Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Thursday Edition

SOCU will not be dismantled

May 09, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 19 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

- if any impropriety actions will be taken - Pres. Granger

Online readership yesterday 105,664

GNPL admits ordering books in Trinidad; local printers insists they have capacity Police ranks charged for demanding Pres. Granger - one rank also money from Venezuelans charged with rape to decide soon on Greenidge Cop steals colleague's phone, sells It - Court hears

DEMTOCO's tax avoidance reports catch GRA's eyes Mechanisms will be in place CCJ reserves decision after to reduce value leakage before first oil – Dr. Bynoe arguments Tevin Estrado

Ceon Jones

Rape accused : Corwyn Mingo

Challenge to unilateral appointment of GECOM chair…

Four years later, National oil spill contingency plan still stuck in draft stage Will Guyana see the CJIA plan for the Expansion Project?

Kaieteur News

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Thursday May 09, 2019

Police ranks charged for demanding - one rank also money from Venezuelans charged with rape

By Trishan Craig

T

hree police ranks were yesterday hauled before a city magistrate for allegedly acquiring a quantity of raw gold by use of menace from three Venezuelan women.

Corporal Ceon Jones, Constable Corwyn Mingo and Corporal Tevin Estrado, allegedly demanded money from three Venezuelan women during a stop and search exercise which they carried out some time last year.

It was alleged that between May 1, 2018 and May 31, 2018 at Makari Top, Essequibo, the ranks, with intent to steal, demanded with menace from Benny Vanessa Benita Rivero, Yanetzy Andreina Lozada Roj and Yurianny Del Valle

Rape accused: Corwyn Mingo Ramierz; raw gold valued at $157,500.

All of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Mingo was also charged

Tevin Estrado with raping a Venezuelan national. However, he was not allowed to plead to that offence.

The three accused smiled all through the hearing.

It is alleged that during the month of June, 2018, police ranks from the Criminal Investigations

Ceon Jones Department (CID) Headquarters were carrying out investigations on an allegation.

During the investigation three ranks from the Issano police station were identified as persons who demanded money from the three (continued on page 20)

Four years later...

National Oil Spill Contingency Plan still stuck in draft stage

A

fter expending some four years pouring efforts into ensuring Guyana has a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan in place, the authorities of the day are saying that the document is still not ready.

In providing an update on the matter, Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, said that the plan still needs a lot of technical work.

At his most recent press conference, Dr. Bynoe noted that the Civil Defense Commission (CDC) is responsible for the completion of the document.

H o w e v e r, t h e E n e r g y Department is doing its part

to provide as much assistance as it can.

The official said, “We have been partnering with them on technical assistance and pointing them to where they can get more assistance too. We advanced work in that regard but we continue to require further assistance.

In fact, we had a workshop not so long ago that aimed at enhancing the risk management framework under which that plan would be couched.�

Further, Dr. Bynoe said that the US Embassy has been engaged to see what support could be had through US department, its Coast Guards and the Federal

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which has (continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 03

President Granger to decide soon on Greenidge

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

P

resident David Granger has confirmed that former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, will remain at the ministry, overlooking a number of critical areas, including the court case involving the Venezuela border.

Greenidge, a former Vice President, was one of four ministers who resigned a few weeks ago following a court ruling which bars parliamentarians and ministers with dual citizenship from holding office. The other ministers

President David Granger were Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and Minister of Public S e r v i c e , D r. R u p e r t Roopnaraine The exit of the ministers, who had decades of experience between them, had dented the Coalition Government, which recently announced that Harmon has been appointed as Director General of the Ministry of t h e P r e s i d e n c y, a responsibility he exercised as the Minister of State.

There has been no word yet on Roopnaraine and

Gaskin. According to Granger, at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, he has had several meetings with Greenidge. “…And he will remain in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have had meetings, of course, with the new minister, Dr. Karen Cummings.

I have to meet them again to decide or to let them know what the decision is.”

According to the president, Greenidge can contribute to the continuity of work in the Ministry of ForeignAffairs.

One area that Granger is keen on is the ongoing territorial controversy with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

That neighbouring country has been rattling its sabres at Guyana, with this

country ended mediation talks and filing a court case with the International Court of Justice, in The Hague, The Netherlands.

