter is a beneficial foreign investment Dear Editor, Allow me space in your newspaper to express my humble views about the parking meter saga that has been going on in the recent past and continues to occupy the minds and time of many citizens, especially residents of Georgetown. I have heard many voices against the parking meter business or contract, but I have not heard many voices in favour. Indeed, those citizens against the contract have taken to the streets to express their opposition and picketed the Mayor and City Council with calls to revoke the contract. In response, the Minister responsible recently suspended the relevant By Laws. The City Council (at least the majority) seems not ready to accept the suspension, yet. The saga continues. I write in support of the parking meter, its shortcomings notwithstanding. Those against the contract have argued, rightly so it appears that the contract was awarded by the Mayor

single-handedly in breach of procurement legislation and protocols. They also claim that the charges are exorbitant and out of reach of most Guyanese. I consider both arguments to be a mere smokescreen for other reasons to oppose the contract. This is because the initial irregularities were remedied and Council adopted and espoused the contract. The initial charges for parking on the streets were drastically reduced to the lowest that can be charged considering the investment. But the protests continued. Do the rightthinking citizens accept that those protesters who managed to organize special attire, uniform etc, cannot afford to pay parking meter charges? They lied. Editor, allow me point out that the parking meter project is an investment that is designed to benefit Georgetown in several ways. It is not a secret that it is an investment for the company and the company expects to earn a profit after recovering

its investment costs. It is a form of foreign direct investment for Guyana, although I heard someone on TV swearing that foreigners should not be allowed to take over the city. Really? I could not help but ask myself why the good old gentleman is not investing in anything to enhance the profile of the city instead of shooting down an investment just because he thinks the company running the parking meter project is a foreign company. However what I gather from newspapers is that the company is also partly owned by Guyanese citizens! Foreign direct investment earns the country the much needed foreign exchange that is required for the country to import what we do not produce. This is the first reason the parking meter business should be supported by all Guyanese. We all know that the Mayor and City Council are supposed to earn a percentage of the parking charge as revenue for the city

council. For those who do not know; this revenue helps to clean the city, open up the drains and water channels and maintain the roads in the city, among other things. If the Mayor and City Council are not allowed to raise the revenue, how else can these social services be provided? I hope the protestors have answers. The parking meter project is also expected to regulate parking and traffic in the city. Already this has been happening in areas where the parking meter rules were being enforced. Not only do motorists secure parking spaces easily, but there has also been a smooth flow of traffic on major roads because reckless and illegal parking at wrong spaces had been eliminated by the project. The city was beginning to look organized and it appears the protestors benefit from a disorganized and congested roads. This they can best answer themselves. Personally, I do not (Continued on page 5)

The ban on cars 8 years and older is an abuse of power Dear Editor, Recently I was trying to figure out the government’s rational on the ban of vehicles 8 years and older and just could not find any plausible reason. The government is claiming that it is to protect the consumers and is in keeping with the country’s plan to pursue a green economy. To me this is just a total abuse of the possession of power therefore making this part of the Customs Act arbitrary and capricious. This decision was definitely made without adequate consideration. How does this protect the consumer? How does this act

contribute to a greener economy? What the government should have considered is holding the car dealers liable. Make them offer reasonable guarantees to the consumers. Not just a few months on the engine and transmission. How can government know if a 2008 car affects “a greener economy” more than a sand truck blowing black smoke all the way from the highway to Georgetown. The only way to know is to subject that 2008 car to an emissions test. By the way, a friend of mine just brought his 2010 SUV to Guyana after it

repeatedly failed the emissions test in the US. Now this is confirmation that the Act is baseless and irrelevant. I will like the Minister of Finance and the Commissioner of GRA to explain why this 2010 SUV can be imported without restrictions and a 2008 car is restricted. Why not have the importer of the older vehicle provide documentations that the car has passed the emission test within the last 6 months or better yet have the government of Guyana test the vehicles prior to allowing them on the streets. Then they will have a true basis for rejecting the importation of

such a vehicle. But to confiscate and dispose of a vehicle in the manner the government is threatening is simply an abuse of power. In the absence of scientific evidence (emissions testing) I will say that my father’s 1974 Ford does not affect the green economy any more than a 2010.vehicle. Honourable Minster of Finance and the Commissioner of GRA, I challenge you both to show why this new customs act is notarbitrary and capricious and how does it protect the consumers or the environment in any way. Doc Jay

Some calypsonians are afraid to touch up the establishment Dear Editor, My description and understanding of a calypsonian is a person who composes and sings songs on a wide range of topics, events and issues, often very topical impacting, influencing and afflicting society- both locally and globally. Compositions can be hilariously thought provoking, satirical, piercingly critical, imaginative or simply an excursion into the mundane vagaries of human folly. This latitude gives the calypsonian sweeping scope to indulge in a 360 radius in which every nuance in life becomes fair game.

He\she can pick his\her pick to their hearts delight from a reservoir of inexhaustible material. The Mighty Sparrow is a fine example who has exploited this vast field of play during an illustrious career that yielded him so many classical pieces, entertaining and capturing fans with crafty compositions - from ‘JEAN and DINA’, OBEAH W E D D I N G ’ , E D U C AT I O N t o CAPITALISM gone MAD’. While many of our calypsonians over the years have done some fine pieces, ‘BRIGHT COLOURS’ and ‘BLAZING FIRE’ have caught my attention, for they have

not only remained stuck in highlighting the ‘free from blame’ everyday common occurrences, but have tackled troubling issues now and again to some extent. Apart from Derick Mangal known as ‘Bright Colours’, I do not know of any other Indian calypsonian who has over the years been a part of our ‘kaiso brigade’ competing in this yearly traditional event. Had this been so I want to think that our calypsos would have been coloured much differently, would have been much richer, more (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday March 28, 2017

DEAR EDITOR, The evidence is everywhere, both PPP and APNU+AFC supporters are suffering alike. But not surprising, some hard-core APNU+AFC supporters who know the government is lying to them about the so-called “good life’, are still willing to believe without evidence, that our former President, the Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo and his former administration, are a bunch of thieves and corrupt politicians. Over the years there have been numerous reports, mostly in the pages of Kaieteur News, accusing the government of corruption. Parroting these allegations, the joint APNU+AFC while in opposition, demanded transparency and accountability from the PPP/C government. Then in September 2012, in an effort to disprove these allegations, the Donald Ramotar Administration took the bold initiative to sponsor a series of 7 live debates on national TV - NCN.

PPP Government left a positive balance sheet The APNU, whose shadow Minister of Finance Carl Greenidge, presided over the worst economic disaster in the history of Guyana, and whose policies helped to bankrupt the Guyana economy when he served as Finance Minister under the PNC, attended the first debate and boycotted the rest. The AFC attended all, but failed to produce any documented evidence that would link the Jagdeo or Ramotar Administrations to corruption. Not even the outspoken Christopher Ram whom I have tremendous respect for, was able to produce one shred of evidence to support the opposition’s claim of corruption against the government. Yet the allegations continued, and featured as the main platform of the APNU+AFC coalition on the campaign trail during the 2015 general election. The repeated lies of PPP corruption finally paid off for

them. But now that they’re in government and have all the accounting documents at their disposal, where’s the evidence? Only recently and without evidence, the Head of SOCU, Dr. Clive Thomas alleged that the PPP stole $305 billion a year during their administration. Yet the government refused to support the PPP/C motion in Parliament to make public the tax declaration and Integrity Commission’s submissions of current and former politicians for the past 10 years. Further, although they have alleged that PPP officials stashed away billions of dollars abroad, they have refused the repeated call by the Leader of the Opposition for the government to hire a firm specialized in tracking hidden assets. Mr Editor, I’m confident that some of your readers never thought that they could ever own a house-lot, a

home, a car or mini-bus in their lifetime, but are now enjoying the fruits of successive PPP/C administrations that made it possible for them to do so. These necessities were only a dream for most Guyanese before the PPP took office in 1992. Because of the PPP, the landscape of the Guyana coastline was transformed to reflect the progress the country enjoyed then. Infrastructural and economic development can be seen nationwide, and Guyanese were enjoying the good life. Foreign exchange was abundant and through good governance and a growing, stable economy, commercial banks were all too willing to give mortgages to new and existing homeowners, and loans to buy vehicles. Development was so commonplace that most Guyanese took them for granted: New schools; a new Berbice River Bridge; new roads and

Some calypsonians are afraid to touch up the ... From page 4 stimulating and in some ways might have add a semblance of balance. I think that our calypsonians are racially lopsided, not quite objective, biased, lacking in authenticity and shamefully coward; who are carefully selective on whose corn they step on or calling a spade a spade. This is not the kind of stuff which genuine artistes are made of. Artistes without backbone and lacking in courage are fakes. It gets overbearingly annoying and boring, relentlessly peppering an Indian led opposition, no matter how justified, while turning a blind eye to similar wrongs and in fulsome praise for an African led government

be they right or wrong, good or bad. They would hammer those who they don’t feel threatened by as was done to known individuals, small fries, but they don’t venture into what they perceive as troubled waters by criticizing the ruling authority. And the thing that is so pitifully heartrending is that the young and upcoming brigade is following with precision steps. No doubt many will become highly annoyed with this statement. Some may even want to boil me alive in oil, but it’s true. . Mind you, I am not saying that the opposition should not be blazed, far from it, anyone found wanting, deserves to be. But the artiste, the critic, political analyst, social commentator

The parking meter is a... From page 4 underestimate the role of the parking meter project in reducing crime in the city. The theory here is that when parking is not regulated, criminals use the opportunity to park at strategic places like banks, offices and other points where they can watch and wait for their target. It is easy for the criminals because they can park their vehicles anywhere for as long as it takes, and trail the victims at will. The parking meter project greatly removes this opportunity, since criminals no longer have to wait on the road and at street corners, where parking is prohibited; and they cannot afford to park their vehicles at one spot the whole day planning where and whom to pounce on. The streets, without the

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parking meter project act as convenient “offices” where criminals plan and later take off to execute their criminal ventures. Do protestors wonder why there seems to be less crime in the city during this short time we have been having the parking meter? Maybe they are too preoccupied with protests and they cannot see this! It is also obvious that the parking meter project provides employment to some Guyanese. It does not matter that only a few youths are employed by the company. Any one Guyanese in regular employment is one person more out of trouble. The project should be supported to employ more young men and women instead of frustrating it Ed Paulo

must crave a passion for being evenhanded. Artistes are supposed to be of sterner stuff and daring enlightenment but most of our calypsonians are not, some are blinded by racism, and are at home with topics such as domestic violence, child abuse, and violence against women. We have a truck load of real sick issues that are never touched. They had a field day with the ‘pope’, and rightly so, he deserved being lampooned but he is not the only culprit. I think I can understand why Indians are hardly noticeable at these shows. I say again, racism will continue to damage our people, it will consume us! What is so hopelessly depressing is there seems to be no end to it. But like the big man said “there is one guilty race”. Just imagine, for nearly 40 years the Walter Rodney assassination like the Jim Jones tragedy have been two of the biggest horrendous events in

our history in recent times, yet no one had the fortitude and boldness as a true calypsonian to the core to address it. They kept light years away from it, avoided it like a curse, not that they lack the skill and ability. No! But fear, too timid to attack a black led administration. Come on! We are the ones whose function it is to look society square in the eye with a penetrating mind and paint and frame the picture as it presents itself; like the little boy with the king and his magic suit, who saw the king just as he was - plain buck naked! There are blunders, shortcomings and failings that the APNU-AFC government is guilty of, yet not a word, only praises, just like the BURNHAM years! However i do commend the good pieces outside the political: Young Miss Cort’s “Where the innocence gone”, Precious Pearl’s “Old age” and The Professor’s rendition of the “Pope” Frank Fyffe.

bridges; new hospitals and health centres with ambulances and modern medical equipment; a new Police Training Centre; new police vehicles and modern technology to fight crime; a new forensic lab; a new cricket stadium and other sports facilities: incentives given to the Private Sector for job creation; and a brand new Marriott Hotel that the APNU+AFC once opposed but now use as their own personal playground. Sure the PPP/C government faced serious problems with a rising crime rate and poor student grades at CXC in Maths and English to name a few, but Guyana was able to accomplish what perhaps no other nation has been able to achieve given the deplorable economic state of the country that former Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge and the PNC/APNU left in 1992. The 1992 World Bank Report paints a dismal picture of Guyana’s economic woes under the People’s National Congress - PNC government of Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. According to this report, published by the highly credible and internationally respected body The World Bank on Guyana during the rule of the PNC, “The average decline in real wages and living standards

led to a major migration of talented Guyanese to jobs abroad… In 1990, strikes and power shortages produced decline in the GDP of 3.2%, and a rate inflation of 65%. Large stocks of deposits in the banking system, the removal of price controls, and an overall lack of confidence in the economy, led to an increase in the velocity of money and high rate of inflation.” According to an affidavit signed for the Green Mining Company Arbitration, the former Finance Minister under the PNC government, Carl Greenidge himself admitted that Guyana’s debt under the PNC was over 900% of GDP, and the servicing of that debt, took 153% of government revenue. So this is not something I’m making up here. The report continues, “Most public sector infrastructure necessary to support the private sector has deteriorated to the point of nonexistence. Power and water supplies are so erratic that many large private sector firms have invested in their own generators and water sources. The road system has deteriorated particularly critical farmto-market feeder roads. The seawall system which protects the most productive agricultural land has been breached in several places.”(Source:1992 World Bank Report). Harry Gill, MP - PPP

A high government official who messes up all the time DEAR EDITOR, I recall with great glee and satisfaction, the initiative taken by the late President Forbes Burnham to make Guyana a country where all religious and other groups can have a sense of ownership and by extension, a knowledge and understanding of our history. He moved us from a time when our National Holidays were based on the Anglo-Saxon calendar and Christian holidays. Thanks to him, we now enjoy and share Islamic and Hindu

holidays. After all these years, any individual should make him or herself knowledgeable of the significance of the various major religious festivals. So when a high government official refers to Phagwah as the Festival of Lights, it is unpardonable and unacceptable. It is this same government official who organized a lack luster cultural presentation ignoring our greats, such as; Rudy Bishop Steel Band, Roy Geddy’s Steel Band and Eddy (Continued on page 6)

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My money is missing from my bank account with no explanation DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to your attention something unacceptable that occurred recently with my bank account. In February, 2017, I was given a “tuition fees” loan to pay via cheque to a private institution. I was told that before the cheque is issued to me, I have to present myself to the bank to sign a few documents. After this was completed, I proceeded to the main branch to withdraw some money via the teller. The following day $49,793 was missing from my account. Upon querying from the staff, I was told that the transaction was done by me. So I asked for proof of this and a copy of a debit form was shown to me with my signature affixed to it. I never knowingly authorized for any money to be debited from my account and I believe I was tricked into doing this. My question is - who withdrew this money on my

behalf? The second incident occurred between March 15 17, 2017. On March 15 I deposited money into my account to facilitate an online credit card payment and then subsequently returned the following day to add the remaining balance via the teller to my account. Upon checking my account after this transaction, the money was not seen at the ATM machine. This was queried twice at different times the same afternoon with no success. The supervisor was summoned by the teller, who spoke to me rudely then subsequently ignored my query. On March 16th, I returned to the ATM machine in the evening and the money I deposited was there along with an excess of 3 million GYDs. In fear that the money I deposited would have disappeared in 24 hours similar to a prior incident, I withdrew my entire deposit.

