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Foster’s leadership is garnering Don’t take river travel for granted DEAR EDITOR, Some also endanger other and many would ignore or hope for cricket in Guyana Even though I don’t know people’s lives. they would defend these acDEAR EDITOR, I have studiously observed and assessed the positive impact which newly elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Mr. Hilbert Foster has already delivered upon the cricketing scene in Guyana. Noteworthy too is the overwhelming public support he has received, including from former test cricketers Ramnaresh Sarwan and Mahendra Nagamootoo. Despite our cricketers excelling personally, which has led to the team winning tournaments regionally, the institutional establishment for continuity is fundamentally weak and lacking conceptual growth. Just how can the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) advance our local standard without a level playing field? The deliberate exclusion of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as well as the Georgetown Cricket Association and the East Coast Cricket Board in the past must be viewed as a grave concern to all stakeholders, including the Government. It is incomprehensible, therefore, that the governing body whilst determined to forge ahead, remains headless. It was the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) who was swift to acknowledge that Essequibo’s cricket was on the rise after the Franchise team won the three-day title last year. Regrettably though, it was an overstatement and publicity stunt since embarrassingly, the county’s cricketing standard never
soared or got off its feet. Most of the players who represented the county in that tournament ply their trade in Georgetown since it is impossible for them to even have a proper net session in Essequibo. It is within this context therefore that I view Mr. Foster’s intervention being an industrious cricket administrator as providing that glimmer of hope for the national sport. He has consistently proven to be a leader with enormous inspiration and who can transcend the barriers of politicking, pettiness, race and favouritism. As was consistently mentioned by cricketing pundits, the strength of Berbice’s cricket will determine the future of Guyana’s cricket. Already Mr. Foster has padded up and begun his innings quite impressively. Will the GCB continue to deliver no balls and wides through the Courts to prevent him and the
BCB from achieving greatness? It is time therefore that the Honorable Minister with responsibility for Sports, Dr. George Norton addresses as a matter of national importance, the holding of elections by the GCB. The nation of Afghanistan who humbled the West Indies thrice in the recent ICC tournament is no coincidence. The opposite scenario is unfolding here, whereby the national team is winning, but without the inherent, cohesive, inclusive structures that will pivot the players to the next level. The continuing isolation of personnel and institutions by the existing GCB will only further undermine the players’ talent. With Mr. Foster at the fore in Berbice though, I’m hopeful again that there will be stimulating results on the ground and from all three counties. Yours Faithfully, Elroy Stephney
Stop signs needed in Queenstown DEAR EDITOR, I write in support of Mr. Peter Bouchard’s call for speed bumps at the corner of New Garden & Crown Streets ,Queenstown.(S/N Monday, March 26th, 2018). At a minimum however, we need stop signs at all the corners in Queenstown, as almost all have faded. I am sure if these markings are done, it will help. I believe this falls under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, so maybe someone from that Ministry can look into the matter. Yours faithfully Bish Panday
the relatives of the late Latchman Benjie, my children and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to his family and relatives for their loss. I am quite sure it will leave such small children traumatized for a very long time. Over the years I have been travelling to many places in Guyana and using the waterways was the main way of travelling. Based on my observation, I have concluded that citizens on the whole are very irresponsible when it comes to their lives.
Most of them are accustomed to one way of life and even though it’s dangerous, they prefer that method instead of adapting to changes that would be safer for them and others. With the change in Government, many rules that were there but were not being implemented, were reinforced. However, those directly affected protested against this move.Editor, most of my time at different locations, my attention would be drawn to the dangerous scenes around me. I would always point it out
tions, saying that is what they are accustomed to. At many places, public and private water transportation could be seen traversing the waterways at night without any lights on the boat. On the waterways sometimes it’s very dark and visibility is very poor, one cannot see upcoming traffic until it is close. Many of these boats are owned by individuals for their own personal use. They would be laden with various items and sometimes overloaded. What is more (Continued on page 6)
Minister Ramjattan just continues (or by design to mislead), NOT done to support the to mislead ror claimed that the EU gave sugar sector under the PPP/C DEAR EDITOR, Comments made by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, in East Canje earlier this month (circulated on YouTube), merit a response, for the simple reason that Ramjattan continues to expose the fact that he cannot be trusted, as he persists in peddling more untruths about various issues. Ramjattan misleads when he insists that from 2005 to 2014, the European Union (EU) gave Guyana “every year” $20M euros as support mechanization and other undertakings in the sugar sector. The fact of this is that Guyana received some G$34.8B from the EU. This fact was the subject of some debate in July 2017 when the Coalition Government, in er-
Guyana $348B. The correct figure of $34.8B was given by the EU last year. Ramjattan misleads when he insists that US$200M was spent on the Skeldon Factory. It was President David Granger’s address to the National Assembly, on January 10, 2018, which made clear that the cost of the Skeldon Factory was US$121M. Even the US$121M (about G$24.2B) spent on the Skeldon Factory is less than the G$34.8B collected from the EU in budget support. Ramjattan misleads when he insists that other factories were ignored. The investments in the other sugar estates are clearly documented, as a matter of public record. It is interesting that even as he rambles about what was
administration, he acknowledges, albeit tangentially, that the APNU+AFC Coalition promised the Guyanese that a new government would not close sugar. Again, Ramjattan misleads about this promise, as he insists that the sector is not being closed, but is being “right sized” – the Coalition government new favourite phrase. Ramjattan is now merely being used to address communities that are stronghold support areas of the PPP/C. He uses sophistry in his attempt to make a case for the Coalition government. However, his ramblings are seen as false and the Guyanese people will not fall prey to lies. Zulfikar Mustpha, Executive Secretary, PPP PPP/C Parliamentarian
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Don’t take river ... ExxonMobil and Guyana From page 5 dangerous is that sometimes they would have their families in the boat; some might be small children, and not one life jacket could be seen in any of these boats. Go to Hubu koker and see many families loading their boats or discharging their goods, and most of the boats are barely above the water. They prefer making one trip to save gas, and risk lives, instead of doing the right thing. Sometimes you see children as small as seven years old maneuvering an engine boat. Whilst this is admirable, it’s also dangerous, especially when the boat is laden. As is the case of Latchman Benjie, if he had on long boots, that should never have been on, because many people would tell you that is
a dangerous move, especially if you have to go into water. Editor, those responsible should ensure proper safety precautions are in place and private boats should have life jackets, especially for children, lights on the boats at nights and emergency life rings. There should be a limitation to weights on the boats based on the size. In order to save lives, we must ensure these rules are in place, and even though it might be hard for them to regulate themselves too, they should. Over the years we’ve heard of many accidents on the waterways and most of them were as deadly as those on the roadways. That should tell us that the waterways have no sympathy. Sahadeo Bates
From page 4 benefitted from such an arrangement. 6. I mention all of the above to stimulate some discussion among you about Guyana selling its mineral estate in the Stabroek block to Exxon and its partners. Only the Stabroek block. Exxon would be tough. They have the upper hand. They dealt Guyana a sucker’s deal with the current lease agreement. I don’t see renegotiating the current deal as any easier. But it might be easier for Exxon to buy the mineral rights now and get out of Guyana and do nearly all of their operations off-shore. Forcing renegotiation of a two-year old contract will draw international ire at Guyana, but for the onesidedness of the contract. But even Guyana’s international friends will balk at doing anything else other than offering their sympathy. However, offering to sell and negotiating a sale with the same firm presently leasing the asset is a widely
accepted legal and moral modus-operandi in business. I know that this idea will trigger arguments about whether Guyana should sell its “birthright”. Good point, but should the Oil & Gas (O&G) find benefit Guyanese now living? Or primarily future generations? That’s for Guyanese to decide. Another argument will be whether Guyana will be selling its “sovereignty”. The answer to this is a definite no. Guyana should contractually lease the surface acreage over the Stabroek block to Exxon to carry out its operations, at a nominal cost, for periods of no more than 25 years, renewable per mutual consent and consistent with all laws relating to the Law of the Sea and laws relating to International Marine Territorial boundaries. What Guyana will be selling is limited to only the O&G below the seabed, just in the Stabroek block. Limit the exploitation to O&G only, not other minerals.
One incidental advantage to Guyana is having Exxon and the USA as buffers between it and Venezuela’s claim. What about the price for the O&G? The best yardstick is the Bass deal. Isn’t Guyana’s reserves estimated at around 3.5 billion barrels at present and going up? Seems close enough to the Bass deal. I would ask for $6.6 billion, with 2 billion in cash up-front and 4.6 billion in Exxon stock. Exxon stock is paying dividends at around 3.5% at present. That would generate $146 million USD per year in dividends plus whatever gains Exxon shares make. At today’s price of $65 per barrel, Guyana’s royalty o f 2 percent would bring in about $50 million per year on production of 100,000 barrels per day; $100 million dollars per year on production of 200,000 barrels per day; $150 million per year on production of 300,000 barrels per day; $200 million per year on production of 400,000 barrels per day; and $250 million per year on production of 500,000 barrels per day. But that is if the price stays at $65 per barrel. Of course, if the price goes higher, hooray for Guyana, the royalty will increase; if the price drops, it will be catastrophic because it is a rare country that can adapt to a sudden decline in its income stream without major domestic disruption. I believe a two billion US dollar infusion into Guyana now can benefit all Guyanese now living in Guyana with better housing, healthcare, security and infrastructure, if carefully and properly used. The key point here is “now”. Note that it will take several years for Exxon to ramp up production to 500,000
barrels per day. The construction agenda that I have read calls for 120,000 barrels by 2020 and I have seen commentary of going up to 500,000 barrels per day, but I have not seen a timeline for that. 7: This idea is based on getting Guyana a big cash inflow now; providing the opportunity to benefit Guyanese now; becoming a sizable (4.6 billion US dollars worth of shares) shareholder in Exxon Mobil; getting a reliable stream of dividends annually from its Exxon shares; having good upside to additionally benefit from Exxon stock growth and the option to diversify the portfolio if Exxon does not grow as expected; establishing an inbuilt “Sovereign Wealth Fund” with the acquisition of E x x o n s t o c k ; putting a stronger buffer between Venezuela and Guyana’s oil; getting rid of the current lopsided deal with Exxon; avoiding international recrimination with any attempt to re-do the current deal; while showing greater sagacity in negotiating royalty agreements with other companies in the future: and still holding in reserve a sizable portfolio of potential oil bearing offshore seabed to benefit future generations.. I know that this is long but I wanted to throw this out to you. Have fun with it. Who knows, maybe you can find something useful in it for Guyana. Please note that for simplicity I have referred to Exxon as if they are the sole owner of the Guyana contract. I know that they own only 45% of the deal but as the operating entity, it is just easier to conceptualize the above as if the three owners are one entity. Tulsi Dyal Singh
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Alleged killer withdraws guilty plea GRA allowing Corporation Tax filing Phillip Sutherland, who had earlier this month confessed to killing Martin Roberts during a drunken row in the Rupununi in 2014, has withdrawn his guilty plea to the lesser offence manslaughter. On March 6, Sutherland was formerly indicted before a jury for murder. He, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence, accepting that he unlawfully killed Roberts on January 9, 2014. His sentencing was, however, deferred to yesterday to facilitate the presentation of a probation report, which was requested by his Attorney-at-law, Siand Dhurjon. The state is being represented by Prosecutor Mandel Moore and Lisa Cave. The defence is contending that a drunken Sutherland had been engaged in a fight with another person when Roberts was caught in the midst. Yesterday, Sutherland’s Attorney-at-law made an application before Justice James Bovell-Drake to have his client’s premature guilty plea vacated. Citing that his client resided in the interior, Dhurjon told the court that due to the “simplicity” of his client’s lifestyle, he felt pressured to do what was necessary to get an early release date. According to the lawyer, Sutherland also decided to enter a guilty plea because of his unfamiliarity with court proceedings. Further, Dhurjon disclosed that at his client’s initial hearing, he was not in possession of the
without audited financial statements
Attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon (left) conversing with his client Phillip Sutherland on the courthouse corridors deposition for the case file, and as such, was unable to advise his client accordingly. The lawyer added that after perusing the depositions, he believes that another suspect should have been arrested for the killing. In support of his application to have the guilty plea withdrawn, Dhurjon cited several cases. One such cases is that of S (An Infant) v Recorder of Manchester (1971) 1 AC 481, HL. In this case, the House of Lords confirmed that it has long been the law that when a man pleads guilty to an indictment the trial judge can permit him to change his plea to not guilty at any time before the case is finally disposed of by sentencing or otherwise. According to Commonwealth Caribbean Criminal Practice and
Procedure Third Edition, The House also held that a summary court had similar discretion. “In R v Richards (1992) 41 WIR 263, PC, the Privy Council in considering a case from Jamaica followed S (An Infant) on this point. Even though the court may allow a withdrawal of a guilty plea before sentence, it should exercise this discretion with care if the defendant did not really understand to what he was pleading or if his explanation renders the plea equivocal, the plea will amount to nullity.” The paragraph continues, “If the plea of guilty is entered as a result of a mistake or an improper understanding by counsel of the defendant’s instructions, the court should allow the change of plea.” The lawyer also made reference to the case of (Continued on page 29)
Companies filing Corporation Tax Returns for the Year of Assessment 2018 (Year of Income 2017) and until further notice are permitted to submit draft management accounts in the absence of audited accounts and in certain other instances as pre-determined by the Commissioner-General (GRA). “This directive is aimed at reducing the numerous requests of the auditing profession and accounting firms for extensions beyond April 30 of each year - the due date for filing. This change will also reduce the incidence of late filing tendency of Corporate Tax returns and alleviate the imposition of penalties and interest resulting from such late filing,” GRA said.
