Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Hire car driver victimized for We will triumph against exposure of police corruption Venezuela’s claim DEAR EDITOR, I wish to bring to your attention, where for over three years now, I have been subject to constant attack by members of the Guyana Police Force. It all started after I reported policemen who are issuing traffic tickets to drivers and in a few days they will come back, take the ticket and money from you and destroy the ticket. I reported this matter to the Police Complain Authority, and an investigation was carried out After they found out it was me who reported them, on many occasions, the police will pound my vehicle HC 4370 for the whole day. Charges will be laid and I am taken in front of the court resulting in me paying huge sums of money in fine,

ranging from $20,000.00 and beyond. I went on several occasions to the Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James, who on one occasion asked me and family to leave his office. I wrote several letters to the Police Complain Authority and the Minister of Public Security. I went on several occasions to the office of the Minister of Public Security, to date no word/action. I went to the Office of The Commissioner of Police and spoke to Senior Superintendent, Singh who told you to put my complaint in writing. After saying all of this, I must tell you these are the reason why Guyana has such a suicide rate where people are taking their own lives.

I will not go down that road as it crossed my mind several times, because l have three (3) children and a wife who depend on me to provide for them. I call on the Commissioner of Police and The Minister of Public Security to please look into these police ranks on The West Coast/West Bank of Demerara, which I find to be very corrupt. This matter is getting out of hand and no one seems to be taking any action. I call on the Minister to have more out-reach programmes where people can make their complaints, because the Police Complaints Authority are not acting on reports when members report on police corruption Mike Jaundoo

My evolution and journey as a National poet DEAR EDITOR, In the year 1984 I was working in the interior as a diver on National Service’s gold mining dredge at the mouth of the Potaro River, residing on the camp ground at the time was a popular artist, painting landscapes of the hinterland, his name was Mr Neil Nunes; to this day we are still good friends. One day at camp he wrote a poem and asked me to have a look at it. When I was finished reading that poem, I remember saying to him “Nunesy I can write poems.” I was so inspired that I immediately began nine days of fasting and praying, using only the black water of the MIGHTY POTARO RIVER. At the end of those nine days, I had produced a collection of twenty one poems which were published in a book entitled “Revelation Pan Creation” in the year 1987 with the financial assistance from the then, Prime Minister Hamilton Greene. Between the years 19841987, I received much encouragement from members of the Working People Alliance, especially Mr Eusi Kwayana who, when I approached to seek his advice on publishing, said to

me “YOU MUST GROUND WITH THE PEOPLE, PRINT ONE POEM AND OFFER IT FOR SALE”. I heeded his advice and published my first poem entitled “Guyana” which remains a very popular piece to this day. I entered the first ever Guyana Prize for Literature in the category of first book of poetry which was selected to be placed before the judges who made creditable mention of the work. I was contacted by the library of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica to add to their collection of works by West Indian writers. I distributed a few dozen copies of the book to secondary schools and churches in Georgetown and on the East Coast of Demerara, the University of Guyana, National Archive and the National Library. In the year 1999, Professors Judith Lee and Judy Beauman of the Florida Gulf Coast University visited the University of Guyana and organized a student exchange program between the two Universities; fortunately I was one of those students making the trip to the US. I returned to the US in 2000 to perform my poem “ AFRICA,”

NIS pensioners have not received the last budget increase DEAR EDITOR, This is an open letter to the Minister of Finance. Are you aware that N.I.S retirees have not been paid the increase mentioned in your last budget presentation, i.e. 10% across the board? What is the delay? The previous budget had staff receiving the increase on October 2016 yet retirees were given this in December 2016. Was that a Christmas Gift? Angelie Force

one of the poems in the book, at an event promoted by Black Catholic Churches labeled ‘Gathering 2000". I was backed by twelve Ghanaian drummers and we did set the stage alight, and received a standing ovation from about 500 followers at the Whyndam Hotel in Tampa Florida. In 1993 while pursuing the Commonwealth Youth Program, Diploma in Youth and Development at the University of The West Indies St Augustine Campus in Trinidad, I had the opportunity to perform for over 200 participants from 12 Caribbean countries at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain. When I migrated to Barbados in 2004, I performed my poetry in schools and community centers and found a lucrative tourist market for a period of four years after which I would eventually return home in 2008. Once again I would take my work to schools and community centers here in Guyana, encouraging young writers and promoting community and national development. Young artistes would be encouraged to join me on stage to express themselves and offer their work for sale; I believe that an informed and educated people will ensure prosperity for the next generation. We must encourage and physically support our poets, writers, artists, sculptors, singers, dancers, musicians, handicrafts men and women. These are the people that bring beauty, hope, consciousness and courage to struggling nations like ours. Ras Aaron Blackman

DEAR EDITOR, In this continuum of intransigence over our rightful border with Venezuela, it is necessary to state WE in GUYANA do not answer to the dictates of the Bolivarian Oligarchy in Venezuela. They are running a propaganda war machine against Guyana. There is no distinction between the Left and the Right in that country. Together they represent no more than a small percent of their population. In the 1890’s when the United States went into Spanish America to free Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico from Spanish rule, the oligarchs lobbied for the US to invade (the then British Guiana) and give it to them. It would be quite a step down for them when they do not prevail at the coming ICJ ruling to tell the thousands of homes where pictures and murals very large and small,

feed their false pride. The brainwashing on nightly TV chewing up our territory will come to an end. I wonder if there was no Essequibo River what their claim would look like. The answer to their wishes was the creation of the Paris Commission which settled the question in the 1899 Award which they agreed to and the next morning cried against it. In the 1960’s they found it necessary to raise the spectre of rising Communism around the world in Asia and Latin America. Communist parties in the newly born Guyana became easy prey for their propaganda forcing Prime Minister L.F.S Burnham to visit President L.B. Johnson (1967) to discuss this matter. After all the talking back and forth for over 50 plus years, the end of 2017 will be the last era for these “talks”. The post International Court

of Justice period will be most interesting Will Venezuela ease its belligerence or resort to more physical form of aggression against us? Personally, I feel they will absent themselves in contempt. In this scenario be prepared for the next chapter where anything goes. In their heyday of oil revenue with multiple years of earning “Marshal Plan” money, the oligarchy should turn their attention in seeking where their astronomical funds are hidden. The hungry masses will find contentment and cease to look for greener pastures in our territory. We need to establish a Venezuela Discussion Group of keen individuals to dissect and study all aspects of their society and sectors. I pray for Morpheus to awaken them peacefully rather than for them to experience a rude awakening to world realities. Guyana will not be moved. John De Barros

Does the Constitution provide for presidential immunity? DEAR EDITOR; This coming Friday, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, the Carter Center Guyana will be hosting a symposium on Guyana’s constitutional reform, process. I find this really interesting because, actually, this symposium is not about dealing directly with the problems in the 1980 constitution. What this symposium is going to be looking at, is how to begin the process for what it will take to start the work of actually reforming the constitution. So the symposium at UG on Friday is a preamble to the preamble. Now this is all good, if only because it is a step in the right direction. However, the conveners of this prepreamble must know that the PPP is now backing away from agreeing to any constitutional reform. The PPP is arguing that before they can participate in any discussion on the reform of the constitution, the current government must first set up all the constitutional bodies, mandated by the constitution; like the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Integrity Commission, the Public Procurement Commission (without the Cabinet’s No Objection clause), etc. So while there was a huge outcry of the PPP against the Burnham (1980) constitution, prior to 1992, now that the PPP have seen the benefits of

the constitution over the 23 years, they are today engaging in a political cat and mouse game. The PPP plans to stall any constitutional reform that would limit the powers vested in the government, by the constitution. And that is because a weakened Coalition has made the PPP almost confident that they will win the next general elections. And if they again win, they would be the purveyors of the dictatorial, regressive, Burnham constitution, which they had a problem with prior to 1992. Power hungry politicians love the despotic vestiges of the Burnham Constitution. Burnham himself was power drunk. But if we look at the problems the constitution is causing, we would all agree that there needs to be urgent reform. A few weeks ago the former President was arrested and charged criminally for acts he is alleged to have committed while in and out of office. Mr. Jagdeo invoked his presidential immunity and

sidestepped any further interrogation. Immediately following that arrest, Mr. Nandalall (the former Attorney General), argued that the arrest of the former President was itself illegal; based on the Burnham Constitution. Now there is yet another case brewing where the Burnham Constitution is again raising its ugly head. The Red House lease that was granted by President Romotar, when he presided over Lands and Surveys, was revoked by President Granger, when he presided over Lands and Surveys. Mr. Nandlall (on behalf of the Red House) has brought a case against the Lands and Survey and by implication, President Granger. Acting Chancellor Yonette Continued on page 6

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

VAT on school fees will be to the detriment of the APNU/AFC DEAR EDITOR; I refer to the letter “VAT on education, if used correctly, can improve its quality” in KN of March, 27, 2017. Here are my comments on this letter which by any

standard is from political supporter as it lacks independent thinking in my opinion. I quote (“) excerpts from that letter: 1…. “but if they can

afford the fee surely they will afford the taxes.” Hogwash. Affording the fee could be by making sacrifices for the children. So how much more can one afford? VAT at 14% is quite

Pseudo theories in the promotion of sex education DEAR EDITOR; Educational campaigns aimed at youths by public, professional and religious organisations must emphasize the effectiveness of pre-marital abstinence as the only fool proof way of reducing sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies, abortions and emotional trauma. The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association recently conducted a survey titled “Sexual trends among Youths in Guyana.” It recommended an implementation of a “comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights education in all public schools.” Other stakeholders and consultants have been pressuring the Ministry of Education to implement the Comprehensive Sex Education curriculum in our public schools. According to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Comprehensive Sex Education is an “Age appropriate, culturally relevant approach to teaching about sexuality and relationships by providing scientifically accurate, realistic, non-judgmental information.” In the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education Volume 1, produced by UNESCO, and the “Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe” prepared by the World Health Organization, homosexuality, abortion and masturbation are heavily promoted while abstinence is given miniscule attention. The documents state that ‘’children ages 4-6 should be informed about the enjoyment and pleasure when touching one’s own body, children ages 9-12 have the right to explore

gender identities and youths ages 15-18 should be informed that both men and women can give and receive sexual pleasure with a partner of the same or opposite sex.’’ Such piffle and balderdash should not be indoctrinated into innocent minds of children. The Centre for Disease Control in the United States of America reported that homosexual men account for 83% of men infected with syphilis and also 60% of new HIV infections. Why would you want to promote and celebrate a scientifically unhealthy lifestyle to impressionable young minds? Comprehensive Sex Education is expertly disguised abortion rights, LGBT rights and sexual pleasure education masquerading as human rights and gender and sexual reproductive health. The Ministry of Education should reject all proposals to have contraceptive services provided to school children. If sex educators truly care about the well-being of youths in Guyana, they would teach them about the efficacy of condoms, the vulnerability of the immature cervix, hazards of anal intercourse and the horrific physical, spiritual and psychological effects of pre-marital sex. If our dysfunctional culture in Guyana continues to ignore God’s clearly defined boundaries for sexual activity, we will continue to experience tragic consequences. Ignorance of spiritual and biological truths will continue to have devastating effects in Guyana. We must protect our children from immoral, illogical and pseudo-scientific philosophies promoted in Comprehensive Sex Education. Matthew Gaul

Time to curtail the importation of frivolous items DEAR EDITOR; There is much talk these days about the 1970’s levy on sugar. But there was also a levy on bauxite that no one seems to remember. These levies were in place after the nationalisation of both industries. Many problems still surfaced in the economic sphere of the nation despite the fact that extra monies were placed in the economy. What we did at that time was not quite what should have been done. A lot of the money garnered by the levies was used to support our tastes for foreign goods and for structural adjustment of the economy. These monies should have been placed in a wealth fund and used for the retooling of both industries. We did not do this and thus useful funds went down the pipe. When the regime did get to the position of import substitution it was too late for people to use their political clout to maintain the status quo. No sooner had the author of the economic swing been buried, that we witnessed efforts to bring back ‘aloo’ and other such products. We are now feeling the effects of not going down the road of import substitution. Had we persisted we would have now been reaping the gains from those earlier sacrifices. We could now have been able to compress the sugar and bauxite industries. We would have been able to open up newer industries and still maintain the older ones at different levels. The nation would not now be facing economic

and political pressure. This is the opportune time for the current government to curtail the importation of frivolous items. There are too many items on the shelves of our shops that bring no perceivable value to the quality of life here. These are items that are being constantly viewed on the TV. People with more disposable income would rush to acquire items as a means of ‘moving up’ in life. The current US dollar impasse tends to show that we need to concentrate on essentials. Foreign exchange should only be now used for the importation of really essential items. Persons traveling should be given fixed amounts of foreign currency and a reasonable ceiling should be worked out. The European Union has recently announced measures which would cut back their demand for cane sugar from the ACP countries. More reliance would be placed on their native production of beet sugars. Our spirits production is also a matter of concern since the overseas emphasis would now be placed on high end spirits. We need to face reality and position ourselves for the new way forward. The proposed sovereign wealth fund for the accumulation of oil revenues should be carefully worked out. We should also think seriously about a fund encompassing the revenues from gold. These industries will not last till eternity, so we need to properly invest any monies which we garner from them. Cyril Walker

an imposition. 2. “I do hope that the government safeguard the revenue raised and inject it back into education as it appears as if they would.” Some apparent lack of knowledge of how government collects revenue and how it is allocated. Government works in reverse to business. First they calculate how much to spend, then they calculate where they will get that money! EXPENDITURE FIRST. REVENUE AFTERWARDS! Following that there is the allocation to the various areas of expenditure of which education is but one. Ipso facto not all that VAT goes to education. 3. “The private schools that make a profit can share the burden and absorb some of this cost”

False assumption of making a profit! True they are in the business of education primarily and might make a surplus to meet capital expenditures. The owners have to pay themselves going salaries being non-profit organizations and are generally allowed a reasonable surplus to meet capital expenditures. There are rules that govern their operations, so there is no room for absorbing the cost (VAT) 4. “We as a people need to think broader about the society we want to live in.” Sure right about this but say it repeatedly to the government for their thinking of VAT on education goes counter to this ideal. It has been my suspicion that there is more to it than meets the eye and I do not rule out those snide attitudes of

“getting even”, and that the majority of the educationalists are paying for the refusals or ignoring done by a few. 5. “ Great policy intent guys, keep it up” What? Die hard supporters would loudly voice such but not serious thinking analytical persons like me. There is no good intent in the policy as it is the parents/ guardians who have to pay up and they are supporters of the government. Supporters are generally blind but when their pockets are being drained by foolish taxes, a mind change falls in place. As said; “keep it up” but in my opinion to their detriment in the long run. VAT on school fees should be abolished right now. Carl Veecock Markham, Ontario

The Prime Minister is deceiving and misleading DEAR EDITOR; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the Oil & Gas Conference said his administration is “uncompromising about malfeasance and sleaze in public office” but if you investigate the Prime Minister’s track record you can only conclude he was engaging in sheer blasphemy. When Sussex Street Bond Gate can happen under your watch and you are still paying that contractor for a contract that unethically attempts to make evil into good, or the Durban Park Project, where some G$700 million blatantly drained from the Treasury into private pockets for work not done and you jump up on stage and attempt to tell the nation about malfeasance and sleaze, you either have to be delusional, grossly misleading or downright mischievous. When the party to which Mr. Nagamootoo can stand on that stage and talk about

malfeasance and sleaze but the party to which he belongs has just whitewashed, even more, evidence of malfeasance and sleaze under that G$605 million medical supplies control, you know that the national will has no choice but to galvanize against such abomination. Listening to that speech by the Prime Minister at the GOGA Conference will leave any right minded thinker nonplussed and bewildered because of its foundation in confounded deceit and deception. This speech is entitled to so much moral weight as would be the judgment of a band of high school miscreants and illustrate that the Hon. Prime Minister is prepared to forfeiture any stature formerly associated with former Prime Ministers of Guyana such as Hugh Desmond Hoyte and Sam Hinds, men of some level of honesty and integrity. Shame on you Moses Nagamootoo for converting a Tamil Tiger into a Sophia Poodle! Lisa Ally

Does the Constitution provide.... From page 5 Cummings-Edwards made a ruling that the local courts do have jurisdiction to hear the case. Now if President Granger revoked the lease, then the case has to be brought against the President. But the current Attorney General Basil Williams is contending that the courts have no jurisdiction to hear the case. AG Williams is arguing, that the court’s ruling – by the acting Chancellor, signals that the President has no immunity. Williams is reminding the Courts that the Burnham constitution does not allow for a President to have any civil or criminal proceedings brought against him. Now what is noteworthy is that when President Jagdeo was recently questioned and the said AG Basil Williams, was

asked about the constitutionality of the procedure. He is known to have said that the courts will determine whether or not Mr. Jagdeo has to stand trial. Now the shoe is on the other foot, Mr. Williams is saying that President Granger should not be subject to any court case. So what we have is a convenient twisting of the Burnham constitution, by the respective governments. The United Republican Party (URP) supports any moves that will highlight the weaknesses, and repressiveness, of the Burnham constitution. One of the most problematic construct of the 1980 constitution is the overarching, executive, Presidential Powers. Both the PPP and the PNC realize the autocratic benefits of the Burnham constitution.

