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Vulgar imposition of parking meters in Observations on Clement Seecharran’s handed and belittling attribuGeorgetown - entirely an APNU+AFC fiasco tribute to Dr. CB Jagan tions in his article, Seecharran DEAR EDITOR, There is no dispute - the Parking Meter Contract is opposed by a vast majority of the citizens of Georgetown and of Guyana as a whole. APNU+AFC is responsible for this fiasco. While it is City Hall in Georgetown which is implementing this horrendous contract, APNU+AFC is making it possible. I suspect Guyanese citizens will come out in force to protest and reject the parking meters. It is an obligation of the political parties and their leasers to state unequivocally what their position is. I am calling, therefore, for each political party to state their unequivocal position on parking meters and the newly amended Parking Meter Contract and Bylaws. The toxic Parking Meter Contract, unfortunately, is back, auspices of APNU+AFC. The PNC threat that the parking meters cannot be stopped is vulgar and insulting. The PPP councillors have expressed their opposition and, as far as I know, their position reflects the position of the PPP. The PPP, like their councillors at City Hall, is opposed to the parking meters,
at least as far as I am aware of. Clearly, given the position of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and Oscar Clarke, we know that the PNC, and their creature, APNU, not only support parking meters, they want an imposition regardless of what the citizens feel. But what is the official position of the AFC and the WPA? Are these political parties political opportunists, waiting to see which way the wind blows? The AFC, which has seen its autonomy usurped by the PNC (APNU), has a unique opportunity to demonstrate some guts and to show that they can stand up for the right thing. I know that certain councillors with AFC labels, example Councillor Duncan, have expressed their dissatisfaction about parking meters for Georgetown. But I would like to hear the official position of the AFC, as well as the WPA, now. They must not wait to gauge how people react. The fact is we are on the verge of City Hall imposing parking meters again. Like before, I expect massive protest. The AFC waited until they saw the overwhelming protest before they finally
took a strong position, the last time around (2016/2017). This time, they must say upfront, now, what their position is. The AFC leadership must speak on this matter and not play games. The citizens of Georgetown and the wider Guyana know that we can stop the parking meters by a united stand. We have shown that when we stand together against wrong, we can preserve dignity, truth and the right thing. While there might be a spattering of opposition within City Hall from certain councillors, the APNU+AFC machinery will ensure that they force the parking meters on the people. Will the AFC be a willing poodle or will they demonstrate spine and objectivity now? The City Council has made it clear that parking meters will become a part of daily living, no matter what citizens think. Oscar Clarke arrogantly declared that citizens can huff and puff, but they cannot stop the parking meters from being introduced now. In his own way he made it known that no matter how many people protest and no matter how much noise in the (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, It is fitting and commendable that Stabroek News published an eight-page supplement to commemorate the one hundredth birth anniversary of Dr Cheddi B Jagan. I have thus far read Prof. Clement Seecharran’s contribution and would like to make a few observations: First, Prof. Seecharran seems to place the full burden of Guyana’s unresolved “ethnic problem” on Cheddi Jagan by his failure to recognize the insecurities of AfroGuyanese, insecurities, which would not be allayed by his emphasis on class struggle. While there is some truth in this, the fact is that the seeds of animosity had been sown by the colonial authorities through policies governing land ownership and culture, among other things. That said, no discussion of the “ethnic problem” can ignore the role of Jagan’s political nemesis, Forbes Burnham, who not only controlled the first post-independence government, but manipulated the “ethnic census” to maintain a one-party state, securing Afro-
Guyanese collaboration by political patronage and the systematic dispossession of Indo-Guyanese. It is interesting to note that Seecharran repeatedly quotes Eusi Kwayana on this matter, seemingly oblivious of the fact that when Kwayana, then Sydney King, had an opportunity to push for racial reconciliation as part of the Burnham ruling party, he was understood as advocating partition of the country on racial lines. Second, in his protracted elaborations on the failings of Cheddi Jagan, Seecharran cites the sugar baron, Sir Jock Campbell, who he says could have produced miracles if Jagan had cooperated with him. The miracle worker, whom Seecharran fondly refers to as Jock, may have conceded scraps to the sugar workers in the waning days of colonialism and in an effort to secure the sugar company’s footing, but in Seecharran’s reflections, Jock towers benevolently over Jagan, who must bear the blame for the unmaterialized miracles. Third, in the most back-
describes the Jagans as people “who did not steal…” There are far too many works on the politics of Guyana that credit the Jagans with considerably more .Any evaluation of a national leader such as Cheddi Jagan must afford some comparison with his contemporaries. In this case, his archrival was the dictator, Forbes Burnham. Need one say more? Yours faithfully, Rishi Singh
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Commercial banks must protect their to pay service charges To make this system work, customers have on most transactions, and customers have to be inDEAR EDITOR, The world is investing heavily in technological development, and Guyana is no exception. Our commercial banks must re-think, how imperative customers are, and security must be number one on the list of priority. These days, customers
that is why every bank should construct a closed-circuit television (CCTV) network, with a large monitor screen, in a suitable area, so customers, staff and security, can see all movements, from time entering to time leaving, with full view of the compound, and if possible, the surrounding roads.
booth with tellers, and this will certainly remove suspicious feeling about tellers and also decrease the bandits targeting/trailing of customers. I now look forward to the Guyana Association of Bankers playing a pivotal role in the above subject. Yours Co-operatively, Parmanand Ram
Vulgar imposition of parking meters ... From page 5 world they make, nothing can stop City Hall from imposing parking meters. The PNC has spoken and they fully expect that the APNU+AFC machinery must follow the edict. .While some councillors did succeed in forcing a deferment on the vote for the amended parking meter bylaws, this is just a temporary setback and one can expect that the bylaws would be
passed and introduced very shortly. The AFC will permit a couple of their councillors to express dismay, while the AFC Executive stand by like spineless poodles waiting to see what happens. If the public protest threatens to derail the parking meters again, the AFC Executive will claim that the councillors who have stood up against the parking meters were reflecting the
AFC position all along. This is what they did before. Well, this time we want to know from the AFC, the WPA and others what their position is. In the end, this fiasco is wholly the making of APNU+AFC. It might be driven by Congress Place and the PNC, but the fiasco cannot be disowned by APNU+AFC. They must carry this albatross forever. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Friday March 30, 2018
Exposed: Bloated GuySuCo ... From page 4 related values as of 2013 are shown in Annexe A hereto. The Grades and Scales have been scrupulously observed to this day. Of note must be the fact that Management has never awarded any salary increases since then. In other words, no increments have been awarded despite the implementation of annual Performance Evaluation (including evaluation of performances of acting appointees.) The fact is that the Corporation simply could not afford to implement acrossthe-board increases of any kind. Allowances Related to basic salary as composed, the range of allowances depicted in Annexe A was the product of the aforementioned Job Evaluation Exercise, the outcomes of which were all approved by the Board of the day.” So that it is not as if there was need to conduct any exploration of wellestablished facts – for 'exposure'. In any case, such information was part of a more comprehensive submission to the Economic Services Committee of Parliament in early 2017.Apart from the above, there is also the curious non-sequitur, which reads as follows: '…, despite the closure of the four estates within a year GuySuCo's wage and salary bill was still a staggering $16B'. In obvious haste, the commentary overlooks the fact that three estates already mentioned were closed at December 31, 2017. In the milieu, informed persons would know that all employees below the level of 'senior staffers' are unionised, the bulk being of course in the field, and factories, where an unavoidable proportion of earnings is as a result of overtime hours that must be worked – more often than not to achieve targets. Opportunity is taken here to reproduce two eloquent tables extracted from the aforementioned COI Report.For the further benefit of patient readers, it should be mentioned that GuySuCo is the only business in the world that provides free health services to all employees, their spouses and unemployed children up to age eighteen years; in addition to pensioners – consider the thousands involved.This is supplemented by a Contributory Hospitalisation and Maternity Scheme for all monthly and weekly paid employees. Additionally, the Corporation hitherto was probably the biggest
Comparative annual Salary Scales vis-à-vis annual Earnings of Piece Workers (2014) Typical Time Workers
2014 High and Mid-Level Earnings in various Field OperationsAverage of Seven (7) estates Typical Piece Workers
contributor to NIS. All this is supported by a well-staffed Occupational Health and Safety Programme. It follows that there are both contributory pension schemes for monthly paid employees; and an industryfunded ex-gratia scheme for other time and piece-rated workers.The industry also boasts of long established education training and development programmes – technical and academic – involving sponsorships to the University of Guyana, and the Guyana School of Agriculture, over the long years past. Not to mention the extensive bursary awards to employees’ children; and of course the sixty year old Apprentice Training Centre at Port Mourant. All these costs are included in what is loosely described as the Wage and Salary bill.So back to the issue of allowances, most of which were established across the industry as far back as the 1950’s. In fact, the so called ‘perks’ have been reduced since. More directly a number of those attributed to various levels of staff, including Directors, have not been implemented for some time now; or they have been refused by the latter. Indeed managers and staff on estates can legitimately complain about the comparably reduced standard of accommodation – possibly not acceptable to several commentators.
But in the final analysis, these exchanges may very likely be seen as merely quibbles – in terms of the more important future viability of the industry. What profoundly needs to be considered, is how such indiscriminate forays would impact on the sensitivities of witnessing managers. Should they be apprehensive of a new leadership whose positive mission has yet to be constructively articulated, and to whom they look forward to lifting morale? After all, they would reflect that they too could have been seen as partly responsible for the dereliction complained of so vociferously. The final concern must be that of prospective managers, who may be left to hesitate as to whether they would wish a career in an apparently belligerent environment, as may be interpreted. In the final analysis governance and accountability in any organisation is the cumulative reflection of individual character; and has no room for ad hominem defamation. E.B. John PS: Those of us who have worked in the industry since the days of Bookers Sugar Estates and have only known the highest standard of integrity, and experienced prompt and precise accountability, sincerely hope that we do not witness the portentous degradation of the moral character that must inform leadership at all times.
Territorial claim by Venezuela… Guyana yesterday submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the application follows the decision of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, in choosing the ICJ as the next means of resolving the controversy that arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela was null and void. In its application to the Court, Guyana “highlighted that Venezuela had, for more than 6o years, consistently recognized and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and with the 1905 map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the award.” However, Venezuela only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final
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Guyana files case with ICJ
preparations for the independence of British Guiana and threatened not to recognize the new state, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. The Ministry disclosed that Guyana’s application notes that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify its belated repudiation of the 1899 award, rather it has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. “The UN SecretaryGeneral’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained independence.” The Ministry also pointed out that on January 30, 2018, Secretary General Guterres concluded that the
The application yesterday was handed over to Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the ICJ by Carl Greenidge, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will serve as Guyana’s agent in the proceedings before the court. Good Offices Process, in which the parties had engaged for almost 30 years, had failed to achieve a solution to the controversy and chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement. The application was
handed over to Philippe Couvreur yesterday, Registrar of the ICJ by Carl Greenidge, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will serve as Guyana’s agent in the proceedings before the Court.According
to Minister Greenidge, in filing its application, Guyana has respected the Secretary General’s decision and placed its faith in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statute and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Following the 2015 discovery of oil and change of Government, Venezuela had upped its claims on Guyana, with its aggression even seeing actions taken to end a rice-for-oil deal to pressure this country. Guyana later that year
went to the United Nations and made a complaint to the General Assembly. Guyana has also earmarked some monies from the oil agreement w i t h ExxonMobil, about US$18M to fight the case at ICJ. The ICJ has its seat in The Hague, The Netherlands, and is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The legal team of Guyana is being led by Sir Shridath Ramphal, an experienced lawyer and former Attorney General of Guyana who successfully also played a lead role in the 2007 successful award in the arbitration regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Guyana and Suriname.