The authority noted that in accordance with Section 10 of the Corporation Tax Act, Chapter 81:03, Corporation Tax shall be paid at the rate of 45 percent of chargeable profits of a telephone company, forty percent of the chargeable profits of a commercial company other than a telephone company and twenty-seven and onehalf percent of the chargeable profits of any other company. For companies that are engaged in commercial and non-commercial activities, the rate of twenty-seven and onehalf percent applies to the non-commercial activity while the commercial activity of the company shall be taxed at the rate of forty percent. “Further, under Section 10A, of the said Act, where for any year of assessment
the corporation tax payable by a commercial company is less than two percent of the turnover of the commercial company in the year of income, there shall be levied on, and paid by the commercial company a corporation tax (in this Act referred to as “minimum tax”) at the rate of two percent of the turnover of the commercial company,” GRA explained in a statement. “Provided that when proven to the satisfaction of the Commissioner-General that the rate of two percent of the turnover of the commercial company or a company engaging in commercial activities, exceeds the 40% rate of tax, then the corporation tax payable shall be limited to the corporation tax assessed and payable at the 40% rate.”
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Guyana signs on to absurd arrangement Child rapist gets two life sentences Two consecutive life sentences were with Tullow/Eco-Atlantic, CGX and Ratio handed to 46-year-old Sheldon Lynch after he was convicted by a jury yesterday on two of rape of a child under 16. Lynch was - 1 % royalty subjected to cost recovery counts on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Because of the “tricks”— like gold plating, transfer pricing and transfer mispricing— most often played by oil companies in the calculation of profit oil, many countries consider royalty to be the fixed revenue once oil prices are stable. This is simply because royalty is off the top. Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Qatar, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Uganda, Chad, Ghana, Papa New Guinea, the United States of America, England, and Norway all have contracts stipulating that royalty will be paid off the top. Guyana has dared to be the exception. Guyana’s royalty, based on the agreements signed with at least three companies, is being lumped with the country’s share of profit oil, which makes the royalty subject to cost recovery. This is extremely unusual in the oil industry. An examination of Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) that two Governments
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon of Guyana signed with different oil companies revealed that these contracts were signed with Eco-Atlantic and Tullow, CGX Energy Inc. and Ratio Energy Limited. One of the many common clauses in these contracts states, “The Government’s share of Profit Oil specified in Article 11 includes royalty payable by the Contractor at the rate of one percent (1%) of Crude Oil produced and sold, and delivery to the Minister, pursuant to Article 14 of his share of Profit Oil
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman equivalent to royalty shall constitute payment of such royalty in kind. “Within one hundred and eighty (180) days following the end of each year of assessment receipts evidencing payment of Contractor’s royalty shall be furnished by the Minister to the Contractor stating the amount and other particulars customary for such receipts.” Kaieteur News revisited the 1999 agreement that the government had signed with (Continued on page 28)
at the High Court in Georgetown. Prosecutors, Seeta Bishundial and Orinthia Schmidt presented indictment for rape against Lynch who was represented by Attorney-at-law Clyde Forde. The offences occurred between December 7, 2010 and January 25, 2013 in Essequibo. On the first count of rape, the jury returned with a unanimous guilty verdict. The jury also returned a unanimous guilty verdict on the second count. These offences occurred when the girl was a mere 10-years-old. Lynch was sentenced to two-life sentences on each count and only becomes eligible for parole after serving 35 years on each count. In relation to the third and fourth counts, the jury was unable to arrive at a verdict. The verdicts as they relate to both counts were in a proportion of eight guilty to four not guilty. At the announcement of the verdicts, Lynch who was standing in the prisoner’s dock broke down in tears. He fumbled to find words to address the court when he was called upon by the judge to do so. Maintaining his innocence Lynch said, “My honour I am speaking the truth. I did not do anything.” He then proceeded to tell the court that he was not given a chance to complete his testimony. But his statement was quickly refuted by the Judge who reminded him that the court allowed him to tell his side of the story. Mitigating on behalf of Lynch, Forde said that his client is a father of two who would be deprived of spending time with these children and should he be given an extended incarceration. The lawyer added, “My respectful plea is for the court to temper justice with mercy.” Social Worker Renasha Callender, who took a statement of impact from the rape survivor, said that the young girl related that she was raped on several occasions by Lynch.
RAPIST: Sheldon Lynch According to Callender, the young girl said that the convict would rape her when no one was at home and then warned her not to tell anyone. “I feel like my life is hopeless. I feel terrible. After I told the welfare about what he did to me, the children at school would laugh at me,” the young girl confided to Callender. The Social Worker said that the child told her that as a result of taunting from her peers, she dropped out of school. The rape survivor told Callender that she had contemplated committing suicide whenever she reflected on what was done to her. Callender added that the young girl also told her that she feels afraid whenever she sees Lynch in her village. And that she is also afraid to be in a relationship. In handing down the sentences, the trial judge took into consideration the nature of the offences and the circumstances under which they were committed. From the victim’s evidence, the judge told Lynch that the young girl trusted him and was also very fond of him. However, the judge said to Lynch that he treated the underage girl like his “woman”. “You violated her trust and took her innocence. You have scarred her for life,” Justice Ramlall said to Lynch, adding that, he showed no remorse for his actions. The judge continued, “You (Lynch) have not acknowledged that you were found guilty by the jury. You demonstrated no regard for the verdict.”(Feona Morrison)
The government is preparing to sideline the smaller parties within the APNU. This explains why certain actions are being targeted against personalities within the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) but not against the Alliance for Change (AFC). The AFC has not been cut down to size. The portfolios of the ministries headed by AFC Ministers have either been downgraded or outsourced to other ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Public Security was degutted of the responsibility for immigration and the registration of deaths and births. The Ministry of Agriculture no longer has responsibility for sugar. The responsibility for the environment and for petroleum has been removed from the Ministry of Natural Resources which is headed by the head of the Alliance for Change. The PNCR successfully orchestrated the removal of Khemraj Ramjattan as leader of the Alliance. He has been replaced by a PNCR favourite, Mr. Raphael Trotman. The AFC is not complaining about how it is being treated by the coalition. It is not renegotiating the Cummingsburg Accord. It is comfortable with the pact that it presently has with the PNCR. In the meantime, the PNCR is shedding deadweight out of the APNU. The first target has been the Working People’s Alliance. Dr.
Rupert Roopnaraine who is from the WPA, and was removed as Minister of Education and placed to work in the Ministry of the Public Service. This means that he has become a junior Minister since he falls under the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency. The hammer is about to fall on Dr. Clive Thomas. He is the present Chairman of the beleaguered Guyana Sugar Corporation but he is not likely to be returned as head of the Board of that unit, judging from the names which NICIL has put up for consideration.The hammer has fallen on Dr. David Hinds as a columnist in the Guyana Chronicle. The WPA activist and co-leader has been unceremoniously dumped from the pages of the state-owned newspaper. One member of the WPA is alleging that it was a leading Minister of the Alliance for Change who called the editor of the Guyana Chronicle to report on Cabinet’s dissatisfaction over the criticisms, which David Hinds and TUC official, Lincoln Lewis, were making in the newspaper. If that report is correct, it would suggest that the AFC is playing a shrewd political game and may be planning to renegotiate the position of Prime Minister in favour of another candidate for the 2020 elections. It also would mean that the AFC has joined with the PNCR to purge the coalition of the minor parties,
which has little or no electoral support.The APNU consists of the PNCR and the AFC – two major parties – along with smaller parties such as the National Front Alliance, Justice for All Party and the Working People’s Alliance. The problems which the WPA are facing may be part of a plan to dismiss these smaller parties from the coalition so as to end up with only a two party coalition that would allow for the PNCR to have more ministerial seats. It has long been rumoured that there is dissatisfaction within the PNCR over the fact that it has been forced to give a 10% party, 40% of parliamentary and Cabinet seats. The PNCR’s representation has been further watered down because each of the smaller parties, the WPA, JFA and NFA has each been allocated a Ministry. The PNCR, it is said, is highly displeased with this sort of arrangement, which has reduced its role within the government. However, that role is still substantive enough for the party to exercise majority control over the government. This dominance has been made even greater by the PNCR having the all-powerful Presidency. The indications therefore are that the smaller parties are being marginalized and pushed out of the coalition. All indications suggest that this is a calculated strategy. It is too early to say what role
Valuation not required for property Certificate of Compliance—GRA The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that with immediate effect, a valuation is not required when applying for a Certificate of Compliance to transfer land or property by way of sale, gift or tender. “This intervention is intended to relieve the procedural strain and burden on the taxpayers. However, based on the mandate of the GRA to collect its rightful taxes, and in keeping with the law, applicants are advised that under Section 7A (3) of the Capital Gains
Tax Act, Chapter 81:20, where the Commissioner General being dissatisfied with the amount of consideration stated for the disposal or acquisition of any such property may reject such consideration and substitute therefor the market value of a competent valuer.”GRA disclosed, also, that the procedure for obtaining a land/property Certificate of Compliance by way of sale, gift or tender can also be found on its website, www.gra.gov.gy.
DEM BOYS SEH
Look how Guyana sign away its Legacy A lot has been said about de first oil contract de govt release. Dem boys show de whole country dat dem gun get little. Of course it cause nuff row.Some people seh de people at de Waterfalls paper was anti-national and how dem chasing away people who gun mek Guyana rich. Dem boys now seeing dat things is not as clear as dem believe. When dem look at de contract wha Donald sign just before he lose de election, dem boys see trouble. When dem boys read de contract, it look good but is when dem sit down and really read it back dat dem see exactly wha Donald sign.Couple people read de thing and see de royalty. It was so small dat even wid a magnifying glass dem could barely see it.But before dem could really watch de royalty good, it disappear. It gun disappear in real life too.