So while on the surface they express words that suggest that they are interested in constitutional reform, deep down in the halls of their party apparatus, they will do everything to maintain the statuesque. Any reform to the constitution calls for a two thirds majority in the parliament. But at this rate there seems to be no apatite from either of the main parties in providing the needed catalyst, for said reform. It is therefore left to the citizenry of Guyana to agitate for the needed reform. And the URP will back any movement that will accelerate and eventually bring about the needed constitutional reform. Pastor Wendell P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries Founder/President

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

IMF highlights need for ‘stronger’ AML measures The International Monetary Fund (IMF), was in Guyana, recently, to assess the economic health of the nation. In doing so, it examined the strengths and weaknesses of the financial sector. A number of observations were made in relation to the financial sector, including the fact that Guyana still has more work to do with regard to strengthening its antimoney laundering measures. According to the IMF, Guyana has commendably exited the Financial Action Task Force monitoring and concluded a National Risk Assessment. However, “It should continue to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework in line with international standards.” The body also zeroed in on the need for stronger supervision in keeping with the World Bank’s Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP). The Fund said that this year’s consultation with the authorities here included an in-depth assessment of Guyana’s financial sector under the IMF and the World Bank’s FSAP. According to the IMF, the findings were many in this regard. It said that the financial oversight framework in Guyana continues to be strengthened. It noted that the authorities have introduced a more structured approach to supervision, expanded the supervisory and regulatory perimeter, and drafted a Crisis Management Plan. The Fund said that the FSAP recommended making

supervisory oversight internally consistent. The IMF understands that the authorities here are already taking steps in this direction. Furthermore, the IMF said that weak activity in a few key sectors led to a notable increase in Nonperforming Loans (NPLs), and a decline in private credit growth. A Non-performing Loan is the sum of borrowed money upon which the debtor has not made scheduled payments for at least 90 days. A nonperforming loan is either in default or close to being in default. Once a loan is nonperforming, the odds that it will be repaid in full are considered to be substantially lower. Furthermore, while banks’ reported capital adequacy ratios and profitability are high, the Fund articulated that slow collateral recovery, unrecorded related-party exposures and loan misclassifications account for inadequate provisioning. It said that more timely and effective enforcements recently initiated by Central Bank must be continued to address these supervisory gaps. The Fund also stated that the Bank of Guyana’s supervisory guidelines

should be revised to eliminate reduced provisioning requirements for “wellsecured” portions of NPLs. It added, “The Bank of Guyana should also encourage banks to cease use of overdraft lending for commercial purposes; revise the definition of related parties to reflect international standards; and increase the minimum capital requirements from eight to 12 percent of risk-weighted assets to enhance loss absorbency.” Furthermore, the Fund said that the Banks’ strong inter-linkages with the domestic and regional sovereigns; complex ownership structures; and substantial related-party lending can amplify potential shocks. It added, “Stress tests found the banking system resilient to severe shocks, but there are vulnerabilities in some institutions. Credit and deposit concentrations are high, and underpin the need for requiring banks to have contingency funding plans.” Given the aforementioned, the Fund noted that a systemic risk assessment should track the ownership linkages of banks, private sector balance sheet strength, and house price

growth. The Fund noted that operationalizing the crisis management framework will require proper sequencing and substantial amendments of the Financial Institutions Act (FIA). In this regard, it said that an effective resolution regime and a formal framework for emergency liquidity assistance are prerequisites for a Deposit Insurance Scheme. The international body said that the FIA should give Bank of Guyana powers and tools to carry out orderly resolution of banks and prevent Courts from reversing Central Bank’s actions. The Fund said that it has observed that losses of correspondent banking relationships continue to be a major concern for trade finance and remittances.

Additionally, the International Monetary Fund noted that the FSAP provided advice on strengthening insurance and pensions supervision, improving access to finance, and upgrading payments and settlement infrastructures to improve financial development. The IMF delegation was in Guyana from March 6 to March 17. The visit was in keeping with its Article IV Mission Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF usually holds bilateral discussions with members every year. During those consultations, the mission reviews the overall economic developments in the country, as well as its policy measures aimed at maintaining of economic stability, ensuring a

sustainable external balance and further liberalizing foreign trade. Upon the completion of the IMF mission consultations, the IMF Executive Board discusses the staff report and issues an assessment of the country’s economic situation and the adequacy of its economic policy measures, based on a comprehensive analysis of the overall economic situation and a wider fiscal policy strategy of the member country. The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Police investigate drugs fraud at Suddie Hospital The Guyana Police Force is investigating suspected fraudulent activities at the Suddie Public Hospital. This development follows a recent visit by a Ministerial Task Force to the Region Two hospital. According to information disseminated by the Public Health Ministry, when Task Force members visited the hospital on Monday the authorities there could not account for several items sent only last week Tuesday by the Materials Management Unit [MMU]. The missing items were not reported to the Regional Health Officer (RHO), the

team notified the police. During the Task Force’s one-day visit to the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) health institution, several other irregularities were unearthed. In one instance, the pharmacist at the hospital could not have given account for several ampules of pethidine, codine and morphine. In another, the Dangerous Drugs Register wasn’t up-to-date. The last entry was made sometime in 2015. The team also found instances where the stock of narcotic drugs either could not be accounted for and the pharmacist had extra drugs

that were still not recorded as prescribed under the law. A MMU staffer confirmed on Tuesday that 10 items on the list of drugs destined for the Suddie Hospital “either never arrived” or significantly less was received when compared to what was sent. For example, all 100 boxes of the drugs Simvastatin disappeared before arriving at the hospital. Each box contained 100 of the drugs. The official said, too, that “all 108 bottles of the Paracetamol suspension also vanished.” The MMU employee disclosed that 20 of the 1,000 Ampicillin 500Mg sent disappeared.

- supplies disappear days after delivery The MMU senior official said that all 20,000 disposable gloves sent for the hospital were not accounted for. This discovery comes on the heels of other similar questionable discoveries at other public health facilities. Just recently two individuals of the West Demerara Regional Hospital were taken into police custody. Based on reports that were filtered to this publication, the two persons

were in police custody assisting with an investigation into the allegations of drug procurement and supply fraud at the Region Three hospital. The Ministry of Public Health had confirmed this development in a statement which informed that the hospital’s pharmacist, Puran Bipath, and his wife, were taken in police custody. The couple, according to

information out of the Ministry, is employed at the hospital and were fingered in the criminal act after irregularities were discovered by a team from the Health Ministry. Reports suggest that the team, acting on the instructions of Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, had been conducting a fact-finding mission which uncovered several discrepancies.

Attorney turns in teen who stabbed Sophia schoolboy The 16-year-old who was on the run after stabbing 14year-old l Andrew Clarke is in custody, after being turned in by an attorney. Police said that the attorney turned the teen in on Monday and he is being detained at the Cove and John Police Station. Kaieteur News was also told that investigators were also attempting to locate a female relative of the suspect, since she had allegedly held the victim so he could not defend himself. Police have taken statements from the wounded lad, who is hospitalised. Clarke, Lot 201 C Field Sophia, was stabbed to his abdomen last Saturday night during a confrontation with another youth. The incident stemmed from a confrontation between the two boys at an internet cafe in ‘C’ Field, Sophia. Clarke claimed that the suspect and some of the teen’s friends had a further

Andrew Clarke

confrontation the following day, where the suspect challenged Clarke to “finish the matter.” The lad said that he and his cousin continued walking but Joe allegedly struck him with a piece of wood. Clarke alleged that he was sitting outside his home on Saturday when the 16-year-

old and a female relative attacked him. He alleged that the woman “hold me down and start to hit me all over my body,” then told ‘Joe’ (the suspect) to “come and deal with me.” He said that ‘Joe’ then stabbed him in the stomach before leaving the scene with the relative.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The genesis of the Integrity Commission and the Public Procurement Commission A number of misleading statements and generalization were once peddled about the origins of both the Integrity Commission and the Public Procurement Commission. Amongst the gamut of misleading statements is the claim that it was corruption under the PPPC administration that led to the decision to have an Integrity Commission and a Public Procurement Commission. This column seeks to correct some of the misleading statements being made about the genesis of these two bodies. With respect to the Integrity legislation, an Integrity Commission Act was first passed under the Desmond Hoyte regime in 1991 following concerns about pervasive corruption under the PNC regime. In those days, things moved within sections of the bureaucracy in relation to the amount of grease applied. For almost all public services there were underhand dealings believed to be taking place. In the face of concerns that reining in excesses by public officials with access to the public purse was fast becoming impossible, the Hoyte regime passed an Integrity Commission Act. This Bill was however seen as tepid and unable to curb the excesses taking place.

It never did. No one was ever indicted, sanctioned, investigated or prosecuted under that Act. When the PPPC came into power in 1992, it attempted to place emphasis on a lean, clean and mean government. As part of this process, it revamped the Integrity Commission and appointed the then Anglican Bishop as the Chairman. This appointment was met with consternation by the Hoyte administration. The PNCR never recognized the Chairman of the Integrity Commission. In 1997, the original Integrity Commission Act passed under the Hoyte administration was repealed and replaced by another one which was not too dissimilar. The Integrity Commission is not a creature of the Constitution. It is a product of ordinary legislation. It goes far enough for any government to claim that it has integrity legislation in place but it remains like a pit-bull whose teeth has been extracted. The reforms being proposed by the APNU will not strengthen the Integrity Commission. It will bring greater suspicion on that body. The Integrity Commission needs to be dissolved. It will not solve anything. All it will

do is ensure that public officials and parliamentarians have a lot of paperwork to fill out each year. To depoliticize the integrity commission is like trying to appoint a GECOM Chairperson under the present criteria which is set by the President. It is a mission impossible. Integrity commissions have not worked anywhere in the Commonwealth. They have ended being accused of engaging in political witch hunts. Guyana’s fraud and tax laws are good enough to allow the police and the Guyana Revenue Authority to prosecute those who obtain funds illicitly. We should not be establishing bureaucracies which will end up becoming dysfunctional. The Public Procurement Commission, on the other hand, is a creature of the Constitution. And while many saw the corruption under the PPPC as being responsible for such a body, the establishment, at least in law, of the Public Procurement Commission had little to do with corruption. To understand the genesis of the Public Procurement Commission one must go back to the Tokyo Round of trade talks in which it was recognized that government procurement represented a

DEM BOYS SEH...

Soulja Bai paying fuh de Marriott Jagdeo got a press conference today. Last week he hold two and de week before he had three. In he whole life as president he never hold one press conference a month. As a matter of fact, when ee get ketch doing skullduggery ee does run and hide. Dem boys know why he holding so much press conference and know how he love de publicity and being in de limelight when de people ignore him it does bother him. And wuss yet he don’t like dem boys because dem always skin him up, tek off all he clothes and hang he de Jagdeo to dry fuh de whole world to see. Today he holding de press conference to cuss down bout de two new young lady wha Soulja Bai swear in. Dem boys hear he vex bad. He fuming. He wanted Carl and Bull S. Rai to remain fuh life in de two chair wha dem ladies now get de same way how he Jagdeo want to be president fuh life. He believe that he and a few people alone own

Guyana and dem is de rightful and best leaders fuh de country. He was de one who lead Guyana into this Marriott scam in which he and Babbie got Soulja Bai paying $220 million every year for de hotel. To this day nobody don’t know who is de private people behind de scene in de Marriott. He got to talk bout de Marriott at ee press conference. He talk how from de time de Marriott open its doors it was to start mekking a profit. It open its door more than two years now and Guyana got to pay de loan and if Soulja Bai

don’t look out he might have to pay Jagdeo too. Soulja Bai don’t know bout de special rooms wha Brassington build in de hotel. Dem boys hear how big party use to go on there. Friends and family use to come from overseas and dine there fuh free; all at de expense of de grave diggers and cane cutters of Guyana. Dem boys never know that Brassington, de fat crook, use to shut down he wine bar and carry ee family to de Marriott fuh freeness. Is yesterday dem boy meet one of Jagdeo and Brassington padnah who let out all dis secret.

significant chunk of national procurement in developing and developed economies. As a result, restrictive procurement policies by governments were seen as impacting negatively on international trade since foreign firms were precluded by restrictive regulations from competing for the supply of goods and services within both developed and developing countries. As such in 1981, an Agreement on Government Procurement was developed with the aim of opening up

government business to competition. Under the WTO, this agreement was upgraded and became effective in 1996. In order to be compliant with this agreement, it was necessary for member countries of the World Trade Organization to liberalize the procurement of government goods and services and to institute a regime that would allow for competition, fairness and transparency in public procurement. This is why Guyana, in 2003, passed the Public Procurement Act. This was

necessary to be in compliance with the WTO rules, failing which it could have faced sanctions. The lesson in all of this is this: do not expect that both bodies will reduce public corruption. The Integrity Commission is legislatively defective. It has no teeth and is not fully independent. The Public Procurement is more about transparency and fairness and competition than about preventing corruption.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...

Two NIS inspectors accused PPP lawyer of violent scatology On March 8, two NIS inspectors - one male, one female - went to the office of a young lawyer who is a rising figure in the PPP to inquiry about his NIS payment for him and his staff. The two inspectors said there were abused by the lawyer. The allegation is that he used a scatological vocabulary to chase them out of his office. One exclamation went like this; “Get out of my f…ing office; y’all is a pack of dunces.” The matter was reported to the management of NIS and a complainant was lodged with the Brickdam police station. Yesterday, I spoke to Senior Superintendent Brutus of Brickdam. He said that there was no movement on the inspectors’ complaint because the police were

unable to secure the presence of the lawyer until last Thursday. The police have a term they use that when I first heard it, I thought of its literal, grammatical connotation. It is called, “confrontation.” But it does not mean confrontation in the mainstream way as we know it. What this police term means is that when a citizen makes an allegation that involves a criminal violation, the nature of the allegation is put to the accused in the presence of the accuser and the police analyze the contents of the exchange. Superintendent Brutus told me that the confrontation was held and there will be one of two outcomes. If the police are satisfied that there is evidence to support the

inspectors’ accusations, the lawyer will be charged. If the police have doubt, the file will be forwarded to the DPP. This lawyer holds a constitutional office that is beyond the jurisdiction of the President. In case you don’t know, there are some occupations like that. The President cannot dismiss or terminate the contract of the Director of Public Prosecutions. If the State wants to remove the DPP then certain proceedings will have to be initiated. One recalls the case of Justice Barnwell and President Desmond Hoyte. Mr. Hoyte had to go through a long route to get the removal of the judge and that could only be done through a tribunal. In this case of the lawyer, I think his

tenure is submerged in concrete. I grew up hearing my parents often use the expression, “pick sense out of nonsense.” It was their way of saying what the academic normally put as, “let’s do logical deduction.” Well, let’s do logical deduction or “pick sense out of nonsense.” NIS inspectors face hostility all the time. People normally show serious vexations at their visits. But why in this case of the PPP lawyer, they would report him to the police station? I would go so far as to say that for them to do that, then they were seriously abused. It strains the imagination to think the two inspectors were just shouted down and they went to the police. NO! I think they were treated very

roughly. I spoke to the lawyer’s attorney but did not contact him. I chose not to do so because I know he would have called Kaieteur News and warned them about publication because he will sue for libel. Three lawyers who are very well learned civil attorneys said that once I do not name him, there is no reason why I cannot write about the incident. If the police do not charge, the episode is still important for the Guyanese people to reflect on. The lawyer, even if he did not abuse or threaten the inspectors, his arrogance shows he has no respect for them. But he should. They are important state officials doing state functions that are crucial in any society. NIS inspectors, GRA tax inspectors, court marshals, food and meat examiners are not people you chase away. You cannot do that and should not be allowed to do it. It is a criminal offence and if there is evidence of assault

Frederick Kissoon then the police should charge. This society has been broken a long time ago. When you think of who this lawyer is, yet he could display such conduct to two NIS inspectors, what he wouldn’t do to the garbage collectors or cane cutters. Of course he is just another person who has no respect for the country, its laws, mores, customs and ethics. If Guyanese know who the person is that took those faked statements of poll into GECOM during the 2015 elections, they would faint. People with those statuses do not do such things. But they do it in tenth rate banana republics. Guyana is worse than that.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Bids in for construction of Sports complex at Carifesta Avenue, Mabaruma Solar farm During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, contractors vied for the contract to construct a sports complex at Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Education and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $21.5M. Below are the names of the contractors along with their bids:

The Education Ministry is also the procuring entity for the contract to provide repairs and maintenance for the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) building, Kingston Georgetown.