The following day March 17th 2017, I was called by the same rude supervisor to visit the bank urgently. I was told that my account went into overdraft of $2795 GYD, because I withdrew all my money. I inquired about the 3 million in excess and this was ignored. The supervisor relayed to me that she isn’t knowledgeable about that and refused to examine the ATM transactions that I got from the machine as proof. Since the credit card payment had to be processed, I deposited the money again. I decided to meet with a manager from the main branch with my concerns and no valid explanation or apologies were given.I am kindly asking for the relevant authorities to investigate these two suspicious transactions or I may have to take legal action against the bank. Concerned Account Holder

Some private schools leave much to travel a lot and ask lots of be desired ds cr he no o la twt eonudlidn gg o phuobml i ce Iquestions, and a while back DEAR EDITOR, The recent move by Government to impose VAT on private schools caused many persons to voice their opinions about this present administration and we saw a few started to picket at various locations with the aim of trying to get the Government to change their position taken. Many of the picketers are parents. I am somewhat of the view that they are not really in touch with reality. I am quite sure they will be burdened directly with paying that VAT and the private schools will be benefitting financially. Listening to the comments being solicited from the picketers, I believe that many there should look at reality and see if what they are picketing for is indeed a good cause and if some of those picketing are indeed parents as they are claiming. During last week’s picketing exercise, one socalled picketing parent said that many days chil-

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

without any school work in their books and that is why they choose to send their children to private school. The Ministry of Education and the GTU should condemn that slanderous statement because either that ‘parent’ has something against public schools or might have a more active role in the private school. I don’t have a problem with persons exercising their democratic rights, but if you are going to do that and make up lies in the process, I believe I should reject that. That parent should say which public school she is speaking of. She gives the impression as if whichever school she was talking about has no interest in the education of the child and quite honestly I believe she was lying. Many things could be said about schools but I’ve never heard of a public school that does not teach the children anything or give them information to write in their books or teachers that do not like their jobs. Editor, private school is an option for many who have children who are not educated or qualified enough to attend the institutions that many view as ‘bright schools’ (Queens College, Saints etc.) thus in order to not look bad in their social group, they enroll them at private schools. Look at the results of private schools and you will see that many cannot achieve marks even close to the public schools.

I had written about a private school at Meet-enMeerzorg; to date no changes and I’ve wonder why people are criticizing public schools and are not against private schools who are charging fees and not delivering give a better service. The owner of the school has the keys for the building and the children would have to brave the morning sun until he arrives before they can enter the school which is usually after 8am. There’s no proper shed for them or any seating area so many would have to stand by the grills, under the sun or rain until the school/gate is opened. Unlike public schools, one teacher is assigned to a class and she/he has to teach all the subjects and even jump over to another class to teach at the same time. At the public schools, secondary/high, one teacher teaches one subject and if there are seven different subjects during the day, then seven different teachers will be teaching the children throughout the day. I have nothing against that school but I cannot understand if you are charging 100 percent for a service and only provide 25 percent then I find something wrong there and if persons are going to criticize Government’s action, they should look at what they are defending first. Sahadeo Bates

One day Guyana will find its destiny DEAR EDITOR; In my view, a man who says “I can” or says “I cannot” are usually both right. Confucius, yes! Reflecting on the political landscape in Guyana for decades, we witness the coils and twisted deceit that are played within the political arena, where destructive rhetoric used by both major political parties, can effectively separate a great nation even though they collectively preach (One People, One Nation, One Destiny). For me, I am left to ponder on the clause ‘One Destiny’, what exactly is Guyana’s destiny? We were once known as the bread basket of the Caribbean, a city with such untouched beauty we could’ve rivaled many of the garden cities throughout the world, but when did we lose our destiny? Can you imagine a nation that was blessed with natural wealth beyond any comparison yet we couldn’t harness and maximize its potential; this is where we failed in foreseeing our destiny? ‘WE’ as citizens have failed collectively, and I say WE, the people, The Government, Civil Society, everyone working hard to ensure a dollar can turn into bountiful wealth. We were not courageous enough to stop the corruption and lawlessness, but this current administration took the lead. A new era has dawned upon us, where accountability and transparency are demanded. Through the coalition government being in power they took up the responsibility to guide the country in a more productive direction where the destiny of a more sustainable economy can be realized. The then spokesman

from the parking meter place (SCS), had vented his opinion on the philological thinking of some Guyanese people, with some harsh words and I Quote: “Your (sic) Not Progressive, Your (sic) freeloader, you lack the intestinal fortitude to control you (sic) own Destiny, You all possess the mentality of slave, indenture servant, incapable to generate wealth and building capacity”, This comment was offensive to all sectors of the Guyanese society it was a criticism that shouldn’t be made public, from any company trying to market themselves or their product to an inexperienced country or economy. But as I angrily reflect on his comm e n t s u b c o n s c i o u s l y, sadly the reality why the masses found this offensive can be seen. Ask yourself “Have we been progressive?” “Have we generated wealth equally for our people?” “Have we modernized from old systems and culture?” and lastly “Have we harnessed the potential of this GREAT nation to fulfill Our Destiny?” The Guyanese Slang ‘this is Guyana boy’ is mostly in reference to trying to grasp the nonsense and irregularities that we see every day, BUT should ‘This be Guyana Boy’ be a continuum of backward culture? The answer is NO! We must remove the primitive thinking of ‘this a third world country we ain’t ready for that kind of development.’ Should we wait another fifty years for development?

In over 23 year, MAPM (Moving Against Parking Meters) has proven to be the greatest mobilization of people for a ‘ Political Cause ‘ however more or less this can be viewed as being biased. I must congratulate the coalition government for responsibly addressing their concerns without tear gas and pellets. Clearly MAPM’s intention for rational dialogue on the parking project is clear which is to revoke the contract, but this is a more irresponsible beh a v i o r a n d hopefully the coalition government doesn’t lead take path, because the legalities behind the program would plunge the country in more depth , hence the government wouldn’t be given a grade ‘A’; for this. We as a nation should be aggressively seeking development not only for a five-year projection but for hundred years to come. We should be looking forward to building something massive for our future generations, demanding more from our investors and government, I’m happy that a common ground was agreed on with government and the parking meter fiasco. Hopefully, we have acquired some knowledge from this situation, and continue to improve on how we transact business with accountability and transparency. Gradually I know Guyana will find its destiny as a nation. It may not be ten years from now, but with continuous development we will get there. I say, continue to be aggressive peaceful, demand more, but let’s be more cohesive in mindset. Don Ince

Can Ministers meet the President’s that you have done ernment and people. standards? that,Now can you now let us know While you are at that Mr. DEAR EDITOR, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the President for being the only President in our country’s history to clearly outline the requirements for someone to fill the vacant position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. Bravo Mr. President!

what is/are the requirement(s) for someone holding the position of a Minister of the Government? It would appear to me that most of the persons currently serving as a Minister may not be able to conform with your standards. Some of them are total failures and an embarrassment to our Gov-

President, it would be helpful if you can also let us know what qualities a person must possess to be President and Prime Minister of our country. My gut feeling is that the current holders are not qualified to hold those positions. I need your help Mr. President. Charles Sugrim

A high government official who messes... From page 5 Grant. But then, there was a state dinner with cheap paper plates and cutlery, food without warmers and a one man band used by simple folks who just cannot afford to do better. This same official mucked up seating arrangements at our Flag Raising cerrmony and was heard to mutter that senior ministerial posts means nothing to her. I hope President Granger who we all love

and respect acts like the old generals when his subordinates mess up - not once or twice. They ought to be sent packing. Of course, in the old days, high officials who have demonstrated ineptness, craftiness or carelessness would have on their own demitted office.We can do better for the sake of Guyana and let persons with experience and a passion for perfection run the show. Neil Bacchus

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Oil and Gas monies to spread into the future, not gobbled up – PM

Prime Minister (PM) of the State, Moses Nagamootoo

ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simons

The proceeds from Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector should be used in such a manner that they spread into the future and not used willy-nilly as opportunities present themselves to government. This was according to the Prime Minister (PM), Moses Nagamootoo, who was addressing the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA)’s Oil & Gas Conference and Exposition. The two-day forum which ends today is being held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston Georgetown yesterday. The two-day confabulation is operating under the theme, ‘The initiation of a transformative industry’ and features more than 20 local

and foreign exhibitors showcasing their products and services related to the oil and gas sector. Yesterday’s proceeding focused on four broad themes including technologies for offshore development, environment regulatory and safety standards experience from other territories and business opportunities that can be developed in Guyana. The PM was at the time, on the topic of the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) which deals with the management of proceeds from the natural resources sector. “We like (our) resources to spread into the future and not just be gobbled up by any administration – any admin-

Some of the attendees at the event held at Marriott Hotel yesterday morning. istration - that would feel the resources could be deployed for short term gains or buying votes,” PM Nagamootoo said. Nagamootoo announced government’s support to use a portion of the monies to better the future of the country. He also spoke about the emerging sector being characterized by accountability and transparency.

“We can’t just extract our strategic resources and not be held accountable,” Nagamootoo said. He also applauded Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, for taking the initiative to begin the discussions about open data; open information as regards to Guyana’s oil and gas potentials and at the time, seek out ‘allies’ who would help the State develop the legal

TSC completes review of teachers’ promotion ...new positions to become effective at start of new school terms A preliminary list of senior promotions for public school teachers has been completed. This is according to Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), Ms. Leila Ramson. Ramson, in an invited comment, yesterday, said, “We finished the promotion exercise on Friday and the preliminary list will now be sent to all the regions...within two days’ time.” Since the preliminary list of promotions is published region-wide, teachers who are eligible for promotion usually have an opportunity to file appeals in order for them to be addressed by the TSC. The process of appeal will continue for approximately two weeks after which a final promotion list will be published, according to Ramson. It is likely that the final list will be completed over a twoweek period thus causing the entire process to last for four weeks. This, according to Ramson, will allow for promoted teachers to commence their new promotions at the start of the new school term. Completing the promotion process at this time, Ramson noted, is in keeping with a promise made by the TSC to

Ms. Leila Ramson the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) that teachers will be promoted in time for the upcoming school term. “We made sure we kept our promise. We worked tediously and it meant even if we had to go late into the nights we would have done it because we made that promise and we are people of our word,” asserted the TSC Chairperson. Ramson’s disclosure comes on the heels of concerns vocalised just last week by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) through its President, Mr. Mark Lyte,

about the teachers’ promotion process. He had lamented over the fact that a mere two weeks remain before this school term comes to an end, but the process of teachers’ promotion within the public education system was yet to be completed. Lyte was worried that the perceived delay was a deliberate tactic to “get back” at the union. Last November, Chief Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, now acting Chancellor, ruled that the TSC must review its process of promotion for the period 2015. This followed on the heels of months of prolonged delay to the process caused by a court matter that was set in motion by the GTU. The union initially filed an injunction to halt the process against the background that there were concerns with how the preliminary list was derived. The mandated review commenced earlier this year by the TSC. According to Lyte, since the union was given observer status, it is aware that the TSC had completed interviews for the promotions of Head teachers for Grade A and B Schools. But moves to con-

tinue the process of promotions for head teachers of Grade C, D and E, along with deputy head teachers, heads of department and senior and master mistresses have from all indications been stalled, Lyte said last week While the latter promotions do not require interviews, they however do require a meeting of the Commission to exam a spreadsheet of factors which the applicants are graded against . That helps to guide the members of the Commission to choose the best possible applicants for the respective positions. But according to Lyte, the Union’s Observer, Mr. Lancelot Baptiste, was not invited to continue the process. “We are not aware that the Commission has met to deal with those promotions... “We are saying that two weeks remain for school to be closed and to date we have not been told otherwise,” said a concerned GTU President. But based on the disclosure of Ramson the process not only continued but has been completed and will also honour a commitment made to the union, a move the GTU President is eager to see materialise.

framework. “After the recent launch of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Multi-Stakeholder Group, we felt that we needed not only to ensure that we have an environmental impact assessment done but the important thing for us was that our oil and gas industry should be characterised by transparency and by accountability,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained. The PM’s remarks would come days before ExxonMobil is scheduled to commence drilling its seventh well – Liza 4 – within the Stabroek Block offshore Demerara. Back in May 2015, ExxonMobil announced a huge oil find in the Liza-1 well and encountered more than 295 ft (90 metres) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone. With the second well on the

block, Liza-2, the company confirmed the finding as “significant,” with a potential recoverable resource of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The Payara-1 well, located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) northwest of the Liza-1 discovery, was drilled by ExxonMobil’s affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and encountered more than 95 feet (29 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well was safely drilled to a depth of 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water. Meanwhile, the RV Furgo Explorer will commence a geotechnical survey on behalf of the EEPGL, within the Stabroek Block of the Guyana Maritime zone. This exercise is scheduled for a period of six months.