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De oil companies, all of dem except Exxon, doing something dat nobody ever see in any part of de world. Royalty is something dat does come off de top of any venture.Donald sign suh de royalty can only get collect after all de expenses come out. Dem boys seh by de time de people done mek all de deduction, de only way Guyana gun get any royalty is if de people forget fuh mek any deduction.Is now dem boys realize dat Donald use a photocopying machine wha he use to mek all dem oil contract.If anything, dem boys now realize dat Guyana had a desire to give away all de oil. Trinidad do de same thing and is now de Prime Minister trying to pull back something. But as dem boys seh, it hard to put a pig in a pen after it run out.Talk half and watch how Guyana sign away its legacy.
the AFC is playing in all of this.The banishing of the smaller parties from the coalition would leave a coalition with only two members. Not that this would make any dif-
ference to its electoral fortunes because the smaller parties have little electoral appeal and were, as Guyanese would say, “only making up numbers.”
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
What more proof do Berbicians need? Three Sundays ago, Bharrat Jagdeo addressed a Berbician gathering in honour of the death anniversary of Cheddi Jagan. Jagdeo, trying to whip his devotees into a frenzy, got into a frenzy himself and told his gallery that the rulers in office are planning to rig the 2020 elections but the PPP will prevent it. At that point, there was a fanatical roar. I addressed Berbicians in a column of March 13 in which I asked them to use common sense and do not let
PPP leaders so barefacedly fool them. I asked them to think rationally in the context of elections being rigged while the PPP had state power. I argued in that column that what Jagdeo was telling them did not and cannot make sense. Since then, former President Donald Ramotar gave an interview with the Stabroek News on the oil agreements he signed when he was President. He went on to add there would have been more contracts with oil
exploration entities if the election of 2015 was not rigged. Here are his own words; “If the election wasn’t stolen from us, we would have continued along the same trajectory with the same companies, so there was nothing sinister about those signings,” Donald Ramotar was sitting parallel to Jagdeo on the stage when Jagdeo made his chauvinistic promise to stop the 2020 poll from being rigged. Surely, no group of humans anywhere in the world can be that foolish to believe a party when in power lost that power because the opposition rigged the election. Now that opposition is in power, how can the PPP stop the fraud when the PPP couldn’t when it was in office? I cannot believe, and no other human should believe that Berbicians, after what Ramotar told the newspaper,
are going to live in the hope that the PPP will stop election tampering and will return to power. If they are going to live in that hope, they will die unnecessarily in despair. My adumbration here is provocative and not analytical so I will continue in the rest of this article to be provocative so I can enter a discourse with Berbicians when next I speak at a public meeting in Berbice if I ever do. I will leave out analytical elaboration because not for a moment do I believe Donald Ramotar when he said after the 2011 results were announced that the election was tampered with. Not even for a fraction of a second, do I believe Donald Ramotar and Jagdeo that the opposition in 2015 rigged the national elections. I need Berbicians to debate with me when I see them how is it logistically possible for the PPP to stop fraud in 2020 when it had state
power and controlled the important sectors of the state edifice in 2011 and 2015 yet lost. For the sake of argument, this is all I am asking. When the debate starts, I am not even going to mention my belief that the 2011 and 2015 polls were free and fair. My preoccupation is with their modus operandi to stop the rigging. Again for the sake of argument, let us concede that it will be registration of underage and fictional citizens. But who did that 2015? If it was the Elections Commission and its employees, then those were the same employees in 2011. Why then didn’t they do mischief to throw the PPP out? Why 2015 and not 2011? What Berbicians need to ask themselves is why if the PNC as a political machine is so powerful that it could steal a whole election anytime, did it wait for its leaders to age by more than ten to twelve years before it rigged the 2015 polls? Surely, Berbicians cannot be that silly to believe this nonsense. Why didn’t the PNC leaders when they were in their early fifties not feel
Frederick Kissoon tempted to run Guyana at that age rather than wait until they reach age sixty and beyond to use power? This just does not make sense in the annals of human behaviour. If humans are so obsessed with power and want to dominate a country and they can dominate it by simply tampering with the general election to declare themselves, winners why wait until 2015 when they could have done so in 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011? In all those elections, the PPP returned to office and took hold of the presidency which by the 1980 Constitution gives the president enormous power. I would have given anything to see how PPP supporters Rhyaan Shah, Ravi Dev, Dr. Lomarsh Roopnarine, Pandit Aksharananda, Dr. Baytoram Ramharack and others – to explain why the PNC waited until 2015.
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Death of “robbers” on seawall….
“Eyewitness” saw men shot from two and half ball field away
Attorney at law Nigel Hughes (left) speaks to the media in the company of “eyewitness”, Devon Lyte.
It appears that the selfproclaimed eyewitness to the deaths of three alleged bandits on the seawall earlier this month had very sharp eyes. Standing on the roof of a building under construction at the Ministry of Education Sports Club Ground at Carifesta Avenue, the Middle Street, McDoom resident, Devon Lyte, around midday on March 15 was able to see everything and recollect playby-play the details. Carifesta Avenue runs parallel to the Georgetown seawall, Lyte was working on the roof of a building under construction. The shooting took place at least 350 yards (1050 feet) from the work place. Between Lyte and the scene of the incidents, were almost two and half football fields- with the NIS and GNS sports club pavilions in between- with trees. From his vantage point, Lyte in a statement, released to media on Monday said that he heard banging sounds from the seawall area and saw police had blocked off the Camp Road side. He heard shots and saw a black car that was followed by a silver one. Lyte was sure that shots were being fired from the silver car. He said that the black vehicle which was in front
SHOT DEAD: Dextroy ‘Dutty’ Cordis
SHOT DEAD: Kwame Assanah
stopped. Then one person presumed to be the driver came out and stood at the driver’s door. One person was seen coming out of the silver car, and he walked towards the black car. “The person from the silver car started to beat the person who had come out from the driver’s side and was lying on the ground….After twenty minutes, I heard rapid gunfire. At the time when I heard the rapid gunfire, there was one person standing over the same person who was lying on the ground. About ten to fifteen minutes after the shooting, policemen from Camp Street started to run up the road. There was a photographer with them. They went to the scene. I also
saw the ambulance arrive.” Lyte was with attorney-atlaw Nigel Hughes on Monday for a press conference on Monday. It was indicated that he would be handing over a statement to the police. Following the disclosures, Lyte, accompanied by the lawyer, went to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, where he submitted a copy of the statement he had issued earlier, to the Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams. During this process, it was discussed and agreed that Lyte would return yesterday to be interviewed by a Senior Detective in the Continued on page 29
Wednesday March 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Barima man remanded for killing lover’s son A twenty-two-year-old labourer who allegedly stabbed his lover’s son to his left upper back after an argument over local wine was yesterday remanded to prison on a manslaughter charge. Eon Charles, of Kariabo,
Barima River, North West District, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. The unrepresented accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge
Raping of detained juvenile…..
City Constable for High Court trial
Two months after a City Constable was charged for engaging in sexually activity with a child under the age of 16, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly yesterday committed Lance Corporal, Clifton Pellew, to stand trial in the High Court for rape following the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) yesterday. Magistrate Daly also granted Pellew $500,000 bail pending the outcome of the trial in the High Court. Yesterday, the Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence against Pellew for him to stand trial before a judge and jury at the Supreme Court. The charge against Pellew is that on August 15, last, at Regent Street Enquiries Outpost at City Hall, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. According to reports, on the day in question, the juvenile was arrested and taken into custody for loitering and placed on a bench to sit. It was reported that
CHARGED: Clifton Pellew around 23:00 hrs, a male constable woke the juvenile and told him to lie on his back, which he did. Shortly after the male rank returned and told him to stand by the washroom. It was reported that the Lance Corporal returned and unbuttoned the juvenile’s pants, placed a condom on the juvenile’s private parts and let the teen have sex with him. The matter was then investigated and Pellew was charge for the offence.
which alleged that on March 22, last, at Kariabo, Barima River, in the North West District, he unlawfully killed Lawrence Leon. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield said that following the incident, police officers took the accused for medical attention then back to the scene of the crime after he was discharged from the hospital. The court heard that while at the scene, the accused escaped from police custody but was hours later recaptured three miles away from the scene. The prosecutor also based his objection on the fact that the accused has
strong ties to Venezuela and if bail is granted he would likely flee the jurisdiction. The prosecutor added that the accused, when arrested, gave the police a caution statement admitting to the offence. According to reports, the accused, who lived with the mother of the dead man, were all at home drinking local wine. According to information, about 18:00 hrs Leon and the accused had an argument over the said local wine, which resulted in Leon stabbing the accused to his left hand with a knife. The accused then armed
himself with a lance (Spear) and stabbed Leon to his left upper back. Both men were rushed to the Barima Health Centre where they were attended to by a health care worker and subsequently escorted to the Mabaruma Hospital where the accused was treated and discharged. Leon underwent treatment at the institution but died hours later. The matter was then reported and the accused was arrested and charged for the offence. The Magistrate remanded the accused to prison and instructed him to make his next court appearance on May 21
REMANDED: Eon Charles at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28, 2018
Wednesday March 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
American Airlines to start Guyana route from December American Airlines has announced a new route between Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown, Guyana and Miami International Airport (MIA), starting December 20, next. “We are pleased to continue growing our presence in South America,” said Jim Butler, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President, International and Cargo. “This new service adds a new international destination to American’s global network, promoting tourism in the country and offering the people of Guyana multiple connecting options through our hub in Miami.”
This new service will operate four times per week with an Airbus A319. This aircraft features eight seats in First Class, 24 seats in Main Cabin Extra with more legroom, and 96 seats in Main Cabin, in addition to more entertainment options and power outlets in every seat. During the summer season in 2019, this service will be operated daily. “The airline has a strong presence in South America. It is the premier carrier to the region offering more flights to more destinations than any other carrier. From Miami, the airline operates more than 330 daily flights to 135 destinations around the world,” the airline said in the
statement. American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American
American Airlines is coming to Guyana in December for the Miami flights.
Airlines is a founding member of the one world alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with
about 14,250 daily flights to over 150 countries. Guyana has a huge demand for new airline
services particularly within the North American routes, and there are times when tickets are very expensive.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28 ,2018
Record turnout expected for Guyana’s 52nd Independence celebration in New York Brooklyn, USA: Guyanese pride will be on full display when the New York diaspora unites for one celebration of Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence from June 3, 2018 in Brooklyn, under the theme “Celebrate Guyana To The World.” The annual event is the second largest West Indian celebration in New York, after the Labour Day parade. The historic 2016 jubilee celebration attracted over 20,000 Guyanese, while over 10,000 attended in 2017. The website has received over four million hits. Interest has peaked astronomically this year. We expect to mobilize a greater number of Guyanese in 2018, said Chairman, Mr. Rickford Burke, of the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (New
York). A delegation from the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee (New York); including Chairman, Mr. Rickford Burke; Vice Chairman Ms. Rhonda Binda; Treasurer Ms. Shariman Prince; Counsel Mr. Edward Meertins-George; and Director of Communications & Diaspora Engagement, Mr. Nevlon Duguid, met with Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly, on Friday, March 23, to synchronize celebration plans. Consul General Atherly was accompanied by Ms. Samantha Hodges, executive officer in the diaspora affairs unit and Ms. Loraine Farnell, of the Consulate. The Consul General and Committee agreed to work closely together to create synergies that promote unity and to engender national cohesion. Cognizant that the diaspora must adopt a united approach to celebrate our common culture, the Committee and Consul General further agreed to partner, as well as work jointly with other diaspora organizations, to ensure a successful Independence celebration. The celebration would include an Independence Thanksgiving Service on
(L-R) Edward Meertins-George, Loraine Faenell, Samantha Hodges, ConsulGeneral Barbara Atherly, Sharmin Prince, Rickford Burke and Nevlon Duguid May 20, 2018, Flag Raising Ceremony on June 3, Independence Parade (Mashramani in New York) on June 3, Unity Concert on June 3; Independence Festival on June 9 and Independence Cup Soccer Tournament on June 10. “We have invited President David Granger, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Min-
ister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, Attorney General Basil Wiliams, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Minister of Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes,
Director of Sports Christopher Jones, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and others. In keeping with our commitment to honour members of the Disciplined Services of Guyana each year, we have invited five members of the Guyana Defence Force. These ranks will partner with Guyanese-American counter-
parts in the United States Armed Forces to perform the ceremonial honours at the events. We have also invited several national soccer players from Guyana as well as the President of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Wayne Forde, to participate in the soccer tournament. The concert will be headlined by an international reggae superstar, who will be announced in April at the Committee’s 2018 media and public relations campaign roll out. Other artistes slated to perform include Carib Soca Monarch Brandon Harding, chutney star Terry Gajraj, Soca stars Jumo Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Blaze Antonio, Travon Vibez and Melissa Vanilla Roberts. Recording artists Eddie Neblet, Kapa Shanti, Lisa Punch, Johnny Go Figure and others will also appear. They will be accompanied by Guyanese-owned Angel’s Caribbean Band. Organizations, businesses, groups or individuals who are interested in participating in the celebration, placing truck or floats on the parade, or in vending, may contact the Committee at www.celebrateguyanainnyc.comor call 929-263-2556.