Bids were submitted for the design, supply and installation of a 400Kw solar farm at Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/Waini). The procuring entity is the Hinterland Electrification Company Limited.

Tenders were opened for the design and supervision of the rehabilitation of the Commissioner of Police building, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica).

Tenders were also open for the design and supervision of the rehabilitation of the ‘E’ Division Headquarters, Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).

Contractors also vied for the contract to construct the Central Anti-Narcotic Agency (CANU) administrative building. The engineer’s estimate was announced at $60.8M.

Also, tenders were open for the design and supervision of the Morawhanna Police Station, Region One.

The Ministry of Public Security is the procuring entity for the design and supervision of the rehabilitation of police stations in Regions Four and Five.

Under the Public Security Ministry, tenders were submitted for the design and supervision of the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison, Region Seven.

Finally, under the Public Security Ministry, tenders were open for the procurement of furniture and equipment for the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This contract was divided into two lots. >>>> Continued on page 28 <<<<

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Reopening of Courtney Crum-Ewing case…

Prime suspect proclaims innocence in video …as he continues to dodge cops

DEAD: Courtney Crum-Ewing

In the most recent development in the Courtney Crum-Ewing’s case, the prime suspect in the political activist’s murder has released a video recording, proclaiming his innocence. In the recording, Regan “Grey Boy” Rodriques related, “You boy innocent you know. You boy aint going back to jail. You understand me? Why they don’t look for the police them who come search up me house. Why they

don’t investigate them buddy?” Since the announcement of the reopening of Courtney Crum-Ewing case was made, the cops have not been able to locate Rodriques, the prime suspect in the March 10, 2015 murder of the political activist whose bloodied body was found on the roadway at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The cops have searched more than three locations, including Rodriques’s home

but have not been able to locate him. Rodriques, who was freed of the activist’s murder six months ago, has gone into hiding after it was revealed that the case had been reopened. “He (Rodrigues) was not supposed to go anywhere. Now that the case has been reopened, he was supposed to be arrested immediately, even before it was released by the media but this was not the case. He heard it was reopened, and he is nowhere to be found,” a source said. Kaieteur News was informed that the suspect’s relatives have claimed that they had not seen the 37-yearold man for some time. Investigators believed that Rodrigues might have fled to the interior location to avoid capture. Crum-Ewing’s body was found hours after he had been urging residents, with a bullhorn, to vote against the then ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C). One month later, Rodrigues was charged with the activist’s death after he was found with the gun that was later confirmed to be the

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodriques weapon used to execute the political activist. After the charges were read to him, he told the court, “I know that in this country once money passes to the police they do respond to you… I am an APNU stronghold.” He further added, “I know (police officer) kill CrumEwing, because when they ask me to kill Crum-Ewing and Mark Benschop. I told them no, because I’m not no killer. I even went to the police to make a report on the matter and they never took my statement.” Rodrigues was subsequently freed on

September 14, 2016. Two Fridays ago, the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar AliHack, issued a statement, remitting the case of the Guyana Police Force and Rodrigues to Magistrate Judy Latchman for reopening. According to the statement, the sole purpose of the case being reopened is to take further evidence from the police witnesses and to rule on the voluntariness of all oral statements of the accused. Last year, the case was discharged by Magistrate Judy Latchman when the Preliminary Inquiry was first conducted. It will now be prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes. The 40-year-old CrumEwing of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara was shot five times. Police in a statement had said that Crum-Ewing was walking along the roadway at Third Avenue, Diamond when a car with four men from which shots were discharged, drove up. The men escaped. The killer used a .32 pistol and fired at such close range that gunpowder burns were left on Crum-Ewing’s clothes and body.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

US team evaluating juvenile justice in Guyana As efforts continue to ensure that at-risk Guyanese youth receive maximum benefits from the United States Agency for International Development’s new Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Project, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs yesterday met with an evaluation team. The officials, according to the AG Chambers, met with officials from the Social Impact/USAID Monitoring and Evaluation Team to further evaluate the present system of juvenile justice that prevails in Guyana. “The Social Impact/USAID Monitoring and Evaluation Team are presently conducting vigorous monitoring and evaluation of the system to track and support the attainment of project objectives. The evaluation aims to ensure that programme interventions are evidence-based and both USAID and the government of Guyana learn from the approaches utilized and the reforms enacted.” The YES programme will support the reduction of youth involvement in crime and violence in targeted communities in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with particular focus on Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. The team, which consisted of Dr. Dianne Williams, Reform Study Lead; Lily Hoffman, Project Researcher; and Caroline English, Evaluation Field Coordinator, met with the Attorney General and staff from the Chambers’ Drafting Division, Charles Fung-A-Fatt, SC; Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Ananda Dhurjon and Justice Zuru, Drafting Consultants with the Division and Joanne Bond, Senior Parliamentary Counsel.

East and West Front Road squatters to be relocated Persons squatting along the embankment of the East and West Front Road are earmarked for relocation. Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing, Valerie Adams-Patterson, alluded to the relocation Monday morning while addressing participants of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), National Planning Forum. The two-day forum was held at Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Minister Adams-Patterson noted that some squatters are asking for their present location to be regularized but this would have serious environmental implications and other issues. “If we do that then, we would be encouraging, (squatting). So, while we want to meet the needs of our people and we want it to be done in a peaceful manner, we also have a responsibility to ensure that it is done in a decent and orderly manner,” the minister said. Pointing to the situation along the East and West Front Road, the minister indicated that those persons would have to move. “When you look at areas like Sophia and East and West, we have to relocate those people that are living along those canals,” the minister explained, adding that the relocation of the residents is crucial to moving forward the orderly development of those communities. “Right now the Ministry of Public Infrastructure cannot go in there (East and West Front Road) to do any cleaning of those canals. There is no space, not even

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson for the equipment. Should we regularize, then we are culpable … I do not want to be a part of that,” the minister said. The Government through the CH&PA has been working aggressively to either remove squatters or to regularize areas that can be regularised. These exercises are being carried out across the country and in communities including Sophia, Plantation Great Diamond, and Angoy’s Avenue. It will shortly move to the West and East Ruimveldt Front Road. Recently, Minister Adams-Patterson and staff of the CH&PA held a meeting with the residents of Angoy’s Avenue in an attempt to regularise that unplanned area. The engagement resulted in the two-sides reaching consensus on the way forward on the issue that was unresolved for many years. A plan was formulated to allow for residents occupying lands that are not Continued on page 14

AG Basil Williams and his team with the US visitors on Monday.

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News The newly commissioned 32-seater bus.

Lethem Town Council launches $9M school bus

Region Nine residents who turned out at the commissioning of the Lethem Bus Service. Communities in Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo will now benefit from a timely initiative of the Lethem Mayor and Town Council to provide transportation services to hundreds of students there. The council purchased a 32-seater bus at the cost of $9M after recognizing the plight of families within the communities, a government statement said. The 32-seater bus began its inaugural run on Thursday and transported the students to school free of cost on Thursday and Friday. The payment system took effect as of Monday, March 27, 2017. The bus will provide service to six schools within the municipality including the St Ignatius Secondary School, two primary schools and three nursery schools. Each child will be required to pay $1,000 per week ($200 per day) and teachers will also benefit from the transportation service as well. Lethem Mayor, Carlton Beckles, said that a second bus will also be purchased in the coming months to address the many concerns as it relates to transportation. Beckles disclosed that council has a responsibility to parents to ensure that children have the necessary transportation service to attend school. He noted that although many hinterland communities across the country benefited from President David Granger ’s school-bus

initiative, Lethem has so far not been a recipient. “So from the municipality we have purchased this bus to get the children to school at an extremely reduced fare,” Beckles remarked. In addition to providing much-needed financial relief to the parents in the communities, the bus service is intended to be of economic benefit to the municipality. Beckles explained that the funds garnered from the service is earmarked for education development in the municipality. “Parents have to pay as much as $2500 a week per child travelling from Lethem to St Ignatius. If you have three children going to school and you are paying between $2000 and $2500, you are paying between $6000 and $7500 a week,” Beckles pointed out. Deputy Mayor, Maxine Welch said that the school bus system is not one that is meant to compete with private service providers, but was initiated to assist children that traverse long distances on foot to and from school. She noted that additionally some parents have more than one schoolaged child and live in far flung communities. As such they may not be able to afford the cost of getting them to school. Welch disclosed that parents who can afford it are forced to use taxis at a cost of as much as $3,000 per child.

East and West Front Road... From page 13 reserved for roadways, drainage canals and community playgrounds, to pay for the land they occupy. It also covers the relocation of those residents living on the reserved areas in the community. Minister Adams-Patterson said that the CH&PA expects to regularise the area by the end of May. (Macalia Santos)

She pointed out that single parents with many children were the most affected by this exorbitant cost. The Deputy Mayor noted that the new transportation arrangement will boost student attendance and punctuality. “There are so many things that we as a council can do to enhance the education system in this region. This is just one of them. In the future we will be working to implement more of what we hope to achieve during our tenure in order to ensure that this municipality and the region benefit,” Welch stated. Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock, during brief remarks, applauded the municipality’s initiative which he said will be of tremendous benefit to the community. At the commissioning ceremony, Regional Education Officer (REDO) Marlene Sears-Joseph thrilled the audience with a rendition. She too spoke about the benefits of the transport service to the community. There was a large turn out from members of the community and the positivity was encouraging. One former resident of Lethem, who now works as a Journalist had this to say, “It’s about time...the first day I attended secondary school miles away I remember almost crying on the way back home...the sun and distance...I stopped and sat on the road to rest...11 year old me....I’m glad students now have a better option.” The vote of thanks was done by Akima Demetro of the Arapaima Primary School who topped the region at the Grade Six Assessment. Demetro now attends the St Ignatius Secondary School.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Once Guyana secures EITI membership…

Companies in extractive sector must comply with rules or leave — National Coordinator Once Guyana secures membership with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a no-nonsense approach will be taken with companies operating in the extractive sector. This is according to the National Coordinator of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GEITI) Secretariat, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat. EITI is an international body that was established in 2003 with the aim of making it harder for governments and companies to hide the truth about the proceeds garnered from the extractive industries. The companies in the extractive sector report on what they are paying the government and the government reports separately on what it received from the companies in the sector. A report is then prepared by a Multi-Stakeholder Group. The document, among other things, will highlight whether the numbers data collected from the two add up or if there is an irregularity. Dr. Jadoopat said, “When Guyana becomes a member of EITI, one of the important things that will happen is all the companies in the extractive sector will automatically have to abide with the EITI standards and principles…Companies will have to abide by the EITI standards and have to disclose information regarding what they are paying the government.”

The official said that for the time being, companies in the extractive sector will have to follow what is stipulated in their contracts with the Government. He said that one must take into consideration, the fact that Guyana’s laws are still lacking when it comes to disclosure of information to the public by companies. He added that there is much to be desired by Guyana’s laws when one takes into account, the disclosure measures required by EITI. Jadoopat articulated, “Our laws are not so stringent (as those of EITI). So the companies will not only have to abide by the laws of Guyana but also with EITI which is much higher when it comes to the disclosure. Those who do not comply would be deemed non compliant. There are several measures here but it is either they decide to comply or leave.” Furthermore, the official noted that Guyana has made significant headway in its application to become a member of EITI. In this regard, Jadoopat recalled that the Government of Guyana had announced its commitment to implement the EITI Standards since May 2010. He noted that Guyana and EITI even signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2012, which paved the way for Guyana to be assisted with its preparation of EITI candidacy.

He noted that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank and the Carter Center provided assistance to the Government and supported its efforts towards EITI candidacy. Jadoopat said it is expected that this will continue. Furthermore, Jadoopat said that Guyana has stepped up in achieving meaningful progress towards eligibility to apply for EITI candidacy. He noted that the coalition government has since reaffirmed the country’s commitment to EITI and announced the establishment of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Following this was the appointment of a National Coordinator and a Deputy Coordinator on February 1, last. A Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), which is one of the requirements of EITI, was officially launched on February 15, last. Jadoopat explained that the MSG G-EITI comprises 12 members, nominated by Civil Society, the Extractive Industry and Government in the ratio 4:4:4. He said that there are also 12 alternates; one for each member from the respective sectors. Additionally, the National Coordinator said that the MSG G-EITI has agreed to hold regular meetings, at least once a month. He noted that Sub- Groups have been formed to actively engage in finalizing Terms of Reference, a Confidentiality Agreement and a Work Plan.

CJIA worker dies in Land of Canaan accident

DEAD: Nizamudeen Muhammed (centre) with loved ones in happier times. A 27-year-old Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) worker was killed in an accident early yesterday while on his way home from work on the Land of Canaan, East

Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road. The dead man has been identified as Nizamudeen Muhammed of Lot 616 Section ‘A’ Block ‘Y’ Golden

Grove, EBD. According to information received, Muhammed who was proceeding north along the western side of the road in a motorcar PRR 4768, allegedly collided with the metal rail of a culvert, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to topple several times. The vehicle reportedly came to a stop after it struck a utility pole on the roadway. The police in a release said that the victim was flung out of the vehicle. Muhammed was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. When this newspaper visited the victim’s home yesterday, neighbours said that he lived alone and that his relatives were residing overseas.