Border controversy…

Venezuela to refuse jurisdiction of Int’l Court- report With the United Nations making one last ditch attempt to arrive at a solution over the Guyana and Venezuela controversy, it appears that latter is not prepared to recognize the jurisdiction of International Court of Justice (ICJ). The matter could be handed over to the ICJ as early as next year if the Good Offices process that has been triggered by Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, fails to find a workable recourse by December 31. A scathing editorial in Venezuela’s El Nacional on Sunday has thrown light on

that country’s game plan to tackle the issue. Headlined “Will all roads lead to The Hague?” the article said that Venezuela’s claim is in danger. “That operation would be a triumph for Guyana, who always advocated going to the ICJ, and a setback for Venezuela, which for almost a century has consistently refused to submit its territory and boundary issues to courts and others,” the article said. Guterres, on February 27, named Norwegian lawyer and diplomat, Dag Nylander, as his Good Officer to (Continued on page 21)

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CH&PA, several govt. agencies seek to harmonise collaboration The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is seeking to give prominence to its planning role and functions, which over the years have been ignored and overshadowed by its housing function. The agency is currently hosting its first National Planning Forum under the theme, “Planning in Guyana and the Role of the Central Housing and Planning Authority.” The forum is being held at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. The two-day forum has brought together the agency’s staff and stakeholders involved in the planning process and planning permit including, representatives of the Local Democratic Organs and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA,) Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Education and Public Security. The forum aims to increase awareness about the role and functions of the CH&PA with respect to planning. It also sets out, according to a government release on the issue, collaboration among the stakeholders and upon conclusion, the development of agreed plans that would alleviate some of the issues plaguing the planning system in Guyana. Addressing the opening of the session yesterday morning were Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, and staffers of the CH&PA including the Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart. Minister AdamsPatterson acknowledged that the current state of planning

Stakeholders involved in the planning process yesterday. in Guyana is, “not at the desired level when compared to other developed countries.” She pointed to a number of challenges that have contributed to this state of affairs including the lack of awareness and understanding of planning, the lack of capacity at the local level to meaningfully address planning issues, the overlapping functions of the regulatory institutions and weak collaboration among institutions. Further, the Minister noted the effects of these challenges and how they are manifested in breaches of planning regulations and building by-laws, encumbrance and nuisances in neighbourhoods, squatting, and desecration of the environment. The minister explained that the National Planning Forum is a start in the process of recognising the pivotal role of planning towards address-

ing these issues and the critical role of the CHPA in the process. The minister explained that the outcome of the forum should see improvements in coordination and collaboration among all institutions involved in the land-use planning process. Importantly, she said that the forum is expected to result in collaboration between the CH&PA and the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) being significantly enhanced, so that these entities will be better positioned to address violations in their districts. The involvement of the LDOs in the forum is also in keeping with current focus of the government to strengthen local governance under the current local government system. A key prerequisite for attaining strengthened local governance is the need for proper planning as a well coordinated and harmonised activity in local areas.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority is mandated under the Town and Country Planning Act to address land-use planning issues including roads, building of other structure, community planning and transport and communication, among others. Stewart explained that over the years, the CH&PA’s planning function was confined primarily to the design and implementation stage of housing development programmes with respect to the preparation of site layout designs for the sub-division of land and land use control activities. This was happening despite the fact that the Town and Country Planning Act requires the CH&PA to prepare spatial development plans to guide and regulate development in coordination with its other stakeholder agencies. According to Stewart, CH&PA’s efforts at

putting coordination and collaboration into practice have proven to be very challenging, given the absence of planled development, coupled with issues of functional overlaps. She explained that the forum is expected to be the beginning of a process for stimulating higher levels of awareness, better information sharing and greater efficiency in collaborating and coordinating CH&PA work in land use development and regulation. In moving along this path, Stewart explained that CH&PA will seek to work in a more harmonious, consultative and coordinated manner so that optimal land use decisions can be made. Day one of the forum covered presentation under various themes such as; CH&PA’s role and function within its legislative context; fragmentation and institutional overlaps with respect to planning in Guyana; is-

sues, challenges and solutions going forward with respect to coordination and collaboration and; community level planning and the role of local authorities in planning and developing local areas. Day two will be a technical working session, where representatives from key agencies will be selected to participate and give presentations. The technical working session will focus on conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the existing planning system based on the first day’s presentations and discussions. The second day’s working session will identify the initial steps for the development of the action plan for an improved planning system, and also taking recommendations on addressing the other key planning issues.

PPP urges reversal of used tyre, older vehicle restrictions - Govt. stands ground The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), yesterday joined importers to urge that Government halt plans to restrict used tyres being brought in. The party also wants the administration to rethink the ban on certain categories of vehicles eight years and older. “The PPP stands in solidarity with the hundreds of businessmen and thousands of ordinary Guyanese who are being devastated by the unreasonable and unnecessary decision to ban the importation of used tyres.” According to the party, businesses engaged in the sale of used tyres across the country are closing their operations, thereby, putting

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan large numbers of persons out of employment and placing them and their families on the bread line. “Thousands of owners of vehicles cannot afford to buy new tyres and are forced to resort to the purchase of used (Continued on page 12)

PPP has urged Government to reverse plans to implement an April 1st deadline for the restriction of used tyres.

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Packaged news With all the hype about ‘fake news’, you would believe that this is the greatest threat to freedom of information. Yet, the peddling of false news is as old as the profession of journalism itself, and does not constitute the greatest threats which journalism faces. That threat comes from what is known as ‘packaged’ news. This trend of governments packaging the news that it wanted the public to receive actually took place under the guise of what is known as development support communication. Development support communication was well-intentioned. It was intended to be multi-sectorial process for the sharing of information. But it ended up being hijacked by governments in developing countries who had control of the principal means of mass communication. The governments ended up creating information ser-

vices units which became propaganda outfits which drifted away from the sharing of information to one in which it pushed its own twisted version of the truth. Instead of communication which supported development, there was communication which supported the government. In other words, it was propaganda. Development support communication became hijacked and used to burnish the images of unpopular governments. Instead of being used to help citizens understand government policy, that is, a tool of information it became a political tool. A number of state information agencies in Guyana became victims of that process in the late 1980s and 1990s. Government information services have never recovered from that process. This is why today agencies such as GINA and other information outfits run by the government are still consid-

ered as propaganda units. They emerged out of the tradition of packaged news. The new APNU+AFC inherited a number of such agencies from the previous administration. Instead of dismantling these units, they have converted them into doing the same thing as was done under the PPPC, only this time the units are serving the incumbent government. Information for public consumption is being packaged. It would not have been that bad had it not been for the fact that many private media houses have developed over the years, a habit of simply relying on these government information units to provide them with news which is then regurgitated in the private press. The private media are no longer chasing around presidents and ministers. They no longer have to devote staff to cover Government events or events which government ministers and officials attend.

Dem boys seh ...

Promoter bring fake artiste to Guyana Since Trump tun President he start talk bout fake news. Since he open he mouth is fake news. Jagdeo believe he is Trump and he and all start talking bout fake news. Dem boys seh Trump and Jagdeo is de biggest fake de world produce and still have to put up wid, one way or another. Nuff people learn from de two of dem. Last weekend a music promoter host nuff show all over de country. He announce a name and advertise a photo that he bringing Johnny Lever, a top Indian comedian. De advertisement had de real Johnny Lever photo and de whole

Guyana believe. Dem rush to de stadium fuh de first show. When dem tun up dem see a Johnny but this one look like he come from Corentyne. He look just look like Lever. De trouble start when he open he mouth. He sound like a true Berbician and he get pelt by de real Guyanese. Dem boys seh you does only fool people one time. De next night de show was to go on in Berbice. Johnny couldn’t mek it because some good brick ketch him in town. He seh wha miss you don’t pass you and he ain’t going fuh dead. De people who been at de stadium seh de promoter is a fake promoter and from now on All of dem must bring their

artistes and performers one month in advance so people can inspect dem, properly. Dem boys seh de police who inspect de businessman and calling him a trunker should have been at de stadium. De businessman was outside de bank waiting fuh he wife who went and draw a million dollar. He tell de policeman he waiting fuh he wife but de cop still march him down to Brickdam and got he wife stranded wid de money outside de bank. According to de wife de police dem fingerprint him and dem finger him before dem let him go. Talk half and careful wid you trunk and de police.

Engineer gets four years, fined $115M for trafficking ganja A businessman was yesterday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $115M at the conclusion of the trial which was held before Magistrate Krystal Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Courts. Balkissoon Ramdass, called “Johnny’’, 54, of West Coast Demerara was found guilty of having in his possession 76.910 kg cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Three women who were jointly charged with Ramdass - Sheleza Khan, 34, the former wife of self confessed drug trafficker Barry Dataram, of Versailles, West Bank Demerara; Felicia Laundry, 28, of Evergreen Street, New

Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara; and Ramdass’s reputed wife, Andrea Puran - had the charges against them dismissed. The matter was prosecuted by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, who relied on the fact that two of Ramdass’s workers testified against him outlining the details of the narcotics enterprise, and that Ramdass had videotaped their conduct along with himself in his West Bank Demerara Aracari’s gated community home, successfully utilised his own DVR device to illustrate Ramdass’s participation in the enterprise. It is alleged

that between June 7 and June 9, at Almond Avenue, Roraima Housing Scheme; West Coast Demerara, Ramdass had the cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to information Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks acting on a tipoff went to a premise located in the Roraima Housing Scheme and conducted a search. The illicit drug was seized and the accused was arrested. Information received was that the marijuana, which was being compressed during the seizure, was being prepared to be shipped out of the country.

They can be sure that the information units within the government will send them a release at the conclusion of these events. It is all packaged news. The public is shortchanged since the only perspective that finds its way out of the Government Information Service is the version which the government wants to get out and lots of what the government puts out is really of little or no interest to the public. All the public is being told by most of the releases from these government information units is that so and so minister attended so and so event and said so and so. The people are bystanders in this whole process. The news is about what was said and little about how it was received, including critical reception. The people are subtracted from the packaged news. If you take people out of the news, it is really not news at all. The basics of news reporting are about the people, the person and the story be-

hind that person. In packaged news it is about a minister, the official and what the minister or official said. Packaged news does a disservice to the people. It provides selective information. You will hardly find coming out of any government information unit, comments which are critical of the government. In most cases, the information is incompetently assembled. It is provided as a hand down. This cheapens its news worthiness. The public has little time for these official features. They view them all as government propa-

ganda. They are a waste of public resources. This is why media houses should reduce their reliance on new release from government information units. They should treat it as wrapped news. The media houses should demand greater access to government officials rather than more releases.

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

My mom died at the Georgetown Hospital, Mr. Vyfhuis There is a letter in yesterday’s KN in which the writer, Rudy Vyfhuis, observed that like Adam Harris, I should use my pen to advance the growth of my country. He feels I have the capacity to do it but I am too negative about Guyana. I have to live with that criticism. I get it all the time. But I discovered that each time a person speaks to me about that, he/ she appears to be in their fifties and sixties. I do not get that vibe from young people.

I wonder if Mr. Vyfhuis cares to comment on this generational difference in attitude. Later in the article, I will explain why. I could end this discussion right now and concentrate on another topic for this very column by pointing Mr. Vyfhuis to the editorial in the very issue that his letter was published. It is captioned; “Health Care Is Falling Apart.” After 50 years of Independence, there is an editorial in the country’s leading news-

paper and the most influential media house in the land with the title, “Health Care Is Falling Apart.” My mother died at the Georgetown Public Hospital in 1985 because we didn’t have money for a private institution. If we did maybe she would have lived decades longer. When we took her to the hospital, they didn’t have porters to lift the stretcher to take her to the ward. Volunteers did it. That was thirty one years ago. Yet look in

Steps being taken to protect citizens in aftermath of ‘Operation Spoilt Meat’ With reports emanating from sister-Caribbean countries about spoilt meat entering their shores as canned consumables, the authorities here in Guyana are taking the necessary steps to safeguard its citizens. The Government Analyst-Food and Drug (GA-FDD) announced yesterday that it is in receipt of an official communication from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture via the Office of the Guyana mission to Brazil, on the circumstances surrounding “Operation Spoilt Meat”, where Inspectors were accused of taking bribe to certify and facilitate export document for spoilt meat. The GA-FDD stated that information confirmed that the finding of the Federal Police operation is restricted to two major Brazilian meat packer/producers: FBR SA with trademarks brands such

as: Friboi, Swift, and Ceara; and BRF SA with trademarks brands such as: Sadia, and Perdigao. The authority reported that information received suggested that spoilt meat was mainly used to process different types of sausages. The Department has initiated the process of exacting closer regulatory oversight (verification) on several containers currently on the city’s wharfs with sausages to ensure the implicated brands were not imported into Guyana. It was announced that importers of sausages and other meat products imported from Brazil are being asked to take the necessary precaution by removing and/or recalling any of the affected brands from our market, and to (Continued on page 23)

2017 at the title of that Kaieteur News editorial. So I come now to answer the question as to why it is only people from age 50 onwards who enquire why I expatiate so negatively on Guyana’s biology. Young people see no hope so they leave. They have anticipations and expectations and when those are dashed by the incompetence and lack of vision of their country’s institutional leaders, they migrate. I worked with young people for twentysix consecutive years at UG teaching them. It was one of the most incredible things a human can behold when you hear them speak of how they dislike UG. I say in all honesty, in the most sincere of ways, I did not meet even one student in those twenty-six years who was enamoured of UG; they just wanted to leave as soon as their last exam was completed. From time immemorial, university student life is an enjoyable aspect of human existence. You love the ambience so much you don’t want to leave. But not at UG. Why? Because year after year, they saw the deterioration and they lost hope and just wanted to get their degree

and get out. My contract was terminated in 2012 and there were pickets, protest and strikes. The demand back then was for more resources, better pay, better conditions, and better lecturers. Last week there were two days of picket-protest at UG and the demands were the same as in 2012. So you have to ask yourself, Mr. Vyfhuis, what changes for the better in our country? I believe it is reasonable for people to wait for progress; it doesn’t come overnight. But I will tell you this, Mr. Vyfhuis; as you wait, no matter how long is the waiting and no matter how enormous is the patience, you have to see signs of movement. Where are those signs of movement, Mr. Vyfhuis? I would be happy to polemicize with you if you can point to the small changes we detect on the coming horizon. I grew up in a country, Mr. Vyfhuis, where before Independence, a court case in the High Court would hardly take more than two years to be completed (Mr. Ralph Ramkarran puts it at eighteen months.) Fifty years after Independence, a civil matter would hardly be completed within six years. Where is the justice for people after fifty

Frederick Kissoon years of Independence? On a topic like this, Mr. Vyfhuis, one would never finish. I could give you literally hundreds and hundreds of examples where Guyana’s backward slide creates oceans of pessimism in its people. And pessimism normally gives rise to despair and depression. All I was asking for when I stepped into that university room in 1974 as a freshman were to see the signs. I still do not see the signs, Mr. Vyfhuis. I spent over fifty years in activism and sacrificed so much but I am not seeing the signs, Mr. Vyfhuis. I am glad that you have seen them and you remain pessimistic. I can’t say the same for me. Thanks for the kinds words about my life.