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Oil and Gas sector needs to be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny
I
n the case of Norway, one is able to observe that oil and gas revenues can transform nations for the better. But there are other cases where countries have not been so fortunate. It is on this premise that the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) believes that the parliamentarians must ensure strict oversight of the oil and gas sector. NRGI is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving countries’ governance over their natural resources. The Institute stressed in a parliamentary briefing that parliamentarians should also exercise their oversight role to ensure that good deals are made in the extractive sector. NRGI said, “Through their oversight role, parliamentarians should ensure that all legislation affecting the fiscal
…must ensure good deals are made in the extractive sector - Int’l Consulting Agency
WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram
elements of oil, gas and mining projects are coherent. “Some countries have wrestled with inconsistencies between pieces of legislation.
For example, mining laws and investment promotion laws might each spell out distinct incentives, which together may give away far too much
or result in a lack of clarity as to which incentives apply.” In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Organization noted that opposition parliamentarians should ask the government to provide revenue projections over the life of any major project— particularly when special fiscal exemptions or incentives are granted. It also said that the Opposition MPs should request a detailed listing of all assumptions (prices, costs, etc.) upon which these projections are based. The Institute asserted, “Over time, legislators should request regular reporting of revenues the state receives and compare them against these projections.” NRGI stated, too, that there should also be a request for disclosure of all contracts with companies. It said that this is pertinent so that parliamentarians can access information about deals, including all the exemptions and incentives offered to companies that may deviate from those contained in generally applicable law. It stressed that contract disclosure is essential for effective parliamentary oversight. In another note to opposition parliamentarians, NRGI
said that they should ask Government officials to explain the actions they take to ensure compliance with the fiscal regime, including conducting independent tax audits. CRITICSAGREE Local critics have also expressed the opinion that the oil and gas sector will require strong oversight from the parliament. Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram, noted that the ExxonMobil agreement should have been tabled and approved in the National Assembly. He said that this should have been the way forward for all Production Sharing Agreements. “These contracts have long term effects, so what you have is a Minister binding a Parliament or a country for decades. The practice of having Production Sharing Agreements go through the Parliamentary process can be seen in places like Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. That is how it should be done, because there are long term effects with these contracts…” The Chartered Accountant said, “What we have before us is proof that this is what should be done. But in
addition, I think even the scheme in which the Executive negotiates should be revised…” Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds is also in agreement with Ram’s points. Dr. Hinds noted that the oil and gas sector is a defining one and as such, he would recommend that Parliament set up a standing committee on energy. He said that such oversight is necessary, given how much is at stake. Perhaps as a start, the University Professor said, there should be a select committee to look at what has transpired thus far in relation to the contract and other related issues. He emphasized that such a committee should hold hearings, so that it gets to hear from government operatives and other expert witnesses. UNFAIR DEAL Local commentators have also expressed concern over the lopsided deal Guyana signed with ExxonMobil, especially when it is compared with the agreement Exxon Mobil signed onto with the African country, Ghana. The glaring disparities between the two contracts also underscore the need for the Guyana-ExxonMobil contract to be scrutinized by Parliament, critics say. The Ghanaian contract has an entire section dedicated to procurement laws, which ExxonMobil must follow at all times. Those provisions are in place to ensure that a significant number of the local companies are able to benefit from the nation’s oil sector. On the other hand, Guyana’s contract mentions nothing about procurement laws.
T
he President of Guyana cannot in struct the Commissioner of Police to conduct any investigation. The government, through the Minister of Public Security, formerly the Minister of Home Affairs, can only provide ‘general direction’ – another way of saying ‘policy’ – to the Police Force. A number of newscasts and newspapers have reported that the President has ordered an investigation into the deaths of three men who were shot by the police, in the vicinity of the Georgetown Seawall, two weeks ago. These media houses should revisit some of their headlines because, by law and convention, the President has no authority to instruct the Commissioner of Police to do anything. The President can ask the police for information. The police are obligated to provide this information, provided it will not compromise any investigation. The President can report a matter to the police. The police are duty bound to investigate that matter, as it is with any complaint filed by
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any citizen. The President can outline security policy. But this is best done through the Minister of Home Affairs who holds political responsibility for public security. This responsibility, however, is limited to answering questions posed to him by the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Security cannot be held personally liable or responsible, under the doctrine of political responsibility for specific failings of the police force. The President also has the option of appointing a Commission of Inquiry into any incident, including the incident in which three men were shot by the police during what is alleged to be an exchange of gunfire. The law also provides for a Coroner’s Inquest into every case on unnatural deaths. But such inquests tend to be limited to determining the cause of death of someone or some group of persons. Given the unnatural deaths in Guyana, the number of magistrates would have to be tripled to deal with the large number of inquests, which need to be undertaken. The Commissioner of Po-
lice can undertake his own investigation, as is presently being done, but he cannot and should not be instructed by any political authority to do so. It would be highly improper of the President of a country to instruct any police officer, junior or senior. The media therefore must revisit their reports to determine whether they were misrepresenting what the President reportedly told them. A witness has turned up and claimed that he was working in the vicinity of the area where the alleged incident
occurred and that he saw the police brutalizing one of the victims before shooting him. From where he is said to have been, on top of a roof, and considering where the incident took place, the alleged witness must be credited with excellent eyesight. Guyana’s media houses used to have a solid reputation of investigating such claims and arriving at their own conclusions. Yet, it seems as if very few of the media houses were interested in testing whether from the alleged vantage point of the witness, he could have
seen what happened. Some media houses seem to have used drones after the incident to get images of the scene of the shooting. But even the drones could not provide a close-up account. It is hard to imagine how an eyewitness, some distance away, could have seen with clarity what happened. The eyewitness version is not necessarily inaccurate. However, it is just that it needs to be clearer and definitive if it is to be of evidential value. The police must be al-
lowed to do their investigation. A Coroner’s Inquest must be held since the law requires this and since this would throw greater light on what happened. But there is no way that any politician should be instructing the police to undertake an investigation.
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Kaieteur News
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Millions in cheques not collected by contractors & suppliers – Region Three REO More than a dozen contractors and suppliers who were contracted by the Region Three Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) have not returned to collect payment despite repeated attempts by local officials. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, admitted that 19 cheques totalling $8.8M were not collected at the end of 2016, but were kept on hand. PAC Member, Juan Edghill requested the REO provide a list of the contractors and suppliers who have not collected their cheques. He also requested details of the contracts and when works were completed. “Mr. Chairman, we have a situation where suppliers and contractors are no longer eager to collect their money. These cheques were not collected as of September 2017,” Edghill stated. Jaikarran stated that none of the persons has made claims for the cheques and they are no longer working with the Region. He also stated that he did not include the monies as a previous year liability. “I am troubled here that we have such distinguished Guyanese who would provide services to the tune of $8.8 million and they are not interested in being paid by going for their cheques,” Edghill stated. The decision by the RDC to retain the cheques breached financial regulations which stipulated that unspent budgeted funds must be returned to the consolidated fund at the of the financial year. The cheques were eventually returned to the consolidated fund. “You know the rule; why were they kept on hand?” Edghill questioned Jaikarran. The REO stated that the cheques were
Friday March 30, 2018
Fidela Corbin-Lincoln joins complement of High Court Judges
Region Three REO, Denis Jaikarran kept on hand with the hopes that persons would show up to collect them. The REO hesitated when faced with questions about not transferring the monies back to the consolidated fund as required. This prompted PAC member and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence to declare that the committee is not a court. “We are here to ensure that you are following the rules and the procedures, but we also want to know where the shortcomings are in the system. That is the only way we can fix it. If you can really open up to us and say look this is the reality of what is happening out there and the system needs to now go back and find some way in which they can adjust to allow us to operate without breaking the rule,” Lawrence stated.
Justice Fidela Corbin- Lincoln signs the instrument of commission
W
ith over 18 years of practice to her name, Attorneyat-law, Fidela Corbin-Lincoln hopes to contribute to improving the standard of justice in Guyana. Corbin-Lincoln who has worked as a Master Chamber Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Court has been appointed as Puisne Judge of the High Court. Ms Corbin-Lincoln was presented with her instrument of commission by President David Granger on Thursday. She received her LLB from the University of Guyana and Certificate in Legal Education (CLE) from the Hugh Wooding Law School. As an attorney, Justice Corbin-Lincoln worked in Antigua and the United Kingdom. She is said to have a proven track record as a top
performer with exceptional success handling large case management, litigation, prelitigation, case analysis, and client advisory matters. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony, President David Granger said that he received and acted dutifully in accordance with the Constitution in administering the oath of office. “This ceremony today, aimed at filling a vacancy in our judicial system, is a simple yet serious re-affirmation of the supremacy of the Constitution. It is a means of ensuring the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.” The President said that in addition to exemplifying the qualities of independence, impartiality and integrity, judicial officers must ensure that independence of the institution, which they serve by
resisting any attempt at executive and legislative encroachment. They must also guarantee the impartiality of their decisions by guarding against bias, prejudice and favouritism; and to ensure the integrity of their reputations by acting, always, in a manner, which upholds the dignity of their office. President Granger reiterated that his administration remains committed to the independence of the judiciary and will do everything in its power to ensure that the work of judicial branch is protected.
OAS injects ... From page 11 which is being promoted by the Development Cooperation Fund managed by OAS. “Our organisation wants to bring all the member states together to promote not only a democracy, we are strong on that, but [also] human rights, security and sustainable development because we know our people need good jobs and with good technical and vocational education they will be able to secure those jobs and even set up their business in the future so that our countries improve and grow their economies,” said the OAS Representative. He is moreover hopeful that the execution of the programme will help Guyana to move forward in having well qualified people to help push the economy forward. Signing the agreement into effect yesterday were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Vibert Welch, and Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Vanessa Dickenson. Following the affixing of signatures, the agreement was ceremonially handed over to Minister Henry by Dormeus.
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Oil money will be set aside for preservation of the environment The Government of Guyana has once again, sought to assure the citizenry that it is dedicated to the protection of the environment. In fact, it was revealed that some of the nation’s oil wealth would be set aside for this purpose. This pledge was recently made by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. The Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) noted that while the government is moving steadfastly on the road to first oil, it is also keeping a close eye on the development of a national green state strategy. The politician said that the Coalition Administration also embarked on a National Green State Development Strategy which prioritizes the protection and preservation of the environment for current and future generations. He said that one of the seven guiding principles of the strategy is the sustainable management of natural resources, which includes the entire coastal area where fishing and farming are conducted as well as water resources. He said that the water resources would include both freshwater and the offshore marine environment which make up the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Minister Trotman said,
- Trotman
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman “This overarching strategy provides our most significant commitment to the preservation of our environment in tandem with the development of our resources. “In fact, we have committed to using the revenue from development of our natural resources to advance the preservation of our environment.” “Guyana must be known not as an oil producing nation but as a nation that used its massive resources to protect its environment which also
includes its people and the communities they live in.” CONTINGENCY PLAN To complement its efforts in the protection of the environment, Minister Trotman noted that the Coalition Administration is already moving towards the development of a National Contingency Plan. He said that this document would guide the manner in which local authorities respond to the possibility of an oil spill. The Minister said that the contingency plan is in keeping with the principles of international organizations of which Guyana is a member. Trotman stated that in 1998, Guyana became a member of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) and a signatory to the IMO’s International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC). In 2010, he stated that Guyana acceded to the
Cartagena Convention and all three of its protocols including the “Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Oil Spills in the Wider Caribbean Region”. The AFC Leader said, “I am aware that the IMO guidelines have been a driving force in the design of this National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.” Furthermore, it was on Wednesday that the Government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), held its first stakeholders’
consultation on the draft plan. This document was put together by a local team. The draft was discussed at length by Captain John R. Flores, the Director of Maritime Safety. Flores during his presentation on the plan showed a short video that highlighted the devastating effects oil spills can have on the environment. The video made reference to some of the world’s most horrifying oil spills such as the ExxonMobil Valdez oil
spill and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Director of Maritime Safety said that several documents were used as a reference point for the creation of the framework. He said that these included the IMO’s manual on guidelines to be followed in the creation of an oil spill plan, draft procedures which Guyana’s authorities had from years ago, and oil spill plans by other nations such as Trinidad and Tobago.