National Coordinator of EITI Secretariat, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat Jadoopat also noted that focus will soon be shifted to the preparation of the application for EITI candidacy. He said that the MSG hopes to submit its initial candidate application by June / July, 2017. “Barring any unforeseen obstacles, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana can become an EITI candidate before the end of 2017. Additionally, in order to set the stage to implement the EITI Standard nationally,

measures will be taken to assist the MSG in making decisions on how the EITI process should work in Guyana,” Jadoopat expressed. He said that other measures will see moves being made to embark on comprehensive data and information compilation on the governance of the extractive sectors of Guyana, preparation of regular reports and issuance of recommendations for improving sector governance. The National Coordinator said that efforts will also be geared towards the design of a comprehensive public awareness campaign to promote and explain the work of the Guyana EITI and also inform public debate and seek recommendations. Jadoopat also noted that the Multi-Stakeholder approach is central to the operation and philosophy of the EITI, as it reflects on how the G-EITI is governed and implemented. He said that the G-EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group, like in other EITI countries, has

been established to oversee EITI implementation. “The MSG is the main decision-making body responsible for setting objectives for EITI implementation, producing EITI Reports and ensuring that the findings contribute to public debate. A fully functioning MSG is essential for Guyana to be accepted as an EITI Candidate country and for the successful EITI implementation thereafter,” the National Coordinator asserted. He continued, “The EITI Standard contains some minimum requirements related to the role, rights and responsibilities of the MSG that can help ensure efficient MSG oversight of the EITI implementation process.” Jadoopat added that the government, as stipulated in the International EITI Standard 1.4, has committed to working with Civil Society and Companies. The official said that the government has been instrumental in ensuring that the preconditions for EITI candidacy are satisfied.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

ExxonMobil set to make another major announcement on search

…Petroleum advisor briefs Cabinet on future of oil and gas sector ExxonMobil could make another major announcement on its offshore oil search in a fortnight. This disclosure was made yesterday by the Ministry of the Presidency, following a briefing by newly appointed Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, to Cabinet on the future of the oil and gas sector. The announcement could see the oil deposit find being raised from 800M barrels to 1.4B barrels to something significantly more. At today’s price, the current find is estimated at least US$70M, conservatively. US-owned ExxonMobil and Guyana are preparing for a 2020 start in production. According to the Natural Resources Ministry yesterday, Mangal in his presentation argued his role and the actions that must be taken to prepare Guyana to manage the sector. Dr. Mangal, an expert in offshore and civil engineering, who has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s Degree in

Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, has worked in the marine and oil and gas industries for the past 18 years. In an invited comment after the presentation to the Cabinet, Dr. Mangal said that given the fact that he is new to the position, it was important for him to outline his plans in the context of the President’s vision for the development of the sector. “It is to give Cabinet some comfort around the role itself, my experience and then also the vision of the President and the high level vision, which we will have to work on and Guyanese will have to work on. But it was really to give Cabinet a view of where we are starting for Guyana,” he said. The oil and gas expert explained that as the Advisor to the President on Petroleum, he will be tasked with being the ‘middle ground’ between the Government and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary plans and policies are put in place. “It is about bringing oil and gas expertise, someone from the industry like myself, in the position in the Ministry

Members of the Cabinet listen attentively as Dr. Jan Mangal makes his presentation on the Oil and Gas sector and the Government’s vision. of the Presidency, who can speak to all stakeholders in Government and outside of Government. It is a position in the Ministry that can look at things holistically in terms of Guyana’s energy sector; how oil and gas will affect Guyana as a whole. “It is about how it will touch all areas of Guyana, business and all social issues. The role will touch on all areas and will try to stimulate the stakeholders’ input and I expect that it will grow over time,” he said. Dr. Mangal noted that while his initial contract is intended to last for a sixmonth period, there is an intention to seek funding for

The drill ship, Stena Carron, in its offshore concessions currently conducting work on another well.

the appointment to be extended and expanded to include other experts from the technical, legal and commercial areas of the oil and gas sector. “I envision a small team in the Ministry, about five or less. This is a team of experts from the industry and they will be there to assist the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Finance and to also work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. “So under that five, there will be a commercial oil and gas expert, an oil and gas lawyer, an analyst and possibly a technical person but these will be persons who have been in the industry for a very long time, who know the industry very well and who are prepared to come and advise the Government of Guyana,” the Presidential Advisor said. Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, in an invited comment, said that Dr. Mangal’s presentation could not be more timely since ExxonMobil has been aggressively carrying out seismic and exploratory work, with an announcement expected in

another week or two. This, he said, will help the Cabinet to act more definitively on matters in relation to this sector. “The presentation was about the technical aspects, where we would spend our monies and the k i n d o f vision we would like to have for Guyana. So it was a good presentation; very timely and now I believe that Cabinet will examine it some more and look at the considerations some of which are political, some technical, some financial and we will ultimately come up with the blueprint if I can put it that way for the development of the oil and gas sector,” he said. Minister Trotman noted that Government is working ‘round the clock to put all systems in place to prepare Guyana for the ‘first oil.’ “We are preparing, every day, at the Ministry. Dr. Mangal is joining the Government to prepare for the ‘first oil’ and so there is something happening every day. We are looking at contracts, identifying persons to do things, assessing requests for permits. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana

Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), they are all working,” he said. Last January, ExxonMobil announced positive results from its Payara-1 well offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block. The well was drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited. It encountered more than 95 feet (29 meters) of highquality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water. The Payara field discovery is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of the 2015 Liza discovery. According to ExxonMobil, in addition to the Payara discovery, appraisal drilling at Liza-3 has identified an additional high quality, deeper reservoir directly below the Liza field, which is estimated to contain between 100-150 million oil equivalent barrels. The find, the first major one for Guyana, was announced in May 2015, while Guyana was preparing for early General Elections.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

West Berbice man to stand trial for murder Magistrate Rhondel Weever, on Monday at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court, ruled that a prima facie case was made out against a Hopetown man accused of murder and rape, and so he has committed the accused, Devon Griffith, to stand trial at the Berbice High Court. Griffith, 26, also known as Two- Kick, of Cemetery Road, Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, is accused of raping and murdering 79year-old Vida Britton at her son’s residence, 10 Main

Street Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, on October 3, 2015. The accused who was well known to the victim, his great-aunt, was charged on October 9, 2015, but the matter was discharged in the Magistrate Court on a technical point argued by then counsel for the defense, Peter Hughes. However, Twokick had his freedom curtailed early in February when he appeared in court to give evidence against Quinn George who had wounded him during an altercation late

last year. He was rearrested on February 2 in connection with the death of Vida Britton which had taken place on October 3, 2015. Medical report suggests that the elderly woman was strangled and sexually assaulted, and the victim’s granddaughter now ten years old would have witnessed the incident. With the accused having been committed to stand trial in the High Court, he has been remanded to prison, and he is now awaiting a date for trial.

President swears in Acting... (Fromp page 3) West, Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, other members of government along with friends and colleagues of the appointed Chancellor and Chief Justice. Speaking with reporters, Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire said that herself and the Acting Chancellor are aware of the challenges facing the judiciary and that efforts will be made to overcome those challenges. She added that the Chancellor can expect her support in this regard. “She (Chancellor Cummings-Edwards) has put in place a number of projects and programmes over the last year and I will try my best and strive to rise to the challenge of maintaining the momentum that she has built over the last year. I pledge to be supportive of her as Chancellor and I look forward to the support of my colleagues and judicial officers.” When asked to describe some of the urgent issues to be addressed, the Chief Justice said that there is an ongoing project called the ‘Jurist Project’ which addresses how the backlog of cases will be handled as well as the implementation of the Civil Procedure Rules. She said that efforts must be made to not only sensitize

judicial officers to these rules but also lawyers and most importantly the public. According to Justice GeorgeWiltshire the judiciary is moving to become more open so that members of the public understand the judicial and administration of justice system. “I think that is a bit lacking in Guyana and that is something we will try to do over the next few months.” Questioned on the issue of the Family Court for which she has responsibility the Chief Justice said that two judges are assigned to the court and that is the complement assigned to the court based on the current strength of the judiciary. She added that some lawyers have been complaining that matters are coming up

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Kaieteur News

quickly in the Family Court. She said that once there is an application for a divorce or a matter pertaining to a child a date for hearing is set. “It is very difficult to get out of that date for hearing and the public has to understand that. So it is not a question where you file a matter in the court and you think, Oh I have a few years, I have a few months; It is not going to be working like that anymore. It’s going to put pressure on us as judges but the lawyers and the litigants has to understand that the speed at which we are able to work is supposed to be much much faster.” She said that it is going to be tough particularly as it relates to keeping up with the timeline but the Acting Chief Justice said that challenges are meant to be overcome.

12 corneal transplant surgeries... (From page 19) Foundation has given its support for the completion of 31 corneal transplants. Corneal transplant surgeries cannot be performed without donor corneas, Dr. Sugrim recently explained. “Corneas need to be donated by relatives of deceased donors and are carefully preserved for use by eye banks,” he noted. Dr. Waller, a surgeon with remarkable experience and who has worked in many countries worldwide, is the coordinating surgeon who has been working dedicatedly over the past few months in the United States to procure corneas to bring to Guyana.

He is a strong advocate for the establishment of an Eye Bank in Guyana, Dr. Sugrim revealed. In order to further advance the eye care programme here, Dr. Sugrim revealed that the GPHC has granted approval for one of its local eye surgeons, Dr. Celeste Hinds, to proceed on a three-month Cornea Fellowship training. Upon her return, Dr. Surgrim said, the Department

of Ophthalmology plans to proceed with pursuing the laying of the groundwork for establishing an eye bank in Guyana. “We pay homage to the great contribution of the late George Subraj and express gratitude on behalf of the patients who were operated upon,” said Dr. Sugrim even as he added, “GPHC is extremely proud to have been able to host this group at the hospital once again.”

PAGE 26

WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 677-6620 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to washers, dryers, stoves, deep fryers, control system etc. Call: 619-0793/ 699-8802 Singh AC Service & Refrigeration, repairing auto A/C, washer, fridge & stove @ ZZ Durban Street Wortmanville. Call: 698-7807/ 683-6741 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

VACANCY Gardener , watchman, handyman, guard – Call: 2237500 Monday – Friday 8:154:15pm, Saturday 8:15am1:15pm

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

Handy boys must have police clearance, puri cooks. Apply to Shanta’s, 225 Camp and New Market Street.

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

One shop assistant to work in the Interior, must have experienced. Call: 668-6421

Vacancy for cleaner sand landscapes to work at WB cleaning & janitorial services. Call: 592-698-3644 Experienced Waiters/ Waitresses, apply to: Manager, Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown. Apply before 5th April, 2017. Exist for sewing machine operators, persons with intermediate level training will be considered. Call: 2255948/ 644-4398 HEALTH Dietitian’s Clinic: dietary counseling for all disease conditions, BMI check, blood pressure testing etc. Call: 231-9335, 699-7083

Handyman and Driver, apply at Nimbus Water, 79 Albert and Laluni Street, Queenstown. Call:231-7002/ 622-0445 Minibus Drivers - 45yrs and older. Call: 666-6991

CAR RENTAL

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

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

- 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 Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 227-1218 Take up possession on Gold land, Middle, UpperMazaruni, Test results available. Call: 6000036/223-1273

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 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 New Portable Massage chair with free carry case$42,000.Call:227-1939 New Portable Massage table with free carry case$58,000.Call:227-1939.

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.

We are buying WamaraTonka Bean Logs, cash down as document ready. Call:6645150

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

Contract hire car to work @ GR Taxi. Contact Ganesh: 6146202

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

Three storey 75ftX30ft concrete building, open floors, two offices, two washrooms, driveway @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/225-0605

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

Fully furnished three bedrooms, top flat, opposite Georgetown Hospital School of Nursing. Call: 225-3756/ 662-0973

1 Big music set for sale, owner migrating - urgent sale price $350,000- Call: 690-5225

1-One bedroom located at ‘C’ Field Turkeyen, preferably, single person. Contact Lisa: 697-8867

If you are selling your land in Eccles, Herstelling or anywhere. Call Duncan: 677-4092 Investors for mining land in the MazaruniArea. Call: 672-8844 We pay in USD for residential house lots, all legal fees taken care of. Call: 684-5822/6292881. One Chief Security officer to head a security operation in the hinterland. Good Pay. Call: 696-9386

ACCOMMODATION CAR RENTAL

FOR RENT

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

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, QuickBooks. Call: 6144358

FOR SALE

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

Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020

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

SALON

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 Bartica - $3M, Uitvlugt (100ftX50ft) - $3M, Farm$3M, Herstelling (4th Bridge - $3M). Call: 677-4092 Farm (East Bank) -$3M, Providence (New Scheme) $5M, Herstelling -$3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M. Call: 684-5822/ 629-2881

One tower light Mileage. Call: 680-5356 Gold and Diamond land @ Berbice River and Ekerou top side- Call: 600-0036 or 223-1273 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198

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

ENTERTAINMENT Cotton Club: Restaurant & Banquet Hall, buffet Sunday, breakfast & soups, daily lunch, breakfast specials. Call: 231-1908

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).

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: 678-1110 Caring female for a mature gentleman, age 37-55. Contact Mr. Other, Heskey Mount, 92-96 Lord Street, PR8 1JR, England. Continued on page 27

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

DRUG PURCHASES...

Opposition moves to question Health Minister in National Assembly The political opposition has taken to the level of the National Assembly to grill the Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, regarding various aspects of the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for her Ministry. Lawrence is expected to provide a written reply to the questions submitted by Opposition Member, Juan Edghill. The Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is calling on Lawrence to provide information regarding the total sum expended for drugs and medical supplies for the Ministry of Public Health between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017. Edghill asked Lawrence to state what percentage of the 2016 budgetary allocations for drugs and medical supplies was expended by December

31, 2016; if any monies were unspent and returned to the Consolidated Fund and how much was returned. He is also asking Lawrence to state what were the reasons for the underperformance in the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the public health system. The former Junior Finance Minister also wants the Public Health Minister to tell the National Assembly, the name of each supplier; the value of each contract and date of award; the name of the supplier/s which failed to deliver within the stipulated contractual period and by what amount; and the name of the suppliers which delivered inferior/ substandard drugs and medical supplies. Lawrence is also expected to state in each case of

Opposition Member, Juan Edghill procurement, whether these tenders were publically advertised; if so when and where and, if any of these awardees were pre-qualified. But that is not all. In each case of the above, the Opposition wants Lawrence

to tell the nation which body of the Ministry of Public Health was responsible for evaluating and recommending the award of these contracts. Furthermore, Edghill wants Lawrence to tell the nation the number and names of any contracted suppliers which delivered drugs and medical supplies that were expired, were close to expiry date, and/or, of an inferior quality, between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017. He also wants the Minister to provide the specific drug, and, or medical supply, and the dollar value in each case which was procured and found to be expired, and or, of inferior quality. The Public Health Minister is expected to also state whether she has information that any employee(s) of the Ministry

Brazilian pastor gets High Court bail After the continuous rejection of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to grant bail to Haleno Luiz, the Brazilian pastor who was charged over a month ago with a road fatality, Attorney Mark Waldron was able to secure bail for his client from a Judge. Luiz, 35, a senior pastor at the Universal Church Kingdom of God is accused of driving motor van PPP 4765 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Maurice Moseley on March 3, at Smyth and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown. Attorney Mark Waldron, yesterday, disclosed that his client was granted bail by a judge at the High Court in Georgetown last week Friday. However, Waldron did not state in what amount bail was

Haleno Luiz

KILLED: Maurice Moseley

This causing death by dangerous driving matter is being heard before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

who on numerous occasions refused to grant Luiz bail citing that he is a flight risk given the fact that he is a foreign national and had

set.

Private university conducting... (From page 18) with the [actual] work...” “We are looking to have a 100 – 150 bed hospital. Maybe that would put us as the largest private hospital in terms of bed space once we are up and fully functional,” said Bhaskar. But according to the TAU President, once the feasibility study is completed “we would meet with Government but we don’t think the government will have any objection with this since they are not going ahead with their specialty hospital...” “I don’t think that the government should have any objection on that hospital because health care is very critical,” continued an optimistic Bhaskar.

Once it comes to fruition, Bhaskar said that “the hospital is going to be a paying hospital of course but we will have some free beds which we will call the education beds, because the students will need to interact with patients.” TAU first opened its doors in 2010 operating out of the Critchlow Labour College. The university later opened a branch at Sparendaam, East Coast

Demerara and recently completed construction of a 100,000 square foot campus valued at some US$10 million at Providence, East Bank Demerara with capabilities to cater to some 1,000 students. Its flagship programme from the inception has been Medicine which is currently complemented with a nursing programme and plans are apace to soon introduce pharmacy and other programmes.

provided police and the court with conflicting addresses. Police is contending that Moseley, formerly of Lot 235 Lamaha Park, East LaPenitence was riding his motorcycle along Sheriff Street collided with the van being driven by Luiz after it failed to stop at the intersection. It was reported that the pastor was proceeding at a fast rate of speed. Based on information received, the pastor has been residing in Guyana for the past three years.