“And there are certain aspects of the international economic relations of Guyana and other countries that I will ask him to accept responsibilities for,” the president also disclosed.

“There are not two

ministries…one ministry and Dr. Cummings is the minister, and everything else that falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

According to Granger, Dr. Cummings is a member of the Cabinet whose responsibilities will include going to the National Assembly and defending her ministry.

Mechanisms will be in place to reduce value leakage before first oil - Dr. Bynoe

By Kiana Wilburg

O

ver the last two years, local and international critics like Attorney-at-Law, Chris Ram, and Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal, have been critical of the government's approach to addressing key issues in the oil sector which would go a far way in stopping significant revenue leakage.

But Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, sought to assure, recently, that before first oil is upon us, key mechanisms will be in place to ensure that Guyana's oil wealth is protected.

The official made this remark at his most recent press conference which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. There, he was asked if Guyana would be ready to meet the demands of the oil sector come 2020.

“Well it depends on how you define ready,” the Energy Department Head stated.

He continued, “If you mean that all I's will be dotted and all the T's crossed, then I would say no. But

would we have a workable framework that would ensure we reduce value leakage and get optimum return? In my humble opinion, I would say yes...”

Speaking to aspects of this workable framework, D r. B y n o e s a i d h i s department is working on building capacity with the right professionals. He noted that a number of positions have advertised.

With the recently signed World Bank Loan for US$20 million, he said that the department is aiming to recruit the following skills set between May – July

2019. He listed these to be a Petroleum Development Advisor, Crude Marketing A d v i s o r, N a t u r a l G a s Negotiations Advisor, Oil and Gas Commercial Specialist, Petroleum Commission Needs A s s e s s m e n t A d v i s o r, Accounting Specialist and a Legal Advisory Services.

The official said that a number of applications have already been received.

Further to this, Dr. Bynoe said that the Department is working with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) to recruit some additional advisory services

to ensure the Production Sharing Agreement contract administration processes are created and embedded within the Department and a robust gas master plan is developed.

Dr. Bynoe also noted that work is progressing in relation to legislative reviews.

“One of the things we have in our possession now is that draft diagnostic and gap analysis review. That has to go through the process of us talking to a number of partners because it not only impacts us but other departments and stakeholders.”

Dr. Bynoe said that it is

because of the gap analysis that a Legal Advisory Service is being sought.

He said, “We have been on record as saying that the primary legislation is silent for example with regards to downstream activities and it requires enhancements with (continued on page 14)

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Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Foreign efficiency expectations and local content Oil! One of the bigger local expectations is that there will be a deluge of jobs. The harsh reality is that, in all probability, there will be only a smattering of jobs. A few dozen here, some more elsewhere; but not really aggregating to the employment avalanche anticipated for a society where many are without gainful work.

Expectations are high. Foreign suitors play the job marketing game well; it sells. Local pundits mean well, but there are more about arguments than what would really happen if the incoming recruiters throw out the red carpet.

How will Guyanese—unskilled, untested, and unready— respond?

A priority requirement is time management: on time and in time. All the time. Movements, steps, and work synchronized with the clock; not with culture. It is a linear relationship controlled by hours and minutes that are proven by productivity.

‘Just now’; and ‘later’ will not work; highly unacceptable. Culture shock threatens.

Deliver at a high level; and then consistently improve upon that in measurable ways. Guyanese have a lament: like yuh ain’t truss meh. Well, get used to that environment. Those who produce are trusted. Proven commodity.

Locals like to complain about micromanagement; a patented copout and defensive fallback posture. Problem is this: left alone, little gets done, and less gets done right; reined in and monitored are resented. Call it environmental malaise.

A pointer may help: Europeans work to live; they scorn Americans who live to work. Taylor’s theories and practices about scientific management have been refined to the nth degree, and revolutionary technology facilitates monitoring, evaluating, and measuring just about everything and everyone.

Guyanese must inculcate that ferocious competitive edge; that relentless pushing for the next level, a superior stage of energy, endeavor and result. Comes from sustained commitment.