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Guyana’s oil contracts lack provisions to guard against inflated costs ...But Liberia ties companies with strict clauses Any careful assessment of Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs)with ExxonMobil , Tullow Oil, Ratio Oil, Eco Atlantic and CGX, would reveal that there are mechanisms in place for these oil operators to recover their exploration, development and production costs. But what is lacking in all of these contracts is a single clause that speaks to how the Government of Guyana should deal with inflated costs, once detected by these entities. While such loose provisions exist, other nations have ensured that the necessary provisions have been taken to guard against inflated costs. Liberia, for example, is known for its oil rich potential just offshore West Africa. Its oil industry has attracted multinationals such as Chevron and ExxonMobil. Even though the Government of this English-speaking nation is elated to have the attention of these oil giants, it is by no means an indication that there would be a free for all for those entities as it relates to inflated costs. In one of its PSAs, Liberia ties ExxonMobil and its other oil partner to a strict set of provisions. The 2013 Production Sharing Agreement says, “If any such inspection or audit is finally determined to have overstated Petroleum Costs or
understated revenue derived from Total Production by more than three percent all costs of the inspection or audit shall be borne or reimbursed by the Contractor and no portion of such costs of inspection or audit may be included in Petroleum Costs. Appropriate adjustments in payments and cumulative recoverable costs shall be made to adjust for all misstatements identified as a result of any such inspection or audit.” (More in this regard on the contract can be seen by following the said link: ( h t t p : / / www.theperspective.org/ 2 0 1 2 / block_13_agreement.pdf)). INFLATED COSTS At some point, all oil producing nations would have faced issues with inflated costs by operators. As such, strict mechanisms are often put in place to ensure that such abuses are nipped in the bud. Indonesia is just one nation which ended up taking its mechanisms to the extreme. Not only did it put stronger systems in place but it also moved away from the use of the Production Sharing Agreement model. Indonesia’s move from Production Sharing Agreements to a new model in January last was long in the pipeline. In several media reports in
that country, the Government of Indonesia said that under cost recovery, contractors inflated costs to increase their share of production, the result being that Government’s share is reduced. The Supreme Audit Agency of Indonesia found that several oil and gas production sharing contractors inflated their operating costs claims to US$300M. The Agency also noted that many of the costs claimed by the company were not even in keeping with the rules and regulations of Indonesia. By moving to a gross-split model, the Government argues
that contractors are forced to bear the costs of operating themselves. The Government believes that the new method will encourage the oil operators to spend more efficiently since there is no way to recover them. The Government of Indonesia feels justified in doing away with a cost recovery mechanism for oil operators. The citizens there believe that for too long, they have been abused by oil operators. The Government also expressed alarm at the fact that in 2016 alone, cost recovery by oil operators climbed up to US$13.9B. This was more
than the sector even contributed in non-tax revenues for that year. Additionally, the Government bemoaned the administrative challenges that came with addressing cost recovery as claimed by companies. In fact, the Government said that the problem with cost recovery is, there have been endless debates as to how much exactly the production costs should be. The Government said it is not easy to calculate technology costs, especially in cases where only one company has a particular technology. It was also noted in the
Indonesia media that SKK Migas, a government-owned entity that manages the oil sector has a staff of 750 professionals. Approximately 80% of that staff is involved in the arduous task of ensuring that cost recovery claims by company are fair and accurate. Anticorruption advocates in Indonesia are of the firm view that given its limited audit resources, and benchmarks to evaluate cost claims, the Government’s response to move away from cost recovery as a basis for production sharing is perhaps, a sensible move.
Pele F.C Alumni donate books, laptops to National Library
Mr. Carrington hands over of one of the laptops. Yesterday, the Pele F.C. Alumni in their efforts to help
youths advance and balance the combination between books and sports, donated over 2000 books and eight laptops to the National Library.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
The Pele Alumni intend to empower youths while helping them to overcome poverty by building their self-esteem and ambition, through the power of sports. Over the years, the club has been making an impact on youths through donations and educational campaigns. According to Chairman of the alumni, Denis Carrington, the club was started with intentions of giving back to Guyana and to help boost the
confidence of youths, especially young males. He proclaimed his disappointment when he came back to Guyana for the Alumni’s 40th anniversary and saw that only a small fraction of the boys in the football team, were in school. This motivated him to push for literacy programmes and other educational initiatives. Mr. Carrington yesterday presented the books and laptops to the library board.
Friday March 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
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COPA targets role in Guyana’s tourism Several airlines serving Guyana and other destinations were provided with a chance to outline the challenges and opportunities they face when they addressed the XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and HighLevel Authorities of Tourism held between March 20-21, 2018. During the Fifth Plenary Session at the OAS Congress hosted in Guyana on Wednesday, March 21, Copa’s Vice President of Sales, Copa Holdings (S.A.), Christophe Didier, emphasized that much of the airline’s strength lies in 77% of its total service to smaller markets as well as its reputation of being on time. Addressing attendees from several Latin American countries including Colombia and Mexico, Didier posited
that Copa was noted to be the best airline operating in the Caribbean and South America. He disclosed that the airline would be upgrading its fleet in the coming months as it was “looking to serve all of your countries.” Didier noted that much of its focus rests on targeting small cities in various countries so as to ensure wider coverage of services and linkages to areas worldwide. The airline conducts 350 daily scheduled flights with four weekly out of Guyana. Copa - a member of Star Alliance - has the ability to reach 1330 airports in 192 countries with over 18,500 daily flights worldwide. Didier reminded the audience that Copa has the largest network in Latin America, reaching more international
Copa is hoping to play a major role in developing Guyana’s tourism.
Copa’s Vice President of Sales, Christophe Didier destinations than any carrier. “Panama City is centrally located to connect flights to South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean,” he said.
The airline is best poised, he stated, to help Guyana achieve its sustainble tourism development efforts, through its partnerships, alliances, connectivity and vast experience. “Our practices, policies and core beliefs are aligned with the framework document of the Green State Development Strategy,” he pointed out. The Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) has been conceptualized to guide Guyana's economic and sociocultural development over the next 15 years. The objec-
tive of the strategy is to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and opening up new sustainable income and investment opportunities in higher value adding and higher growth sectors. The XXIV Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High-Level Authorities of Tourism was conducted under the theme; "Connecting the Americas through Sustainable Tourism.” The event brought together the highest tourism authorities of the hemisphere
as well as representatives from the private sector, academia and civil society. The airlines currently offer service to 78 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. During Copa Airlines' 70 years of continuous operations, the hub of the Americas in Panama has become the leading hub on the continent. Copa operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry, consisting of 100 aircraft: 80 Boeing 737 Next-Generation and 20 Embraer-190.
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Bulkan takes witness stand in Republic Bank breach of contract trial
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, took the stand Wednesday in the trial for which Republic Bank is being accused breaching an arrangement with Precision Woodworking Limited in relation to a defaulting loan dating back to 2011. The Court action was filed in 2012 by Bulkan and his brother, Rustum Bulkan, in their capacity as Principals of Precision Woodworking Limited. Precision Woodworking is accusing Republic Bank of unlawfully appointing a receiver to seize its assets even after the company reached an agreement with the bank to repay a non-performing loan. The Woodworking Company had secured certain
loans via Republic Bank but subsequently fell in arrears in the loan servicing. Republic Bank, as part of the process of recovering the loan, appointed a receiver to secure assets of Precision by way of notice of a Court Order in June 2011. However, Precision Woodworking claims that it had already reached an agreement with Republic Bank to repay. The company has been challenging the legality of the Bank’s receivership in Court since 2012. The trial got underway before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court yesterday, with Bulkan taking the witness stand, and leading evidence. In his evidence- in- chief, Bulkan told the Court that the
company started experiencing financial difficulties in 2010. As a result, the witness explained that the Republic Bank from which they had previously garnered loans was contacted regarding the difficulties the company was experiencing. In response to questions by his attorney, Nigel Hughes, the witness alluded to correspondences forwarded to the Bank as it relates to the loans it had previously garnered from the institution. He said that as a result, the letters were sent to the bank in May, June and July of 2011. According to Bulkan, there were also subsequent
meetings with officials of the Bank to discuss the difficulties, with which the company found itself. One of the letters became the basis of objections raised by Attorney for Republic Bank, Robin Stoby, (S.C). Stoby argued against admitting the letter as part of the evidence alleging that its contents could lead to hearsay material entering the trial. The trial judge explained, however, that the letter was not being mentioned for its content but for fact that it existed. Justice Singh elucidated that the fact that there was correspondence to Republic Bank bears relevance to the proceedings before the Court. He told the Attorney nonetheless that his objections were noted. In continuing his testimony, Bulkan also pointed to another piece of correspondence, to Managing Director of Republic Bank at the time, John Alves. He told the Court that he forwarded an email to Alves on June 24, 2011. The businessman told the Court that in the email he informed the Bank of the
company’s position as it relates to the sale of a property located at Lot 21 Ruimveldt Industrial Estate. Bulkan told the Court that Precision had informed the bank of an offer by at least two entities for the purchase property under its control. He specified that both Neal and Massy and prominent businessman, Hareshnarine Sugrim, ('Chinee') had offered to purchase the properties under its control. The witness stated that Neal and Massy had made an offer for US$1.15 M for the purchase of the property. In the statement of claim, Precision had noted that the Company engaged the bank on June 30, 2011 regarding the loans. The company had claimed that it repaid about $513M in full but the interest stood at some $327M. As a result,the company’s indebtedness amounted to in excess of $406M. The company is claiming that prior to engaging the Bank regarding an arrangement with Torginol Paints for the sale of properties at some $230M, the Bank was in-
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan formed of its efforts to find another buyer. The Bank, according to Precision had also received an initial $30M as part a first purchase from the buyer but later informed the company that Kashir Khan had been appointed as its receiver. It is against this backdrop that Precision is claiming that it is unlawful to appoint a receiver after it had reached certain arrangements to repay the loan. The trial was adjourned to April 17.
Friday March 30, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Prefeasibility study for Lethem Aerodrome upgrade to a Regional Airport (Continued from Wednesday) Ministry of Agriculture ASDU: Supply, delivery and testing of hydraulic for the EDWC.
Ministry of the Presidency, Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports: Procurement of building materials for College and Training Centre.
Guyana Defence Force Rehabilitation of eastern perimeter fence
Guyana Defence force: Procurement of Labour for revetment of eastern canal
Ministry of the Presidency, Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports: Procurement of building materials for Kuru Kuru Training College.