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

GWI seeks to verify connection status of customers ...approx. 200 illegal connections found in one week By: Suraj Narine The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently conducting an exercise to ensure that the connection status of its customers coincides with what is stated on the company’s database. Executive Director of Commercial Services and Customers Relations, Marlon Daniels, yesterday, reported that despite accounts being listed as disconnected at the GWI, physical checks have revealed otherwise. The countrywide exercise was launched only last week and already contractors attached to the state-owned entity would have stumbled upon approximately 200 cases of this nature, the official said. Daniels stated that the regularisation of squatting lands had resulted in the change of addresses in some areas – this is being exploited by persons. He expounded that the address listed in the GWI database differs from the address which another person from the same household –

who was disconnected in the past – would use to apply. This would have slipped under the radar of the GWI because different names and addresses did not warrant any suspicion at that time, Daniel explained. However, checks would reveal that the lots are one and the same. Daniels said that the GWI intends to remove these services and give customers time to visit the authority to “regularise’ their status. He added that some of these customers would have already made contact with the GWI to do so. He was quizzed about the many reports that would have surfaced in the past about contractors attached to the state-owned entity being involved in scams. They would reportedly receive monies to covertly reconnect delinquent customers. The officials in response spoke about contractors being dealt with ‘condignly’ whenever these reports are made. “That is an illegal act. It is

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently conducting an exercise to ensure that the connection status of their customers, coincidence with what is stated on the company’s database. not something that GWI allows. It’s totally against our policy; against honesty and integrity,” Daniels said. He added that thus far, he has not received any reports for the year which suggest unethical practices by contractors. Meanwhile, during an

2008 attack on nurses at Wismar Hospital Linden man freed of rape charge An accused rapist walked free yesterday after a mixed panel of jurors found him not guilty of the offence before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court. Wesley Carlos Payne, called “Piggie”, 46, of Christiansburg Wismar, Linden was charged with raping a nurse at the Wismar Hospital in Linden on September 10, 2008. The incident allegedly took place during the furtherance of a robbery. Payne was charged with both offences. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Payne underwent a week of trial before the Judge and Jury. Reports had indicated Payne forcefully gained access to the Casualty Ward of the Hospital Complex, where two female nurses were on duty. He allegedly robbed one of the nurses before ordering them to the back of the hospital, where he raped the other nurse. During the trial, Payne who was unrepresented by legal counsel brought into question the absence of several key witnesses and the authenticity of the Caution Statement, (CS) the police produced to the court. He denied giving the police a statement on the matter. In his defence, Payne had noted that the Police witness

Freed: Wesley Carlos Payne, called “Piggie who tendered the medical certificate could not speak to its authenticity or explain truthfully the information contained in the document. Payne noted, too, that the victims recalled that their attacker wore a mask - his face was covered except for his eyes and he had what appeared to be dried sores on his chest. In his sworn testimony before the court, Payne denied the allegation. He told the court that he was not present at the hospital at the time the offence was committed. The accused gave the court an account of an inci-

dent during which he was arrested and tortured by the police over allegations of some stolen AK47 guns. Payne told the court that it was after he was arrested that he was accused of the rape. “I know nothing about the incident,” Payne stated adamantly while under cross-examination by State Attorneys, Siand Dhurjon. Dhurjon represented the State in association with Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy and Tomieka Clarke. When the trial began on Monday, the victims of the attack recounted (Continued on page 21)

early morning exercise yesterday at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara, a reported confrontation ensued between GWI contractors and a resident. Commenting on the issue, Daniels said that contractors were reportedly attacked by a cutlass wielding resident. The police were quickly summoned and peace was restored. Approximately 20 services were removed from the area yesterday with some customers already making attempts to rectify their ac-

counts. To get an idea of how much monies are being lost through these illegal connections, Daniels spoke about the Enmore debt - for this category of customers – being just in excess of $12M. One customer reportedly owes the GWI $93,000. A few months ago, GWI was the victim of a vicious cyber attack which rendered several systems that deals with payments inoperable. Technicians were able to get the systems up and running with investigations on-

going, a source from the GWI confirmed yesterday. “What is happening now has nothing to do with the cyber attack. This situation existed prior to the cyber attack and our task was to verify that they are disconnected.” Daniels confirmed yesterday. Last August, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles disclosed that the utility company has recovered some $1.8 Billion from outstanding debts since the change of its administration a little under a year and a half ago.

Argentina seeks Guyana’s support for his courtesy calls on culture in the Region. top IICA post ing He and Minister Holder l o cal officials, he had Manuel Otero the Argentinian candidate for the post of Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) made a two-day visit to Guyana last week in a quest to win support in the elections for that post which will be opened October. Mr. Otero made courtesy calls on Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Audrey Waddell; Ambassador Colin Granderson of the CARICOM Secretariat; the office of the representative of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the local office of the IICA. His aim, he said, was to let these officials get to know him and know some of his visions for the continuing development of IICA in its role of promoting sustainable agricultural development among member states through the facilitation of innovative technical cooperation. Mr Otero, who is a veterinarian by profession, disclosed that dur-

learnt a great deal about agriculture in Guyana and the efforts of the Government to implement policies for the benefit of farmers. He added that he had also visited the CARICOM Secretariat where he learnt more about CARICOM and the Regional integration process. He said: “Since I am from Argentina I found that I have to be very humble and be conscious that the reality of the other countries in South America is totally different from the reality of the Caribbean countries.” He said that he and Minister Holder agreed on the necessity for IICA to differentiate its strategy for the Caribbean from that of its strategy for the Latin American countries. He disclosed that as a candidate for the position of Director General he had made a commitment to Minister Holder that if elected he will create within IICA the position of a Regional Director for the Caribbean who will be responsible for executing strategies suited to the needs of farmers and the development of agri-

reached agreement on the need for IICA to strengthen the work of the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI). He also pledged that if elected, he would ensure greater collaboration between the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and IICA to ensure that their programs for agricultural development activities do not overlap and create wastage of time effort and money. Mr. Otero, 67, worked with IICA in various senior positions for several years his last post being IICA representative to Brazil from 2011 to 2015. He said he will also promote Guyana as an IICA member state for membership in the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), a regional center dedicated to research and graduate education in agriculture, and the management, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources also based in Costa Rica and headed by a Guyanese Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim.

PAGE 12 Health and environmental specialists from the region and further afield will examine a raft of issues in the two fields during the 62nd annual Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) conference scheduled for Guyana next month. CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales said this week

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Guyana to host CARPHA Conference - to examine climate change, human health that increases in vector-borne diseases, rising sea level, prolonged periods of drought which pose a significant threat to human health and more frequent and intense storms and

hurricanes in the Region are among some crucial agenda issues slated for the Georgetown conference. The key regional annual research event is slated for the

Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston for April 27 –April 29 under the theme ‘Climate Change, the Environment and Human Health’ where an expert panel on climate and health specialists are also expected to present their findings on the implications of rising sea levels, the impact of climate change on food security and health, as well as the significance of tobacco use among Caribbean youths. They are also expected to unveil their thinking on other issues such as transgendered health, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and the muchfeared Zika virus. The CRPHA conference is expected to “deliver a roadmap to chart the regional response to climate and health,” Dr. Hospedales said. He said the conference is the major regional forum where health researchers

share and promote ways in which evidence can be used to improve people’s health and prevent death and suffering. The conference “also provides a training ground for young researchers,” Dr. Hospedales explained adding that environmental health professionals, researchers, senior health officers and clinicians will be among regional and international delegates to attend the Health Research Conference. The Conference will host a series of events including a Grant Writing and Implementation; Science Workshop; a Stakeholder Policy Dialogue; Training in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH); Training in Indoor Air Quality, and a seminar on Health Diplomacy for Caribbean Chief Medical Officers (CMOs). Guyana’s CMO, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said the local Ministry of Public Health

“is fully supportive of the event” as it will zero in on diseases that are of serious concern to the country. Dr. Persaud said Guyana’s Tourism and Health project, executed by CARPHA will also be launched during the week of the Conference. According to Dr. Persaud the Agency will work with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to include hoteliers, and tour operators into a system of surveillance, which will include training in food safety, and regulatory mechanisms. Dr. Persaud wants locals in the health and environmental sectors to register and take full advantage of conference sessions. The Caribbean region which comprises small island nations is one of the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. In recent years, the vulnerability of the Region has been exposed by the vagaries of climate change and diseases spread by the vectors, especially the mosquito.

PPP urges reversal of used... From page 8 tyres to keep their vehicles driving. These include taxis and minibus operators. If these drivers are forced to park their vehicles many persons will be without a job and the impact it will have on the cost of public transportation will be massive and will affect thousands of Guyanese,” the Opposition warned in its statement yesterday. “In the circumstances, we call upon the Government to reverse the decision banning the importation of used tyres, immediately, and to review the ban on vehicles that are eight years and older, as well. This measure has deprived ordinary working people of an opportunity to own a vehicle.” The call would come days after the used tire association appealed for a rethink and said that they will be protesting the April 1st implementation of the restriction. On that day, shipments of used tyres for cars, minibuses, vans, pickups and Sports Utility Vehicles will not be allowed to land. There are no changes for used tyres for trucks and other large vehicles.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be overseeing the monitoring. As recent as Friday, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, when questioned, said that the Government has already made the policy clear- April 1. He disclosed that plans for vehicles being imported to be fitted with new tyres will be tweaked as measures are being worked on to develop a standard that could allow for tyres of certain quality to enter. “But the mass importation of used tyres… I don’t think that will change. Guyana is a dumping ground. Some of those tyres come from places you don’t even know.” While Government has reduced taxes on new tyres from 30 to 15 percent, and VAT charges from 16 to 14, it remains to be seen how vehicle owners deal with the cost of new tyres. Government has been arguing that measures are in keeping with a programme to green Guyana and improve road safety. A huge stock of old tyres at the Haags Bosch dump site in Eccles has created a headache for waste management managers.

GRA has also been arguing that used tyres will not last as long as new ones. A shortage of staff at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards which currently monitors used tyres importation has made it impossible for a proper check of the used tyre imports, raising questions about safety. Checks by Kaieteur News at a number of dealers found that they are aware and resigned to the April 1, deadline. A number of them have stocked up. However, it will be anything but cheap for a new tyre. One for a Toyota Premio car with 16-inch rims will cost between $15,000 and $19,000, according to dealers on the East Bank. The bus tyres are similarly priced too. That will represent a steep ask for a used tyre which runs between $4,000 and $7,000 each. Guyana first learnt of the plan to restrict during the budget presentation last year. Last year, when Government presented the national budget for this year, it was made final…the deadline for used tyres importation for the categories above would be April 1st of this year. There are scores of tyre shops around the country with at least 20 containers or an estimated 20,000 used tyres entering Guyana annually. With the taxes on new tyres too high, many car owners had been opting for the cheaper, used tyres. Operators had met with the Guyana Revenue Authority and warned that vehicle owners will not afford to buy new tyres.

Tuesday March 28, 2017

NDCs, Govt. among biggest culprits in paying electricity bills

Consumer advocate, Pat Dial, speaking with GPL’s chief, Renford Homer yesterday after the public hearings. It appears that Government and a large number of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are among some of the more delinquent payers of electricity bills. The issue has forced the state-owned Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to write the Ministry of Communities and Ministry of Finance on the tardiness. The disclosures were made yesterday by GPL’s officials to Public Utilities Commission during a public hearing at Cara Lodge on the entity’s Operating Standards and its Performance Targets last year. PUC is the regulator for utilities. During the hearing yesterday at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, it was disclosed that while GPL has set 30 days to collect its receivables from customers and others, on average it only managed 37 days. However, it did better in paying suppliers and others for services. It managed this in 25 days, instead of the 26 days it had targeted. According to Divisional Director- Finance, Loris Nathoo, the 37 days for

collecting its monies would have been an improvement of the average 40 days. Questioned, GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (ag) Renford Homer, noted that improvements in bill distribution and more efficiency in connection have played a role in the improvements. However, it was noted that the timely payment of Government accounts and in some cases no payments at all from NDCs have been affecting GPL’s targets. Unless this issue could be fixed, Homer believed that 30 days period would be difficult to achieve. PUC would be keeping a close eye on the collection standard as GPL would badly need the monies to pay for supplies of fuel, spare parts and services. Any disruptions could affect the delivery of services. It was pointed out that the problem of NDCs and Government not paying their electricity bills would have to be taken in context of the fact that their respective annual budgets would include allocations for electricity. GPL also disclosed that it

is continuing talks with stakeholders on the issue of streetlight in some communities. GPL’s officials pointed out that power company is merely responsible for supplying power. overtime, because of security and other considerations, many coastal residents have opted to install their own street lights, using GPL power. However, GPL has been finding it difficult to collect. The NDCs, in the majority of cases, simply did not have money to pay. With more than 170,000 customers across the country, GPL has been under pressure to improve its services. It has reached the point where there are now excess power to now fighting to keep its aging transmission and distribution working. With transformers and meters decades old in some cases, GPL has unveiled an aggressive five-year plan to install smart meters and other technology to help reduce losses and isolate outages. In terms of the current utility companies, GPL has the largest number of complaints filed against it.