Wednesday March 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Blood bank gets $$$multi-million... (From page 18) patients.” Among the products that are required to help save lives are platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Minister Cummings noted that even as the Ministry seeks to raise the level and quality of public health care services delivery to the people living in Guyana, the NBTS will continue to benefit from capacity building training programmes aimed at boosting the quality of service it provides. She highlighted, too, that the World Health Organisation [WHO] along with its various international partners has continued to place great emphasis on the importance of universal access to health care services in saving lives and ending extreme poverty. She noted, “Our goal at the Ministry of Public Health is to ensure that these goals are realized maximally.” One of the important programmes promoted by WHO that has gained significant attention and support internationally is the blood transfusion safety programme. This programme, according to Dr. Cummings, is particularly designed for countries to establish and maintain self-sustaining national blood systems to ensure timely access to safe and sufficient supplies of blood and blood products as well as to develop good transfusion practices to meet the needs of patients. She informed that “many studies have revealed
that blood transfusion saves lives and improves the overall health of donors. However, many patients who require blood do not have timely access to safe blood.” She added, “Providing safe and adequate blood could be an integral part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure.” According to Dr. Cummings, the Ministry of Public Health, and by extension Guyana, “recognizes and acknowledges this significant need. As a consequence, I am very pleased to say here in Guyana we have the NBTS which is a modern facility that utilizes international best practices.” Minister Cummings added that the most recent addition to the NBTS will unquestionably serve to boost the capacity at the NBTS. “Using the Apheresis Machine gives a higher volume of concentrated plasma or platelets from each donation. Although in our laboratory we can separate plasma and platelets from whole blood donations… the Apheresis Machine produces more plasma and platelets for patients in need…,” said Dr.
Cummings. Instead of a technician taking the necessary measures to extract blood from a patient, they are now only required to attach a needle designed to be painless to donors and follow instructions produced by the machine. So sophisticated is the machine that it is able to receive blood removed from a donor’s body, separate it, with good purity, into various components and return what is not needed to the body. Once the process is completed, blood can be transfused immediately to multiple patients in need. According to Dr. Lewis, “This equipment can boost the quality of blood products that we could produce in the future and the quantity also.” But according to, Dr. Lewis, two more Apheresis Machine could further optimize the operation of the NBTS. He also assured that the acquisition of the current machine would not make redundant staffers of the NBTS as the former way of donation and separation of blood products will not be abandoned but rather boosted with the machine.
PAGE 25
Canje River ranch raiders granted $200,000 bail each
Three men who were remanded for robbing a ranch up the Canje River have been granted bail by Magistrate Alex Moore in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. The men Timothy Sampson, 30, of Lot 12 Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice; Lawrence VanLewin, 24, of Sand Hill, Berbice River; and Rhondell Crawford, 21, of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice are on trial on a joint charge of robbery under arms. They are accused of robbing Bharrat Mahadeo of one solar panel; 24 sheep; 15 ducks; horse bit ; four lengths of rope; two torchlights; one cutlass; one radio and one Nokia cellphone, property of Krishna Persaud, on Friday, March 2, at Potocco Creek, Canje River Magistrate Moore granted the men bail in the sum of $200,000 each and transferred the
Police not amused case to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court. This was despite strenuous objection from the Prosecution led by Inspector Bernard Brown. Sampson, VanLewin, Crawford and three others, two of whom were shot dead by police in the Canje River, are accused of robbing the ranch, located in Canje River along with the workmen of Krishna Persaud, on Friday 2nd March. On the day in question, at approximately 10:00 am police in ‘B’ Division acting on information of a robbery at Potocco Creek, Canje River, ventured to the area. They intercepted a boat with Sampson Continued on page 26
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Wednesday March 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Canje River ranch raiders...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767.
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flat Bed, Flat bed with Crane & Hauler. Call: 659-3100 New Triangle truck tyres, front & all wheel drive, size: 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 Parts for Tacoma Tundra Titan for sale. Tel#686-9608. Gold & Diamond land, to buy or rent. Giving out work ground #225-7026/622-0036/ 690-5300 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600
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Wanted experience hire car taxi drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel. Tel#265-7076/616-5419
Hair & Nail stations at T&J Unique Choice Salon, located at 101 Cummings St, Bourda Georgetown. Call: 227-7626/ 678-5461 (3) Bedrooms house to rent in (Lamaha Gardens) 2 1/2 Bath, fully air conditioned US$2000. Tel#653-7961/ 674- 9244 2 Bed apt fully furnished, single room fully furnished, Providence. #672-1906/2162299 2 bedroom house for rent Parfaite Harmonie WBD #6254118 1-2 bedroom apt, toilet & bath inside $50,000 monthly. Tel#648-7004 One concrete three bedroom upper flat front buliding at Durban street, Wortmanville $85,000 montly. Call: 601-6000 12 bedroom Apt Lyng St, Charlestown $40,000 #6764426 3 bedroom upper flat 143 Pike street, Kitty. Tel#234-0733 Room for working couple/ single person. Light, water, bed included. $28,000 monthly, $28,000 security @ South Riumveldt. Tel:6230076 For rent: 5 bedroom 2 bath #618-5985
Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331 Experienced cashier needed. Apply in person with application to American Variety Store (Regent/Light street) Experienced Pastry Maker/ Cake Decorator, Curry & Roti/ Puri cook. Apply Hack’s Halaal with H/written application, 5 Commerce St. One (1) part time domestic, between the ages of 40 to 50. Must know to iron and have character reference. Contact: #500-5923 Wanted Handyboy, must have police clearance. Apply at Shanta’s 225 Camp St. Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 looking for joiner to work. Contact #690-6327,603-3949 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 (1) Gardener Age: 20-35 must know to use grasscutter and wash vehicles. Salary: $20,000 per week. Call: 675-1430 Responsible hire car drivers and contract cars. Tel# 2317200 PROPERTY FOR SALE
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VACANCY Handyman between the ages 18-35, apply in person to Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard street. Contact: 2278529 Paralegal with degree in law. Duties: secretarial, clerical & research tasks. Email: lawofficegy@gmail.com/ guyana@hotmail.com One Chef, Kitchen assistant, Administrator, Maintenance worker, must speak English, Spanish. Contact: Hostal El Sol # 227-8253, 670-3149 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied. Key Food McDoom Village. Exists for one experienced dispatcher- Call: 231-5784 Able bodied Driver/Salesman for Leyland DAF Lorry. Involves lifting. Telles Steel: 226-6771/231-3265/226-4537 Female kitchen assistant for interior location. Job entails assisting cooks and general cleaning. Call: 618-2020 Truck driver to work at nights. Tel# 227-1717 2 experienced play school teachers. Call: 614-4005 for appointment. One Fabricator/Welder. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Gerogetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Needed two experience sales girl, must know to sell credit (Top up/C point) also. Call: 660-4830 Porters, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek Janitor, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek Maintenance workers, farm workers, labourers call: 2653586 8am-4pm LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608 Parafaite (10) year up $3M $1.5M $2M Uivlugt $2.5M Tuschen Property $5.5M, $3.3M Eccles (front) $5.8M. Call: 666-2326 Corner lot transported at 90 Garnette and Republic streets. 58.4’x31.89' CALL: 601-6000 Newtown, Kitty Uitvlugt (100x50) $2.6M Farm $2.8M Schnoord $2.4M Parfaite $1.4M Harmonie 2nd Avenue $2.3M #611-7223/6560701
From page 25 and VanLewin in the Canje River. Based on further information, the ranks proceeded to a location where the robbery allegedly took place. There, they discovered all of the animals with their legs bound and the other stolen property loaded inside of a camouflaged aluminium boat. Upon arriving at the scene, the ranks were confronted by the now dead Amar Bissoon and Indarjit Sham, who discharged several rounds at them. There was an exchange of gunfire and the two men were fatally wounded. They were later positively identified by the victims as members of the gang who committed the robbery. A twelve-gauge pump action shotgun, a .32 pistol, eleven live cartridges, and five live.32 rounds were found in the possession of the bandits. Also, three spent cartridges and a .32 spent shell were retrieved at the scene. All the men charged were identified positively by the victims of the robbery. LAND FOR SALE Transported land at Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice, Price $1.4 100x50 #680-1009
Wednesday March 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28 ,2018
Kim Jong Un meets Chinese leader in China’s surprise visit Beijing (CNN)North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with the Chinese President on a surprise trip to Beijing this week, state media in both countries confirmed Wednesday, his first visit abroad since he took power in 2011. Kim traveled to the Chinese capital because he felt compelled to personally inform President Xi Jinping of the rapid diplomatic developments on the Korean Peninsula in recent weeks, according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency. Kim also called for a “new era” in bilateral relations in a letter to Xi published on North Korean state media and invited the Chinese President to visit Pyongyang. Analysts said the visit was a courtesy call aimed at shoring up Pyongyang’s relationship with China, its traditional ally and major trad-
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with Chinese President Xi Jinping ing partner, which had soured in recent years. It also marks Kim’s dramatic emergence as a world player equal in stature to leaders like Xi. “We’re seeing a carefully crafted North Korean strategy on diplomacy unfold on
the world stage, starting with Beijing,” said Jean Lee, an analyst at the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy at The Wilson Center “North Korea is an adept player of the game of ‘divide
and conquer.’ He (Kim) has been very savvy at giving each of the key players in the region — South Korea, the United States and now China — something special as part of this diplomatic push.” The North Korean leader is set to attend a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in next month, and, in a bombshell move, US President Donald Trump has also accepted an invitation to meet Kim face-to-face, the first meeting between a sitting president and a North Korean counterpart.Images broadcast on Chinese state television CCTV Wednesday showed Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, meeting with Xi Jinping and other Chinese of-
ficials during the trip. State media quoted Kim as saying that he is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a key Chinese goal. “The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” Kim said, according to Xinhua. As well as Xi, Kim held talks with his deputies, including Li Keqiang, the Chinese premier, and Wang Qishan, the Chinese vice president who is considered one of Xi’s
closest confidantes.The trip took place from March 25 to 28, with Kim and his wife traveling by train. Rumors first surfaced about a potential visit by a high-level North Korean representative Monday night in Beijing, when pictures of what appeared to be the distinctive green Kim family train surfaced online. The White House said in a statement that the Chinese government briefed them on the meeting Tuesday and claimed some credit for the development.“We see this development as further evidence that our campaign of maximum pressure is creating the appropriate atmosphere for dialogue with (Continued on page 29)
Guyana signs on to absurd ... From page 8 ExxonMobil, which has the same oppressive clause. However, the clause was omitted from the 2016 contract with ExxonMobil. It is now clear that in negotiating the one percent royalty increase in 2016, the clause was removed. This reality gives credence to what Kaieteur News learnt which is that all of the oil contracts, which have been signed by APNU+AFC government as well as the PPP/C government are similar.In fact, this newspaper understands that the model that was being used over the years dates back to the 1970s. Guyana has just about 10 existing contracts with various oil companies, which are being released periodically. These have all been modeled from a contract that the country had with Mobil, a