From page 26

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

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence of Public Health, and, in particular the Materials Management Unit, and /or the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, has/have been complicit with contractors/ suppliers of pharmaceutical and medical supplies in defrauding the state. If this is the case, Lawrence is being asked by the Opposition to state what actions have been taken to investigate these allegations; and to state whether the Office of the Auditor General and or the Guyana Police Force have been called in to investigate these allegations. Edghill also wants Lawrence to explain to the House whether her unusual decision to relocate her ministerial office to the Diamond Drug Bond, E.B.D, as publicly announced in January 2017, has provided the opportunity for her to take a more hands on approach to the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the public health system.

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 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274 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). One Roadside, 2 Storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Bids in for construction of Sports complex at Carifesta Avenue... >>>> From page 11 <<<<

The Regional Democratic Council for Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Takatu) is the procuring entity for the construction of a nursery school at Yurong Peru Village, Central Rupununi.

Tenders were open for the extension/rehabilitation of the regional administrative building, Central Rupununi Region Nine.

Tenders were open for the procurement and installation of marine fuel tank level measurement system for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The Ministry of Health was listed as the procuring entity for the supply and delivery of medical equipment.

The Health Ministry is also the procuring entity for the contract to procure dietary supplies for the Community Health Worker Programme.

Finally, under the Regional Democratic Council, bids were announced for the construction of a bridge at Rupununi with dimensions - 120 feet x 18 feet at South Central Rupununi, Region Nine.

PM May to fire the starting gun on Brexit today

Tenders were open for the supply, delivery of bee handling equipment including protective and processing equipment and hives to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs is the procuring entity for the extension of the dining area at the Indigenous residence.

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves to greet Qatar’s Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street in London yesterday. (REUTERS/Neil Hall) The Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry is also the procuring entity for the construction of the student dormitory at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

(Reuters) Prime Minister Theresa May will file formal Brexit divorce papers today, pitching the United Kingdom into the unknown and triggering years of uncertain negotiations that will test the endurance of the European Union. Nine months after Britons voted to leave, May will notify EU Council President Donald Tusk in a letter that the UK really is quitting the club it joined in 1973. The prime minister, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the political turmoil that followed the referendum vote, will then have two years to settle the

terms of the divorce before it comes into effect in late March 2019. “We stand on the threshold of a significant moment for Britain as we begin the negotiations that will lead us towards a new partnership with Europe,” May said on Monday. “We are going to take this opportunity to forge a more global Britain.” May, 60, now has one of the toughest jobs of any recent British prime minister: holding Britain together in the face of renewed Scottish independence demands, while conducting arduous talks with 27 other EU states on fi-

nance, trade, security and a host of other complex issues. The outcome of the negotiations will shape the future of Britain’s $2.6 trillion economy, the world’s fifth biggest, and determine whether London can keep its place as one of the top two global financial centres. For the EU, already reeling from successive crises over debt and refugees, the loss of Britain is the biggest blow yet to 60 years of efforts to forge European unity in the wake of two devastating world wars. Its leaders say they do not want to punish Britain. But with nationalist, anti-EU parties on the rise across the bloc, they cannot afford to give London generous terms that might encourage other member states to follow its example and break away. BREXIT DEAL? EU officials expect May’s notice of intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to be hand-delivered by British diplomats today, when May will also speak to parliament. The Brexit letter will seek to set a positive tone for the talks and recap 12 key points which May set out as her goals in a speech on Jan. 17. Within 48 hours of reading the letter, Tusk will send the 27 other states draft negotiating guidelines. He will outline his views in Malta, where from today he will be attending a congress of centreright leaders. Ambassadors of the 27 will then meet in Brussels to discuss Tusk’s draft.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

UG mulls 35 percent tuition fees hike over next 3 years

The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus Students of the University of Guyana were caught off guard by the announcement of a proposed 35 percent increase in tuition fees, yesterday. The announcement, which was made at a Town Hall meeting yesterday, by Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith, entails the increases being applied incrementally. The first 15 percent increase is proposed to be effective from September, the beginning of the new academic year. A 10 percent increase is planned to be applied next year, followed by the other 10 percent increase in 2019. New students enrolling into the University are likely to pay a higher increase. According to students, the invitation to attend the forum did not have an attached agenda. As such, the majority of them boycotted the event, and were only made aware of the “colossal” announcement via Facebook posts from fellow students. When contacted last evening, President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), Ron Glasgow, confirmed that announcement, saying that the student body was consulted on the decision. He said that the UGSS was not in favour of the increase, and that the proposal still has to be deliberated on when UG’s Council meets.

“That should be before March 30,” Glasgow added. In a Facebook post on March 22 last, Public Relations Officer of the UGSS, Christina Basil, hinted at the forthcoming announcement. “During the beginning of the last semester we were called to pay a five percent tuition increase. This decision was abrupt and unjustified, and it was refuted by the student body in collaboration with the University of Guyana Administration team. We were able to mitigate the increase and UGSS and the students all shared a short term victory. “However, as we remember, the Vice Chancellor addressed the student populace where he shared that there will be an increase in tuition slated for the next year. The time has come,” Basil said. The post went further to highlight that the initial proposal to begin the new academic year with a 20 percent increase in tuition fees, as opposed to the aforementioned 15 percent hike. “We are mere months away from the next academic year, and as such, an increase in tuition should serve as no surprise for us…the UGSS has been graciously included in the consideration of this increase, thanks to the Senior Administration, and at a recently held meeting, we sternly objected to such an exorbitant increase,” she said

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

in her post. Basil posited that even if the senior administration wanted to recoup tuition that was lost, a 20 percent increase was NOT the path to take. “Through our valiant efforts, we were able to keep the increase to 15 percent. Facility fees remain untouched. There are also plans to improve the Loan Agency, among other procedural activities. Loan Agency will also soon start making provisions for the loaning of facility fees.” Basil went on to ask that students provide their feedback on the possible increases. “The UGSS is urging you to be aware of persons peddling other malicious rumors. We are on your side and we are assiduously fighting for fair play as it pertains to the well being and comfort of all students,” Basil said. Meanwhile, students have already taken to social media to vent their frustrations. Many are accusing the student body of not having the best interest of the students. Former news personality and current Marketing Student of the University of Guyana, Romel Roopnarine, was one of the persons who attended yesterday’s meeting with the Vice Chancellor. According to him, the forum which was promised to be an interaction session, resulted in the Professor Ivelaw Griffith making a lengthy presentation, after which he allowed about six questions before bringing the curtain down on the event. Roopnarine, along with a number of other students, is annoyed at the fact that the student body is asking for students’ feedback on the proposed increases, but did not engage them before the decision was made. “The student population cannot afford such a huge added financial burden at such a period,” Roopnarine added.

Govt. footing RBL loans is tantamount to subsidies to Marriott chain- hoteliers

Local hoteliers have upped pressure for the administration to sell Marriott after learning that Government has been forced to dip into taxpayers’ dollars to pay almost $480M annually in loans. News that the Government of Guyana is forced to fork out over US$1.1M every six months to service loans at Republic Bank Limited (RBL) on behalf of Marriott Hotel is not going down well for a number of hoteliers. On Friday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan disclosed that Government has been intervening in the almost US$30M payments, with the bank being asked to flex on repayment. However, the time for any payment delay has come to an end. The bill will have to be footed by the treasury unless the Kingston-based hotel manages to complete its adjoining entertaining centre ,which through its casino will generate enough revenues to pay its commitments. Yesterday, a number of hoteliers said that for the Coalition government to use taxpayers’ dollars is in fact unfair competition. “The wealthy international chain should have been required by any responsible Government to pay an annual rent for the property to support its business in Guyana instead of being subsidized by the poor Guyanese taxpayers,” a prominent hotel owner said. With more than 20 hotels

dotting the city and its environs, the anger has been real. The hoteliers who say they will seek an audience with Government, made it clear that it is grossly unfair to the operators of local hotels, the majority of which go to the bank to finance their operations. ”Marriott pays no corporate taxes, no property and other taxes, earns massive management fees on the hotel’s sales, contributes nothing to the local economy and now our taxpayers are being asked to pay the loans on the property,” a spokesperson pointed out yesterday. ”Marriott ignores all needed maintenance of the property to maximize its management fees, underpay local staff and treat them with contempt. Where is the justice? The way forward is to sell the hotel property, cut future losses and stop the bailout.” The hotel was opened in early 2015 by the previous administration and was touted to bring quality rooms to Guyana. Over US$50M was spent

but with concessions, land costs and other expenses, the final price could well be in excess of US$80M, critics say. The hotel is owned by Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), a state-owned company. More than US$20M was spent by the government through the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a government company that oversees investment and which is the parent company of AHI. There have been much criticisms of the project and the financing structure, which although the majority of the monies were being spent by the State, the controlling interests were going to private parties. While business at the hotel has been picking up, it will never be making enough to pay creditors unless it opens its entertainment center, complete with the casino. Leading up to the May 2015 elections, the then Opposition, now in Government, had vowed to make moves to sell the hotel.

PAGE 30

Bus conductor remanded on robbery charge A bus conductor was remanded to prison on a robbery under arms charge when he appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Monday. Shawn Kansinally, 27, of Lot 247 East Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, Georgetown denied the charge which alleged that on November 2, 2016 at Cummings Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, robbed Delisa Barnes Dixon of two gold chains valued $120,000. Kansinally was represented by Attorneyat-Law Jed Vasconcellos who told the court that his client was picked up by the police on the route 47 bus Park. The attorney added that his client was never placed on an identification parade and he certainly did not know Barnes-Dixon. Vasconcellos told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family and asked that he be released on reasonable bail. Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves opposed to bail being granted to the defendant, citing the serious nature of the offense and the penalty it attracted.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

Remanded to prison, Shawn Kansinally The prosecutor further told the court that Kansinally was positively identified by the Barnes-Dixon. Bail was denied by the Magistrate and the father of two will make his next court appearance on April 10.

Welder remanded for chopping stepson A welder was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. The charge read that on March 19 at Aranka Landing, Suraj Singh unlawfully and maliciously wounded Eon Lewis. The defendant pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him. Singh was represented by Attorney-atLaw Clyde Forde who in his application to secure bail for his client told the court that his client is not a flight risk. After the alleged incident his client was severely beaten and had to be hospitalized. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant and

told the court that the entire incident arose when the defendant attempted to chop the Virtual Complainant’s mother who is married to the defendant. The victim on seeing the defendant approaching his mother with a cutlass intervened by forcing his way between the two to avoid his mother being chopped. The defendant then turned his attention on his stepson and dealt him several chops about his body. Moore further stated that if bail is to be granted to the defendant it is likely that they will be more confrontations with his wife and her son. Singh will make his next court appearance on April 6 in the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts.

Lodge Alpha hosts inaugural blood drive In keeping with its obligation of benevolence and charity, the Brethren of Lodge Alpha, No. 1594, hosted it inaugural blood drive at Masonic Hall, Carmichael Street, last Saturday. Personnel from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) were pleased to receive the contributions of the eligible Brethren who were able to donate blood. This event was the first of its kind for the Lodge, and it is expected to be an annual fixture on the calendar of activities for Lodge Alpha. “As a Lodge, our main focus is on charity and benevolence. Our benevolent and charitable activities revolve mainly around financial donations and in some cases materials to some entities responsible for the less fortunate in our society. “While we will continue in this fashion of giving tangible and financial aid, we thought that the donation of blood is also a meaningful way in which to give of ourselves to save the lives of those most in need of help, hence the commencement of this blood donation exercise,” Brother Richard Francois

A Brethren donating blood. said. We at The Brethren of Lodge Alpha No 1592 are grateful for the support received from Mount Olive Lodge No. 385 and Wheel of Service Lodge No. 9431 in the donations of blood made by some of their Brethren.

“We would also like to thank Dr. Pedro Lewis and his staff from the NBTS for availing themselves and their services towards Lodge Alpha, so that this exercise could have materialized and be the success it was,” said Brother Francois.

Charity’s NDC overseer says Regional Chairman insulting Overseer of the Charity Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC), Samuel Sooklall, has expressed his disappointment in the way he was addressed by the Region Two chairman, Davenand Ramdatt. Overseer, Samuel Sooklall, said that last Wednesday he was invited by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to attend the launch of MARAD’s administrative office in Charity. Samuel said that upon entering the office he was insulted by the Chairman of Region Two, Davenand Ramdatt, who publicly claimed that “the staff of the NDC is always late for every occasion, and because of their lack of punctuality, they failed to put the Maritime administration office in the old hospital.” Samuel Sooklall finds this statement to be both overrated and misleading since the NDC was unaware, and had nothing to do with MARAD’s decision to establish their office in the mall. This publication understands that an agreement was made between the Charity NDC and director of MARAD, John Flores.

The agreement outlined that the old hospital would be used to house the Maritime’s office, however the office is now being housed in the mall instead. The NDC Chairman, Mrs. Deatrice Mittelholzer explained that “Flores told her MARAD would use the WD mall instead. “They were told that the hospital would soon be demolished.” Deatrice Mittelholzer said that no decision was made to demolish the old hospital since it is currently housing the Guyana Forestry Commission, a photocopy studio, a pharmacy, the NDC boardroom and the E-Government hub. She further stated that requests were made by the NDC for the old hospital building to be renovated, not demolished. Samuel and Mittelholzer believe that the chairman only made his statement to publicly belittle the Charity NDC. They further noted that the chairman had no right to make such a statement since the NDC is governed under the Ministry of Communities and not the Chairman.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

Barbados launches CARIFESTA XIII BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The 13th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) was launched here on Monday evening with the Barbados Culture Minister Stephen Lashley underscoring the importance of the region’s premier arts festival. He said the August 17-27 festival will bring significant economic benefits to the island as it hosts some of the region’s best in dance, the spoken word and other cultural genre. “CARIFESTA XIII is expected to generate much economic activity on our island when the expected 3000 plus artists and artisans come to Barbados along with their friends and relatives to take part in the festival. “From hotels to transport to restaurants, technical providers and the list can go on and on. All of these will benefit from the activity associated with this event,” Lashley said. Earlier this year, Lashley said a budget of eight million dollars (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) would be used to renovate performing venues such as the

Combermere School, St Leonard’s Secondary, Alexandra and Christ Church Foundation School and another six million dollars million for the execution of the 11-day festival. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said the festival highlights the whole notion of regional integration. He told the launch that the decision of the Barbados government to host the two week event “reflects your recognition of a significant contribution that culture and the creative industries can make to the economic and social development. “It also represents another clear and tangible demonstration of your commitment and support for our regional integration movement, if indeed anymore were needed,” said LaRocque. “We are all looking for-

ward with great anticipation,” he said. CARIFESTA was conceived out of an appeal from a regional gathering of artists who were at the time participating in a Writers and Artists Convention in Guyana in 1970 and which coincided with Guyana’s move to Republican Status. The three main considerations with regard to the staging of CARIFESTA were that the festival should be inspirational and should provide artists with the opportunity, to discuss among themselves techniques and motivations and it should be educational in that the people of the Caribbean would be exposed to the values emerging from the various art forms. According to a statement on the CARICOM website, the festival should also relate to people and be entertaining on a scale and in a fashion that would commend itself to the Caribbean people The regional creative festival which was first held in Guyana in 1972, will be held here under the theme “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves”.