2008 attack on nurses at... From page 11 their experiences. The first witness, a nurse, recounted the chilling ordeal of being raped by a masked stranger in the paediatric ward of the Wismar Hospital. The second nurse later detailed that she was on duty with her colleague at around 1:15 in the morning of September 10, 2008, when there was a knock on the door of the Casualty Ward of the Complex. She recalled that a stranger presented himself at the door. Within a short space of time, the witness said that the man forced himself into the ward. “A gray jersey covered his face; only his eyes were visible. He had something in

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Kaieteur News

his hands; it was wrapped in an orange jersey.” The woman said that the intruder was also wearing blue three-quarter pants and a pair of white sneakers. The witness noted that the man was topless,” and there were several blackish spots which appeared to be sore marks on his chest. She said that the man demanded the DVD player, a cell phone, and jewellry that she had in her possession before ordering them to the back of the hospital, where they were placed on the floor. The intruder allegedly raped her colleague at the back of the hospital. The woman said the ordeal lasted for about five to eight minutes and her friend

was placed on the ground again. Questioned by the jury about the intruder, the woman said that she remembers his voice; it matched that of the accused. In his summing up of the trial yesterday, Justice Singh noted that portion of evidence can be considered weak, given that the voice recognition cannot be enough to tie someone to a crime. Before discharging Payne, the Judge told that the man that given his criminal history, he should do his best to stay out of trouble. “You have been given another chance,” Justice Singh said before bidding the former accused “good luck,” and then releasing him.

After civilians killed in Mosul, Pentagon denies loosening rules (Reuters) The Pentagon, facing accusations that a coalition air strike may have killed scores of civilians in the Iraqi city of Mosul, said yesterday it was not loosening its rules of engagement in the fight against Islamic State but that resources to investigate claims were limited. Eyewitnesses from Mosul and Iraqi officials have said last week’s strike on Islamic State targets may have collapsed homes where rescue officials say as many as 200 people were buried in the rubble. The U.S. military does not intend to change the way it carries out strikes, even as the fighting in Mosul enters more densely populated areas, Colonel John Thomas, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, told reporters. “General Votel is not looking into changing the way we operate other than to say our processes are good and we

want to make sure we live by those processes,” Thomas said. General Joseph Votel heads Central Command. “There (are) only so many people dedicated to this who really have the expertise to get us where we need to be,” Thomas added. The Mosul strike, if confirmed, would be one of the deadliest single incidents for civilians in recent memory in any major conflict involving the U.S. military, which prides itself on efforts to limit civilian fallout. Thomas said the assessment is looking at 700 videos from the area over a 10-day period. “We didn’t have any reports internally where we thought we had killed any civilians. We saw the reports come out just like, I think, like everybody else,” Thomas said. Rescue workers are still

searching the site of the March 17 explosion in Western Mosul, where one health official said 160 bodies had been recovered. Iraq’s military says 61 bodies have been pulled out so far. The civilian death toll has increased in the more densely populated west of Mosul as militants have used homes for cover. “The absolute default in every building should be that there are going to be civilians present,” said Jay Morse, a senior military adviser at the Center for Civilians in Conflict, a U.S.-based advocacy and research group. Iraqi forces have discussed new tactics, which a U.S. military official said might include opening a second front and trying to isolate the Old City. Earlier yesterday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis appeared to back the way the United States carries out strikes.

Venezuela to refuse jurisdiction... The Stena Carron drill ship in the waters of Guyana that Venezuela is also claiming.

From page 7 Georgetown and Caracas to handle the controversy. Venezuela has also preferred this course. The article noted that the controversy would come at a time when US giant Exxon confirmed oil discoveries on the continental shelf under Atlantic waters off the Essequibo. Venezuela seemed to be paying close attention to the oil find. The report said that the Payara-1 and Liza fields would contain more than one billion barrels of oil. “Analysts at Tudor, Holt, Pickering & Co. estimate up to 2 billion barrels, which, if valued at about US$50, could mean US$100billion for Guyana in 20 years.” The article noted that the centre of analysis of the Venezuelan Council of International Relations (Covri) has stressed in a statement that

“the Secretary-General of the UN has no competence to refer the dispute to the ICJ” and that the judicial settlement and arbitration methods should be excluded. It was noted that the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has already advanced the arguments that it will refuse to go to the ICJ. Minister Delcy Rodriguez stressed that Venezuela “ratifies its commitment to the negotiated solution of this controversy.” For Eloy Torres, former ambassador and professor of international relations, it is a pointless discussion whether Venezuela is right or wrong. “We cannot recover the whole territory. We have to make an effort to recover an exit to the Atlantic and not be locked up: we are a country that exports oil and imports food. “ The article argued that it

would be a good idea for Venezuela to refuse to submit to the jurisdiction of the ICJ. The controversy suddenly erupted in May 2015 after ExxonMobil announced that it has struck a significant deposit of oil. A number of other wells in the area have confirmed that find was indeed large. Production is set to start in 2020. With a new Coalition Government just about to be sworn in, Venezuela issued new maps which included the offshore area that ExxonMobil had found the oil as belonging to that Spanishspeaking country. Guyana has complained to CARICOM, and several organizations and has even taken the matter to the floors of the United Nations General Assembly. Venezuela is claiming almost all of Essequibo in the century-old issue.

PAGE 22

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.

VACANCY Gardener , watchman, handyman, guard – Call: 2237500 Monday – Friday 8:154:15pm, Saturday 8:15am1:15pm Security Guard, office clerk, bilingual person, bus driver. Call: 638-5303/ 227-7380 Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020 One experienced female Accounts Clerk- apply in person to Alabama Trading, 66 Robb Street Bourda.

Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802

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

Singh AC Service & Refrigeration, repairing auto A/C, washer, fridge & stove @ ZZ Durban Street Wortmanville. Call: 698-7807/ 683-6741

Handyman between age 25 to 35. Contact 223-5273/74

Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, QuickBooks. Call: 6144358 Vacancy for cleaner sand landscapes to work at WB cleaning & janitorial services. Call: 592-698-3644

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, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Urgently needed investor to invest in gold purchasing in the Interior. Call: 658-7553 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. Experienced excavator operators. Good salary.Call 223-7165 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.

CAR RENTAL

FOR SALE

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.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

2 Leyland Dump truck (55210), 1 Caterpillar Backhoe, owner migrating, very good condition. Call: 672-5876

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

TO LET Bottom Flat – 2 Bedroom with toilet and bath, fully grilled, C.I, W.C.D. Call: 6999128/ 277-0108 Furnished apartments @ 318 East Street, North Cummingsburg, few lots away from G.P.H.C & Balwant Singh Hospital. Call: 6530490/641-4614/226-3199 2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme. Call: 225-3234 Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 2271218 Take up possession on Gold land, Middle, UpperMazaruni, Test results available. Call: 6000036/223-1273

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

Contract hire car to work @ GR Taxi. Contact Ganesh: 614-6202

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

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

One Chief Security officer to head a security operation in the hinterland. Good pay. Call 696-9386

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

HEALTH Dietitian’s Clinic: dietary counseling for all disease conditions, BMI check, blood pressure testing etc. Call: 231-9335, 699-7083

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

Wanted land to buy at: Tuschen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Providence, Herstelling. We Pay Cash. Call: 614-6802 One shop assistant to work in the Interior, must have experienced. Call: 668-6421

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

SALON

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

We are buying WamaraTonka Bean Logs, cash down as document ready. Call:664-5150

CAR RENTAL

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

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

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

House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274

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

Tuschen: 2 storey building, 2031 ft2 - $9.8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Parfaite Harmonie: 2 storey building, 1245 ft2 - $9M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Tain, Corentyne: 2 storey building 3309 ft2 - $8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Subryanville property for sale: 44 fifth Avenue., Subryanville, Georgetown $45M or best offer. Call Mortimer: 625-7669/ Richard: 624-1154 1-2 Storey building 3 bedrooms upstairs, 2 apartments downstairs, all self-contained @ avenue B Diamond, E.B.D- Call: 6585452

Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business.Call: 226-7012 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 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 Fully furnished three bedrooms, top flat, opposite Georgetown Hospital School of Nursing. Call: 225-3756/ 662-0973

1 Twin Steer Leyland DAF dump truck, GMM6584 & for flat beds Leyland DAF lorries. Call: 649-8449 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 1 Unfinished flat bungalow concrete house @ Parcel 806 Block XXV111 Plantation Friendship E.B.D- $5.6M. Call: 270-4149/ 688-7110/ 661-4408

ACCOMMODATION 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

1 Big music set for sale, owner migrating - urgent sale price $350,000- Call: 690-5225 One tower light Mileage. Call: 680-5356 Gold and Diamond land @ Berbice River and Ekerou top side- Call: 600-0036 or 2231273

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Continued on page 23

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

‘Pay us from the Gov’t subvention’ - UG staff unions insist “The Vice Chancellor is telling us that there was a shortfall in the subventions approved by the Government, for the University of Guyana. He is saying that in that gap that exists, are the salaries for UG workers. That is what is being told to us,” Dr. Jewel Thomas, President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association told Kaieteur News yesterday. She said that this is the argument being used by the University of Guyana Administration, as it relates to increased tuition fees. “We do not back that argument at all. We do not need to be put against the students…We are not going to say that students have to pay an increased tuition in order for us to get proper pay,” Dr. Thomas asserted. She is of the firm belief that decent salary increases for UG staff can be facilitated with the very subvention approved by the government. “You (the UG administration) can look after us from what the government has allocated, and if you want an increase of the tuition fees, say clearly what are the other things that you want to have funded,” Dr. Thomas argued. She expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that the UGSS, along with the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) was not consulted during the preparation of UG’s original 2017 budget presented to the

From page 22

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101

President of UGSSA, Dr. Jewel Thomas Ministry of Finance. Dr. Thomas rubbished recent arguments put forth by Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, where he said that he needs to have the budget approved before he can enter into salary negotiations with staffers of the University. “This demonstrates that he, perhaps, does not understand what is involved in the process. If Council approves a budget with a certain percentage for staff, there is no truly meaningful negotiation thereafter. The negotiation can only occur while the budget is still under revision, and priorities are being considered,” a statement issued last evening by the Union said. Dr. Thomas explained that the indications of disrespect

The University of Guyana’s Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara Campus shown to the unions are the reasons for employees moving to take stern industrial action. “…So that staff interests can be included in the document that is taken to the Council meeting on Thursday 30th March,” the statement added. At previous a meeting last month with Professor Griffith, Dr. Thomas said that the Union representatives were told that the Vice Chancellor did not wish to negotiate at that stage because he would not be able to make a substantial offer to staff “The Unions met with the staff, and it was the staff who declared that they would be interested in any offer that the administration wished to make – and said that they wished to have negotiations begin immediately,” the press release

said. Dr. Thomas and her colleagues are adamant that the requests for negotiations and eventual salary increases are not unreasonable. “The administration must not only speak of the ‘benefits’ staff get, but must also recognise the millions of dollars staff return to UG by using and purchasing from their own pockets such things as teaching materials and other resources,” the Unions highlighted. The Unions went further to respond to a recent statement issued statement by administration of the University of Guyana, in relation to the regularization of some short term contract workers at the institution. “They have always been employed by the University.

Their regularization and many of the ‘benefits’ alluded to in the press release represent no more than the administration doing what it ought to. It is puzzling that the administration seems to expect praise for doing no more than what is charged with doing,” the union disputed. The statement went further to assert that “the recent conduct of the administration, its failure to engage the unions when the budget was being prepared, its great reluctance to share agendas for meetings/events, the attempt to pit staff against students, and most dangerous of all, the absolute refusal to allow persons space to speak does not bode well for unity or good industrial relations at the University of Guyana.”

Clothes vendor remanded for allegedly robbing duo City Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday remanded a clothes vendor for allegedly robbing two persons with a pointed object. The man, Seon Charles, 28, of Lot 348 Cummings Street, Alberttown, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the allegations which alleged that on March 24, at Sussex Street,

Charlestown, while being armed with a pointed object, he robbed Faith Samuels, of a bag and an umbrella. It was further alleged that on the same day he robbed Shem Nehaul of two cellular phones all totalling $85, 000. The defendant was represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat who told the

court that his client is a student at Global Technology and has no prior matter in any other court. Fung-at-Fat further stressed that his client was never placed on an identification parade neither were the stolen items found in his possession. The attorney further

stated that the incident is a clear case of mistaken identity. However, Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail for the defendant citing the seriousness and penalty attached to the offence. The prosecutor also pointed out the fact that a pointed object was used to

commission the robbery. He also contended that the defendant is a flight risk and if granted bail he will not return to the court for the trial. The prosecutor stated that the investigations are still ongoing in this matter. Seon Charles will make his next court appearance on April 10.

Dwayne Stephen Auto Sales! New Shipment of Vehicle: Rush, Blue Bird, Note, Axio, Allion. Call: 6652330/ 648-6869 Not working Vehicles: 1 Surf, 2 Pathfinders, 1 Bobcat, 3 Toyota Cars, 1 Canter, 1 Fiber glass boat. Call: 227-4377/ 624-6013 Unregistered Fielder -$2.5M, Axela 2011 -$2.7M, 2010 Fielder, all dark interior. Call: 617-5536 RZ Minibus- $850,000 negotiable. Call: 697-2550/ 613-1810

LAND FOR SALE 1 Lot of land @ Yarrowkabra -$950,000. Call: 672-5876 Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 1 Transported land in Tuschen Phase 1 -$2M, Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.4M, La ParfaiteHarmonie (main road) -$2M, La ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4M. Call: 642-1252

Partnership crucial to NCDs strategic plan From page 14 of the NCD strategy. In his foreword, former Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran, noted that NCDs have “emerged as a new frontier in the fight to improve health globally. The increase in such diseases means that they are now responsible for more deaths globally than all other

causes combined.” “The new Guyana NCD Strategic Plan will position our nation to mount an effective, sustainable response,” Dr. Ramsarran said. The country's NCD strategy is built on five planks: Risk factor reduction and Health Promotion; Integrated Disease Management and Pa-

tient self-management Education; Programme Management; Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation and Public Policy, Advocacy and Communication, according to Dr. Kavita Singh, of Ministry's Chronic Disease Director. Dr. Singh described the seven-year plan as “very comprehensive (and) if implemented

accordingly will provide optimum health care and risk factor reduction” for its beneficiaries. Dr. Cummings has embraced content of strategy and, like Dr. Singh, also emphasized the issue of implementation which she indicated will most likely include a redirection of human and financial resources “without losses

where gains are made.” Probing questions by Dr. Barnett should assist Guyana with identifying its strategy's strengths and weaknesses, spotting any existing gap and help to generate recommendations to improve the Public Health Ministry's seven-year NCD guide.