Regional Democratic Council, Region Seven: Procurement of one new 4x4 double cab vehicle (Toyota Hilux or equivalent)
Closing submissions to be presented on behalf of former Cadet Officer accused of shooting teen Regional Democratic Council, Region # 7: Construction of primary school at Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni.
Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board: Supply and delivery of equipment and consumables for the Pesticide and Toxic Board: Lot1—equipment; Lot 2—reagents; Lot 3— consumables.
Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board: Procurement and installation of laboratory equipment for PTCCB
Ministry of the Presidency, Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports: Procurement of building materials for Madewini Training Centre.
Ministry of the Presidency, Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports: Procurement of building materials for Den Amstel Training Centre.
On April 16, Attorney-at-Law Roger Yearwood, will present closing submissions on behalf of former police Cadet Officer Franz Paul who is on trial for shooting a 15-year-old boy in the mouth back in 2014. Thereafter, Police Prosecutor Bess is expected to reply. It is alleged that on April 30, 2014 at Georgetown, Paul of Lot 189 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown discharged a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith, who was 15year-old at the time, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm. It is also alleged that on the same day, Franz Paul inflicted grievous bodily harm on, and assaulted the teenager. Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore is presiding over the matter which is being heard at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The accused, who was charged since in 2014, has been released on High Court bail with respect to both matters. According to reports, Franz Paul’s sister, Nadia Paul, was robbed on April 30, 2014. Thereafter, the former Cadet Officer reportedly took her to the police station to make a formal report of the incident. Based on information received, Griffith was later arrested by a party of policemen headed by Paul. It was during the process that the former
Franz Paul Cadet Officer allegedly discharged a loaded firearm in the teen’s mouth. During an identification parade held at the Brickdam Police Station, Griffith identified his alleged shooter as Paul.
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Friday March 30, 2018
Enmore workers paid as 1,100 tonnes molasses produced With a new Board of Directors in place and grinding ongoing at four estates, the Guyana Sugar Corporation was reporting, as of Wednesday, more than 17,400 tonnes of sugar produced for the year. Almost 6,600 tonnes of molasses have been produced also for the year at Albion, Blairmont, Uitvlugt and Enmore. The first three are the estates that GuySuCo has kept with Enmore reopened for the production of molasses for the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) after being closed last year. The figures would come as Government continues to work with a smaller-sized, three-estate GuySuCo, a strange situation in a country that have for centuries been cultivating and harvesting canes for its sugar production. Communities were literally built around the industry.Earlier this week, GuySuCo’s Chairman, Colvin Heath-London announced that the administration has managed to put together a $30B finance package for GuySuCo which will target operations and urgent fixing at the factories. Heath-London, who was also appointed head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which falls under the stateowned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), has been battling to re-open Enmore, Skeldon and Rose Hall, three estates controversially closed last year as part of the restructuring of GuySuCo. SPU is the body tasked with finding investors for the three estates closed last year
- hopes as GuySuCo starts regaining lost grounds as well as the ageing Wales, which stopped grinding the year before after more than a century in operations. There are over 70 expressions of interest for the three closed estates. DDL, which badly wants the molasses for its rums, has struck a deal with SPU for the running of Enmore for this crop. With NICIL handed control of GuySuCo last year and with the vesting of the shares in that unit, it meant that the mandate of the company (NICIL) has expanded. A number of strides are being made under the Heath-London board. An expert who has worked in the Caribbean and around the world closing deals, including the US$150M Timehri airport project right here in Guyana, HeathLondon according to GuySuCo insiders, was viewed with suspicion at first. “…But he has managed to restart Enmore and make things happen with a mere $10M. Many persons thought that that was it for Enmore. I have lived here over 40 years and this closure was a blow,” says Permaul. He was one of the 100-plus persons rehired to harvest canes at Enmore for the making of molasses for DDL. He lost his job last year. For DDL, it is molasses; for the SPU, it is keeping the estate as a going concern until an investor is found. DDL has expressed an interest but the offer has to right. Scores of workers were
Harvesting at the Albion/Rose Hall estates.
Workers rehired at Enmore being paid yesterday. paid at Enmore yesterday, a gladdening sight for some. The administration had been battling the unpopular decision by GuySuCo’s previous board, headed by Professor Clive Thomas, to
close the three estates last year.With GuySuCo out of cash at the 2017 year end, the signs are looking good so far. According to information yesterday, the Rose Hall Estate which has been
sending its cane to Albion has seen over 4,000 tonnes of cane cut with about 3,000 tonnes from Enmore. Some 1,100 tonnes of molasses were produced at Enmore since the factory
restarted over the weekend. There are about 100,000 tonnes of cane to be harvested for this crop from Skeldon. SPU is currently seeking partnerships to have those canes harvested.
New technological revolution will disrupt human ... From page 21 Degree and tell the world that they know it all – “pay me well or you lose me forever”. Mr. Mohan said that the focus for all should be on science and technologies, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “Subscribe to academic contents so we can open our imagination and develop ourselves.” By 2022, he opined, over 30 million current jobs will be discontinued and five million new jobs will be created from this change. And, he said, as time goes by, “we will likely to see the extreme high skilled/high pay jobs, low pay/low skilled jobs, and an unemployment “donut” in the center unless Government starts planning a solution. “However, humans have always proven to be resilient for survival and I think just as we survived the last three Industrial revolutions, a new solution will be created.” He said that an immediate
action plan that can be deployed in Guyana with the use of Industrial 3D Printers, is that “we can now print an entire home in 48 hours for under $2 million.” As such, he said that this process can be a big breakthrough for low income Guyanese. With the massive influx of International Investors to Guyana seeking their fortunes, Mr. Mohan explained that this would be a good opportunity for Government to negotiate with these investors to contribute to a special funding pool for the startup assets on this project. Then Government can guarantee loans through local banks for these low-income residents to make home purchases. And, 50 per cent of the housing production is allocated for export while the other 50 per cent becomes available for the local consumption. “The foreign exchange
earned from export can then be used to purchase imported raw materials, Renewable Energy components (solar panels, inverters, batteries and controllers), and spare parts. “This ongoing project can create employment, solve our homeless problem and help with national development,” he said. He said Government and Businesses will be faced with new challenges as the revolution matures. Procedures and processes will need to be overhauled to adapt to new changes – faster, secured and more connected. Mohan said this means, software application must be smarter, adaptable to changes, and, cloud ready. Hardware will be driven by the software to execute the manual process. However, data will need to be better encrypted, regularly backed-up with consistent password updates. Most importantly, repetitious process will need to be replaced with
software and hardware automation. Cybercrime via system hijack, ransom ware, and adware will be some of the biggest challenges to all. So far, Symantec amongst others have been a good defence from intrusion. Businesses in Guyana need to focus its energy on innovation and productivity to compete while banks will need to encourage more encrypted debit and credit cards issuance to customers so as to help move away from our “cash based” society. He noted that Government may be better off continuing with its drive for improved Infrastructure, utilities, and Vocational School development along with incentivizing private entities to promote this new initiative for the betterment of Guyanese. The event ended with a video footage interview of a Robot, named Sophie, at the Future Investment World Forum held last October.
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Life imprisonment for Grove man Venezuelan team to visit Jamaica as Govt. continues buy-back talks Jamaica Observer - Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley says a team from Venezuela is expected to visit the island shortly to continue discussions on the proposal for Jamaica to repurchase Venezuela’s 49 per cent shareholding in Petrojam Limited.Venezuela owns 49 per cent of Petrojam through the State-owned PDV Caribe, a subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). “This is a commercially sensitive matter, the details of which cannot be disclosed publicly at this time. We have been assured that the offer will be reviewed and considered by the Venezuelan Government, with a view to reverting to us shortly,” he said. Addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Dr Wheatley said the necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the country’s assets, while ensuring energy security for the country. “Last week Thursday (March 22), we took one step when I, along with the minis-
Dr Andrew Wheatley ter of foreign affairs and foreign trade, led a delegation to Venezuela. This meeting was the culmination of several exchanges of correspondence between myself and my counterpart minister with responsibility for petroleum in Venezuela. The principal purpose of our visit was to formally make an offer to PDV Caribe for its 49 per cent shareholding in Petrojam Lim-
ited,” he said.The minister said the repurchase does not mean Jamaica will be abandoning PetroCaribe. “During our discussions we recognised and expressed our gratitude to the Venezuelans for affording us the benefits of the PetroCaribe agreement, and we assured them that the repurchase of the 49 per cent shares in Petrojam was to ensure that we are in control of our energy security going forward and, more particularly, that we are able to undertake the necessary upgrade to our refinery,” he noted. The minister added that the negotiations are still ongoing and that the House of Representatives and the nation will be provided with information as it becomes available. The Government’s attempt to take full control of the company comes after an executive order by US President Donald Trump last year, which imposes sanctions targeting the Government of Venezuela and its Stateowned entities.
Opposition Leader denies any involvement with British political consulting firm PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has described as “a malicious, deliberate falsehood” statements by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi linking the former People’s Partnership government to the activities of the British based political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica (CA), that it had undertaken a project here involving the harvesting the data of this country’s population. “The Attorney General’s statement, by virtue of what appears to be calculated omissions and deliberate vagueness, amounted to a mischievous effort to mislead the Parliament, and by extension, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, in what is undoubtedly an important issue regarding their privacy rights in the uncontrolled and largely unregulated global virtual world of social media,’ Persad Bissessar said in a statement. On Wednesday, Al-Rawi told Parliament that the whistle-blower, Christopher Wylie, had told United Kingdom lawmakers that the company, combines data mining, data brokerage, and data analysis with strategic communication for the electoral process, had undertaken the work here in 2013 under the former People’s
Partnership administration headed by Persad Bissessar. “Madam Speaker, this government will do all in its power to investigate this very important matter. To unearth whether the rights of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have been infringed and to hold all such persons responsible for breaches of the law of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago properly accountable,” Al-Rawi said.Al-Rawi said he it was therefore “incumbent upon the Office of the Attorney General …to cause an audit of all government ministries, statutory authorities, state enterprises and the National Security Council to see whether any contract was established, whether any payments were made and whether any services were rendered by …Cambridge Analytica, Aggregate IQ (AIQ) and the Strategic Communications Laboratory (SCL) Group”. He told legislators that during the 2015 election campaign, “citizens will recall there were wide scale receipts of unsolicited personalised political messaging from entities promoting the United National Congress”. Opposition legislators had tried unsuccessfully to get Parliament to prevent AlRawi from continuing the
statement after indicating that he had passed the allocated time for statements by ministers. But the government moved a motion suspending the Standing Orders. Persad Bissessar was not present in the Parliament when the Attorney General made the statement, said in the statement that she wished “categorically cond emn as a malicious, deliberate falsehood, allegations made today by Attorney General Faris Al Rawi concerning the global controversy that has evolved over the issue involving social media giant *Facebook* and British data analysis firm SCL/*Cambridge Analytica*.S
Andy Boodram of Grove East Bank Demerara, stood in disbelief yesterday as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for chopping his neighbour over noise nuisance. The sentence was imposed by Justice Navindra Singh at Georgetown High Court around noon yesterday. Boodram, called ‘Boy,’ on September 24, 2011, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Deonarine Persaud, called ‘Anil’, with intent to commit murder. He was charged with attempted murder but was found guilty on the lesser (alternative) count of felonious wounding by a mixed 12member jury. Even in the face of the guilty verdict, Boodram maintained that he is innocent of the crime. He claimed that he did not chop the complainant but that “me and Anil had a fight.” His lawyer, George Thomas, begged for a minimum sentence alluding to the fact that this was his client’s first conviction. “He is 32 years old and a father of three,” Thomas told the court in his plea of mitigation. However, State Attorney, Abigail Gibbs, asked the Court to consider the effects that the injuries had on the complainant. “This court would have seen him and heard of the number of surgeries, which he underwent pursuant to the act,” Gibbs stated. Justice Singh in imposing sentence told Boodram while the Law allows for flogging or life imprisonment as a penalty, “I will not sentence you to flogging.” The Judge therefore imposed the life imprisonment on Boodram. During his testimony, Deonarine Persaud that his neighbour,(Boodram) chopped him to the head after he (Persaud) called out to him to turn down loud music that was coming from his house. Persaud recalled that during September 2011, he lived at Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara. He said that Boodram was his next door neighbour. He made it clear that he and Boodram were never friends and that he only knew him because he was a regular customer at a shop he operates at his residence. Persaud, a father of one, told the court that alcoholic beverages were available for sale at the shop from which music was played to entertain customers. Recalling the events that led up to the chopping incident, Persaud recounted that his wife had asked him to go and ask Boodram to turn down the volume of the music that was coming from his house. He said that his wife made the request because their son who was 11 months old at the time had been sick and was
- who chopped neighbour over loud music
Andy Boodram sleeping. ”I was shouting for Andy Boodram so that he could come out. Andy Boodram came out on the platform and I asked him if he could turn down the music, please, because my baby was sleeping. And my baby was ill.” But Boodram, Persaud said, refused to turn down the volume of the music by telling him, “Me ain’t turning down the f***ing music.” According to the witness, “He (Boodram) kept cursing me and I curse him back.” He added that some time later he heard Shirley Singh, whom he had been chatting with earlier shouting, “Anil run! ‘Boy’ (Boodram) coming with a cutlass!” Persaud told the court, “I did not run at the said time. As I turned around, Boy was already in front of me swinging the cutlass. I could not have run because Boy had already chopped me two times on the right side of my head.” He related that as Boodram “broadsided” him with the cutlass, he used his arm to bar the blows and received a chop to his left thumb. He said that Boodram continued to broadside him with the cutlass even though he fell on his back. Persaud said that he became unconscious and later woke up in the Georgetown Public Hospital where he spent two weeks after undergoing surgery.