company that had a presence in Guyana during the time of former President, the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. It was that same template that was reportedly used to formulate the ExxonMobil 1999 PSA. However, when ExxonMobil announced that it found oil in commercial quantities offshore Guyana in 2015, and the APNU+AFC government took another look at the contract, a decision was taken by government to review and renegotiate the contract. In fact, this newspaper carried an article back in 2016 that quoted Minister Raphael Trotman, expressing government’s desire to do same. That article can be read here: https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2016/06/29/govt-reviews-17year-old-contract-with-
exxon-mobil-but-agrees-itprovides-relative-protectionas-constituted-2/. ExxonMobil, knowing the advantageous provisions of the 1999 contract, took a firm stance that it was not willing to renegotiate that contract. The company had grounds for that position. Nevertheless, the government manoeuvered a one percent increase in royalty, which in ExxonMobil’s view, was negligible; it does not hurt the company in anyway. But, that meagre increase and the inclusion of a signature bonus, which is also trifling in the grand scheme of things, were predicated on an agreement to extend the life of the contract beyond 2018. Government also managed to negotiate the removal of the lumping. ExxonMobil’s only lien on Guyana’s two percent is an uncapped transportation cost.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28,2018
Hicken recounts spotting ‘Fine man’ during gunfight at Christmas Falls - OPR official says he found no evidence Could any of the Lindo Creek miners have been mistaken for members of the Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins gang? Assistant Police Commissioner (Operations), Clifton Hicken, was asked that question by Justice Donald Trotman and Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry when he took the stand at yesterday’s public hearing into the slaying of the eight Lindo Creek miners. Hicken responded that he “would not know” if this was possible. He also recounted spotting Rawlins and his men at Christmas Falls and the gun battle that followed. His testimony followed that of Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Head, Heeralall Mackenlall, who said he had found no evidence that members of the Joint Services had killed the miners. Mackenlall had conducetd a two-week investigation into the killings. Trip to Christmas Falls Recounting events of June 5, 2008, Hicken, seconded to Kwakwani as Tactical Services Unit (TSU) operative at the time, said he received a call from Crime Chief Seelall Persaud between 07:00 hrs and 10:00 hrs. Hicken, the tactical officer, was instructed to meet Persaud at Ituni at 12:00 hrs. He was picked up by Persaud in a three-vehicle convoy consisting of five uniformed police ranks, and three others in civilian clothing. They proceeded along the UNAMCO trail and arrived at around 18:00 hrs at Christmas Falls. There, Crime Chief Persaud briefed him that ‘Fine Man’ and four others were reportedly on the other side of the river at Christmas Falls. The team camped for the night. He said that during that time, [evening], they heard “continuous gunshots” from the opposite side of the river. Around 07:00 hrs the next day, Hicken and the team crossed the river. After some
30 minutes walking along vegetation and swamp, they took up tactical positions, and observed four buildings. These included an unfinished twostorey building, a latrine, a store-room and kitchen. Hicken said that there was a mattress on the ground on the top storey of the building, and he saw “a thin-boned Rastafarian,” who resembled the individual in bulletins of ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins. At a second building, he saw another Rastafarian man; another man in a hammock, and to the edge of the vegetation, some five or six feet away from the lawmen, was another man in brown pants and camouflage jersey, who appeared to be gardening. GUNFIRE Hicken said that they observed the men for some 20 minutes. “Suddenly…he (the individual who resembled ‘Fine Man’) made a signal and “the one in white briefs” put an ammunition bag over his shoulder and picked up what appeared to be an AK47 assault rifle, and fired towards the bushes. The other man by the kitchen fired towards the team, and a third gave “suppressive fire.” According to Assistant Commissioner Hicken, the individual believed to be ‘Fine Man’ ‘disappeared.” He said the shootout lasted about 25 minutes. After the shooting stopped, Hicken said the ranks approached the building and found three FN rifles with magazines. They also found four shotguns and a quantity of ammunition; two .38 revolvers, and haversack containing more ammunition. As they scoured the area further, they found the body of one of the Rastafarian men with a gunshot to his shoulder and another to the jaw. They then contacted Crime Chief Persaud who joined them. Persaud then instructed them to gather the arms and ammunition and return to Georgetown. Hicken also told the Commission that his team did not
Joint Services ranks killed miners
Assistant Police Commissioner (Operations) Clifton Hicken pursue the gunmen because, in his opinion, they lacked “the type of resources and equipment” to go after the gang.“If you don’t know an area, you don’t pursue or you could be ambushed,” he said. Questioned by attorney Patrice Henry, Hicken repeatedly said that he had only seen four men at the camp. “So there was no ‘small friend’ or ‘Cussom’ among the gang,” Henry said. Hicken also said that he had at no time, gone to Lindo Creek. Questioned by the Commission, the Assistant Commissioner said he had previous encounters with the ‘Fine man’ gang on the East Coast Demerara. He also said that that he had seen photographs in the media of the slain miners. Justice Trotman: “From the pictures of the miners…have you seen any resemblance between them and members of the ‘Fine Man’ gang? Hicken: “I did not make comparisons, I just focused of recapturing the prison escapees.” Shown photographs of the slain miners and asked about a possible resemblance to individuals in the ‘Fine man’ gang, Hicken said that none of them resembled any of the gunmen he had encountered.
Alleged killer withdraws guilty ... From page 7 Beswick v R (1987) 36 WIR 318, PC. In this Jamaican case a defendant was allowed to plead guilty to a minor traffic offence. The Magistrate sentenced him, but subsequently ordered that summons should be reissued, effectively deeming that his sentencing was null and void. The Privy Council then held that once a Magistrate had validly sentenced the defendant, he was functus officio and had no jurisdiction to order a subsequent reopening of the same case. Justice Bovell-Drake had no objections to the accused withdrawing the guilty plea. As such, Sutherland, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, will be afforded a trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes, according to Justice Drakes.
Counsel for the accused, however, had wanted his client to go on trial thereafter the withdrawal. According to Dhurjon, Section 144 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act states, “If the accused person pleads not guilty, he shall thereby without any further form, be deemed to have put himself upon the country for trial, and the Court shall order a jury for his trial accordingly.”However, Justice Bovell-Drakes said that the court could have commenced with trial immediately since this session of the Demerara criminal assizes is almost at an end. The judge informed the alleged killer that he will be contacted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to a date for commencement of his trial at the High Court in Georgetown.
Attorney Patrice Henry: “Can you say whether one of the miners…might have been mistaken or may have borne a resemblance to one of the ‘Fine Man’ gang?” Hicken: “I wouldn’t know that.” OPR INVESTIGATION Prior to Hicken’s testimony, OPR Head Heeralall Mackenlall testified that he was sent to Lindo Creek to conduct an investigation into ‘rumours’ that members of the Joint Services had killed the Lindo Creek miners. At the time, he was the Deputy Head of the OPR. Mackenlall, a former Crime Chief, said that in June 2008, about seven days after the remains of the miners were found, he was told by Deputy Crime Chief Mohamed Jameer that as a result of rumors that the Joint Services ranks were involved in the killings, Commissioner of Police Henry
OPR Head Heeralall Makinlall Greene directed that he visit the area to ascertain if there was any such evidence. He travelled to Kwakwani the following day. There he met, Senior Superintendent Crawford; Senior Superintendent Ramsey, who was Officer-in-Charge of Crime in ‘E’ and ‘F’ Divisions, and about three other CID ranks. He interviewed them and several residents at Kwakwani, but received no useful information. He trav-
elled to Lindo Creek with the other ranks, and checked to ascertain if there were other camps in the area. His intention was to question the occupants. However, he found no other camps. He also questioned several persons along the UNAMCO road, along with security guards at the UNAMCO checkpoint and Ituni Road. In addition, Joint Services ranks were also questioned, as well as relatives of the slain miners. Again, he received no useful information. “During my inquiries, I was unable to ascertain where the rumours came from. I informed Mr. Jameer of my findings and he subsequently told me that the Commissioner of Police directed that the CID continue with their investigation.” He said that the investigation lasted about two weeks.Asked if the mandate of the OPR also included investigating members of the Guyana Police Force, Mackenlall said that the police can investigate criminal allegations against army ranks.
Kim Jong Un meets... From page 28 North Korea,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, also held a welcome banquet for their visitors. Kim told his hosts that he chose China as his first overseas destination as leader to show “his will to carry forward the tradition of DPRK-China friendship, and how he valued the friendship between the two countries.”“In this spring full of happiness and hopes, I believe my first meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping will yield abundant fruits of DPRK-China friendship, and facilitate peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” said Kim.
“Eyewitness” saw men shot ... From page 12 presence of his Attorney.However, police said yesterday, in a statement that the interview did not take place as was arranged. ”Mr. Lyte’s Attorney-at-law when contacted in relation to another matter informed the detective that his client needed another 24 hours as his client has some issues to sort out.” Hughes who had been retained by the relatives of the victims, has disclosed that his clients view the use of deadly force in the shooting as unjustified and that they believe that their brother (Dextroy ‘Dutty’ Cordis) was murdered. They wanted justice. Hughes said that one of the reasons why the press conference was held before taking Lyte to the police was because he wanted what Lyte had to say out in the public, “srly, there are people whose interests are going to be threatened by what he has to say.” Cordis, 46, of Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah, of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, and Errol Adams aka Dynamite, 57, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast, and also of Buxton were all shot dead in a confrontation, police said in statement that day. Law enforcement officials described the shooting as resulting from increased surveillance in response to the recent spate of robberies committed on customers after
they had conducted financial transactions at various commercial banks. Guyana had been under siege with a significant number of persons robbed and shot, after being trailed from the banks. There were deep suspicions that bank employees were working in cohort with the gunmen. This was never substantiated. Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, had disclosed that there are a number of strategies being worked on to catch the bandits, including sting operations. Days after the shooting on March 15, Commissioner of Police, (Ag) David Ramnarine, publicly declared the use of force by the Guyana Police Force justifiable. Ramnarine said the officers acted in keeping with the law. “They were fired upon and as law enforcement officers, who are authorised to use deadly force, as long as deadly force is justified, as long as the deadly force is legitimate, to defend themselves,” he said. According to the Top Cop, the Guyana Police Force, based on intelligence gathering and public trust, has been able to put a dent on a gang that was targeting bank customers. Police later said that Cordis and Adams were known to them while Assanah had no criminal record. However, he was said to be in the car with the men when they were confronted by police.
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Wednesday March 28 ,2018
Man rents car, rocks up big bill at Palm Court then refuses to pay Oswin Archer, 32, a car driver who resides at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, yesterday, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to three charges. He denied the allegation that on March 7, last, he stole one BLU Cell phone from Jamela Dazzell in the vicinity of Camp Road, Georgetown. The second charge stated that on same day he obtained credit under false pretence from Jamela Dazzell. He was said to have hired her car, HC 4770 and travelled to New Amsterdam, Berbice, then to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport before heading back to Camp Road where the cell phone was re-
portedly stolen. The car rental amounted to $38,000 which he refused to pay. He claimed that the charges against him were untrue and that he had nothing to do with the woman, her car or her cell phone. He was also charged For Incurred Debt to the popular nightspot, Palm Court located on Main Street. On March 6 last, Archer went into the club and ordered a lavish amount of foods and beverages to a cost of $31,000. He was said to have ordered a number of Guinness stout, Hennessey shots, chicken wings, nuggets, Malta and chicken fried rice. When confronted about payment, the man refused to pay the bill and left the premises.