It is questionable as to whether Guyanese, especially younger ones, have what it takes to rise to the challenges coming to this land. Locals have accrued a deserved reputation for a shabby work ethic, and incomparably worse personal ethics. That will leave out in the cold right here in the heat and flood.

Why slave away at the drudgery of eight to four, when a quick hustle means a cool ten grand. Depending on what is involved, it could be much more. Why punish self, when cash coming in from the outside where the older folks are laboring away to refill the family sponges in the old country? Or why go to any lengths, when the fast living with prosperous visions have worked out ways that make for life on easy street?

The surety of having money in the bank is of no appeal or comfort to the army of calculating; waiting outside the bank is more rewarding. A million (or several) in a minute is better than the most attractive wage scale to be offered by those arriving to capitalize on the oil finds.

The few ISO certifications thrill. But what about the mass of the rest? What about those many companies that are nowhere near to even applying or thinking of international certification as to processes and standards?

People are who have to make this thing tick, turn around, and race ahead. And people are where the problems begin: attitude, outlook, culture. Try to get a quality piece of work done on anything, and it is a horror story. Try to obtain a quality service on something very basic, and it is torture. The private sector ought to be setting the benchmarks; some benchmark in some places.

One would think that it is the nonchalant, much maligned public sector. It is more; it is nationwide.

Which businesses and people will be equipped to answer the coming calls?

We are committed to moving GNPL to its once respected and productive state DEAR EDITOR, With reference to Kaieteur News (KN) articles dated May 1, May 3, May 5 and May 8, 2019, we - the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL)- find these articles dishonest, malicious, reckless and to some extent libelous reporting on the part of the KN. For several years GNPL was operating in the red. In 2015, when a new dynamic Board of Directors were appointed, they took this albatross and steered the course of this once flourishing state entity back to its glory days.

For many years also, GNPL was contracted by the Ministry of Education to supply exercise books for use by public schools in Guyana. In 2018 after the new board ramped up its marketing and sales opportunities, the company received a contract to supply textbooks to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the first time in decades.

All text books were ordered directly by the MOE, either from the printers in Trinidad, or local suppliers — many of whom order the supplies from Port of Spain. This was obvious, as most or all of the local printers did not have the capacity to supply the large orders.

GNPL over the years has always supplied exercise books to the Ministry of Education. As part of the exercise books contract, GNPL received orders to supply checkered line books as well.

Because of old equipment and

consistent delays, the company in an effort to meet the deadlines of providing the books to schools ordered the checkered line books on a sub-contractual basis from Trinidad.

This arrangement continued up until 2017. In 2017, Kaieteur Books Inc., a sister company of Kaieteur News, which by now had the capacity to print the checkered line books, was given the orders

by GNPL to print the books locally, even though this was at a higher cost than if the order was sub-contracted to Trinidad.

This decision was taken in spite of being done at a cost to GNPL. The decision however, was based on the fact that a local company had developed the capacity to do the job, and the Board of Directors wanted to ensure that the printing was done locally, since the ability to have it printed here was now available.

Editor, to date GNPL continues to share the printing of the checkered line books with Kaieteur Books Inc. However, they are unable to provide a complete product (inclusive of Quality Control and Packaging) to hand over to the Ministry of Education. GNPL has to complete the job before delivery to the Ministry of Education. There is no doubt therefore, that the Kaieteur Books Inc. is a sub-contractor for GNPL. In 2017, GNPL received a loan from the Government to purchase and enhance its capacity to provide a reliable and

efficient service to its customers, including its biggest one - the Ministry of Education. It is no secret that the Ministry of Education, in the past, did contract a Trinidadian company to print majority of their text books because the capacity to do it locally was not available.

Therefore there was great excitement and expectations to have that business come back to Guyana, since we were on the verge of having our press up and running. Unfortunately, we encountered some early electrical issues and were faced with the challenge of meeting our deadline for the Ministry of Education.

In our efforts to salvage any disruptions of the delivery of the books, GNPL contacted the local companies we felt had the capacity to print the books including Kaieteur Books Inc. Many of the large local printers did not have the capacity. Those that did express interest to print were unable to commit to competitive prices and suggested that we were underpricing the Ministry of Education. Therefore, in order to meet the 2018 deadline as requested by the Ministry of Education, and since we could not print locally, GNPL reverted to the Trinidad Company for the printing of the textbooks.