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Duo remanded for trafficking ganja
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Two men were yesterday remanded to prison after charges for trafficking marijuana were brought against them. The duo appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Udok Anthony Nedd, 35, of Lot 121 Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown; and Keron Jordan, 24, of Lot 3043 North Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown were charged separately. It is alleged that on March 27, at Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, Nedd, a caterer, had 444 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for trafficking. The charge against Jordan, a taxi driver, alleged that on the same day at North Ruimveldt Georgetown, he had 1378 grams of cannabis sativa in his possession for trafficking. Both of the men pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to them by Magistrate Leron Daly. According to facts presented in court, on the day in question, police ranks from the Narcotics Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, acting on information went to Lot 121 Campbellville, Georgetown, where they met Nedd. After requesting permission from Nedd to search the premises, police ranks proceeded to the kitchen area where they found two trans-
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parent plastic parcels each containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana. As a result, Nedd was then cautioned by police ranks. He reportedly told them, “Is me own officer. I gon’ deal with it.” The alleged drug trafficker was then arrested and taken to CID headquarters where the suspected narcotics were weighed in his presence. In relation to Jordan, he was the driver of a motorcar HC 6001, which was intercepted by police ranks on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown; in the vicinity of the Garage Restaurant. Police ranks searched the vehicle and found a multi coloured haversack in the back seat with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Under caution, Jordan told the police that a man had given him the haversack to take to ‘Black Boy.” Jordan, too, was arrested and taken to CID Headquarters. As it relates to Nedd, Magistrate Daly refused to grant him bail based on the facts presented by Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh. Both men will make their next court appearance on April 14.
Friday March 30, 2018
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Bandit spree ends, trio faces multiple robbery charges Three men on Wednesday appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh and at the Number 51 Magistrate Court before Magistrate Charlyne Artiga for several charges in connection with a spate of robberies that took place on the Corentyne recently. The men had on Monday turned themselves over to police in the company of their Attorney, Charrandass Persaud. They were allegedly part of a gang that has been terrorizing residents on the Corentyne, one member of the gang was captured at Topoo, Albion on Sunday after they pounced on a family at Albion, High Reef, Corentyne, Berbice. The men, Suraj 'Ravi' Kowlessar, 21, a Construction worker of Ankerville, Port Mourant; Vishal 'Michael' Ramdass, 20, a labourer also of Ankerville, Port Mourant; and Matthew 'Abel' Prasad, 26, of Number 77 Village; were slapped with six counts of robbery under arms at the Number 51 Magistrate Court while at the Reliance Magistrate Court on the said day, they were charged with one count of possession of illegal firearm, one count of possession of illegal ammunition, three counts of discharging a loaded firearm and three counts of robbery under arms. At the Number 51 Magistrate Court, standing in the prisoner's dock and shackled together, the men were charged with the February 16, 2018 robbery at Ankerville, Port Mourant. The victim was Shanta Dudhnauth. Other charges read that they robbed Anthony
March, 2018. They were also slapped with three robbery under arms charges committed on Sumindra Roopnarine, 65, on 21st March and on the 6th March, robbed Hector Corbin at Chesney Housing Scheme. Jimeal Permaul of, Chesney Housing Scheme was also robbed of $25, 000, one silver bangle worth $8,000 and one silver ring worth $3,000 by the men. During the court proceedings, the men claimed that they were brutalized by the police after they turned themselves over to police in company of their Attorney, Charandass Persaud a few days ago. They accused the ranks of beating them about their bodies causing them internal and external injuries. They stated that they were taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital
The alleged gang members in court Dudhnauth,and Shashi Dudnauth. They were further charged with robbery under arms committed on Saturday 3rd February at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. The victim was Raveena Ram. Also on Saturday 3rd February at Port Mourant, they allegedly robbed Jankee Bisnauth and Navini Deoki. At the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, the trio was also read charges by Magistrate Singh for being in possession of a .32 Smith and Wesson revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence and also for being in possession of two live .32
rounds on the 24th March, 2018. The charges were read separately and detailed that on the 24th March while in the company of others and armed with three guns and one cutlass at Sand Reef Albion, Corentyne they robbed Ganga Persaud Ganesh called 'Ramesh', Aryan Ally, and Balram Lakeram. Two counts of discharging a loaded firearm were also read to the men. This was committed on Jagdeo Ganesh of High Reef, Albion on the 24th March. There was also one count for an attack on Hemlall Bahadur on the 22nd
after they pleaded with the police to do so. Charandass Persaud, their Attorney who was absent from court had earlier on in the day relayed to the Magistrate that the police prevented him from speaking with his clients. They are set to return to the Albion Magistrate’s Court on April 16, 2018. Meanwhile , on Tuesday at the Albion Magistrate Court before Magistrate Renita Singh, Premchand Ramsohai called Akash, 22 of Ankerville Port Mourant was charged with eight counts of robbery under arms and discharging a loaded firearm. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to three years imprisonment. Also on Tuesday, he appeared at the Whim Magistrate Court and was charged with robbery under arms committed on Jankee Bisnauth.
Jailed: Premchand Ramsahoi A separate charge was also read for robbing Navini Deoki, 28, and Raveena Ram, 31. He was also charged with robbing Anthony Dudnauth, 35, and three others of cash, gold jewellery and a cellular phone at Ankerville, Port Mourant.
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Friday March 30, 2018
Russia orders out 60 U.S. diplomats over spy poisoning affair MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia expelled 60 U.S. diplomats yesterday and announced it would eject scores from other countries that have joined London and Washington in censuring Moscow over the poisoning of a spy. The U.S. ambassador was also ordered to shut the consulate in St Petersburg, in Russia’s retaliation for the biggest expulsion of diplomats since the Cold War. The response, which precisely mirrored steps taken by Western governments against Russian diplomats, appeared to show Moscow was not seeking to escalate the standoff over the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England. Washington, however, indicated that it is could retaliate for Russia’s “regrettable, unwarranted action,” raising the possibility that the crisis could intensify. “We reserve the right to respond further. We’re reviewing our options,” said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, who charged that the attack on the Skripals violated an international chemical weapons ban. She declined to discuss what additional measures the Trump administration could take. Britain has blamed Russia for the poisoning, and has been backed up by dozens of Western countries which have ordered Russian diplomats to leave. The United States charges that the 60 Russians that it targeted are intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover. “The United States, in concert with many countries, made the decision to kick out Russian spies,” said Nauert. “We don’t see this as a diplomatic tit-for-tat.” Moscow denies involve-
ment in the attack on the Skripals. Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing a stuttering economy and an unusual show of Western unity that included even states traditionally friendly towards Moscow, appeared to have stuck to the diplomatic playbook with the symmetrical response. Ambassador Jon Hunstman was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a gothic skyscraper built under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, and told that 60 diplomats from U.S. missions had a week to leave Russia, as Washington had expelled 60 Russians. At a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Huntsman was also told that the U.S. consulate in St Petersburg would be closed — a like-for-like retaliation for the U.S. closure of Russia’s consulate in the U.S. city of Seattle. “As for the other countries, everything will also be symmetrical in terms of the number of people from their diplomatic missions who will be leaving Russia, and for now that’s pretty much it,” said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. That approach will mean that, among other countries affected, France, Germany and Poland would each have four of their diplomats in Moscow sent home, Ukraine would forfeit 13 diplomats, and Denmark, Albania and Spain would each have two of their embassy staff expelled. Russia has already retaliated in kind after Britain initially expelled 23 diplomats. DAUGHTER BETTER Skripal, 66, a double agent who was swapped in a spy exchange deal in 2010 and went to live in England, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, were found unconscious on
a public bench in a shopping centre in Salisbury on March 4. Former Russian military intelligence officer Skripal remains in a critical condition but his daughter is getting better, the hospital where they are being treated said yesterday. British authorities say a Soviet-era nerve toxin called Novichok was used in an attempt to murder the pair. British Prime Minister Theresa May said that Russia was culpable for the attack and urged allies to join in condemning Moscow for the first known offensive use of a chemical weapon on European soil since World War Two. Russia says Britain has failed to produce any persuasive evidence of Russia’s guilt. Officials in Moscow accused London and Washington of pressuring other nations to sign up to an international campaign of “Russophobia” which, they said, could drag the world into a new Cold War. Announcing the expulsions of Western diplomats yesterday, Lavrov said the Skripal poisoning was being exploited by an “AngloSaxon axis forcing everyone to follow an anti-Russian path.” British counter-terrorism police said they believed the military-grade nerve agent that poisoned the Skripals had been left on the front door of Sergei Skripal’s home, on a quiet street in Salisbury, southern England. “Specialists have identified the highest concentration of the nerve agent, to date, as being on the front door of the address,” Scotland Yard said in a statement. Police said they had placed a cordon around a children’s play area near the Skripals’ house as a precaution.