Oswin Archer A report was made, which consequently led to his arrest. He was granted bail on
each charge to a total of $160,000. The case has been postponed to tomorrow. (Deneita Fredericks)
Wednesday March 28, 2018
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Prefeasibility study for Lethem Aerodrome upgrade to a Regional Airport The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened several bids yesterday, as is usually done on Tuesdays. The following are bids presented yesterday. Ministry of Public Infrastructure tendered for prefeasibility study for the upgrading of the Lethem Aerodrome to a Regional Airport.
Ministry of Public Infrastructure HECI: Supply of line hardware for Lethem Power Co. Ltd
Guyana Revenue Authority: Provision of Air Condition Services. Ministry of Social Protection: Procurement of Lot –furniture and equipment; Lot 2—ICT equipment; Lot 3—vehicles
Regional Democratic Council, Region 2: Upgrading of Nursery School at Cotton Field.
Guyana Bureau of Standards: Supply of Legal and Scientific Meteorology Equipment
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation: Construction of a central storage bond
Guyana National Printers Ltd: Construction of washrooms and internal ceiling
Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation: Fabrication and delivery of forty buoys
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation: Rehabilitation of Doctors’ Quarter- Lot 2-East Block
Ministry of Public Health: Procurement of dental supplies
Ministry of Public Health: Procurement of medical supplies
>>>> To be continued in tomorrow’s edition <<<<
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North Korean leader was in delegation visiting Beijing: source BEIJING/SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was part of a secretive delegation that arrived in Beijing by train on Monday and left yesterday, according to a source familiar with the matter and foreign media reports. The visit, which would be Kim’s first known journey abroad since he assumed power in 2011, was not announced by North Korea or China and has remained shrouded in mystery. South Korea’s left-leaning Hankyoreh newspaper reported that Kim had traveled to Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday afternoon before leaving for a “third location”, which could be in China, yesterday. It did not cite specific sources. The conservative South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper, citing an unnamed senior intelligence official, said the delegation had included Kim, and that he had left to return to North Korea. Kim is due to hold separate summits with China’s rivals, South Korea and the United States, and analysts say a visit to Beijing could be preparation for those. Beijing has traditionally been the closest ally of secretive and isolated North Ko-
rea, but ties have been frayed by North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and China’s backing of tough U.N. sanctions in response. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman deflected a question on whether Kim, his sister or some other senior North Korean was visiting. “At present I have no understanding of the situation you mention. If there is news we will release it,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular daily briefing. Diplomatic sources in Beijing said a senior North Korean official was in town, but they did not know exactly who. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said it “kinda looked like” Kim went to Beijing, but told reporters at the Pentagon, “I don’t know.” A senior U.S. official who follows North Korea closely said the available evidence suggested Kim had gone to meet Xi, but stressed that has not been confirmed. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said China had not confirmed who had visited, but added, “there certainly was a lot of fanfare ... a lot of protocol.” “We look forward to hear-
ing about it and we’ll leave it for the Chinese to announce who was visiting,” she told a regular news briefing, adding that the United States was continuing with its plans for a summit with Kim by the end of May. A Reuters reporter saw a convoy leave Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House, where senior foreign leaders often stay, and drive north on Tuesday morning. It was unclear where the convoy was headed. Later, a Reuters journalist saw what was believed to be the delegation’s train pulling out of a Beijing station. The group was reported to have arrived in China on Sunday after crossing from North Korea at the border city of Dandong. One source with ties to China’s leadership said earlier it was possible the visitor was Kim’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong. She visited South Korea during the Winter Olympics last month, paving the way for a summit between the two Koreas. The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was unlikely Kim Jong Un would have again sent his sister given the importance of a meeting with Xi, which would underscore Kim’s standing as a world
A train believed to be carrying a senior North Korean delegation leaves China’s capital in Beijing, yesterday. REUTERS/Jason Lee leader. South Korean news agency Newsis reported that Kim Yo Jong and the North’s ceremonial leader, Kim Yong Nam, were visiting Beijing, citing an unidentified North Korea-related source in the Chinese capital. “LOT OF LEVERAGE” The U.S. official said Xi and Kim Jong Un had reason to meet in advance of Kim’s meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in April and possibly U.S. President Donald Trump in May. “Xi has met Trump, and
in many respects learned how to deal with him better than some people here do,” the official said. “At the same time, despite the recent tensions, he needs to know what Kim has in mind for dealing with the South and the U.S., and he still has a lot of leverage with the North.” A senior South Korean official said improving ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before the planned summits. In Geneva, meanwhile,
North and South Korean members of parliament shook hands and shared a toast to “peace” on Tuesday, a Reuters witness said, suggesting relations between their two countries are thawing. South Korean politician Young Chin shook hands with Ri Jong Hyok, director of North Korea’s National Reunification Institute and deputy head of its Supreme People’s Assembly, at the annual assembly in Geneva of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28,2018
Govt. Minister warns of libellous statements being made against him PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – National Security Minister Edmund Dillon has warned that statements being made on the social media that he had been found guilty in a United States court of fraud are “highly libellous” and that the perpetrators should be “guided accordingly”.“The court has not yet commenced any enquiry into wrong doing, much less arrived at any decision or judgment of any kind of wrongdoing on my part. “Contrary to salacious and erroneous media reports, I am not involved in any criminal court indictment, and there has been no conviction of any kind against me,” Dillon said in a three-page statement released here late Monday. Dillon has said he had done no wrong amid media reports that he had been travelling to the United States for a civil court matter in which allegations of “elder financial abuse, exploitation and fraud” had been made against him.The Trinidad Express newspaper reported last Friday that Dillon had been travelling to the US to attend the court hearings for the past seven months and that the allegations against him have been made by an elderly incapacitated man, known as Neville B. Piper.The newspa-
Edmund Dillon per said that US civil court documents allege that Dillon attempted to defraud Piper of his money and his Manhattan New York condo last year. The main opposition United National Congress (UNC) has called for his resignation, but told reporters “the matter is still pending and I’m prepared to treat with it accordingly,” insisting however that he had not taken advantage of Piper and hoped that the court matter would end “soon”. The reports on the social media had claimed that Dillon was found guilty and ordered by a US Supreme Court “to repay every cent stolen.” But in his statement Monday, Dillon said that on August 12, 2017, Piper trans-
ferred an undivided half interest of his million-dollar apartment located in Manhattan, New York to him. “This deed transfer was done willingly, and the transfer documents, were executed by Mr Piper, in the presence of counsel, and in the presence of an independent witness,” the statement said. “I would like to caution the media that it must be responsible in its reporting. More importantly, I urge the population to resist any attempt by those intent on making mischief and bringing my good name into disrepute. “This is a clear case of maliciousness perpetuated by those with intent on publishing innuendos and uncorroborated facts.
Government denies hefty salary increases for legislators KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – The Jamaica government yesterday described as “irresponsible” social media reports that ministers had received “hefty salary increases” while public sector workers had been offered five per cent. A statement issued by the Ministry of Information said it is untrue that the government ministers, as well as government and opposition legislators had awarded themselves hefty salary increases retroactive to April 2017. In the statement, the Ministry said that all
legislators received the same five per cent increase on basic pay as all other public servants for the 2018/2019 period whose unions signed a wage agreement. “Claims being circulated in social media fuelled by irresponsible statements that the Government ministers paid themselves hefty salary increases before signing off with other groups are patently false,” the statement noted. In the meantime, the ministry said negotiations are still on-going with some groups in the public sector.
‘Grow what you eat’ Open Farm workshops Daily Nation - Efforts are on to continue the momentum of the Grow What You Eat pilot project of the Rural Development Commission (RDC), started this year at Agrofest. Come month-end, the programme will be bolstered when the RDC hosts its first Open Farm workshop at Easy Hall, St Joseph. It will take place on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Farmer and RDC client, Joseph Hackett, will facilitate the session, which will place emphasis on how to grow bananas and plantains. A key aim of the Open Farm workshop is to teach patrons how to grow their own food and reduce their food bill. This is in keeping
with the aim of the Grow What You Eat programme, which forms part of the Barbados Sustainable Recovery Plan. Members of the public are invited to attend the event which will also provide them with information about the agricultural loans programme and other activities of the RDC. The RDC has advised those taking public transportation that they may take the Route 7 Martin’s Bay bus, which turns around right outside Hackett’s banana orchard. Those who are driving are also encouraged to use this route. Participants are advised to wear enclosed shoes and clothing which they do not mind getting soiled. (BGIS)
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Britain’s May calls for ‘long-term response’ to Russia after spy poisoning LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May called yesterday for a “long-term response” by the West to the security threat from Russia as NATO followed member states in expelling Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a double agent in England. In the most sweeping such action against Moscow since the height of the Cold War, the United States and European Union members plan to expel scores of Russian diplomats in action against the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter which they have blamed on Russia. Russia, which denies any part in the March 4 attack on the Skripals, says the West’s action is a “provocative gesture” and has said it will respond. The coordinated action among Western allies is seen as a huge diplomatic coup for May whose country is pre-
paring to exit the EU bloc and may have had doubts about how much support she could count on. Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognized the threat it posed. “Yesterday was a significant moment in our response to this reckless act of aggression, but there is still more to be done as we work with international partners on a long-term response to the challenge posed by Russia,” her spokesman reported May as saying. The U.S.-led NATO alliance followed suit announcing yesterday it was expelling seven diplomats from Russia’s mission at alliance headquarters in Brussels and blocking the appointment of three others, thus cutting the size of the mission to 20 people from 30. “It sends a very clear
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May (REUTERS/Francois Lenoir) message to Russia that it has costs,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. EU member Ireland and Moldova yesterday joined the list of those countries expelling Russian diplomats over the Skripal poisoning.
The list includes 22 European countries including Britain itself which led the way by expelling 23 diplomats. EXPULSIONS In the toughest action that President Donald Trump has taken against Russia
since coming to office, the United States has said it will expel 60 Russians, including 12 intelligence officers from Russia’s mission to the U.N. headquarters in New York. It is also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle. Trump discussed Russia in separate phone calls yesterday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The leaders endorsed the Western response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Britain, including the expulsion of Russian diplomatic personnel, the White House said. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hailed the diplomatic expulsions as a statement to those who doubted the unity of NATO. “Russia has the potential to be a partner with Europe ... (but) I think right now we have to recognize that they have chosen to seek a different relationship with the
Media association condemns silence of police as search continues for missing journalist PORTAU PRINCE, Haiti - CMC – The National Association of Haitian Media (ANMH) yesterday said it is concerned at the silence of the police and judicial authorities following the disappearance of photo-journalist Vladjimir Legagneur. The ANMH said that he left for an assignment in Grand-Ravine, in the district of Martissant, on March 14, the one of the areas where, in
recent years, gang clashes have been particularly violent. The ANMH said it was calling on the Director General of the National Police of Haiti and the Government Commissioner of the jurisdiction of Port-au-Prince “to make every effort to find Vladjimir Legagneur and reassure his family, his loved ones and his colleagues”. The media group said that
while many officials including Limond Toussaint, the Minister of Culture of Communication, have expressed some concern about the disappearance of the photo-journalist he has not been found. The ANMH said that Toussaint statement that the police and judicial authorities “are hard at work “is the first official reaction of the government in this matter. The spokesman for the
National Police of Haiti (PNH), Frantz Lerebours, said the authorities have received no information regarding the journalist’s disappearance. “In such cases, without a ransom demand, we fear a fatal outcome,” he said, adding “the situation is very worrying but we cannot presume of his death without having found his body.” The head of the Latin America office of Reporters
Without Borders (RSF), Emmanuel Colombié, has also expressed concern about the slow pace of the investigation.“It is extremely worrying that, 10 days after his disappearance, the police were unable to bring no new element,” he added. In recent years, a number of people including journalists and media workers have disappeared without ever having been found.