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C ’bean governments urged to provide some level of protection to sugar industry KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Caribbean stakeholders say it is time regional countries provide some level of protection to the regional sugar industry even as they acknowledge the need to modernise the sector as impending changes in Europe could result in a drop in the price for the commodity. A joint statement issued by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Council following a two-day meeting that examined the Caribbean Sugar Industry Post-2017, noted that the region needed to “urgently refocus our attention on our own market in the region. “Governments around the world give tariff protection to their own sugar

industries, yet in the Caribbean we are currently losing out to imported sugar from outside the region. It is time to modernise our approach to sugar. “The net cost effect of tariff protection to consumers will be negligible but it will give our industry the ability to attract investment, mechanise the industry and provide quality jobs and a sustainable future for the sector. “We urge our Ministers to adopt the recommendations in the industry position paper we have published today and to take back control of the destiny of the industry. The industry stands ready to play its part – and we have set out the ways in which we will work to create new efficiencies and productivity

across the sector,” the joint statement noted following the meeting that ended here over the last weekend. The two-day meeting was held in collaboration with the Caribbean Council, the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the Jamaica promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). It was funded by the European Union, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ASR Group, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and brought together industry leaders and policy makers for an in-depth discussion on how the Caribbean sugar industry now needs to adapt to the new market realities. Delegates will also discuss the policy options which are available to both industry and regional governments. The recommendations of the industry workshop were presented to the Sixth Meeting of the CARICOM Stakeholders on Sugar held

here last Friday. Managing Director of the Caribbean Council, Chris Bennett, said the “exciting range of ideas and opportunity which have been presented by Caribbean industry specialists …demonstrates that Caribbean sugar can be a modern and high value component to the 21st century Caribbean economy. “The framework for trade needs to be modernised also – to reflect that the Caribbean no longer can or should depend on the EU market as a guaranteed buyer. “The trade and tariff policies required are straightforward and applied all around the rest of the world – there is an urgent need for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy to put in place the equivalent protections as soon as possible,” he added. Earlier, a senior official of the CARICOM Secretariat had warned that the ability of sugar industry in the region to survive after the

removal of production quotas in the European Union on September 30, will depend on improved competitiveness and pragmatic diversification options. The end of EU’s quota management for sugar is expected to lead to a fall in prices towards the international sugar price and a decrease in sugar imports from the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, with particular impact on Caribbean producers. CARICOM Secretariat Programme Manager, Agriculture and Industry, Nisa Surujbally, said that securing more remunerative markets, value addition and an enabling policy regime within the CSME were also very important to the industry’s survival. “We have witnessed major structural changes in the operations of our sugar industries, including the exit from sugar production of two Member States, Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis. Nevertheless, we are

mindful of the vital role and contribution of the sugar sectors to the economies of Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica. “Survivability of these industries, after the removal of production quotas in the EU on September 30 2017, will in no small measure be a function of improved competitiveness, securing more remunerative markets, value addition, an enabling policy regime within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, and, not l a s t l y, p r a c t i c a l a n d pragmatic diversification options. “I say this as a technical official while being acutely aware of the emotional associations we have with our Region’s oldest economic sector. This industry is responsible for us being here and has coloured our history from colonisation, to slavery to indentureship and to independence. It is not an easy time! Now is crunch time”, she said.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

Scottish parliament backs bid for new independence referendum

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attends a debate on a second referendum on independence at Scotland’s Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh yesterday. (REUTERS/Russell Cheyne) (Reuters) The Scottish parliament yesterday backed a bid to hold a new independence referendum in 2018 or 2019, but the British government immediately rejected the proposal. The stand-off further complicates the United Kingdom’s political situation just as years of daunting negotiations on the terms of its exit from the European Union are about to begin. The Brexit issue has strained ties between the UK’s four constituent parts because England and Wales voted to leave the EU while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to trigger Article 50 of the bloc’s Lisbon Treaty today, a formal step that will start two years of talks on withdrawal terms and future trade relations. The Scottish legislature in Edinburgh voted by a majority of 69 to 59 to give First

Minister Nicola Sturgeon a mandate to formally seek permission from the British parliament in London to prepare for a referendum in late 2018 or early 2019. “The people of Scotland should have the right to choose between Brexit, possibly a very hard Brexit, or becoming an independent country able to chart our own course,” Sturgeon said earlier in the chamber. But the British government swiftly responded that it would refuse to enter into negotiations on Sturgeon’s proposal. “It would be unfair to the people of Scotland to ask them to make a crucial decision without the necessary information about our future relationship with Europe, or what an independent Scotland would look like,” it said in a statement. “NOW IS NOT THE TIME” Sturgeon has said the

shape of the future deal should become clear between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019, and the Scottish executive would also put forward a detailed plan by then for what independence would entail. Scots voted against independence by 55 to 45 percent in 2014 but Sturgeon argues the Brexit vote changed circumstances and they should not be dragged out of the EU against their will. “When the nature of the change that is made inevitable by Brexit becomes clear, that change should not be imposed upon us,” she said. May has said “now is not the time” for a new vote on Scottish independence and insisted her focus was on getting a good Brexit deal that would work for every part of the UK. Having won the vote in the Scottish assembly, Sturgeon said she would not seek discussions with London until after Article 50 was triggered because she recognized Wednesday was a momentous day and May should not be distracted. She told the chamber that if London sought to block her plan, she would return before the Edinburgh legislature after Easter to say how she would handle the situation. She gave no further details. Sturgeon was strongly criticized during the debate by lawmakers from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat opposition parties who said most Scots were tired of the independence debate and did not wish to go through the argument again so soon.

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Kohli says friendship with Australian... India sweep season with fourth... (From page 38) intense in my own little bubble and at times I have let my emotions and actions just falter a little bit throughout this series and I apologise for that. “That’s a big stride for me moving forward and something I can really learn from and continue to grow as an individual and as a leader.” Smith, however, expressed disappointment with the BCCI for airing on-field exchanges between R Jadeja and Matthew Wade through a video clip on its website, in which umpire Ian Gould could be heard trying to intervene. “Yeah, I was a little bit disappointed that the BCCI sieved through the archive to find a conversation out on the field that was happening

between Matty and Jadeja,” Smith said. “It’s happened between both sides throughout this series, so the fact they’ve done that to us is a little bit disappointing. “Usually what’s said on the field should stay on the field. It’s been a hard-fought series and guys are going to say things here and there, their emotions are going to be high. And so they should be in such a big series. So I was a little bit disappointed by the fact the BCCI did bring that out. Kohli also fired back at sections of the media who criticised his behaviour and form throughout an unusually lean series: he made only 46 runs in three Tests. “As I’ve said before, it’s not in my control,” said Kohli.

“I’ve heard a very wise person tell me that when a person is down, the weak come out and speak about him. It takes courage to speak about someone when they are on top. It’s fine, I was targeted individually and I hadn’t done well in the series. So opportunities galore for everyone to come out and speak about me. “When I’ve done well in the past, people have spoken about me. When I haven’t done well I obviously expect them to come out and say all sorts of things. It’s obviously very easy to sit at home and write a blog or speak behind the mic. I think that’s easier than coming out and competing on the field. “That’s all I have to say about that.”

Wednesday March 29, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can make money if you work on personal investments. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. Expect your workload to be heavy. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A lack of support and negativity have been the main problems. Opportunities for financial gains through investments and games of chance are likely. Check your personal papers and make sure everything is in order. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Verbal abuse could lead to carelessness. Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. Rewards for past good deeds will be yours. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. If you are not already, think about going into business for yourself. This is not the day to be extravagant.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You are best to keep your cash in a safe place. Don't let your partner put you down. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You need to take a break with the ones you love. You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. You may find a rare antique today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Plan your social events carefully. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You will be able to catch up on overdue paper work. Your ability to dazzle others with your unique and innovative ideas will attract attention. Tempers could boil if someone you work with has not been pulling their weight.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Either way, you're up for a passionate encounter with someone special. Expand your knowledge and sign up for courses and seminars. Do your own thing.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You will feel so much better about yourself if you can control your addictions. You may be confused regarding your love life. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Your hard work will payoff; advancement looks positive. Sudden changes of heart may cause disruptions in your domestic scene.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment. Try to get out and socialize. You'll find it easy to talk about your feeling today. Don't hesitate to find out what your mate's intentions are.

(From page 33) struck the pad. At the other end Cummins sent a bouncer down the leg side that may have touched Vijay’s gloves before being taken on the juggle by Matthew Wade. Certainly Ultra Edge indicated as much, but only Wade raised the most half-hearted of appeals. More straightforward was another edge in Cummins’ next over, near enough to an action replay of Vijay’s first-innings dismissal, which offered a glimmer of light for Australia. Genuine excitement fol-

lowed when Pujara and Rahul hesitated fatally in taking a quick single to the right arm of Maxwell, who threw down middle stump to send Pujara on his way with 60 still needed. In those moments the Australians wondered briefly what might be possible, and the Indian viewing area tensed up like with so many teams chasing a pesky small target in the past. But Rahane and Rahul barely put a foot out of place in the overs that followed, accumulating steadily until Cummins elected to go around

the wicket for the tourists’ final effort. Rahane’s riposte, the first impressively orthodox, the second more redolent of the forthcoming IPL, said much about India’s admirable resilience in the face of a most unexpected challenge. Scores: India 106 for 2 (Rahul 51*) and 332 (Jadeja 63, Rahul 60, Pujara 57, Lyon 5-92) beat Australia 300 (Smith 111, Wade 57, Warner 56, Kuldeep 4-68) and 137 (Maxwell 45, Jadeja 3-24, Ashwin 3-29, Umesh 3-29) by eight wickets.

Gladiator Championship Wrestling coming... (From page 39) Cynthia Rothrock, 11-time World Kickboxing Champion and Movie Legend Don “Dragon” Wilson, and many others,” said Mr. Massiah. He first met Dan Severn in 2015 at the “Legends of Martial Arts” event, where he was nominated for his 1st Hall-of-Fame Award, for “Extraordinary contributions to Martial Arts. That meeting with Dan in 2015 has now resulted in this magnanimous event in 2017, he said. The TV host was excited about the fact that “this is not just picking up a few guys and calling it a wrestling event this team consists of proven & accomplished professional wrestlers; World, country, & event Champions, so Guyanese can comfortably expect Wrestling Entertainment at its best, just as - if not better than what is seen on the TV with WWE wrestling”. The event is set to be

Frustrated Logie to... (From page 36) 20 wickets. In a frank assessment of his role, Logie conceded that maybe his methods were not being effective. “If the players are not able to respond the way you want them to respond, if the philosophy you have is not taking root as a coach you have to re-assess,” he pointed out. “At the end of the day everybody wants to see the players and if they are not performing, coaches are a dime a dozen and if you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. “So yes I will make a decision [on my future], there is no two ways about it, at the end of the day if you’ve got to move on, you’ve got to move on, that’s life.” Red Force travel to Bridge t o w n t o f a c e t h e powerful Barbados Pride in the ninth round beginning April 7.

streamed “live’ to several countries. The TV producer proclaimed sincere gratitude to the sponsors of the programme, without which opportunities such as these would not be possible. They are: Jermin’s Enterprise, Fitness Express, Guyana Karate College, Nexgen Global Marketing, Fly Jamaica Airlines, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Giftland Sportsmaxx, Fantaseafoods, Space Gym,

Rosignol Butchery, Mike’s Pharmacy, C.I.D.I, & Superbet. Tickets, (prices which will be later announced) goes on sale in the 1st week of May, it is suggested patrons should secure their tickets early for the 3 categories of seating, which will be Stands, Ringside, & VIP. Companies & individuals who wish to be a part of this Historic event can call 6098132, or 645-0944.

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

Flying Ace Cycle Club holds successful annual Awards ceremony The Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) on Saturday last held their 17th annual awards and presentation ceremony for its top performers for the year 2016 at the Rainbow Bar, New Amsterdam. During the ceremony the top cyclist, its sponsors and supporters were recognized and awarded. National juvenile champion Zaman Khan, who has been riding for one year, did enough to be crowned the top cyclist of the club. Young and upcoming female rider Shenika Teixeira rode away with the top female cyclist award. Veteran rider Syborne Fernandes received the top award in that category with Wasim Hassnu the runner up. The top junior rider was Balram Narine, while Ralph Seenarine took the top Juvenile award. The Bhowandin brothers Shivnarine and Mahesh were the top BMX riders of the club. Among those donating trophies were Assistant Commissioner r Ian Amsterdam, Payless Variety Store, Goosai and Goosai, Pompey Establishment,

Former female champion Marica Dick and Health Director. In attendance and making speeches were Club Patron and former Mayor Errol Alphonso, Commander Ian Amsterdam, Sports Enthusiast Eli Hazel and former National cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin. They all congratulated the cyclists for their outstanding performance during the year. They also had words of praise and appreciation for founder and coach Randolph Roberts and the rest of the executives for the excellent work they have been doing over the years. A call was made on the government to make more sports facilities available. An effort should be made to revitalize places like the Mental Hospital and Rose Hall Community Centre Grounds that could be used for training and competitions. It was observed that only the roads are being u s e d n o w. F e a r w a s expressed because the roads are becoming more dangerous every day.

Recipients pose with former Mayor and club Patron Errol Alphonso and founder and Coach Randolph Roberts after receiving their accolades. The government and the business community were asked to support sports, which help to keep youths fit and off the streets. The government should make all sporting equipment tax free so that every youth in the country could be able to purchase equipment and gear to use it was noted. Among some of the top cyclists to emerge from the club over the years is Wazin Gaffor, who holds the national park lap record since 1992, Wilbert and

Gary Benjamin, Peter Millington, Russell Allen, Rudolph Blair and female rider Rhonda Persaud among many others. Roberts in his speech mentioned that the clubs was formed over 30 years ago. Cycling is a very expensive sport and over the years the club had a lot of challenges. However, despite the impediments the club has been holding its own while attracting new

riders and withstanding the pressure. Roberts had special words of appreciation and thanks for Wilbert Benjamin of Benjamin Business Establishment of Fyrish, Water Crest Hotel, Businessman Steve Edwards, A Ally and Sons, First Impression Hotel, Furniture World, Arokium Funeral Home, Guyana Bank of Trade and Industries, Courts, The Felix Family, Hand In hand, Persaud Funeral

Establishment, Shaveh Business Entity, Former Mayor Errol Alphonso, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, Attorney at Law Mursalene Bacchus, S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Boodnarne Persaud, Ming’s Optical, Assistant Superintendent Williams among others. The club will also like to thank its overseas based riders who continue to support the club over the years. (Samuel Whyte)

Brazil close in on qualification for Russia 2018 Brazil soccer players attend a training session at Arena Corinthians stadium, Sao Paulo. (REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker)

Paulinho (R), Neymar and Willian (L) attend a training session of Brazil’s national soccer team at the Arena Corinthians stadium, Sao Paulo, Brazil. (REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker) (Reuters) Brazil could become the first side to guarantee qualification for t h e 2 0 1 8 Wo r l d C u p yesterday if they beat Paraguay at home and both Ecuador and Chile drop points. Group leaders Brazil face Paraguay in Sao Paulo and will move on to 33 points if they win what would be their eighth consecutive qualifier.

Ecuador and Chile are tied in fifth place with 20 points, behind Uruguay on 23, Argentina 22 and Colombia 21. If Ecuador do not beat Colombia and Chile fail to take maximum points from Venezuela then they would not both be able to overtake Brazil. The top four teams in the South America region qualify automatically for

Russia 2018 and the fifthplaced side go into a playoff against a side from Oceania. There will be four more rounds of games after Tuesday’s matches. Brazil are the only team to play in every World Cup but they were humiliated on home soil in 2014 when eventual winners Germany hammered them 7-1 in the semi-finals. Coach Tite has got them

back on track after Dunga’s unhappy spell in charge and their recent form - a South American record seven qualifying wins in a row - has established them as one of the favourites to win the

World Cup for a recordextending sixth time. They are strongly fancied to beat seventhplaced Paraguay, even though the visitors have won or drawn their last four

competitive fixtures in Brazil. Thirty two teams will t a k e p a r t n e x t y e a r ’s tournament, with hosts Russia already assured of a place.