Steps being taken to protect citizens in aftermath ... From page 10 notify the Department of any shipment(s) that are destined to Guyana. Port Health Officers are also asked to exercise “greater” caution with meat particularly sausages that are imported from Brazil. “The Department will continue to monitor the

situation and would notify the general public and Importers of any additional information that may come to the Department’s attention.” Meanwhile, at the regional level, the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) has been monitoring the issue relating

to the sale of unwholesome meat and meat products originating from Brazil. According to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), several Member States have already instituted measures to restrict the importation of some or all meat products from Brazil.

Internationally–based on research – China, the European Union (EU), and Chile have also instituted restrictive measures. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has redoubled its food inspection efforts on beef products from Brazil although

none of the slaughtering or processing facilities implicated in the Brazilian scandal shipped meat products to the U.S. The Department said it is still conducting additional pathogen testing of all shipments of raw beef and readyto-eat products from Brazil.

PEN PAL Indian Male is seeking a serious relationship with female between age 20-30. Call: 653-0975 Decent Elderly Indian Christian widow is seeking honest respectful widower. Please no block numbers, no messages. Call: 668-1110 Caring female for a mature gentleman, age 37-55. Contact Mr. Other, Heskey Mount, 92-96 Lord Street, PR8 1JR, England. TOURS Rodeo, Lethem Rodeo, Brazil, Falls and sightseeing, April 13- 17th. Call: 665-5171, 639-2663, 223-7589,6583758,673-2348

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Prima facie case made out against Abu Bakr ...he can call witnesses or testify (Trinidad Express) Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr yesterday had a prima facie case made out against him after a Port of Spain magistrate said she was satisfied that sufficient evidence was presented to have sentence imposed on him for failing to appear before a commission of inquiry into the 1990 coup attempt. Abu Bakr reappeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar on a private charge brought against him by secretary of the commission Laraine Lutchmedial after he failed to appear before the inquiry and give evidence on two occasions despite being served with summons to do so. When the matter was called in the Eighth Court, Ayers-Caesar said she was satisfied that attorneys for Lutchmedial, Senior Counsel Israel Khan and Larry Lalla, were able to present enough evidence against the Jamaat

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

Jamaat-al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr

Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar

leader. Now, Abu Bakr will be required to call witnesses to testify on his behalf or give evidence himself, when the matter is next called on April 4, in an attempt to sway the magistrate from sentencing him under Section 12 and 16 of the Commission of Inquiry Act. He faces a maximum fine of $2,000.

His attorneys previously stated the reason for him not attending the inquiry was because any testimony he gave had the potential to prejudice his then ongoing trial for sedition, which subsequently ended in a hung jury and a retrial being ordered. Following the non-appearance, the commission referred the matter to Director

Businessman mistakenly detained for being ‘trunker’ …while waiting outside bank for wife A couple who owns a small Charlestown business said they were humiliated and traumatised yesterday, when police ranks mistook the husband for a ‘trunker’ and detained him outside a commercial bank while his wife was inside making a $1M withdrawal. The husband was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned for about three hours at the Brickdam Police Station before being eventually released. The husband said that he had accompanied his wife to the Carmichael Street commercial bank around 11.00 hrs to withdraw $1M. He said that while she went inside, he attempted to find suitable parking for h i s c a r. H e s a i d t h a t shortly after, a traffic rank approached and asked to see his documents. An armed policeman on a motorcycle then rode up and told the traffic rank, “we want that man.” The armed rank and another colleague began to search his car, and although finding nothing incriminating, informed him that they were taking him to the Brickdam Police Station. “Although I telling them my wife in the bank with a million dollars, they still carry me to Brickdam.” The man’s wife told

Kaieteur News she was still waiting to complete the transaction when she received a call from her husband who said that police ranks had arrested him. She said that by the time she emerged from the bank with the $1M, the ranks had already moved off with her husband. The businesswoman said she informed a policeman who was outside the bank about her husband’s arrest and he arranged for her to be taken to the Brickdam Police Station. On arriving at the station, she learnt that police were treating her husband as a “suspected trunker,” and on suspicion of “waiting to commit a crime.” According to the woman, despite explaining that she had $1M which she had just uplifted for business purposes, she was told to ‘hold on’ downstairs. However, the woman said she went to a senior rank and explained her situation. She said that the senior rank informed her that he would tell the ranks to release her spouse. “A police sergeant told me ‘Don’t worry, you will get through just now,’ and they took my husband into a room.” The husband was questioned further, fingerprinted and photographed. They also

took his cell phone, while checking his prints against those in the police database. “They check his fingerprints and picture, they found nothing; they checked his car, and found nothing. I say I have to go to (another) bank, and all the time I have the $1M, and standing up in the (station) yard.” “They had the man (husband) in room, and a policemen come up and say, is where the tunker? Another one say look, is that big man.” While the husband was eventually released, the couple said that they are still to get over their embarrassment. “They also endangered my wife. She was on the road with $1M; anybody could have robbed her because of their stupidity,” The husband said. “You telling them (the truth) and they not listening.” He was also upset that the police ranks claimed that staff at the bank had contacted them, and this had led to his arrest. The unfortunate arrest is likely have been triggered by the recent spate of attacks on individuals leaving commercial banks. Crime Chief Blanhum recently said other gangs have sprung up in the place of those that police had dismantled.

Brazil suspends three more meat plants in bribery scandal

Veterinarian analyses a piece of meat collected by Public Health Surveillance agents during an inspection of supermarkets, at a veterinary laboratory with the public health department in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 20, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes (Reuters) Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry said yesterday it ordered three more food processing facilities to suspend production amid an investigation into alleged corruption of inspectors and unsanitary conditions in the world’s biggest meat producer. That brings to six the number of food processing plants that have been ordered temporarily closed by Brazilian authorities. A total of 21

plants are included in a police investigation and are not allowed to export any product, although they may still produce for the domestic market. All three plants ordered closed on Monday are in Parana state, where the scandal has been centered. They include units of Souza Ramos, Industria de Laticinios SSPMA and Fabrica de Farinha de Carnes Castro. Several major meat importers issued bans after Bra-

zilian federal police on March 17 unveiled an investigation into alleged payments to government health officials by meat processing companies to forgo inspections and ignore abuses, code-named “Operation Weak Flesh.” Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said investigators have not found any meat product that could harm the health of consumers in Brazil or abroad. But he acknowledged at a news conference that Brazil will have an uphill battle to recover its market share after confidence in its meat was undermined by the corruption scandal. The investigation hit hard at one of the few strong sectors in Brazil’s economy, which is experiencing its worst recession on record. But on Saturday, China, the biggest buyer of Brazilian meats, along with Egypt and Chile, lifted import suspensions, bringing hope of an end to the crisis. Maggi said he hoped to convince Hong Kong, Brazil’s No. 2 market, to follow China and lift its full ban on Brazilian meat imports.

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 28, 2017

Tuesday March 28, 2017

3-time champ Venus Williams... (From page 28) played a great second and third set.” The match was the 1,000th for Nadal, who improved to 822-178. Williams also started slowly, and appeared to feel poorly at the outset. After warming up she made a trip to the bathroom, and took a pill given to her by a trainer during an early changeover. She declined to discuss the issue but said she was determined to hang tough. “I know that no matter what, I’m going to leave everything on the court: all my guts, blood, sweat, tears,” she said.

Her opponent Monday night will be No. 7 Svetlana Kuznetsova, who beat American qualifier Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-2. Kuznetsova who won Key Biscayne in 2006 and was the runner-up last year. “We’ve had a lot of great matches,” Williams said. “I played her in the very beginning of her career, and now we both have had great careers that are continuing to be amazing.” Another match Monday between Grand Slam champions pits Roger Federer against Juan Martin del Potro. No. 3 Milos Raonic pulled out after aggravating a right

hamstring injury that sidelined him for nearly a month. Raonic withdrew before his match against American qualifier Jared Donaldson, who advanced to the fourth round. No. 2-seeded Kei Nishikori beat No. 25 Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (2), 67 (5), 6-1. On the women’s side, top-ranked Angelique Kerber lost the first three games and then rallied to b e a t A m e r i c a n S h e l by Rogers 6-4, 7-5. Kerber climbed atop the rankings a week ago to replace Serena Williams, who missed the tournament due to a left knee injury.

Tuesday March 28, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Travel will promote new romantic connections. Friendships will be ruined if you let too many people get involved in any disputes. New projects may lead you into a dead end. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Recognition can be yours if you present your ideas and stand behind your beliefs. Seminars will provide you with knowledge and amusement. Don't make those you live with feel unloved or unworthy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may want to have a heart-to-heart talk with a close and trusted friend. Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless. You will learn easily if you put forth an effort. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. You can easily impress others with your generous nature. Confusion could result when communicating with others. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Difficulties may be encountered while traveling in foreign countries. You should put a little extra effort in at work. Your lover will be annoyed with your participation. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do not hesitate to help elders with legal documents that are too confusing for them. Be discreet about any information you uncover. You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. You may have difficulties with in-laws or family members. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Chances are they are jealous. Don't let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can't meet their demands. Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray. You are best to work behind the scenes on projects that require detail or precision. Make sure that you make reservations early. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Romance may be likely if you travel. Be prepared to step into the limelight if you wish to promote your ambitions. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Include the whole family or those you love. Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today. Use your quick wit to win points and friends. Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren't taken.

Reifer shares in two fifty stands and take... (From page 29) Singh playing an excellent supporting role. Thirty-two minutes into the day’s play Chanderpaul pulled Kevin Stoute for the first four of the day and followed it up with a magnificent cover drive for the second boundary in the over. Chanderpaul edged Stoute for four to bring up his 137th fifty and second of the match and his half-century took 94 minutes, 78 balls and included nine fours. Chanderpaul, batting on a lightning fast outfield, steered Stoute for four to post the 150 from 198 minutes and 313 balls before Singh’s first boundary of the day was an edge off Chase, 60 minutes into the morning session. With an hour’s play gone the Jaguars were putting up plenty resistance and were 159-3 with Chanderpaul on 55 and Singh on 27, but Chase soon got the crucial breakthrough when Chanderpaul drove to cover at 169-4 and the handful of Bajan fans and the entire Barbados team celebrated joyously. Reifer, one of seven lefthanders in the side and a consistent performer for the Jaguars joined Singh with his team needing 61 runs to make the host bat again and the loss of the experienced

Williamson thwarts... (From page 26) dropped on 83 by South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and then got bogged down as he battled against the second new ball. He failed to score a run for 25 deliveries before hitting Kagiso Rabada for a boundary but he fell shortly after when wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock took a brilliant, diving catch with one hand from an inside edge off Morne Morkel. Tom Latham was the first wicket to fall when the opener became Morkel’s 250th test scalp during the first session which was delayed for 90 minutes due to overnight rain. Rabada slowed New Zealand’s momentum in the final hour of play when he trapped Neil Broom in front for 12 and then had Henry Nicholls caught by De Kock on his next delivery. Santner, however, thwarted the hattrick ball. South Africa lead the series 1-0 having won the second game in Wellington by eight wickets. The rain-hit first test in Dunedin ended in a draw. Scores: New Zealand 321 for 4 (Williamson 148*, Raval 88) lead South Africa 314 by seven runs.

Chanderpaul inside the first session, made the task of drawing the game even harder. Singh and Reifer took the score to 179 before Singh was removed by Warrican and by Lunch the Jaguars were 1865, still 44 away from avoiding an innings defeat. After the interval the 200 came up in 292 minutes off 458 balls as Anthony Bramble, who made 77 in the first innings and Reifer, buckled down for a fight with Bramble pulling Nurse for four and punching Cummins past midoff for four, while Reifer (9) edged Cummins for Braithwaite at slip to floor the offering. In a battle of attrition, the pair survived with resolute batting and after an hour into the session the Jaguars were 128-5, needing two to avoid an innings defeat. With the scores level, Bramble pulled Cummins and got an under edge onto his stumps as Barbados broke the 51-run stand as Jaguars slipped to 230-6. Two runs later Romero shepherd (1) was well taken by the Keeper as Cummins struck twice in consecutive overs. Cummins struck three runs later when Devendra Bishoo (2) was caught behind at 235-

8, while Pestano joined Reifer, who has matured tremendously as a cricketer since he joined the Jaguars Franchise. Pestano stroked Warrican down the ground before a sweetly timed boundary through extra cover in the same over took him to double figures, while Reifer stroked Warrican for his first four off his 118th ball. Pestano danced into Nurse and banged him over his head for four and by Tea the Jaguars were 264-8 with a lead of 34 and the ninth wicket partnership was already 51. After Tea Pestano, whose highest score in the GCB Franchise League for U/Corentyne is 87, latched on to Chase and dispatched him to the midwicket boundary before pushing forward to one that bounced from Chase and gloved it to short-leg with the score 290-9. Motie edged Nurse for four and cut him for another boundary before executing a scintillating straight drive when Cummins pitched up, while Refier continued to exhibit a wonderful temperament as the last wicket stand progressed as time was becoming an important factor before Warrican removed Motie to leave Barbados in a t20 chase.