NATO nations,” he told reporters. In Prague, Paul Ryan, the Republican U.S. House Speaker, yesterday commended unity shown over the affair. “It is important that we work in solidarity with each other, free people in democracies to stop Russia and condemn Russia for this kind of belligerent activity,” Ryan said. Russia has not disclosed yet what retaliatory steps it will take. President Vladimir Putin was yesterday in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at the scene of a shopping mall fire which claimed many lives. He made no comment on the Skripal affair. Skripal’s poisoning, which Britain says was caused by use of the Sovietera military-grade nerve agent Novichok, is the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two. The attack on the 66-yearold Skripal and Yulia Skripal, his 33-year-old daughter, took place in the English cathedral city of Salisbury where he had been living since being swapped in a spy exchange deal in 2010. They were found on March 4 unconscious on a public bench in the city and a British court says they may have suffered permanent brain damage in the attack. The Kremlin has accused Britain of whipping up an antiRussia campaign and sought to cast doubt on the British analysis that Moscow was responsible.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday March 28,2018
Prime Minister Mitchell wants to re-open dialogue on CCJ ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has called for a “ re-opening of the dialogue on the Caribbean Court of Justice” less than two years after the electorate voted to reject the Trinidad-based court as the island’s final court. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony for his new Cabinet following his New National Party’s sweep of all 15 seats in the general elections on March 13, Mitchell said that as it “relates to our independence and to our national identity, we must open up a dialogue again, about our joining the Caribbean Court of Justice. “While most of the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries are signatories to the Original Jurisdiction of the CCJ, which also functions as an international tribunal that governs the 15-member regional integration movement, only Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Guyana have signed on to the Appellate Jurisdiction,” Mitchell said. He quoted the Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart as saying that he can’t understand why Caribbean countries “still believe that the former colonial master is better than people here in the Caribbean” on matters relating to how “our disputes are handled and how our grievances are addressed”. In November 2016, Grenadians voted overwhelmingly to reject seven pieces of legislation that would have reformed the constitution the island received when it attained political independence from Britain 42 years ago. But by a vast majority, the voters turned their backs on plans to replace the Londonbased Privy Council with the CCJ as the island’s final court, as well as rejecting term limits for the prime minister and the appointment of a leader of the opposition in Parliament. Grenadians voted against the CCJ by a
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell margin of 9,492 in favour as against 12,434 against and Mitchell said then that he regretted the defeat for the CCJ, noting that he should have done more to encourage voters to accept the CCJ as the island deepens its political independence from Britain. Speaking at the ceremony here on Sunday, Mitchell said that Grenada, “this land that gave birth to revolutionaries Julien Fedon and Henri Christophe; this land that gave birth to leaders who were fathers of Grenada’s independence and defenders of its place in the world, such as Eric Gairy and Maurice Bishop; this land must and shall do better than we have done on this issue. “Today, I call for a re-opening of the dialogue on the CCJ and the development of a united front in going forward – for this issue should not divide us along lines of neither party nor class. “In fact, unity of purpose must be our “watchwords” as we go forward. There are too many things that hold us together, for us to fall apart. Let’s remain determined to achieve,” he added.
Govt. wants removal from tax list as ‘a priority’ NASSAU, Bahamas - CMC – The Bahamas government says it expects its removal from a list of countries deemed to be taken havens “to be a priority” when the European Union Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meets for its next meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Peter Turnquest has reiterated that the inclusion of the country on the EU blacklist was unjustifiable, given its “strong and unwavering commitment to the integrity of our financial services industry”. In a statement, Turnquest said that the Bahamas has no more outstanding commitments for the EU’s Code of Conduct Group (CoCG) that should stop its removal from the group’s blacklist of non-cooperative jurisdictions on tax matters.“The Bahamas expects this to be a priority when ECOFIN next meets,” Turnquest said in the statement.Earlier this month, the EU finance ministers said they had also decided to remove Bahrain, the Marshall Islands and St. Lucia, from an earlier list that had also included American Samoa, Guam, Namibia, Palau, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago. The EU had earlier removed Barbados and Grenada from the list.The EU finance ministers have also decided to add Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to a so-called grey list of jurisdictions which do not respect EU anti-tax avoidance standards but have committed to change their practices.The blacklist was set up in December, but Caribbean islands hit by
Finance Minister Peter Turnquest
hurricanes last year were given more time to adapt their tax practices to EU requests. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders who met in Haiti for the 29th inter-sessional summit earlier this month, called on their finance ministers and central bank governors of the region to meet “expeditiously” to consider new proposals as regional governments continue to react to decisions by Europe in listing some countries as tax havens. In the statement, Turnquest said that the Bahamas has fully cooperated with the CoCG on its compliance with new measures brought forward by the EU on tax matters, and explained that government is on track to meet the EU’s year-end deadline for compliance on certain tax matters.
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Wednesday March 28, 2018
Pele FC Alumini... From page 42 gear and is focusing more on providing educational opportunities for youth soccer players, who are in need of noncash support as they pursue their academic endeavors. Next week’s programme, which is anticipated will cater for about 90 youths, will see a number of presenters sharing on a wide sphere of topics at the Carifesta sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue between 08:00hrs and 16:00hrs on both days. Among the topics the participants would be lectured on are Dental Hygiene, Public Speaking, Career Guidance, Conflict Resolution, Benefit of Sports, Preparing for the Future, Goal Setting for a Positive Life, Etiquette, Basic Table Manners/Use of Cutlery/Crockery Practice and Information TechnologyToday’s Needs. The facilitators of these
topics are Carnegie School, Camex, Ms. Donna Chapman, Brenthley Babb, Mark Bender, Ivor O’Brien, Ms. Dawn Braithwaite, Mrs. Myrna Lee, Dr. Fredrick Duncan, Dr. Colin Watson and David Gomes. According to one of the Pele FC Alumini Directors, Denis Ivor Carrington, the goal of the Annual Youth Development Programme is to teach adolescents the right skills, with the ability to understand the requirements and responsibilities considered necessary in preparation for life and living after high school, while incorporating the capability and independence to care for themselves. Meanwhile, the National Library will tomorrow (March 29) be presented with 8 Laptop computers (2nd year) and over 2500 children books by the Pele Alumni Corporation.
Kaieteur News
Australia trio sent... From page 41 de Kock, and in the following game fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was cited for nudging Smith with his shoulder after capturing his wicket. Initially banned for two games, Rabada was cleared on appeal in time for the crunch Cape Town test, with the series level. Tim Paine, appointed as the new Australia captain in place of Smith, faces a huge task in picking up his shattered side, not least after the 322-run drubbing they received in Cape Town at the hands of Rabada and veteran paceman Morne Morkel. The squad has been bolstered by batsmen Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns, but they will barely have time to acclimatise before
Wednesday March 28, 2018 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 Social events today could put you in touch with people in the arts, Aries, particularly ones such as film, television, recording, and computer graphics that combine creativity with modern technology.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 Have love matters been causing you excessive strain for a while, Libra? If so, you can expect that to end now. Someone you love deeply reciprocates your feelings
Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 You could spend much of your day advancing the interests of an organization dedicated to a cause that means a lot to you, Taurus
Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 If you're single and looking for love, Scorpio, you may find it today in an ephemeral way. You could find yourself falling hard for the proverbial stranger across the crowded room.
Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 If you're single, Gemini, a new love could appear right there in your neighborhood. The person should be attractive, intelligent, free spirited, and very much attracted to you!
Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Love certainly seems to make the world go round today, Sagittarius. Is everyone around you deeply involved in a new or revitalized romance?
Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 Today you could hold a group meeting of some kind in your home, Cancer. The guests will probably include people in such interesting fields as astrology
Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 Has the perfect career suddenly materialized out of nowhere, Capricorn? If so, don't write it off as being too good to be true. It's very, very real!
Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 Have you been reading romantic novels or watching romantic films lately, Leo? This is probably because love is very much on your mind now. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 Money earned through involvement in the arts, perhaps those combining creativity with computer technology, could come your way, Virgo.
Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 A website or TV documentary could put you in touch with a promising educational or spiritual organization whose goals and aims seem to jibe perfectly with your own, Aquarius. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 You could have some strange, mystical dreams tonight, Pisces, possibly involving angels or other spiritual beings. Their messages could well shed light on a romantic relationship that you might not understand well.
Friday’s fourth test in Johannesburg. Australia’s pre-meditated attempt to tamper with the ball, and thus make it swing more in the air, has drawn condemnation from around the world, with balltampering a serious breach of the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct. However, the damage done to sports-mad Australia’s esteem is arguably far greater, with everybody from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull down piling in to express their outrage. Australian media are speculating that the three players could receive lengthy bans, of particular concern to Warner, who at the age of 31 is in the latter stages of his career.
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Wednesday March 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition
Only winners will advance after tonight’s matches
-DoS to do ceremonial kickoff
Part of the action in the East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition. The sixteen teams that will feature on the first night of action in the East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition already know that winning is the only pathway to advancing further into the tournament. The action gets underway this evening at the Haslington Tarmac with eight matches scheduled where losers will immediately exit the competition, while the winners move into the round robin phase set for Saturday night, at the same venue. However, before play gets started, Director of Sport Christopher Jones is expected to do the ceremonial kickoff shortly after meeting the teams. The feature game of the
night will see hosts Haslington Hypers square off against Mahaica Determinators in the final game, while reigning champion Melanie B start their defence with a clash against a dangerous Buxton unit in the preceding encounter. Over $700,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs over three days, while the Plate final carries a first prize of $50,000. The winning team in the competition will receive $400,000, while second, third and fourth place finishers take home $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively. The sixteen participating teams are: Melanie-B, 2014 winner Melanie-A, PlaisanceB, 2013 winner Plaisance-A, 2015 champ BV-A, 2016 win-
ner BV-B, Buxton Diamond, Buxton, Victoria Church Yard, Haslington Hypers, Belfield Warriors and Paradise-A, Police-B, Mahaica Determinators, Mahaica Guinness Bar and Uprising. The full fixtures for tomorrow are: Plaisance-A vs Belfield Warriors-19:00hrs Victoria Church Yard vs BV-B-19:30hrs Buxton Diamond vs Mahaica Guinness Bar20:00hrs BV-A vs Police-B-20:30hrs Melanie-A vs Uprising21:00hrs Paradise-A vs PlaisanceB-21:30hrs Melanie-B vs Buxton22:00hrs Haslington Hypers vs Mahaica Determinators22:30hrs
Wednesday March 28, 2018
National Under-19 Females depart for Trinidad
National Female Under-19 team with Manager, Heema Singh (far left) and Coach Bharat Mangru (back row 3rd from right.) The Guyana female U19 team departed yesterday for neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago to defend their Regional Invitational female U19 T20 title. The reigning champions, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the final last year, comprises of a number of players with previous experience at this level, and will be managed by Heema Singh and coached by CWI Level 3 Coach, Bharat Mangru. Shabika Gajnabi will lead the team once
again with the talented Mandy Mangru as her deputy. The team reads; Shabika Gajnabi (Captain), Mandy Mangru (Vice-Captain), Shenita Grimmond, Kushana Lynch, Omedevi Matadin, Lafona Gilgeows, Yogeeta Ballkishun, Casey Charles, Cherryanna Fraiser, Ashley Ramkisoon, Chrita Mahabir, Roshine Budhu, Sarah Amin and Varshmie Ramlall. The Guyana Cricket Board wishes the team all the best in the tournament.