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OAS injects US$83,000 into Education Ministry’s Tech-Voc programme Guyana is on course to develop a thriving oil and gas industry. However in recognition of the fact that this industry is new and very different from what Guyanese have been involved in, there is need for strategic preparation. This was the observation of Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry, as she addressed a forum which saw the Education Ministry signing an agreement with the Organisation of American States [OAS] to fund a technical and vocational education programme. Speaking of the OAS support yesterday, Minister Lawrence noted, “we have to
prepare our people to manage and manage well the resources so that will feed into that broader picture.” The OAS is expected to see the sum of US$83,000 [approximately G$16.6 million] being injected into the Ministry of Education to facilitate training in the area of technical and vocational education as well as occupational health and safety, according to Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr. Marcel Hutson. The CEO, also, speaking at the signing forum yesterday said, “If we are really going to be productive and do what we want to do as a Ministry in keeping with our vi-
sion, this money will take us a long way.” The Education Ministry, according to Hutson, is keen on promoting technical and vocational education since “we recognise that technical and vocational education in any society is the engine of growth and therefore we are cognizant of the fact that we need to pay keen attention on how we move this particular sector forward.” Hutson noted, too, that the OAS has been a critical partner in terms of the education delivery process and “we really want to commend their efforts even as they continue to stand by our side as we
Undereducated youths, children from dysfunctional homes most vulnerable to TIP scourge The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking In Persons has reported that there are seven groups of people in Guyana appearing to be most vulnerable to the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) scourge. Among the seven groups identified by the Task Force are undereducated youths, and children from dysfunctional homes. Other vulnerable groups include female foreigners, young men and women from hinterland communities, domestic workers and sex workers/exotic dancers. This was noted in the most recent report that the task force handed to the National Assembly. This report focuses greatly on the events of 2016 that were carried out to combat TIP. Focus was also placed on TIP stats covering 2016, 2015 and 2014. The task force reported that most of the victims of TIP in Guyana were taken from Region Four. In 2016, there were 98 alleged victims of TIP stemming from 38 reported cases. This was higher than figures quoted for years 2014 and 2015. The years 2014 and 2015 had 18 cases each. Of the 38 cases reported in 2016, 30 were sent for legal advice and 19 TIP charges were laid.These cases involved 55 alleged perpetrators, up from 32 in 2015 and
26 in 2014.The report stated that for the years 2014-2016, each year has seen an increase in the number of alleged victims TIP in Guyana. It is the contention of the Task Force that much of the increase in reported cases can be attributed to the increase in awareness among the general populace. Females dominated reports on TIP from 2014 to 2016 with 89.3 percent while alleged male victims accounted for 10.7%.The stats shows that persons between ages 12 and18 were the most vulnerable age group in Guyana followed by the 19-25 age groups.The general trend was a decrease in the prevalence of alleged TIP victims with the older age groups strongly suggesting that younger individuals were most vulnerable to the crime. However, the report noted that each of the age groups recorded alleged victims, suggesting that no one was immune.The majority of the victims of trafficking in persons in Guyana were of Mixed Race with 52.3 percent of alleged victims falling in this ethnic group. The Mixed Race group, as recorded in Police statistics, was made up largely of individuals from Latin American countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Brazil or Venezuela. This ethnic group was
followed by the Indigenous with 24.9%. The report also stated that “police figures indicated that in 2015 the majority of alleged victims of trafficking in persons in Guyana were from overseas with 52.5 percent. That figure was 38.8percent in 2016, mostly represented by individuals from the Dominican Republic and Brazil. The entire 2014-2016 period saw 40.6 percent of alleged victims originating from overseas.Guyanese alleged victims from 2014-2016 originated primarily from Region Four (18.8% of total number of victims), followed closely by Region One (15.7 percent). In 2016, there were more alleged victims’ from Region One (19.4 percent) than Region Four (15.3percent) whereas the converse was true for the preceding two years.” Trafficking in persons, otherwise known as ‘human trafficking’ or ‘modern day slavery’, is aglobal concern and it affects males and females, young and old, and people from all walks of life. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2016 stated: “A total of 63,251 victims were detected in 106 countries and territories between 2012 and 2014”.
move the education process forward.” Moreover, Minister Henry in expressing her appreciation for the OAS support, informed that Government is fully aware that the development of the country is entirely hinged on the development of the people and thus the Education Ministry is the key to ensuring the needed transformative shift in terms of sustainable development. She noted that it was long recognised that several initiatives would be required to include bilateral partnerships. “We are extremely grateful, and I believe fortunate to have the support of international agencies like OAS that can support the work that we are doing here. I know that this agreement and funding is targeting technical and vocational skills development both at secondary and the post secondary level so I know this will be very impactful in terms of the development of our youth population,” said Minister Henry. This is particularly important she note, since there are occasions when greater focus is directed to mainstream academic, a situation that causes many students who have the aptitude for technical and vocational education to fall
Ministry Nicolette Henry and OAS Representative, Jean Ricot Dormeus, in conversation after the signing of the agreement yesterday. off the radar. “For this particular reason, the signing of the agreement and the injection of this sum is important and will serve as an impetus to move the technical and vocational programme for the Ministry, Government and the people of Guyana moving forward,” said Minister Henry. Even an OAS Country Representative, Jean Ricot Dormeus, committed continued support to the education sector, he disclosed that the OAS has in place the very important pillar of sustainable
development which has education as a main component. Guyana has already been benefitting over the years from the education component, which entails a scholarship programme. Dormeus added that the OAS has also developed several cooperation programme too. Understandably, the agreement inked yesterday will expand the OAS support to Guyana, which according to the Dormeus falls under the umbrella of quality, inclusive and equitable education (Continued on page 12)
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Brazil ports bribery probe ensnares president’s friends RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Police arrested two close friends of Brazilian President Michel Temer yesterday in an investigation into
Antonio Celso Grecco, the owner of Rodrimar, is escorted by a federal police officer in Sao Paulo, Brazil (REUTERS/Leonardo Benassatto) alleged corruption involving a decree regulating the country’s ports, their lawyers told Reuters. Temer has denied any wrongdoing in the case in which prosecutors suspect bribes were paid in exchange for the extension of concessions in the port of Santos, Latin America’s busiest. But the scandal could complicate Temer’s plans to run in the October presidential election. A Supreme Court judge lifted the secrecy on his bank accounts last month, bringing the investigation closer to home. Police arrested José
Yunes, a longtime aide to Temer who worked in the president’s office until December 2016, and Joao Batista Lima, a retired military police colonel ass o c i a t e d w i t h Temer since he was public security chief for Sao Paulo state three decades ago. Also arrested were Celso Grecco, o w n e r o f the logistics firm Rodrimar SA, and Wagner Rossi, a former head of the Sao Paulo state docks company Codesp. Lawyers for Temer ’s friends said the arrests were unwarranted because their clients were innocent.
Kaieteur News
Friday March 30, 2018
T&T and Saudi Arabia talk trade Trinidad Guardian - President of the T&T Saudi Arabia Chamber of Commerce (TSCC) Shazaad Mohammed is calling for stronger diplomatic and trade ties between this country and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In remarks at the Chamber’s inaugural business forum at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain Wednesday, Mohammed said: “We believe we can work together to strengthen the diplomatic relations whereby investors would be able to refer to an office from the T&T Government in Saudi Arabia and facilitate the trade missions to come to visit T&T.” The two countries have oil and gas in common, Mohammed said, and there are other industries such as tourism which can be further developed.“In order to establish stronger trade ties, there is a need to strengthen diplomatic ties. That will help in facilitating the visits of trade delegation and special investors. “Saudi is spending billions of dollars every year on tourism and Trinidad and Tobago would definitely be a main area that could be a destination,” he said Frances Seignoret, Permanent Secretary in the Trade Ministry, said over the last six years this country earned $8.7 million from goods exported
Co-founder of the T&T Saudi Arabia Chamber of Commerce (TSCC) Umar Khan, right, chats with Saudi Arabian lawyer Dr Abdul Majeed Ibrahim Al Abadi who was the featured speaker at the TSCC business forum at Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain, Wednesday. to Saudi Arabia, including plastics and cosmetics. T&T is also an importer of Saudi goods such as machinery, nuts and citrus peel. Seignoret said the two countries have a long history in hydrocarbon development and are both now at crossroads. “There is an urgent need to transform our economies to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This requires a major shift in our relationship with technology, with one another and with our
environment and ultimately will shape our future well being,” Seignoret said. Attorney Ebraheem Abdul Majeed Alabbady said Saudi Arabia is diversifying and will no longer be dependent on oil and gas. In years to come revenue from Saudi’s energy industry will represent about ten per cent of GDP. Alabaddy said laws in the Middle Eastern country are being amended, was opening the doors for foreign investment and more international opportunities.
KD Knight Threatens To ‘Rouse Up’ Country If No Crime Plan By April 30 The Gleaner - Opposition Senator K D Knight has threatened to ‘rouse up’ Jamaicans against the Government if it does not present a crime plan by the end of April. At Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said a crime plan will be revealed but said he was waiting for the Parliament to back it. “As I said there is one element that we have not yet settled. The crime plan must include in it, something to say that this Parliament agrees on a set of actions; that we are carving out national security as an area where there is bipartisan support for the policy,” Holness said. Speaking in the Senate this morning, Knight took issue with Holness’ pronouncement calling it a public relations tactic. “Prime Minister come out with this plan; say something that the nation can galvanise
K D Knight around. A wishy-washy approach won’t work. People are in fear! People want to know what you are doing; if you can do something; if your government is up to the task. People just don’t want some band-aid approach,” Knight said. He made the remark in his contribution to the debate on
the resolution to extend the State of Public Emergency in the St. Catherine North Police Division. “Emergency powers in particular areas like that is a band-aid approach,” Knight said. “If I don’t hear a crime plan in the month of April, I am going to rouse up, so far as I can, the population to demand it. You might not believe it, but there are a lot I can rouse up in this country a lot of people including people from your Government side,” Knight, a former national security minister, said. “This hide-and-seek business and PR answer about the involvement of Opposition in it (crime plan) is no reason after two years [in government] not to come out with a comprehensive crime plan. What has already been published did not work so don’t cozy up yourself and say ‘well, we have a crime plan’,” the opposition senator said.
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Mercedes find bug that robbed Hamilton of victory London (Reuters) - Formula One world champions Mercedes have found the computer bug that cost Lewis Hamilton victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and taken steps to ensure it does not happen again.Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said in a debrief on the Mercedes website that the problem was not what had been originally suspected after Sunday’s season-opening race in Melbourne. ”The issue isn’t actually with the race strategy software that we use,” he said. “It was an offline tool... and we found a bug in that tool that meant that it gave us the wrong number.” Shovlin explained that the tool was used to create delta lap times, in this case the difference between Hamilton’s car remaining on track under virtual safety car conditions
while Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel pitted. ”It’s never quite an exact science because you don’t know how fast a car is going to be able to come through that pit entry, you don’t know quite how closely they’ll stick to the delta,” Shovlin added. Mercedes had thought their four-times world champion needed to be within 15 seconds of Vettel to retake the lead from his rival, whereas the actual margin was “slightly short of 13”. The difference was crucial, with Vettel re-emerging in front of the surprised Briton on a circuit where drivers struggle to overtake and need to save fuel, engine and tyres in the later stages. Had Hamilton known, he could have gone faster after his earlier stop to give himself a greater margin. During a virtual safety car period, all cars on track have to slow down but there is a
short stretch between the safety car line and the start of the 60kph pit lane limit where anyone pitting can speed up. ”We thought we had a bit of margin and then obviously you saw the result,” Shovlin said. “In future we’re going to make sure we have more margin because we want to be able to cover for Vettel doing an amazingly good in-lap to the pits, or having an incredibly fast stop,” he added. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had said immediately after the race that he suspected a “software glitch” had cost Mercedes what looked like a certain victory with Hamilton leading from pole until his stop. The Briton finished second for the second year in a row. Shovlin said an extensive analysis had been carried out and processes put in place “to make sure that we don’t have a repeat”. The second race of the season is in Bahrain on April 8, where Ferrari also won last year.