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Tuesday March 28, 2017

RHTY&SC Beharry Say No 5/5 Cricket Tournament

Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” win Title R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell “A” on Sunday last were crowned champions of the historic Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, organised Beharry’s Say No Say Yes 5/5 Cricket Tournament. The team defeated surprised finalist No. 72 Cut and Load by 24 runs to lift the beautiful Beharry’s trophy and the $150,000 first prize. The Area “H” Ground was transformed in a festival of colours and music as a large capacity crowd turned up to witness the highly competitive finals which was contested by eleven teams as the Crabwood Creek Cricket Club failed to turn up. Batting first after losing the toss in the finals, Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” rattled up 68 for 4 off their allotted five overs with National Under-17 player Kevin Sinclair top scoring with 32, while former national player Delbert Hicks, supported with 14. Bowling for Cut and Load, R. Johnson took 2 for 6 off his one over. Needing to score 69 off five overs to be crowned champions, Cut and Load were restricted to 44 for 4 and lost by 24 runs. C. Beresford offered resistance to top score with 24 against the combined tight bowling attack of Junior Sinclair,

RHT Bakewell captain Major James Fraser receives the winning trophy.

The winning RHT Bakewell Team poses with their silverware. Troy Mathieson, Andre Percival, Sylus Tyndall and Ravi Narine proved too much. Tyndall bowled with express pace to claim two wickets for 4 runs off his lone over. In the lone semifinals, Rose Hall Town crushed a p o w e r f u l Yo u n g a n d Restless Cricket team by ten wickets to reach the finals. Young and Restless cracked up an imposing 57 for 1 off four overs before Delbert Hicks (40 not out) and Kevin Sinclair (19 not out) blasted their team to 60 without loss off just 3.1 overs. Earlier in the day during the first round of matches, No. 72 Cut and Load defeated Courtland by 8 wickets, Blairmont gained a walkover against Crabwood Creek Cricket Club, Young

and Restless got the better of D’Edward by 12 runs, Rose Hall Canje easily defeated Scotsburg Cricket Club by ten wickets, Cotton Tree Die Hard crushed Fyrish by 30 runs, while Rose Hall Town “A” breezed past Rose Hall Town “B” by 10 wickets. In the second round, Young and Restless defeated Rose Hall Canje by 9 wickets, Cut and Load created a major upset against the hard hitting Cotton Tree Team by beating them by ten wickets, while Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” cruised past Blairmont by 36 runs. Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster described the Tournament as a great success and noted that the

financial package was the largest ever handed out in a Second Division Tournament in Berbice. He stated that a total of forty two teams participated in the Tournament which saw Berbice being divided into four sub-zones - West B e r b i c e , N e w Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The top three teams from each Sub-Zone advanced to the finals and the long serving Secretary/CEO hailed the teams for the high standard of discipline, commitment and play on the field. He stated that together the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and Beharry were able to successfully promote the Say No to Alcohol, Drugs,

Suicide, Crime and Say Yes to Education, Life and Sports Messages to most villages and township in Berbice. Marketing Executive of Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd Satesh Singh stated that his Company was pleased to be associated with the Say No/Say Yes Campaign as part of its corporate responsibilities to Guyana. Beharry, he stated was fully committed to the development of youths in Guyana and pleaded with youths to avoid drugs at all c o s t . P o l i c e S e rg e a n t P h i l b e r t Wi l b u rg a l s o addressed the large gathering of players and spectators on the negative impact of drug abuse, suicide, crime and alcohol were having on the

development of Guyana. R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell “A” pocketed $150,000, Cut and Load received $75,000 for the runner-up spot, while Young and Restless carried home $25,000 for 3rd place. The winners of the four subzones - Cotton Tree Die Hard, Rose Hall Canje, Rose Hall Town Bakewell “A” and No. 72 Cut and Load each received $15,000, while Man of the Finals and Best Batsman Kevin Sinclair collected $10,000 and a Beharry’s hamper. Best Bowler Sylus Tyndall also received a hamper. Members of the public also won food hampers, Shivnarine Chanderpaul autograph cricket balls among numerous other prizes.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Volcanoes beat Hurricanes Is FIFA flattering to deceive? by seven wickets

Dear Sports Editor, This closure by FIFA Director of Member Associations & Development for Africa and the Caribbean, Mr. Veron Mosengo Omba that, “FIFA pleased with work of Forde and GFF”, It remains rather unfortunate on behalf of FIFA, that an assessment after a two days’ visit, can m a k e s u c h a pronouncement. Exactly what is pleasing, office procedures, secretarial duties, acquiring a Technical Director, Development Officers and establishing a Youth Academy? In erstwhile, proper playing/training facilities for clubs, in the respective Associations over years have gotten worse. Is strategic emphasis being placed on this by the GFF; Whereby, within Georgetown as an example

perceivably the largest Association, with the two oldest clubs nationally, GFC and Santos? The former over a decade or more upgraded its playing surface, to a lesser extent the floodlights and dressing rooms. But what is sadly lacking until now is seating accommodation. In relation to the latter, a worst-case scenario exists, pertaining to: the lack of a proper training venue. GFC, GDF, Tu c v i l l e , P o l i c e a n d Campton are the only venues, which is suitable to host senior competition m a t c h e s d o m e s t i c a l l y, reflective of less than 50% of the city based clubs. So, what of the others, are training venues listed on the affiliation forms. How many clubs still have the National Park ground as a training venue? The most active

Association, EBFA plays all of its competitions at the Grove ground, while the Bartica Community Centre ground, is virtually unplayable. Is this the hallmark of development that is likely to see football surpassing cricket to become the #1 National sport? By relevant comparison, cricket receives far less annual subventions from its parent body and is more properly structured developmentally. Over the years, I always advocated that development and progress can’t be measured by an increased number of clubs. Rather, it must be less clubs that are more properly structured, efficient and professionally run. “Since the days for carrying dead weight is over”. Respectfully Yours, Lester Sealey.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – Windward Islands Volcanoes beat Leeward Islands Hurricanes by seven wickets on the final day of their eight round match in the Regional 4-Day Tournament yesterday at Warner Park. Summarised scores:

VOLCANOES 540 (Sunil Ambris 231, Kyle Mayers 76, Devon Smith 65, Tyrone Theophile 30, Jerlani Robinson 29; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-151, Jason Campbell 3-100) and 52 for three (Tyrone Theophile 32 not out; Rahkeem Cornwall 3-23). HURRICANES 240

(Nkrumah Bonner 55, Kieran Powell 49, Rahkeem Cornwall 42, Keacy Carty 35; Shane Shillingford 34.3-6-78-6) and 351 (Kacey Carty 103, Montcin Hodge 60, Jahmar Hamilton 43, Rahkeem Cornwall 43; Shane Shillingford 34.4-5-114-6, Liam Sebastien 3-79).

Williamson thwarts Proteas with record-equalling ton (Reuters) Captain Kane Williamson equalled the New Zealand record for test centuries as his side reached 321 for four at the close of day three of the third test against South Africa in Hamilton yesterday. The 26-year-old joined former captain Martin Crowe on 17 test centuries when he hit a full toss from

Dean Elgar to the fence for his 10th boundary. Williamson had moved to 148 at stumps with Mitchell Santner on 13, the home side holding a seven run lead over South Africa’s first innings of 314. Williamson also surpassed 5,000 test runs, the fastest New Zealander to do so in his 110th innings.

Just five other of his countrymen have reached the mark. The skipper shared in a 190-run partnership with opener Jeet Raval, who passed 50 for the fifth time and proved the perfect foil to the New Zealand skipper during a knock of 88. The lefthander was (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 28, 2017

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Berbice Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Kings new rulers of the street format in B/ce -Outsiders finish third Javon DeSantos’ 13th minute strike was all it took to settle the final of the Berbice Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition on Sunday night, at the New Amsterdam Stelling Road in Berbice. Played before one of the largest crowd to witness the competition since its birth in 2015, New Amsterdam (NA) Kings replaced former champs Young Strikers as the new rulers of the street format in the Ancient County after squeezing past East Bank Gunners 1-0 to claim the top prize of $400,000 and the championship trophy. Following contrasting semi-final win, the final showdown begun in action fashion as both teams looked tentative going forward with a few counterattacking attempts nullified from just over the halfway line. As the players begun to settle down and the bit of early nervousness slowing dissipating the tempo picked up and both teams delivered shots at goal, but they sailed harmlessly wide of the uprights.

However, two minutes before the interval, DeSantos cut off a pass from the left flank, weaved inside, before burying his effort into the back of the goal to send their supporters into rapturous celebrations. The Gunners were kept at bay by the strong tackling Kings and went to the break trailing 1-0 with all to play for in the final period. The resumption started at a quicker pace, but errant shooting combined with an absence of buildups kept the Kings slightly ahead. As time winded down and supporters from both camps urging the players to create more attacking options the game picked up significantly, but the Kings continued to defend stoutly, while offering few attacking excursions. In one sequence, the Gunners won no less than three corners on the trot, but the Kings defence held firmly until the final whistle sounded to hand them victory. The Gunners went home $150,000 richer along with a trophy.

Part of the action in the final that featured New Amsterdam Kings and East Bank Gunners on Sunday in Berbice. Earlier, in the playoff for third place, Outsiders beat Mahaicony 2-0 with R o g e r O c t o b e r registering a second half double in the 21st and 23rd minutes. They claimed $100,000 and the third place trophy, while Mahaicony went away with $75,000 and a trophy as well.

In semi-final action, NA Kings edged Outsiders 1-0. DeSantos found the back of the net in the 22nd minute, while East Bank Gunners cruised past Mahaicony 3-0. Joseph Giddings, Ronaldo August and Andrew McCalman netted in the first, fifth and 23rd minutes respectively. The other sponsor on

board was Colours Boutique. The night’s full results: Final NA Kings-1 vs East Bank Gunners-0 Jovon DeSantos-13th 3rd Place Playoff Outsiders-2 vs Mahaicony-0 Roger October-21st and 23rd

Semifinals Game-1 NA Kings-1 vs Outsiders-0 Jovon DeSantos-22nd Game-2 East Bank Gunners-3 vs Mahaicony-0 Joseph Giddings-1st Ronaldo August-5th Andrew McCalman23rd

India close on victory as Jadeja shines DHARAMSALA, INDIA (Reuters) Ravindra Jadeja shone with bat and ball to put India in a commanding position to secure a series-clinching victory over Australia in the fourth and final test yesterday. After two days of fluctuating fortunes at the end of a tight series which is level at 1-1, India moved ahead in the morning session when they fashioned a valuable 32-run lead before being dismissed for 332 on the stroke of lunch. On the liveliest of the four pitches used in the series, Australia’s top order struggled against the bouncing ball before Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shared six wickets between them to bowl out the tourists for 137. Chasing 106 to complete a 2-1 series victory, India were 19 for no loss at the close at the Himachal

Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium which is hosting its first test. Openers Lokesh Rahul (13) and Murali Vijay (six) will resume today, with the hosts needing 87 runs to complete a comprehensive win inside four days. “We claimed three early wickets, which was a bonus for us,” Jadeja told reporters. “We had already taken an upper hand with the 32-run lead. From there, the momentum was with us,” added the all-rounder. Jadeja made 63 and featured in a 96-run partnership with wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha after India resumed 52 runs adrift and with four wickets in hand. Jadeja was hit on the helmet after deflecting a ball from Pat Cummins, who peppered the batsman with short deliveries. The 28year-old connected with one to smash his fourth six

before dragging a delivery from the same bowler on to his stumps. Steve O’Keefe sent back Kumar in the next over and Cummins (3-94) got rid of Saha, who made 31, with another short delivery. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon (5-92) dismissed debutant Kuldeep Yadav for seven to wrap up the innings and complete his second fivewicket haul of the series. Australia’s top order struggled from the start. Karun Nair spilled David Wa r n e r a t s l i p o f f Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the second time in the match but t h e o p e n e r, w h o h a s managed just one fifty in the series, was unable to capitalise and was caught behind for six off Umesh Yadav. Much depended on captain Steve Smith and the highest scorer of the series hit three delectable boundaries before guiding a

India’s Ravindra Jadeja (3-R) celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Australia’s Shaun Marsh. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi) Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivery on to his stumps to depart for 17. Umesh (3-29) had Matt Renshaw caught behind as Australia lost three wickets before they had wiped out India’s firstinnings lead. Jadeja dismissed Shaun Marsh, Cummins and O’Keefe before Ashwin

joined the party, claiming 329. Glenn Maxwell topscored with a fluent 45 before falling lbw to Ashwin. “You can hear a pin drop in the dressing-room,” batting coach Graeme Hick said. “Very disappointing day. There’s always a chance until the final ball is bowled.

But it was hard day today. The boys will be pretty down,” the former England batsman added. Scores: India 332 (Jadeja 63, Rahul 60, Pujara 57, Lyon 5-92, Cummins 394) and 19 for 0 (Rahul 13*, Vijay 6*) need 87 more to beat Australia 300 and 137 (Maxwell 45, Jadeja 3-24, Umesh 3-29, Ashwin 3-29).

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Tuesday March 28, 2017

Golden Jaguars to battle Les Matinino at MSC ground in Linden tonight GT Beer onboard to add fuel to the action; 12th man urged to support

Golden Jaguars Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover (3rd left) makes a comment at yesterday’s press conference. Others in photo from left, Charles Pollard, Sam Cox, Troy Peters, Wayne Forde and GFF PRO Debra Francis. By Franklin Wilson International football will make a welcome return to the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden tonight when Guyana Golden Jaguars battle visitors, Martinique’s Les Matinino from 20:00hrs as the latter continue preparations for the 2017 Caribbean Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup, competitions. When the two sides last met in 2012 they battled to a 2-2 draw but both will be hoping to go one step further and record a victory. A win for Guyana against

one of the best from the Caribbean would be a morale booster for the players and Guyana Football Federation (GFF), whilst a win for the French side would also be a morale booster for them having suffered a 1-2 defeat to Barbados on Sunday night last in the land of the Flying Fish. Both nations would be featuring a bevy of young and exciting players who were not a part of the set up when they last met. At a press conference hosted by the GFF yesterday at Signature Inn Hotel,

Laluni Street, Queenstown, Interim Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover assured fans that they can look forward to a win from the Golden Jaguars which would be Captained by Sam Cox. Dover said that he is looking forward to this challenge once again as the chief tactician for the game at the senior level in Guyana, a position he has held on multiple occasions before and is once again honoured to aid in the forward thrust of Guyana’s football. ”We will assure that tomorrow evening we give

3-time champ Venus Williams reaches 4th round at Miami Open KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) — The oldest player in the women’s draw at the M i a m i O p e n , Ve n u s Williams is looking forward to the next round. And next year. And the year after that. “Yeah, 2020 here I come,” she said. Williams earned her latest win in this season of resurgence Sunday, beating qualifier Patricia Maria Tig 6-3, 6-0 to reach the fourth round. Seeded 11th and appearing in the event for the 18th time, Williams is a threat to win her fourth Key Biscayne title — and her first since 2001. She’s 12-3 in 2017, including a runner-up finish to sister Serena at the Australian Open, and at 36 shows no signs of slowing down. She hasn’t been ranked No. 1 in more than a decade but still has her sights set on the top spot.