Australia trio sent home after ball -tampering scandal, coach stays JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Australian cricket supremo James Sutherland had harsh words yesterday for the test trio being sent home after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, saying they faced “significant” sanctions, but there was one term he refused to use - ‘cheat’. Pressed at a packed news conference, Sutherland would only say the disgraced players - captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft - had broken the rules. Contrary to Australian media reports, coach Darren Lehmann was not involved in the plot, hatched during the lunch break on Saturday, to scuff up the ball with a small piece of improvised sand paper and had no prior knowledge of it, Sutherland said. Lehmann, a no-nonsense former player under whom Australia’s test side has gained a reputation for pushing the limits of sporting acceptability, would continue in his position under his current contract, Cricket Australia’s CEO added. “It’s not a good day for Australian cricket,” said Sutherland, who flew into South Africa on Tuesday morning to sort out the imbroglio sparked by Saturday’s incident. “It was not in the laws of the game and not in the spirit of the game.” Smith and Warner have
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Cameron Bancroft, at the centre of the balltampering storm, will return to Australia with Smith and Warner today. (Reuters) been stripped of their leadership positions and all three will now leave the tour in the wake of the balltampering scandal, which has shaken the sport and cut to the quick Australia’s “play hard but fair” psyche. The 25-year-old Bancroft was caught on camera shoving the sticky yellow tape, which he used to pick up rough granules off the pitch, into the front of his trousers when he believed he had been spotted by the umpires during the third test. Echoing comments from the London-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), guardians of the ‘spirit of cricket’ gentleman’s code that is
supposed to guide the ethos of game, Sutherland said Australia and others must take a long look in the mirror.“Winning is important but not at the expense of the laws or the spirit of the game,” Sutherland said. TROUBLED SERIES While the four-match series, which South Africa lead 2-1 heading into the final test starting on Friday in South Africa’s commercial capital, has produced sensational cricket, it has been marred by on- and off-field altercations between players.In the first test in Durban, Warner become involved in an offfield fracas with South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton (Continued on page 37)
ICC suspends Zimbabwe official for 20 years ESPNcricinfo - Rajan Nayar, a domestic cricket official in Zimbabwe, has been suspended from all cricketing activities for 20 years by the ICC for attempting to improperly influence an international match.The incident had taken place in October last year when Nayar approached Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer and offered USD 30,000 to engage in corrupt activity. Cremer “immediately” reported to the approach to the ICC, which began an investigation into the matter. Nayar, serving as treasurer and marketing director of Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA) at the time, accepted all the
charges against him. The suspension will be backdated to the start of his provisional suspension on 16 January, 2018. Alex Marshall, general manager with the ICC”s AntiCorruption Unit, said: “I welcome the result of the investigation and the substantial sanction imposed upon Mr. Nayer. It is important that the seriousness of his offences was reflected in the length of the ban. “I would like to place on record my thanks to Graeme Cremer, who has acted with the utmost professionalism throughout this process. Immediately after he received the approach from Mr. Nayar
he reported it to the ICC and we were able to get an investigation underway swiftly. Graeme has been involved and updated throughout the investigation and has played a critical role in ensuring that corruption has no place in our sport.”Cremer himself expressed surprise that a wellknown official had acted in such a manner. “I was appalled to be approached by someone so closely connected to the game and there was no doubt in my mind that I had to report it as soon as I could. We receive education around this which you never expect to have to use, but it certainly helped when it came to knowing what to do.”
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Wednesday March 28, 2018
Sunday’s National Race of Champions winners awarded by GMRSC The top drivers from the first National Race of Champions, hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and
Sports Club (GMRSC) on Sunday last at the South Dakota Circuit, received their accolades on Monday
night at the entity’s office on Woolford Avenue. The event served as a preliminary round to the
Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) which head of the GMRSC, Rameez Mohamed, indicated that he will be doing all in his power to have Team Guyana regain the title which they lost to current champions, Trinidad and Tobago. Mohamed Ahmad (Sports Tuner) and Matthew Vieira (Superbikes – Superstock) were the only daredevils that completed sweeps in their respective classes on Sund a y, w h i l e r e i g n i n g CMRC group four champion Andrew King won the first two races in his class before crashing out in the third which Mark Vieira won. Additionally on Monday night, the best performers at the curtailed ‘King of the Strip’ drag race meet last month also received their trophies, while the Club took the opportu-
nity to honour the dedicated volunteers and marshals whose efforts helped make local motor racing a success. See official results from the National Race of Champions below. (Calvin Chapman) Street Tuner - Race 1 Raymond Seebarran Street Tuner - Race 2 Raymond Seebarran Street Tuner - Race 3 Narine Dasrat Sports Tuner - Race 1 Mohamed Ahmad Sports Tuner - Race 2 Mohamed Ahmad Sports Tuner - Race 3 Mohamed Ahmad Choke Starlet Cup Race 1 - Rameez Mohamed Choke Starlet Cup Race 2 - Anand Ramchand Choke Starlet Cup Race 3 - Anand Ramchand Group 2 - Race 1 - Chet Singh Group 2 - Race 2 - Ryan
Rahaman Group 2 - Race 3 - Chet Singh Group 3 - Race 1 Rameez Mohamed Group 3 - Race 2 Danny Persaud Group 3 - Race 3 Danny Persaud Group 4 - Race 1 - Andrew King Group 4 - Race 2 - Andrew King Group 4 - Race 3 - Mark Vieira Superbikes Superstock - Race 1 - Matthew Vieira Superbikes Superstock - Race 2 - Matthew Vieira Superbikes Superstock - Race 3 - Matthew Vieira Superbikes – Street Bike - Race 1 - Rene Tucker Superbikes – Street Bike - Race 2 - Zalim Mohamed and Rene Tucker (Tie) Superbikes – Street Bike - Race 3 - Zalim Mohamed
Wednesday March 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Team Guyana claim Al Sport and Tour Promotions Windball title Team Guyana won the AL Sport and Tour Promotions franchise schoolgirls Windball cricket competition played in memory of Edward Cobenna by defeating Team Barbados in the final. Batting first in the final, Barbados managed 89-1 with Indira Amardeo scoring 50. Team Guyana replied with 961; Donna Lowe made 42 and Georgina Butters 34.Others games played, Team Trinidad scored 95-1. Kozieya Phillips made 36, Naoime Daniels 24 and Naomi Barkoye 23. Team Guyana made 96-2 in reply. G. Butters got 44 and D. Lowe 34.Team Trinidad managed 89-3. N. Barkoye hit 49. Team Barbados responded wioth 92-2. I. Amardeo made 44. Team Jamaica scored 58-2 with Miracle Sinclaire getting 16. Team Guyana replied with 63 without loss. D. Lowe led with 42 and G. Butters 16. Team Guyana posted 941. D. Lowe made 38 and
Manager Johnny Barnwell along with members of his team and officials of AL Sport and Tour Promotions. Georgina Butters 32. Team Trinidad scored 98 with out loss. K. Phillips and N. Barkoye got 38 apiece. Team Jamaica mustered 20-5. Kelly Dyal had 2-16.
Team Barbados responded with 24 without loss. I. Amardeo made 20. This Inaugural Programme was organised by Sport Officer Alistair Munroe.
ICC will only meet with PMs if Cameron 20 April 2018 will unfortupresent. is present Chief Executive of ICC, nately not be possible, espePORT-OF-SPAIN: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has told the chairman of the Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on cricket Dr. Ralph Gonzalves that they will not entertain any meeting with his group unless the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dave Cameron is present. Dr. Gonzalves the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has written to the ICC asking for a meeting with the world cricket body during the upcoming CHOGM in England in April 18-20. Guardian Media was able to secure a letter sent by the ICC to Dr. Gonzalves and copied to the Prime Ministers of Barbados Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley and in it they clearly state that they will not meet with the Subcommittee unless Cameron is
UDCA GM set for April 07 The Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, April 07th at Hymara Park, Speightland at 11:00 hrs. The agenda will include the President’s Report, the minutes of the last meeting and the Treasurer’s Financial Report and Election of Office Bearers for the New Year. All financial clubs are asked to make every effort to attend.
Dave Richardson responding on behalf of the chairman of the ICC Shashank Manohar stated in the letter: “I refer to your letter dated 14 March 2018 addressed to the ICC Chairman, Mr Manohar. He has requested me to reply on his behalf. Mr Manohar is amenable to a meeting with the PMSC at a convenient date but since Cricket West Indies is our Member he is firmly of the view that the meeting should not take place without the attendance of the Chairman of the Cricket West Indies Board, Mr Cameron.” “The ICC offices are located in Dubai and Mr Manohar is based in Nagpur, India. Your proposal to meet in London during the course of your CHOGM from the 18-
cially since we are holding our quarterly Board and Committee meetings in Kolkata from the 21-26 April. As you may be aware, the ICC is staging an ICC Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean in November this year. In the absence of an alternative, this may provide a more convenient opportunity to meet.” Cameron is a highly respected member of the ICC and coming through Cricket West Indies (CWI) and sources close to the situation told Guardian Media that the ICC will no way snub him to meet with the Sub-committee since they want to discuss West Indies cricket and it is only fair that Cameron sits in. (Vinode Mamchan)
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Kaieteur News
Junior team off to Suriname for Carifta Chess Championship (Guyana Chess Federation release) - The National Sports Commission along with the Guyana National Chess Federation will be sending a National Junior Team to the 7th Carifta Chess Championship which is slated for tomorrow to 03rd April in Paramaribo Suriname. This is Guyana’s first time
participating in this event and yesterday, the participants along with their parents visited the National Sports Commission and interacted with Assistant Director Brian Smith. Smith wished the National Team best of luck on their journey, stating he was proud of them and advised them to make their country
proud. Also, President of Guyana Chess Federation James Bond gave his best wishes and regards to all players. The Team Manager is John Lee and he will be accompanied by National Chess Coach Wendell Meusa
and Assistant Coach Orel Richardson. The National Junior Chess Team is spearheaded by newly crowned National Junior Champion Joshua Gopaul, fellow St. Stanislaus Chess comrades Ghansham Allijohn, Jaden Taylor and Chelsea Juma.
Also, Sasha Shariff, Ethan and Ronan Lee of Marian Academy, along with Keon Scott, Tyrese Kirt, Cleyon Andrews and Tyreese Lucas from the Albouystown “ Open Mind” Chess Club. Special thanks is extended to all the parents, National
Sports Commission, Guyana National Chess Federation, The Suriname Chess Federation, The Government of Suriname, Mr. Loris Nathoo of Red Cherry, Pastor Keith Vigilance and members of the Albouystown Policing Youth Group.
The Chess team during their visit to the National Sports Commission yesterday.
Pele FC Alumini Corp. to host 2-day Youth National Library to Development Programme receive computers and books With a clear vision towards the attainment of academic and athletic develop-
ment of youth here in Guyana, the Pele Football Club Alumni Corporation, a 501(c) 3 registered Non-Profit Organization in the USA, will be hosting its 2nd Annual 2-day Educational Development Programme targeting young players. Pele Alumini, with a mission to empower children whilst helping them to overcome poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem and ambition, through the power of sports, has also
Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton - Pele FC Alumini Director
Denis Ivor Carrington - Pele FC Alumini Director
partnered with the Guyana
Football Federation (GFF) and is in the first year of a five-year contract where it is sponsoring for the first time ever an Intra Association Under-15 league in memory of Pele’s first President, Frank Watson. Over the past seven years of its existence, Pele FC Alumni Corporation has made a significant impact on the Guyanese community by sponsoring annual youth soccer/educational tournaments. But it has now changed (Continued on page 37)
BCB And Sueria... From page 45 the BCB to uphold its high standard and to make the four tournaments memorable for all residents of Berbice. The Tournament was officially launched when Layne handed over the four Championship Trophies to BCB Secretary Robby Saywack in front of the appreciative audience that included BCB officials.