Friday March 30, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a great day to spend with family. You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. You need time to think things through. You mustn't take on other people's responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Friends or groups that you're affiliated with may want you to contribute more cash than you can really afford. Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be innovative. Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments. You may be frazzled today. Listen to the complaints of others. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) New projects may lead you into a dead end. Work hard on improving your living quarters. Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be aware of deception when it comes to your position, and be sure not to jump to conclusions. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance today. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Have some fun, but draw the line if someone tries to fast talk their way into your heart. Try not to take others for granted. Tempers could get out of hand today. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. You may find it difficult to communicate. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. Changes at home might come fast and furious. Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for.
Weakened side for Pakistan... From page 43 have been included in the squad with Youth World Cup star Keemo Paul, along with with Andre McCarthy, Veerasammy Permaul and Odean Smith, all poised to make their debuts in the shortest format. Chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, said his panel had “fully accepted” the position of those players opting out of the tour but believed the replacements were fitting.”We had a few players that opted not to tour Pakistan, due to their or their families’ security concerns and CWI have fully accepted their position,” Browne said ahead of the Windies arrival in Pakistan on Saturday (tomorrow). ”This series, therefore, provides opportunities for new players to state their claim for a regular place in the team, plus gain vital experience in different conditions. We expect the series to be highly competitive.” The Windies series in Pakistan is the first by a major Test-playing side since the now infamous terrorist attacks on a Sri Lankan bus in 2009 which injured several players and left members of the security forces dead. And while the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed the tour as early as last month, Cricket West Indies remained silent, with their first public acknowledgement of the series now coming three days before the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. In an effort to further assuage fears over the security situation, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said the regional governing body had been assured by experts that the risk was “manageable” and could be “mitigated to an acceptable level.” ”This tour is a further major step for our friends at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bring their cricket back home, and we are pleased that our players and support staff have recognised this and supported this venture,” the Englishman said. ”Independent security advisors, Eastern Star International (ESI), have confirmed to both CWI and WIPA that they are satisfied that the risk is manageable and can be mitigated to an acceptable level. ”We have made it very clear to the players and support staff that had personal reservations about this tour that we fully understand and accept their position.” The squad will be led by Jason Mohammed, who has just six T20s to his name, following
his debut last April. He is fresh off the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe where he served as vice-captain on the ODI side but featured in only two matches. Browne said he expected the 31-year-old to bring his experience to bear on the leadership role. ”Jason is our One-Day International vice-captain, and he has been asked to step up and lead the team with the unavailability of Carlos. He has lots of captaincy experience at first-class level.” Paul, meanwhile, has continued his quick rise in the senior ranks, following his recent call-up for West Indies A and subsequent ODI debut in the qualifiers. The 19-year-old fast bowler is joined by Guyana Jaguars teammate, Permaul, who has already played six Tests and seven ODIs, along with the Jamaica Scorpions pair of McCarthy and Smith. ”Smith and McCarthy are currently in our Windies ‘A’ programme and we believe this experience will be of benefit to them,” Browne pointed out. ”Smith has good pace and has shown good potential as a fast bowler. McCarthy is a talented batsman who has made progress in white-ball cricket.”
He added: “Paul has really grasped his opportunity following a strong showing in the Super50, the Windies ‘A’ series victories against England Lions and he has grabbed his opportunity at international level. ”His performances during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers were both exciting and composed and he gets a chance to build on these with his selection for Pakistan.” Ramdin, dropped from all formats of the game in 2016, returns following a prolific first class season and Browne said the series offered the 33year-old Trinidadian a new chance in Windies colours. “Denesh brings a lot of experience and an opportunity to restart his international career.” Ramdin played the last of his 58 T20 Internationals in the World Cup final against England two years ago in Kolkata. The series also features matches on April 2 and 3. SQUAD – Jason Mohammed (captain), Samuel Badree, Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Andre McCarthy, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels, Odean Smith, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.
Friday March 30, 2018
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Del Potro grinds down Raonic Stephens beats Azarenka again to reach Miami Open final in Miami, Isner also advances Reuters - Juan Martin del Potro remained on course for a rare Sunshine Double when he outlasted Milos Raonic 5-7 7-6(1) 76(3) in a marathon quarterfinal at the Miami Open on Wednesday. Del Potro, who claimed the Indian Wells title earlier this month, fed off the energy of a raucous crowd that was firmly behind the Argentine, wearing down the 20th-seeded Canadian in a match lasting almost three hours. The clock had just struck midnight on an unusually cool evening when fifth seed Del Potro finally dispatched Raonic. The Canadian was defeated despite not facing a single break point in the first two sets, before the contest took a bizarre twist at the start of the decider when both players were broken twice in a row. Order was soon restored as both men held for the next eight games, sending the contest to a deciding tiebreak, in which Raonic never recovered after double-faulting to fall 20 down. The result continued Del Potro’s hot streak, after he won in California 10 days ago, beating Roger Federer in a compelling three-set final to claim a maiden Masters 1000 title. The 2009 U.S. Open champion is back to playing some of his best tennis in years after battling serious left wrist injuries that required three surgeries and threatened to curtail his career. He advances to face another big server, American John Isner, who overwhelmed South Ko-
John Isner
rean Chung Hyeon 6-1 6-4 in an afternoon match. A fired up Isner yelled “Come on” and pumped his fist when he broke Chung’s serve in the first set to race to a 3-1 lead, ending the Korean’s streak of 27 consecutive holds of serve. GETTING BETTER The 14th-seeded Isner cruised through the remainder of the 25 minute opener, in which he fired seven of his 13 aces. The hour-long contest was all but over once Chung sent a forehand long in the fifth game of the second set to hand Isner another break and a 3-2 lead. The 21-year-old was unable to find an answer to Isner’s booming serve in a match where he failed to convert his only break point opportunity and was himself broken four times. “I played extremely well. Every match I’ve played in this tournament I’ve gotten
better,” the 32-year-old Isner said in a courtside interview. ”I keep getting stronger a n d t h a t ’s a v e r y, v e r y good sign going forward. I know I’m in the semi-finals and I can’t wait to get back on this court.” Isner added that the hot and windy conditions in Miami, where the courts are not particularly fast but cause the ball to bounce high, suit his first-strike approach to the game perfectly. “Del Potro is the hottest player on tour right now, hands down,” Isner added. The other quarter-finals were played yesterday. South African sixth seed Kevin Anderson faces Spanish 16th seed Pablo Carreno Busta in the afternoon, before an evening match between German fourth seed Alexander Zverev and Croatian 29th seed Borna Coric.
Reuters - U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens again ended former world n u m b e r o n e Vi c t o r i a A z a r e n k a ’s h o p e s o f a fairytale comeback by beating her 3-6 6-2 6-1 yesterday to reach the Miami Open final. Three-times champion Azarenka, playing as a wildcard in her second event after an eight-month absence because of a custody dispute involving her son, showed glimpses of the form that took her to the top of the rankings but ultimately ran out of gas against her 13th-seeded opponent. Stephens, who also
beat Azarenka in the second round at Indian Wells this month, took control of the match early in the second set and never looked back as she raced through the decider with ease. ”I just knew I had to keep fighting. In the first set I was down but I battled back so I knew if I did that in the second, I’d be right in there,” the 25year-old American said in an on-court interview. “I ended up winning a lot of games in a row and I just tried to keep the momentum going.” Stephens will face either French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, the
sixth seed, or American qualifier Danielle Collins in Saturday’s final at Crandon Park. Azarenka’s initial comeback after the birth of her child in December, 2016 was short-lived as she played two tournaments before a custody battle with her son’s father prevented her from traveling with her child. The Belarusian may have played little competitive tennis in recent years but she enjoyed a respectable run in Miami, including victory over Czech world number six Karolina Pliskova in the quarter-finals.
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Friday March 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Football Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme launched by BCB New Silvercity swamp Private Schools ”Every young cricketer in the Ancient County would be given the same opportunity to excel and the Berbice Cricket Board would work hard every day to provide avenues to make this possible. This Coaching Programme would be historic for any County Board in Guyana and it is just the first step of a long journey to return to the glory days of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher and Alvin Kallicharran. We would go into every Village and Town in Berbice to find talent and nurture them so that they can one day wear the Maroon Cap”. Those were the words of President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster as he expressed his feelings at the launching of a countywide Coaching Programme for players between the ages of 12 to 18 years-old. The Programme would be sponsored by prominent Berbician, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh who currently resides overseas. The BCB/Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme, Foster stated would involve the coaching of over 240 promising cricketers by a highly qualified panel of Coaches across the county. Sixty youths would be identified by the Selection Committee under the Chairmanship of Albert Smith from each of the four Zones namely, West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne/Black Bush Polder. The panel of coaches which would include Albert Smith, Julian Moore, Winston Smith, Andre Percival, Delbert Hicks and Tremayne Smartt who
Comb., Mackenzie High beat Harmony
Head of Guy Enterprise Vic Insanally (right) hands over sponsorship to BCB President, Hilbert Foster. would spend two days in each Zone Coaching the selected youths. Special emphasis would be placed on batting, fast bowling, art of spin, wicket-keeping, fielding and Physical Fitness. Sessions would also be held on topics including the History of Cricket, Rules of the Game and Structure of Berbice Cricket. At the end of the sessions, a squad of 60 players would be identified for regular Coaching Programmes and to be a part of the 2018 BCB Academy scheduled for July. The squad would be selected based on talent, attitude, personal discipline and commitment. Under the sponsorship deal, balls, stipend for the coaches, snacks and meals for the players on a daily basis would be provided. Foster urged the players to take full advantage of the opportunities being presented to them by the Berbice Cricket Board while he cautioned the panel of Coaches that the Board would expect nothing but the best effort from them.
The BCB he also stated is looking for ways to have all the necessary coaching equipment for its Coaches so that they can be fully prepared whenever they have to work with youths in Berbice. Foster who is also the Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS expressed gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh whom he described as a true friend of Berbice cricket and a passionate Guyanese at heart despite living overseas for many years. He assured the sponsor that his investment of USD$2,500 would be properly used and would result in Berbice producing more cricketing talent to follow in the footsteps of its legends. Foster also extended gratitude to former BCB Secretary Oscar Ramjeet and Media Icon Vic Insanally for the major roles they played in assisting him to secure the sponsorship. Dr. Singh in the past has sponsored Junior cricket in Berbice under the Presidency of the late Leslie A. Amsterdam, AA.
Action in the New Silvercity Secondary vs Private Schools Combined match. New Silvercity Secondary blanked the Private Schools Combined 10-0 while Mackenzie High School triumphed 3-1 over Harmony as group play in the preliminary rounds of the 10th Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial Linden Schools Under-18 football championship continued recently at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. In the first match, Kemuel Batson netted the opening goal for Mackenzie High in the 6th minute while Lebron Deflorimonte doubled the advantage in the 28th
minute as they led 2-0 at half time. The lead was increased in the 46th minute through Lorenzo Miller’s strike but Harmony pulled one back in the 65th minute as Mackenzie High coasted home winners by a 31scoreline. In feature play, New Silvercity after a 6-0 half time advantage hammered Private Schools Combined 10-0 behind hat-tricks from Ojani Whittington (8, 10, 57) and Shane Haynes (18, 20, 34). There was a double from Emmanuel Atkins in the 14th
and 38th minute while single strikes came from Huey Fraser (23) and Malachi Todd in the 70th minute. Also in winner’s row were home team Wisburg which stopped Linden Foundation 4-0 while Harmony Secondary edged Linden Technical Institute 1-0. In Wisburg’s in, Joel Isaacs netted a double in the 16th and 32nd minute while the other goals came off the boot of Leyon Jones in the 20th and Quacy Cadogan in the 31st minute. The lone goal in Harmony’s win against LTI was scored by Osafo Paul in the 18th minute.