Kaieteur News

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India sweep season with fourth series win

Virat Kohli receives the ICC Test mace from Sunil Gavaskar, India v Australia, 4th Test, Dharamsala, 4th day, ©ICC ESPNcricinfo - Ajinkya Rahane sent a 146kph bouncer from Pat Cummins flying into the crowd at midwicket and, next ball, slapped another short one over the cover fence while backing away. These were the blows that finally snuffed out the last of Australia’s fight, and sealed once and for all India’s victory in this most bewitching of BorderGavaskar series. Australia entered the fourth morning with only the scantest of hopes, defending

Members of the Indian team gather for a photo with the trophy, India v Australia, 4th Test, Dharamsala, 4th day, ©Associated Press

a mere 87 runs and needing 10 wickets. This did not mean that contest was over, as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins fired the ball down with pace and venom after a night’s refreshment. The loss of M Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara - the latter run out by a brilliant throw from Glenn Maxwell - kept Australia hoping. But KL Rahul and Rahane responded with bold blows to settle the matter. The win in Dharamsala ended India’s marathon home Test season with four

series victories out of four, and also means that the team presently holds series honours over every other nation in the five-day game. Rahane’s stand-in captaincy, in the absence of the injured Virat Kohli, had been vital to this achievement, so too the runs of Rahul, the pace of Umesh Yadav and the allround contribution of Ravindra Jadeja. There will be great satisfaction derived also from the fact that Dharamsala offered conditions more familiar to

Georgetown, East Coast triumph G e o r g e t o w n Representative Team and East Coast Demerara recorded victories when the U-17 inter association 50over tournament commenced yesterday in Demerara. The Georgetown side beat West Demerara at Everest. After Georgetown failed to field a team a side was formed with six available players from the city and some reserves from the other Associations. The match was reduced to 40 overs per side. The Georgetown Representative team took first strike and were bowled out for 115 in 28.4 overs. Sachin Singh made 25, while Dwayne Dick contributed 20. Elian Whyte bagged 525 and Aftab Basir had 3-17. West Demerara were bowled out for 62 in 29.2 overs in reply. Ashmead Nedd claimed 4-14 while Dwayne Dick and Qumar Torrington had 2-10 each. At Enmore, East Coast took first strike and made 149-6 off their reduced 36 overs due to seepage on the pitch. Rajendra Singh top

Ashmead Nedd

Elian Whyte

scored with 41 and Andrew Samaroo made 39. East Bank responded with 102-9. Andsuegga Rodrigues and Jamal Michael top scored with 17 each. Hemant Dindyal grabbed 4-15 and Samaroo 2-16. Manager of East Bank team Rohan Sarjoo e x p r e s s e d h i s disappointment with the delay of the game which he said was caused by poor covers. He also informed that the

water for the players were not available until after 11:00hrs. The competition continues this weekend. On Saturday East Coast and West Demerara will battle at Ogle ground, while East Bank will take on Georgetown at Everest ground. On Sunday East Bank Demerara will clash with West Demerara at Ogle ground and Georgetown will go up against East Coast at Enmore ground.

the tourists. For that reason, among others, Steven Smith’s team were left to ponder a string of missed opportunities after their vast opening win in Pune. There have been times in all three Tests since that the Australians have looked very much in control of proceedings, but they have been unable to stay on the mountaintop under pressure from an Indian side roused into action by the shock of that first-up hiding. As the ball continued to bounce and swerve when India resumed their pursuit of a modest target today, Australia’s fielders must have wondered what might have been with another 100 or so runs to defend. Josh Hazlewood went up for a pair of vociferous lbw appeals against Vijay in the opening over, but on both occasions the opener got the merest of bat to ball before it (Continued on page 31)

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

Benjamin, Khan propel Good Success to WCC Farmers Cup T20 title

Man-of-the-match Charles Benjamin accepts his prize from Alex Chung.

The runner up Sans Souci SC. By Zaheer Mohamed A disciplined bowling performance led by Wazir Khan and a fine half century from Charles Benjamin guided Good Success SC to a nine-wicket victory over Sans Souci SC when the final of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) inaugural Farmers Cup T20 tournament was contested on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Sans Souci decision to bat on a moist pitch backfired when opener Devon Rambarran (00) was bowled off the first ball by Imran Khan, while medium pacer Wazir Khan removed Keron Kumar (01) leaving

the score at 4-2. Wayne Osbourne (02) was then caught at cover off Wazir Khan before Cleon Venture (00) was bowled by the said bowler as Sans Souci slipped into further trouble. Roopnarine Persaud and Tavin Budram attempted to resurrect the innings but after adding 20 for the fifth wicket, Budram tried to go over top and was bowled by Imran Khan for four. With his team in trouble, allrounder Seon Venture attempted a big shot against David Chalitar but was bowled without scoring before off-spinner Nazeer Mohamed had Persaud who hit a four and a six lbw for 16. R e o n Ve n t u r e , w h o

surprisingly batted late in the order and Omal Bacon halted the procession to and from the pavilion, but skipper Imran Khan rotated his bowlers well to prevent any cameo in the latter stages. Bacon was lbw to Gurnauth Khemraj for 17, while Venture who hit the last ball of the innings for six remained unbeaten on 29 as Sans Souci finished on 88-9. Wazir Khan claimed 316, Imrah Khan 2-6 and Nazeer Mohamed 2-19 while there was one each of Chlitar and Khemraj. Charles Benjamin and Ejaz Mohamed started cautiously against the new ball pair of Seon Venture and Osbourne before a change in

the attack gave Sans Souci the breakthrough; Mohamed was bowled by Cleon Venture for four. But Benjamin stood firm and a l o n g w i t h Vi c k r a m Ramnarine batted Good Success to safety. Benjamin struck Persaud for two sixes before driving Tavin Budram to the long off boundary, while Ramnarine took b o u n d a r i e s o ff K l e o n Venture. Benjamin hammered three fours and three sixes to remain unbeaten on 51, while Ramnarine who hit two fours and a six ended on 24 not out as Good Success finished on 91-1 in 15 overs. Benjamin was named manof-the-match, while Cleon Venture took the best bowler

prize with 10 wickets and Imran Khan the best batsman trophy with 160 runs including 134 against Zeelandia. Secretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed congratulated the teams, more so Good Success. He expressed gratitude to the sponsors, adding they are looking forward to their continued support and also thanked Trophy Stall of Bourda Market. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Lokram Narine, congratulated the winners and pledged their continued backing for the sport on the island. He pointed out that Sponsorship is of utmost importance for the

development of sports and thanked the WCC for the opportunity. Tom Singh, Khemraj Surujpaul, Mohamed Azam Aslam and Mohamed Kalam gave brief remarks. The Farmers Cup was sponsored by a number of f a r m e r s i n Wa k e n a a m namely Vickraj Ramdhani, Ganesh Narine, Alex Chung, Kampta Persaud, Farouk Azad, Mohamed Azam Aslam, Heera Sukram, Khemraj Surujpaul, Raj Narine, Mohamed Kalam, Rabbie Munesar, Kishan Ramrattan, Lakeram Cobeer, Lokram Narine, Kumar Lokram, Tom Singh, Cleon Venture and Julian Ramotar.

Eastern Wakenaam capture GSSC dominoes crown E a s t e r n Wa k e n a a m marked 62 games to win the final of Good Success SC dominoes tournament which was contested on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Sea Shore finished second on 60 games while All stars placed third on 50. Egbert Johnson made 12 and James McAlmot 11 for the winners while Anil Ramrattan and Mohamed Sheriffudeen made 12 and 10 respectively for Sea Shore. Tom Singh and Vijay Persaud made 14 and nine in that order for All star. All stars won the opening round with 85 games ahead of Sea Shore 84 and Quick Pick 70. Vijay Persaud 17, Tom Singh 16, Khemraj Surujpaul 14 and

Anand Dhannyshure 12 were the leading players for All stars. Suraj Harnarine made the maximum 18 games for Sea Shore, while Vi n o o d R a m a d e e n supported with 16, Anil Ramrattan 15 and Andrew Osbourne 10. Heera Sukram made the maximum 18 games for Quick Pick. Sea Shore chalked up 80 games to win the second round, while Eastern Wakenaam placed second with 69 and Melville third on 61. Vinood Ramadeen scored 16 and Ramrattan 16 for Sea Shore while Johnson and Mitroy Solomon got 16 and 14 respectively for Eastern Wakenaam. Lokram Narine and Jermaine Wolf made 14 each for Melville.

The winning Western Wakenaam side with GSSC secretary Nazeer Mohamed at right.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Golden Jaguars and Les Matinino battle to 0-0 draw at MSC Noisy Linden fans came out to urge team on By Franklin Wilson in Linden Watched by a capacity and vociferous crowd last night, Guyana’s flagship Golden Jaguars battled to an exciting 0-0 draw with the visiting Les Matinino, M a r t i n i q u e ’s s e n i o r national side at the Mackenzie Sports club ground. The crowd made their presence felt from the first to the final whistle of the 95 minute shindig as football made a welcome return to the Bauxite Mining Town after a hiatus of over five years. Following a scratchy first half which saw the

home team playing a bit pensive on a sand based s u r f a c e , t h e y {Guyana}adjusted and upped the ante in the second half and created quite a few chances as did their opponents but neither were that clinical in the final third which resulted in no goals being scored. Guyana were a bit slow to the ball in the first half as the quickness of the French side which have qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Caribbean Football Union Championship Finals caught them napping. But even with that, the

home team displayed an encouraging desire to excel against a side that features a number of solid players and a side that have made it to the G o l d C u p , t h e Confederation’s flagship championship on multiple occasions. First choice Goalkeeper Andrew Durant, who is based Trinidad and Tobago, brought off some close saves in the second half that kept the Martinique side out including one that resulted in him twisting his knee which saw him being substituted very close to full time, another T&T based goalie, Akel Clarke, taking over between the uprights.

The Martinique starting team that opposed the Golden Jaguars last night at the MSC ground in Linden. With the friendly nature of the match, Guyana’s Technical staff of seasoned campaigner Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and debutant

Guyana South America Undiscovered Martial Arts C/ship

6 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze for Best of the Best Martial Arts School

Members of the successful team that represented Best of the Best Martial Arts School of Houston with Club Founder Quacy Baveghems. The Best of the Best Martial Arts School (BBMAS) located at Houston on the East Bank of Demerara turned in a satisfying performance competing at the Guyana S o u t h A m e r i c a Undiscovered Martial Arts Championship which was held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday last.

BBMAS raked in a total of 13 medals, 6 gold, 6 silver and one bronze medal from the nine athletes who represented the club. Sponsoring the club for this event was Geo Park to w h i c h C l u b Founder/Director; Quacy Baveghems Grand Master Soke 9th Dan Black Belt is expressing thanks.

Assistant Coach Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard utilised five other subs as fresh legs were introduced strategically in the second half. Chances were created but not put away, Pernel Schultz coming close on two occasions but went over the cross bar, a tad bit more patience could have very well seen the Golden Jaguars burying one past Kevin Olimpa in goal for the visitors. At the post match press conference, Captain Cox expressed gratitude to the hundreds of fans who came out to support them which gave the team a needed boost. ”At the end of the day we went out and did not concede a goal, I felt we were good defensively as a unit, well organised and I think we really frustrated Martinique today. So it was a really a good performance and now we have to progress from this.” Goalkeeper Durant, who was also present at the post match press conference, also thanked the fans for their brilliant support whilst thanking God for allowing him the opportunity to once again represent his country. ”I think our performance today was very good providing the conditions that we played under, I think the guys did well defensively. Offensively we need to do a bit more work but it’s a new start and going forward I think we would do better.” Durant also said that he is looking forward to the same

crowd support for future matches. Interim Head Coach Dover congratulated his team for a splendid performance against a top opponent. ”As the Captain said we came out not to concede a goal and not to lose the game and that is what we achieved. In the first half they made the game a bit difficult for us because we taught they would have sat back and let us come but they took the game to us and we were a bit uncomfortable in the early stages. But once the game wore on and we found our way we start to impose our own style of play on the Martinique team and we see that we created many chances, they created chances too but the end result was 0-0 which we welcome and accept.” Les Matinino Captain Kevin Parsemain in summing up the performance of his side said that the game was a good one for them especially after their loss to Barbados on Sunday night last. ”We knew we would be tired but I think we played pretty well, we did all we wanted to do and we didn’t score, we weren’t very efficient but we don’t have to be disappointed about the 00 result.” Coach Jean-Marc Civault noted that the time for the two matches was very short but it was important for him not to lose and to stay focused on the Caribbean Cup of Nations in July.

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

“Team knew the importance of a draw here” - Coach Crandon As Jaguars extend unbeaten run to remain on top By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Stag Beer & Vnet Communications It is said that a wounded Jaguars is at its most dangerous and the final day of their eighth round Digicel Regional First-Class match began with the Guyana Jaguars facing an innings defeat in the face. But three half-century partnerships and four second innings wickets from player of the day, Bajan, Raymon Reifer inspired a spirited fight back which saw them holding on for a draw against Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval on Monday. Set 93 to win in 12 overs the Bajans played in t20 fashion but could only reach 75-5 when their overs expired. The exciting draw

extended the Jaguars’ unbeaten run to six matches since last losing to the Leewards Hurricanes last year November. The draw took the Jaguars to 109.8 points, 10.6 ahead of second placed Barbados Pride (99.2) points and Jamaica Scorpions (95.2), both with realistic chances of dethroning the two times defending Champions. Without their most successful spinner Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , robbed of the chance of representing the Jaguars in the top of the table clash due to being selected for the West Indies in a t20 encounter against Pakistan that he was unlikely to play in, the Jaguars were on the back foot from the time Barbados amassed 480-3 declared and the Jaguars were made to follow on. After being trapped for

Raymon Reifer

Gudakesh Motie

Esaun Crandon

three days the Jaguars clawed their way back on the last day and while they did not roar to a win they survived for a draw but not with their tails between their legs. So what was the recipe for success batting on a last day pitch? Head Coach Esaun Crandon explained

what transpired behind the scene. “Yes I am pleased with t o d a y ’s ( M o n d a y ’s ) performance, we really fought hard. The guys displayed great discipline and fight. Basically I said that today’s result was like a win for us taking into consideration the position

we were in. I acknowledged all the positives and areas that we need to improve on,” informed Esaun Crandon, the 35-year-old Jaguars’ Head Coach from Berbice. Crandon, who took 90 wickets from 38 First-Class games, said the main reason for Monday’s result was that the players believed they would not lose and realized the importance of drawing the game. “We displayed great character, discipline and fight. We came out focused on saving the game, we knew it would be tough and we knew we had to fight hard and in the ended we survived and saved the game,” said the most successful Coach in Regional First-Class Cricket over the last three years. Crandon said that the plan on Monday was to bat for long periods in partnerships and after Shiv Chanderpaul was dismissed after adding 91 with Vishaul Singh, Reifer shared in four important partnerships with Singh, Anthony Bramble, debutant Clinton Pestano and last man Gudakesh Motie. “The plan was to bat and bat and bat and most of the guys did that. I am still disappointed that they kept getting out when well set and that’s something we have to work on. There were positives at the bottom with Pestano and Motie forming good partnerships with Reifer and Shepherd and Reifer picking five wickets. That’s how cricket goes, Barbados won the first three days and we won today,”

Frustrated Logie to consider future as Red Force form declines P O R T O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC — Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s dismal form in the ongoing Regional four-day championship has forced head coach Gus Logie to the brink of quitting of his post. The former West Indies player and head coach told the Express newspaper here he planned to review his position at the end of the season, hinting that maybe the time had come for a change. “You are going to see me but I don’t know where you are going to see me. You always have to consider your future,” Logie said. “As a coach, as much as you want to motivate people you have to be motivated as well. You can give as much as you can [but] if you are not getting anything back … at the end of the day you’ve got to look at your future [and ask] is it necessary. Is it worth it at the end of the day?” He added: “Of course I always consider my future in anything that I do. I think if it is not going well I’ll tell

Trinidad and Tobago head coach, Gus Logie. myself this is basically the last season for me and at the end of the day I hope that whoever comes on board, they do a better job.” Logie is an an experienced coach who o v e r s a w We s t I n d i e s ’ capture of the 2004 Champions Trophy in England and also led Bermuda to their historic qualification for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. He assumed his current post when the West Indies

Cricket Board introduced the Professional Cricket League three seasons ago, and has been met by mixed success during his tenure. Red Force won just twice en route to finishing one from bottom of the sixteam standings in the 2014/15 season and improved only marginally last season, picking up three victories as they finished fourth. Last weekend here, they lost for the fifth time in eight outings this season to crash

to the bottom of the standings with two rounds remaining. Though not identifying names, Logie lamented the absence of players who he said would improve the side. “Maybe after this the players who sit in the pavilion will start playing for Trinidad and Tobago again instead of staying where they are,” he said. “Many times the national team is playing and some of the better players are playing elsewhere. As much as you can do, at the end of the day you can only work with what you have.” Very few Red Force players have enjoyed success this season with newly installed captain, Kyle Hope, perhaps the only stand-out with 649 runs at an average of nearly 50. Yannic Cariah has been the next best batsman with 456 runs while in the bowling, seasoned legspinning all-rounder Imran Khan has claimed 32 scalps. No other bowler has passed (Continued on page 31)

Crandon stated. Crandon was high in praise of Refier whom he described as a professional, adding that he has improved tremendously since he joined the Guyana Franchise. “The key player today was Reifer who featured in four crucial partnerships and bowled beautifully to pick up four wickets. I think he is developing to be a top all rounder. He has been a great asset to the Franchise since he came and his passion and determination to do well is tremendous ….He is smart and a hard worker who always wants to do well against Barbados and keeps it simple by doing the basics. He did it last year and did it here again,” disclosed Crandon. The last day pitch was covered with a rubberized mat for the playing of the t20 International on Sunday but Crandon says it showed no effects from the covering. “The pitch was a good batting wicket…it offered something for the quicks when the ball is new …there was a lot of bounce for the spinners…the spinners got more out of it as the game progressed,” said Crandon, who has been retained as Assistant Coach for the Amazon Warriors in this year’s CPL. When asked how big a l o s s w a s Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul, Jaguar’s leading wicket taker this season with 39 matches including 7-48 against T&T’s Red Force in his last game in Port of Spain, Crandon said, “It was a huge loss but like I said it allowed someone else the opportunity to showcase their talent.” The Jaguars are looking forward to the home games and Crandon said that the main concern from a batting perspective is that the batters having starts and not converting. “I have challenged our batters to see to going to be the first to score a century this season besides Shiv who already has two. I also would like our bowlers to be more patient and consistent. Our fielding and catching has been an area of concern,” concluded Crandon.