Venus Williams

“I would like to be No. 1,” she said. “Nobody is out there saying, ‘Cool, No. 11.’” Rafael Nadal followed Williams onto the stadium court and was promptly blanked in a set for the first time in more than two years. But he recovered to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 0-6, 6-2, 6-3, a comeback that

left him unusually pumped up for an early-round win. When Nadal closed it out, he threw an uppercut, leaned back and screamed at the sky as the stadium crowd roared. “It was a good feeling to have a comeback like I had today,” Nadal said. “He was doing everything good, but I (Continued on page 25)

the fans and the nation a desired victory and all would be very happy at the end of ninety minutes.” Captain Cox in his remarks said that his charges are eager and ready for the challenge whilst noting that it is a privilege to be under the guidance of both Dover and his assistant, former national player, Pollard. He also expressed gratitude to the GFF for putting on such a match against a leading CFU side. ”The boys have been training well, preparations have been good and now it’s really time to focus on the game and bring the result home tomorrow.” Pollard said that he was happy to be on board as part of the Technical staff which fulfills a lifelong dream of his. ”Transforming from player to coach is something different but I think the desire is still here. Ever since I got the phone call from Mr. Dover, it was a privilege for me to come back in this capacity to represent Guyana.” Pollard emphasized that he is happy to be supporting the Guyana team and contribute towards taking the product forward and to a next level. Banks DIH’s Troy Peters shared that his company is very excited to be on board to support the GFF and by extension Guyana. He noted that it was also a great opportunity for the company to show support for the community of Linden which is one of their strong areas and where GT Beer was

unveiled some three years a g o . ”In fact the brand has taken off not only in Linden but around the country. So we look forward to an exciting match, we urge the fans to come out and we are so pleased to be partnering with the GFF in this particular venture and we look forward to more exciting times and plans with the GFF.” Peters posited that that they are on board to help develop the sport which has encouraging potential. ”We’ve seen the sport growing from strength to strength and tomorrow, let’s look forward to a victory from the Golden Jaguars as we move forward with preparations for other international tournaments.” Forde in his comments first expressed thanks to Banks DIH for their partnership and for using a brand that is progressive, stating that they would have had very late confirmation from the Martinique Federation for the match but they were up to taking on big challenges. ”We had two options, we could have simply said to them we do not have enough time to pull this off or we could have done what we have been doing for the past couple of months, proving to Guyana that we take on all challenges and so far we’ve been very successful.” With the goal of his executive being to bring back prominence to the Golden Jaguar brand, Forde said that they will be exploring all possible avenues to ensure that there is consistent football played

on international dates so as to ensure that Guyana becomes a force to reckon with in the Caribbean and further afield. ”So we are committed to that task, we are going to do everything within our power to play on every single FIFA date that is available to us and in between. As we stand right now we have three games already lined up for the Golden Jaguars, the strategy is very simple it is not complicated; we have some opponents that are lesser than the Martinique’s and some of the other powerful guys.” He noted that for those matches an exclusive local team would be used and for tougher encounters, stronger teams would be put together which would see overseas based and more seasoned players being added to the roster. ”I want to take this opportunity to encourage the fans to come out in the Linden community and be a genuine 12th man for these guys. I know it’s going to be an exciting game, the Linden Community has responded in the most heart-warming way in terms of the work that continues to go on in terms of the preparation of the venue and promotion of the game.” Forde promised to do everything in the GFF’s power to bring back prominent football to the L i n d e n C o m m u n i t y, informing that once they respond in a huge way tonight, at least two more major international friendly matches would be played at the MSC.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 28, 2017

PAGE 31

Day 4 Digicel Regional First-Class Cricket

Reifer shares in two fifty stands and take four 2nd innings wkts Jaguars, Pride play to exciting draw

The frustration mounts as debutant Cinton Pestano just clears cover for four in his 55-run stand with Raymon Reifer. (Photos by Sean Devers) By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Stag Beer & Vnet Communications On the back of three crucial half-century partnerships and Raymon Reifer’s four second innings wickets under mounting pressure earned the Guyana Jaguars an exciting draw

against Barbados Pride as their eighth round Digicel Regional First-Class match which went down to the wire at Kensington Oval yesterday. Jaguars extended their lead to 112.8 points, while the Bajans in a position to win outright, had settle for second spot with 102.2 points with two matches to go. Guyana face the

Shiv Chanderpaul works one into the on-side at Kensington Oval yesterday during his second fifty of the game.

Leewards and Windwards at Providence in their last two games. Shiv Chanderpaul’s 63 from 130 balls, with nine fours and Vishaul Singh who scored 37 from 146 balls, 186 minutes with four boundaries, shared in a 91run fourth wicket stand. Refier who made an unbeaten 35 from 178 balls, 233 minutes with a single

boundary then added 51 runs with Anthony Bramble; 30 from 83 minutes and 55 balls and 55 for the ninth wicket with debutant Clinton Pestano who faced 56 balls and batted for 49 minutes in his 38 with five fours. Last man Gudakesh Motie (29 from 44 balls, 5x4) added 32 with Reifer in 49 minutes to see Jagaurs to 322. Miguel Cummins had 3-57 for match figures of 8-88. Set 93 from 12 overs to win, Reifer captured 4-49 as Barbados reached 75-5 with Man-of-the-Match Shai Hope, who hit Refier for six off the first ball of the run chase, fell for 35. Scores: B’dos Pride 480 & 75-5, Guyana Jaguars 250 & 322. With the sun out in all its glory after overnight rain, the Jaguars, on 119-3 needing another 111 runs to avoid an innings defeat, started cautiously on a good batting track which showed no effects of being covered during the rest day. Chanderpaul (30) and Singh (13) the two most suited for the role of saving the game by batting ‘long’ carried the partnership to 50 from 128 balls, 81 minutes w i t h C h a n d e r p a u l ’s contribution being 33 and (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday March 28, 2017

GuyanaNRA Smallbore .22 Precision Pistol Shoot

Harold Hopkinson and Jamaine Braithwaite are senior and junior top shots

Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson (center) pose with other top shots and competitors of the GuyanaNRA Smallbore .22 Precision Pistol Shoot. Seasoned campaigner H a r o l d ‘ To p G u n ’ Hopkinson and Jamaine Braithwaite emerged as the best senior and junior shooters when the 2017 season of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Smallbore

Section commenced on Saturday last at the Tactical Services Unit Range of the Guyana Police Force. The .22 Precision Pistol shoot saw competitors taking on each other in three stages of shooting from 5m to 15m.

When all was over and the scores were tallied, veteran marksman Harold Hopkinson did not allow his age to be a deterrent as he racked up 231 points out of a possible 250 to take the top spot in the senior competition, while ruling the

roost among the juniors was Jamaine Braithwaite who managed 217 points. Meanwhile, Hopkinson and Rajiv Latchana are slated to compete at the Amazon Shoot set for Suriname from March 31st.

Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition

Chase Academy continues to steamroll opponents

Part of the action in this year’s Milo Schools Football Competition which continued on Sunday. Defending champion Chase Academy continues to steamroll opponents in this year’s Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition following another lop-sided win on Sunday, at the Ministry o f E d u c a t ion ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The unlucky opponent this time was South Ruimveldt Secondary who suffered a 13-0 shelling with Nicholas McArthur slamming in five goals in the 11th, 17th, 30th, 41st, 46th minutes, while Rondell Peters added a hat-trick in the 18th, 34th and 59th minutes.

Also in winners’ row w e r e B u x t o n Yo u t h Developers, School of the Nations and Bishop’s High. The day’s full results are seen below: Game-1 Queenstown-1 vs Buxton Youth Developers-4 Buxton Scorers Ablamy Robertson-21st

John Gonzales-26th Kifambo Goodman-30th Teffrel Campbell-41st Queenstown Scorer Denzil Ross-59th Game-2 School of the Nations-2 vs Pure Masters-1 Nations Scorers Carlos Oreido-22nd Quadad DeFreitas-33rd

Pure Masters Scorer Matthew Gonsalves-31st Game-3 Queen’s College-1 vs the Bishop’s High-2 Bishop’s High Scorer Imran Khan-3rd Keron Niles-10th Queen’s College Scorer DeAndro Kirton-14th Game-4

Chase Academy-13 vs South Ruimveldt-0 Nicholas McArthur11th, 17th, 30th, 41st, 46th, Rondell Peters-18th, 34th and 59th Malachi Adonis-7th Tyrell Khan-24th Isaiah Jack-31st Jeremy Garrett-61st Joshua Williams-63rd

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 28, 2017

PAGE 33

Guyana friendly is important Les Matinino Captain; Kevin Parsemain

Les Matinino, Martinique’s Senior Men’s National Team pictured just arriving in Guyana yesterday afternoon via the Eugene F. Correira International Airport, Ogle.

Kevin Parsemain Martinique Captain Lethal forward and Captain of Martinique’s national team, Kevin Parsemain, speaking with the media after they touched down at the Eugene F. Correira International Airport at Ogle ECD yesterday afternoon stated that tonight’s match against Guyana’s Golden Jaguars is very important for his

nation. Parsemain who has scored a total of 24 goals in 38 appearances for Les Matinino was not too bothered by his side’s loss to Barbados on Sunday night last in Barbados but noted that they have to be prepared for the challenge the Golden Jaguars would bring to the pitch tonight.

He noted that when the two nations met in 2012, the Guyana team was a very good one that was strong in technique, pointing out that they would have to be at a good level in order to get a good result here. ” We l o s t a g a i n s t Barbados so we have to prove to our country that we are still here and we are still

Federer’s fine 2017 continues with easy Del Potro win Roger Federer

Omnisport - Roger Federer’s sensational form in 2017 shows no signs of abating after he powered past Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open yesterday. The Australian Open champion has lost just once so far in the calendar year and was too good for Del Potro in south Florida, the Swiss his usual calm and collected self despite a large Argentine presence in the crowd. Federer needed just an hour and 23 minutes to seal victory, marking his 16th win in 21 meetings with Del

Potro. He will now meet Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the quarter-finals as Federer seeks to claim the title in Miami for the first time since 2006. Some sensational play at the net from Del Potro allowed him to stave off break points in his first service game, but Federer’s persistence in keeping up the pressure was eventually rewarded. Having seen a further two break points go begging, Federer finally pounced on another shaky service game from Del

Potro, hitting a fine forehand pass to take a 5-3 lead. Del Potro responded superbly but could not take advantage of four opportunities to get back on serve in the next game, Federer surviving to win the opener. T h e A rg e n t i n e ’s defences on serve appeared more solid in the second but he cracked at the first sign of more pressure from Federer, drifting a backhand long to hand the world number six a 3-2 advantage. Del Potro avoided going two breaks down at 4-2 as he recovered after giving his opponent another opening with a doublefault. Federer was required to stave off his fifth break point in the subsequent game but he suffered no further scares and emphatically closed out the match by holding to love, a simple forehand on the final point a perfect illustration of the routine nature of his triumph in this latest episode of his impressive renaissance.

ready for the Gold Cup.” Parsemain noted that the matches against Barbados and Guyana are very important since both nations presents a brand of football that is very physical, similar to what they would expect at the Gold Cup. ”Those types of games in the Caribbean are very important, it’s always a competition because all teams want to show they have a place in the Caribbean so we know those games are going to be important and make well prepared for the

Gold Cup.” The former Seattle Sounders forward who also played in France and now ply’s hi trade with home team Golden Lions said that playing two high quality matches in two days is just what they would have required. ”It’s definitely a good thing because you need to be prepared, I think all the teams wants to have good games and Guyana is a good game, Barbados was tough last night (Sunday) but we have 20 players so we going

to make changes and everybody will have some playing time.” Coach Jean-Marc Civault, speaking via an interpreter said their minds are set to play a good match against Guyana tonight noting that a number of new players are in the mix as they look ahead to the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Caribbean Cup, respectively. Kick off time at the MSC tonight is 20:00hrs. (Franklin Wilson)

International Basketball Executive arrives today on fact-finding mission Following Guyana’s successful hosting of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under 16 Championship last year, which impressed the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the international interest in Guyana’s basketball will continue when the Executive Director Assistant at FIBA, Victor Mansure visits today. A c c o r d i n g t o information reaching Kaieteur Sport, Mansure will be on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the shortcomings and successes of the sport here so that FIBA can be properly updated on what is needed to develop basketball in Guyana. The visit will begin with a press conference in the morning from 9:00am before a potential meeting with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones later in the day. Mansure will also be meeting with the basketball

Victor Mansure officials from Linden, Georgetown and Berbice. Guyana’s hosting of the CBC U-16 Championships impressed FIBA to the point that a letter of commendation was sent to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF). Guyana will be playing in the CentroBasket Championships this year as a

result of its runner-up finish last year. In addition, Guyana also lost in the finals of the FIBA 3x3 Basketball Challenge in St. Lucia. It is clear that Guyana is benefitting from its international performances that have obviously gained the attention of its international parent body.

t r o Sp Golden Jaguars to battle Les Matinino at MSC ground in Linden tonight GT Beer onboard to add fuel to the action; 12th man urged to support

The Golden Jaguars pictured with GFF President Wayne Forde (with blazer) and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters (left) outside the team hotel, Signature Inn yesterday.

Berbice Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

Kings new rulers of the street format in B/ce

Guinness Sales Manager Joshua Torrezao seen handing over the Championship trophy and winner’s cheque to NA Kings captain Leonardo Adams in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (right), officials and teammates on Sunday.

Reifer shares in two fifty stands and take four Jaguars, Pride play to exciting draw 2nd innings wkts Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210