GCA’s NY Tri State 50-over U-19 Cricket
Fifties for Akhan and Bissu; Shivrattan takes 5-12 Fifties from GYO’s Mohammed Akhan and Everest’s Nyron Bissu and a five-wicket haul from Malteenoes spinner Chad Shivrattan were the highlights of the opening round of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) New York Tri State 50-over U-19 cricket tournament which commenced yesterday. At Malteenoes, the hosts overpowered Rubis by seven wickets after a 69-run opening stand between Wayne McPherson (21) and Akeem Crithlow (15) backed up by 16 not out from Tuen Hicks and an unbeaten 10 from Matthew Jupiter led the Thomas Lands side 104-3 in 19 overs. Daveanand Khemraj took 2-32 for 103 all out in 28. 1 overs as only Andrew Samaroo (47), Ravindra Samaroo (12) and Khemraj (11) reached double figures as off-spinner Chad Shivrattan grabbed 5-12. At YMCA, GYO, on the back of 82 from Mohammed Akhan, 27 from Elnathon Suknanan and 25 from Yeudister Persaud scored 239
Chad Shivrattan took 5-12 for MSC
Nyron Bissu pulls at Everest yesterday
to beat GNIC by 95 runs. Leg spinner Campta Persaud had 4-60 and Trevon Jones took 2-17 for GINC who fell for 145 despite 36 with six fours and 26 from Euan Blair. Yeudister Persaud had 3-21 and Seepersaud 3-33 for GYO. At Everest, Nyron Bissu top scored with 73 and got support from Zachariah Mootoo (33) as the home team made 178-7. Left arm spinner Daniel Mootoo had
3-19. DCC, without most of their key players due to Demerara U-19 practice, were bundled out for 87 in 28 overs with Garrick Persaud and Brandon Jaikarran making 24 each. Mohammed Zameer took four wickets and Marlon Boele two as Everest won by 97 runs.At DCC, GCC beat Transport Sports Club in the other game played yesterday. Competition will continue tomorrow.
Friday March 30, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Bartica Easter Regatta 2018
Powerboat and Jet Ski Racers set to takeoff tomorrow and Monday It has come to that time of the year once again when the leading exponents of powerboat racing in Guyana take to the waters to show off their dexterity, skills and nerves as they compete against each other for lucrative cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Come Easter Sunday and the day after, Easter Monday, the Golden Beach Circuit in Bartica would be the place to be to see in action in the likes of reigning champion Dave Scott being challenged for his title by the Belle clan of Shawn and Clarence, Dave Young, Selwyn Joseph, Raymond Rasul and Jose Jardine among others. The F1 Unlimited races are expected to be thrilling events ‘where the big boys play’ and that apart, races for 40hp, 90hp and 200hp boats will also excite the hundreds of fans expected to turn out to take in the action on the beach whilst also enjoying the old age
tradition of flying their kites. The F1 Unlimited has a total prize package of 393,000 (1st 150,000, 2nd 120,000, 3rd $100,000) along with trophies valued at $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000 each. The 200hp event has prizes of $100,000, $80,000 and $60,000; 90hp $80,000, $60,000 and $40,000 and the 40hp events attracts prizes ranging from $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000. Jet Ski racers will also have their chance to excite the fans and prove who’s the best among the likes of Michael Martindale, Bobby Rasul and Whitney Welcome. Cash prizes range from $30,000, $25,000 and $20,000 on offer as well as trophies. Passengers boat have not been left out of the action and they will compete in the 15hp (Mixed), 90hp and 200hp which are both Open races. Awaiting the Champion Driver in the F1 Unlimited
category over the two days is a whopping first place prize of One Million Dollars in cash along with a trophy valued at $30,000. The 200hp champion collects $500,000 and trophy; 90hp champ is guaranteed $300,000; 40hp $200,000 and 15hp winner, a 2hp outboard engine. Sponsors of the Champions Driver trophies are Sir Service Station, Rick Ramnarine Mining, BK International, Crown Mining and Hopkinson Mining. Other sponsors of the cash prizes and trophies are Heineken, Guinness, Gene r a l M a r i n e C o m p a n y, Crown Mining, Digicel, Sir Gas Station, Ricky Ramnarine, Pandit Service Station, Smart Aid Pharmacy, Guyoil and Castrol GTX, Hopkinson Mining, Farm Supplies Ltd, Scotia Bank, GBTI, Guyana Gold Board, S. Persaud Lumber Yard, Courtney Benn Construction Company, DDL, ExxonMobil, GTM Insurance, BK International,
Lehmann resigns as disgraced trio return to Australia Johannesburg/Sydney (Reuters) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann said yesterday he would step down after this week’s test match against South Africa, as he took ultimate responsibility for the culture of a team embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport. Lehmann, who had previously told reporters he would not stand aside, said that his decision was due in part to the abuse his family received after three Australia players conspired to scuff up the ball with sandpaper during the third test against South Africa. Cricket Australia had cleared Lehmann of wrongdoing this week following an investigation that saw sacked captain Steve Smith and vicecaptain David Warner banned for 12 months. Batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. In an emotional media briefing, Lehmann, who had also come under fire for what critics called a toxic culture within the team, said his decision was voluntary. ”Ultimately I’m responsible for the culture of the team. I’ve been thinking about my position for a while, despite telling media yesterday that I’m not resigning,” he told reporters in Johannesburg yesterday. ”My family and I got a lot of
abuse over the last week. Speaking to my family, it’s the right time to step away.” His resignation came after former test captain Smith broke down in tears of remorse as the three disgraced cricketers at the centre of the Cape Town scandal made apologetic returns to Australia yesterday. Smith was unable to complete his news conference at Sydney Airport and was ushered out of the room after a short display of raw emotion during which he repeatedly apologized for his misjudgment. Batsman Bancroft spoke of his shame on his arrival in Perth and former vice captain Warner, scheduled to land in Sydney later in the evening, took to social media to apologize for his role in the cheating. ‘FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP’ ”To all of my team mates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to Australians who are angry and disappointed, I’m sorry,” Smith told reporters in a prepared statement. “It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership, I’ll do anything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused,” he added, breaking down for the first time. ”Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m ab-
solutely devastated.” Warner, who was identified as the instigator of the attempt to cheat by the Cricket Australia probe, broke his silence via Instagram, apologizing and taking responsibility for his “part” in the scandal. “I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans,” the opening batsman wrote. “It’s a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.” Bancroft confessed to having lied about using sticky tape rather than sandpaper to scuff the ball in Cape Town in the news conference immediately after the incident last Saturday. ”I lied. I lied about the sandpaper,” the 25-year-old told reporters. “I panicked in that situation and I’m very sorry. I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia.” UNIVERSAL CONDEMNATION After four days of almost universal condemnation for the trio in Australia, the severity of the punishments brought some support. Spinbowling great Shane Warne, while condemning the cheating, said the hysteria whipped up by anti-Australian feeling around the cricketing world had led to overly harsh punishments.
Kadir Mining Enterprise, Super Gold Mineral Tradi n g , M F & M I Ya s s i n , Altantic Petroleum, Scotia Bank, Boodhoo’s General Store, Road Runner, Air Services Ltd, and GGDMA. Ministry of Business; Department of Tourism, Department of Sports, RDC Region 7, NCN, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Impressions, Mayor and Town Council of Bartica, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl Trading, H A Snacks, Western Union, Rich Kids Sounds, Aruwai Resort White H2O, Regional Economic Project, Eon Stephens Trucking Service, Two Brothers Service Station, Palm Springs Hotel, Strategic Asset Solution, Guyana Gold Board and Star Computers. Meanwhile, Dirt Bike Racing will rev off tomorrow at the Mongrippa Hill ground from 10:00hrs while the River Swim will splash off on Sunday morning from 06:00hrs from eth Golden Beach Circuit.
Jet Ski
“Easter Feeling” Floodlight softball competition on Sunday Floodlight cricket will bring the Red Scorpion ground at Kuru Kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway alive on Sunday when Rainbow Promotion hosts its “Easter Feeling” fiveover softball cricket tournament. This competition which is sponsored by Banks DIH will commence at 18:00hrs. Entry fee per side is $15,000 and teams will be battling for a grand cash prize of $100,000. Teams interested in being part of the action are asked to contact Sham on 626-6564.
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Friday March 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
GCB Inter-County Tourney
V Net Communications support for E’bo U-19 team V Net Communications in an effort to motivate the Essequibo team for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand Inter County Under-19 tournament yesterday presented a quantity of jerseys to the team. The presentation took place at the company’s Delph Street, Campbellville Office where V Net Communications Customer Service Representative Manisha Mohamed handed over the jerseys to Manager of the Essequibo team Andy Ramnarine in the presence of the entity’s Chief Executive Officer Safraz Sheriffudeen and Secretary of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), Nazeer Mohamed. Speaking at the ceremony, Sheriffudeen said that it is part
of their corporate responsibility to contribute towards the development of sports especially in Essequibo, the county of his birth and he is pleased about the venture. He encouraged the youths to take the game seriously and wished them well in the tournament. He made special mention of Essequibian Keemo Paul, Guyana’s latest recruit to the West Indies senior team. Ramnarine who is also the Treasurer of the ECB expressed gratitude to Sheriffudeen for his support and said his players are confident ahead of the competition which will be played in the three-day and 50-over version.
Regional Invitational U-19
Fraser leads Guyana Girls to narrow win over Windwards A fine all-round performance by Cherryann Fraser guided Guyana’s Under-19 Girls to a one wicket win over Windward Islands in the second round of the Regional Invitational U-19 tournament yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago. Batting first at the National Cricket Centre, Windward Islands were bowled out for 84 in 17.2 overs. T. Thomas got 21 and T. Dickson made 18. Shenika Grimmond claimed 3-8 and Cherryann Fraser 3-9. Guyana responded with 85-9 in 18.4 overs. Fraser struck 41 with four fours while Shabika Gajnabi made 16. J. Gasper claimed 3-29 and Q. Joseph 2-7. At Gilbert Park, Barbados were limited to 59-7, taking first strike. A. Santlebury made 16 and Shai Carrington 14; R. Farrow had 2-12.
Trinidad and Tobago Girls replied with 62-2 in 10.2 overs. A. Gomez made 16. FIRST ROUND At the National Cricket Centre, Couva, Batting first, Guyana mustered 91-7 with skipper Shabika Gajnabi being the only batter to reach double figures scoring 49 while extras supported with 17 as L. Ramdeen, A. Gomez and S. Soogrim claiming two wickets each. Trinidad and Tobago scored 92-1 in 14.5 overs in reply. S. Abdool slammed an unbeaten 50 while A. Gomez made 18 not out. At Gilbert Park, Windward Islands took first strike and managed 126-4. Q. Joseph made 48 while J. Joseph got 22; Shanute Carrington claimed two wickets. Barbados replied with 31 all out in 14.2 overs. J. Glasgow grabbed 5-4 and S. Jack 2-1.