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Wednesday March 29, 2017

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Kendall Union Sports club holds inaugural awards and presentation ceremony

President Albert Budhoo (fourth left standing) poses with awardees at the Kendall Union awards and presentation ceremony. The Kendall Union Sports Club (KUSC) recently held their inaugural awards and presentation ceremony at the Club’s headquarters at No.19 Village, East Coast, Berbice. The function was to award

outstanding and long serving members for their contribution to cricket and the community development in general. Among the speakers were President of the B e r b i c e Vo l l e y b a l l

Association Levi Nedd, Gervy Harry of the National Sports Commission, Anil Beharry former President of The BCB and NBS Senior Manager, Sports Officer Gladwin Allicock and NDC Chairman

Budhram. They all congratulated the club for rising to the occasion and its achievements during the years. The club was also congratulated for being among the few that

RHTY&SC, MS congrats Clinton Pestano senior Guyana Debut T h e P a t r o n , Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS is offering congratulations to Clinton Pestano on his selection in the Guyana team for the first class match against Barbados. Pestano, who is the ViceCaptain of the Rose Hall To w n G i z m o s a n d Gadgets First Division team, became the eightm e m b e r o f t h e RHTY&SC, MS to represent Guyana at the senior level following in the footsteps of players like Assad Fudadin, Esuan Crandon, Royston Crandon, Andre Percival, Rajiv Ivan, Eon Hooper and Delbert Hicks. Over the years Pestano has represented Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels and has developed into a fine all-rounder who

can change the course of any game with both bat and ball. A dedicated RHTY&SC, MS member, he has matured into a disciplined and c o m m i t t e d c r i c k e t e r. Pestano is a positive role model to every junior cricketer of the Club and on a constant basis assists them with words of advice on how to improve themselves on and off the cricket field. His Guyana section is just rewards for his hard work and all of us at the RHTY&SC are confident that this is the start of a long journey representing Guyana and hopefully the West Indies in the near future. As we have always done, the Club would like to remind him of our formula for success – h a r d w o r k , h o n e s t y, dedication, faith in the God

Clinton Pestano we believe in and belief in the work we do. The RHTY&SC would also like to also publicly acknowledge the contribution of the official sponsors of our cricket

section – (Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi (DDL), Metro Office Supplies, Gizmos and Gadgets) for their huge input into the careers of players like Eon Hooper and Clinton Pestano. We would forever be grateful for their sponsorship as their assistance has resulted in Fudadin, Hooper, Pestano, Erva Giddings and Shemaine Campbelle either representing Guyana or the West Indies in 2017. Pestano is currently in contention to receive the prestigious RHTY&SC, MS Cricketer of the Year Award at our 27th annual awards ceremony on the 23rd of April. Congrats Clinton Pestano you have made all of us proud at the Club and please be assured of our continued love and prayers, the club stated in a release.

recognizes its members for their achievements and contribution. Those receiving awards were Joshua Tayah – ‘A’ Team player of the year, Fazil Gobin, ‘B’ team player of the year, U-19 player of the year Vishal Goberdhan, most improved player Rakesh Kallicharran and most disciplined player Devan Persaud. Long serving awards were presented to Anil B e h a r r y, H a r r i p a u l Guyanand, Deodat Guyanand, Rudolph Baker and Shivlall Serkissoon. President of the club Mr. Albert Budhoo in his remarks highlighted some of the achievements of the club during the year and plans for the coming year and the future. The club has two cricket teams and a volleyball team that participate in competitions. Efforts are being made to have cricket teams at all levels to represent the club. Efforts are also being made to have the club participate in other sporting activities. Among some of the immediate plans according to Budhoo are the drafting of a constitution for the club, getting the club registered with the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) and the

Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports. Improving the general infrastructure at the venue including the groundclearing, cleaning, painting the pavilion, erecting new gate and sign at the venue and have running water at the facility. Other activities done for the year and will be held again this year are the hosting their annual senior citizen day. Holding a number of fund raising activities including a weekend lime and the annual 5/5 tournament at the venue. A number of social activities for members will be held including fun day at the No 63 beach and at the club venue. Continuing the prize giving ceremony to the top five students of the Bohemia Primary School, including school supplies medals and electronic gadgets a walkway was also built at the school. The club’s cricket and volleyball teams received a number of uniforms and gear. Budhoo thanked members of the club, sponsors and the business and general community for their support and encouragement during the year. (Samuel Whyte)

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AAG to host South American U-20 Championships

AAG President, Aubrey Hutson (left) in Brazil. The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) was handed the rights to host the South American Under-20 Championships, which will

be held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara, June 3-4. “This confirmation came at the Consudatle Congress

being held in Sao Paulo Brazil. Members of the South American Competition Committee will be visiting Guyana shortly to inspect

and assist in the preparation of the Championship,” a short press release from AAG President, Aubrey Hutson stated yesterday.

Wednesday March 29, 2017

Kohli says friendship with Australian players has been damaged ESPNcricinfo - A contentious, fractious and ill-tempered Test series has claimed a final victim: Virat Kohli’s relationships with Australian players, the Indian captain said, have been irrevocably damaged. Tensions continued to simmer even after the conclusion in Dharamsala, with Steven Smith apologising for his behaviour during the series, but also registering his disappointment at another bit of off-field sparring. Before the four-Test series began, Kohli had spoken warmly about his friendships with all of the Australian players but indicated that would not affect the upcoming series. When asked if he still felt the same way after India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 21, Kohli was blunt in his

reply. “No, it has changed,” he said. “I thought that was the case, but it has changed for sure. As I said, in the heat of the battle you want to be competitive but I’ve been proven wrong. The thing I said before the first Test, that has certainly changed and you won’t hear me say that ever again.” Smith, meanwhile, admitted his emotions had got the better of him at times during the series and offered an apology for his behaviour. He first apologised on the televised post-match pres entation and then reiterated it in the following press conference. “I set myself high standards and I wanted to lead from the front with my performances” Smith said. “I have sort of been very (Continued on page 31)

Star Party Rentals continues support for Petra Organisation -MVP, Highest Goalscorer, Best Goalkeeper to be rewarded

Petra Organisation representative Mark Alleyne (2nd from right) receives the cheque from Star Party Rentals Pheona Jones in the presence of Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca (right) and Star Party Rentals representative Colwin Vyphius yesterday. Former national cricketer Lennox Cush, who is the Managing Director of Star Party Rentals once again, demonstrated his support for sport when he acquiesced to a request made by the Petra Organisation to reward outstanding individual performances in t h i s y e a r ’s F u t s a l Tournament, currently being

staged in collaboration with GT Beer. Star Party Rentals is no stranger to the organisation, having offered its assistance many times in the past and has a very strong relationship with the Organisers. Yesterday, during a simple presentation ceremony, Star Party Rentals

Representative Pheona Jones handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Co-Director of the Organisation Troy Mendonca, at the entity’s Head Office on Craig Street in Campbellville. Mendonca in response said the support will go towards rewarding the Most Valuable Player (MVP),

Best Goal Keeper and Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament. M V P o f t h e championship will collect $50,000 and a trophy, while the Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper will receive $25,000 each and trophies. “On behalf of the Petra Organisation, the football nation and the competing

communities, we want to thank Lennox Cush and Star Party Rentals for their timely donation to the Petra Organisation Futsal Championship,” Mendonca stated. He applauded the continued support of the entity towards the sporting fraternity, adding that they’ve managed to honour their social responsibility and the contribution will go a long way in the tournament. Mendonca paid recognition to the discipline and organisational expertise

of the competing teams which has been on show throghout the tournament. The tournament is being staged at the National Gymnasium and will resume tomorrow with the final round of fixtures in the group stage. The winning team will receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed teams take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The tournament ends April 15.

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Gladiator Championship Wrestling coming to Guyana May 27

Deonna Purrazzo Guyana’s most popular “live” one-hour TV sports programme - MAXIMUM S P O RT S C O M B AT & STRENGTH (MSCS), aired Fridays at 21.05 hours simultaneously on NCN TV Channels 11 (Georgetown), Ch.8 (Linden), & Ch.15 (Berbice) in celebrating its 3rd anniversary on the weekend of May 26 - 28th, has joined with GCW (Gladiator Championship Wrestling) of the USA, in association with Nexgen Global Promotions, & sanctioned by the National Sports Commission, to host what the promoters have labelled as the biggest starstudded event to hit Guyana, from 7:00pm on Saturday

Prince Tita 27th May, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Also in celebration of the Nation’s 51st Independence Anniversary, Wrestling fans will be treated to quality entertainment when (in the Main event) UFC Hall-ofFamer, Former UFC, MMA, & WWF World Champion & l o n g e s t r e i n i n g N WA Champion, Dan “the Beast” Severn, goes up against WWE Superstar & 2-time MMA, & 7-time World Champion Shannon “the Cannon” Ritch, for the MSCS/GCW Title. The 1st fight of the night p i t s C a m e r o o n Cruiserweight Wrestling Champion Luchador Prince Tita against TNA & NXT

Damian Adams Superstar and Luchador Damian Adams. Fast-rising NXT, TNA, & ROH Female wrestler “Tasha Steelz”, battles NXT, TNA, ROH, & current ECWA women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo for the MSCS/GCW Women’s Title. Popular WWE Superstar Brodus Clay, aka “Tyrus” & “Funkasaurus” (who fought the “Big Show”, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, & Dolph Ziggler, to name a few of the World-famous WWE wrestlers) goes up against the crazed Luchador World Champion “MR 450”, for 4 matches of non-stop wrestling entertainment, which includes 2 Title Fights.

Nick Cara, known as “The New Boss”, head of GCW, will officiate as the “Special Guest Referee”. MSCS has become synonymous with bringing World-renowned athletes and Superstars to Guyana. For its 1st anniversary in 2015, the Producer, Mr. Max Massiah invited and hosted Guyanese-born Canadian resident, 2-time Ms World & 3-time Ms International Bodybuilding Champion Laura Creavalle, as a special guest during the “Show & Seminar” which was held at the National Cultural Centre. In 2016 MSCS was associated with the event “Silver Fox & the Grandmasters” which saw

Tasha Steelz the Legendary Movie-Star Hwang Jang Lee (aka Silver Fox) along with other famous Grandmasters conducting a Martial Arts workshop at the Sports Hall. “Mr. Max”, (as he is popularly known) is a dedicated sports enthusiast, himself being a 3rd degree Martial Artist, Certified B o x i n g Coach/Referee/Judge, been involved in Bodybuilding for over 30 years, and is Guyana’s (only) 2-time HallOf-Famer (inducted by the “Legends of Martial Arts Hall-of-Fame Commitee” of Pennsylvania, USA. He was presented in January of 2017 with a “Master of Martial Arts “GOLD” category

Award -GUYANA” by W I S D A ( Wo r l d International Self-Defense Association) and UWAMA (Unified World Association Martial Arts) of Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Massiah leaves these shores shortly to attend the “EXPO 11 & Masters of M a r t i a l A r t s Aw a r d C eremony” which takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on April 8th, 2017. “It is at events such as those, that I am honored with the opportunities to meet some of the Worlds famous & accomplished athletes, Movie Stars, and Legends, such as Silver Fox, Martial Arts Queen & Movie star (Continued on page 31)

New international basketball structure to influence Guyana

FIBA Executive Director Assistant, Victor Mansure (second, right) addresses the media at the New Palm Court yesterday along with other local basketball officials, from left: Andrew Hercules, Michael Singh and representative of the Berbice sub-association and representative of the National Sports Commission, Edison Jefford. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will deliver a c o m p r e h e n s i v e development plan to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), after a thorough assessment of the level of the sport in Guyana. FIBA Executive Director Assistant, Victor Mansure, is currently in Guyana to conduct that study that he says he is to compile a report for FIBA on Guyana’s basketball status. He said that following the FIBA Congress in Hong Kong in May, the plan will be

released to the local federation. Mansure held a press conference yesterday at the New Palm Court, Main Street after his arrival in Guyana where he outlined the purpose of his visit and took questions from the media. “We will start to establish workshops and start establishing an individual plan for each country, so expect FIBA to submit to Guyana in the next couple of months a developmental plan based on the priorities that should be worked on from this visit,” Mansure

said. The Basketball Executive, who worked with the Toronto Raptors for three years, before his role at FIBA said that the purpose of his visit is to advance the new mechanisms that FIBA would be implementing to develop the sport across the world. He pointed out that FIBA’s interest in providing a development plan for Guyana is influenced by the fact that major changes were made in the way that FIBA will govern competitions with home and away games

characterising the shift in policy. “FIBA did some studies; they studied other international federations and decided that the system we have now don’t allow the players to be active to what we would like to be,” he stated, adding that for example the last time Guyana’s senior team played an official game at home would have been some time ago. Mansure said that FIBA realised something was missing that allows players and teams to be a lot more

active and they decided to change that by adding window periods that will allow players and national teams to play at home and away. “So rather than playing tournaments in the summer we will play a home and away system so they are going to be windows similar to what soccer has so that teams could qualify for the next FIBA World Cup in 2019,” Mansure noted. He noted that with the competition changes bringing in global branding and funding, the hope is for

FIBA to grow financially, which would then trickle down to the national associations to fund their territorial programmes in accordance with the plan. Mansure met with officials from the GABF, Linden, Georgetown and Berbice sub-associations as well as the National Sports Commission. His aim is to meet with all levels of stakeholders that will allow him to honestly expose the s t a t u s o f G u y a n a ’s basketball to FIBA. He is scheduled for departure from Guyana on Friday.

t r o Sp Golden Jaguars and Les Matinino battle to 0-0 draw at MSC ame c s n a f n e d in L y Nois on out to urge team

Golden Jaguars starting X1 that played Martinique last night at the MSC ground in Linden.

Benjamin, Khan propel Good Success to WCC Farmers Cup T20 title

Members of the victorious GSSC team with representatives of the WCC and sponsors. (Photos by Zaheer Mohamed photo). 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