We at GNPL were saddened in having to make this decision. But as a business, and in order to maintain our responsibility to the Ministry of Education and by extension the school children around the country, we were

forced to go that route.

Since these developments, GNPL has continued to produce and satisfy the orders for exercise books for the Ministry of Education and all of our customers, and are also putting systems in place to correct the challenges we had, and can assure we will be ready to print the orders for books for the upcoming academic year.

Finally Editor, one wonders what has motivated Kaieteur News’ committed and continuous efforts to tarnish the integrity and hard work of the GNPL team to turn the company around. Rather than focus on sensationalizing and peddling mis-information, Kaieteur News should focus on how the state owned national printers has turned itself around and returned to a position of prosperity providing competitive products and services. This would be a truly inspirational story for many struggling companies in Guyana.

We are very grateful to the Government of Guyana for the much needed loan which afforded us the opportunity to turn the company around and we have already commenced repayment of that loan. We are also thankful for the Government of Guyana commitment and continued support in the form of print business.

We, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff, are committed to moving GNPL to its once respected and productive state.

Board of Directors & Management of GNPL

The response by the Granger-led administration to the “chase them out” call was an embarrassing overreaction DEAR EDITOR, A video clip on Facebook, showing a visit by police ranks to the Office of the Leader of Opposition, was probably an occurrence that generations of the late 1980’s and 1990’s nor local millennials never saw in their living memory.

Any visit by police ranks, especially those from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to a former President’s office or residence in any part of the world, cannot be construed as a courtesy call on the office holder to sip and chat over a cup of coffee and some fruitcake. It is an encounter fraught with serious implications for democratic governance. In many countries it is called witch hunting.

Be that as it may, the fact of the matter is that such an occurrence is reminiscent of a past era many today may not have experienced.

This brings us to the ques-

tion context.

Looking back in time appears to be anathema to some politicians and commentators of recent vintage. It is basically for two reasons they reject an analysis of current political events based on historical experience.

First, because they reject history as a scientific tool for comparative analysis. Secondly, were they to attempt such a deficient analysis, they would end up being challenged epistemologically.

In the end, they would be unable to provide a rational explanation for their position.

Bunched as they are in the league of ‘lazy thinkers’, these individuals tend to seek refuge in the claim that ‘looking back’ is to hark back into what they describe as ‘ancient history.’

To them, such an approach is unhelpful, since, as far as they are concerned, what matters most is to ‘look ahead’ not to look back.

For a country that gained its independence in 1966, 40 years ago can never be considered as ‘ancient history.’

Those who subscribe to this anti-history narrative, conveniently redact periods of Guyana’s historical record as a means to an end.

Self-styled political modernists who think that referring to what transpired in the past is ‘ancient history’ and an ‘exercise in futility,’ had better think again. That is, if they are capable of thinking at all.

Proponents of the false and fictional narrative that reduces to ‘ancient history,’ the horrific and humiliating experiences to which Guyanese were subjected during the Burnham era, should be considered proponents of a strategy to deny today’s young generation, exposure to the country’s political experiences of the 70’s and the 80’s.

To do otherwise would be considered politically immoral

and irresponsible.

In any democracy or dictatorship, where the government of the day turns, unhesitatingly, the coercive arm of the state towards its political opponents, such an act by its very nature, is bound to have ominous political undertones characterized by political harassment, intimidation and victimization.

Worse yet, such an act is a stark reminder of the troubling times when the press was threatened as it is now, with a minister of government threatening legal action against the independent Stabroek News. On this occasion, freedom of the press being challenged on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. That aside, what is ominous about the visit at 304 Church Street was the blatant misuse and abuse of law enforcement by the Executive, pushing the police to engage in a fishing expedition to (Continued on page 6 )

Thursday May 09, 2019

Dictatorship anti-defection/voting against the list clause must be removed DEAR EDITOR, I note with keen interest the ongoing debates on whether some of the constitutional provisions/clauses, especially those which address defection/voting against the list, confidence vote, and the dual citizenship parliamentarians, should be amended/reformed.

The arguments seem inconclusive given the current political overtones/divide.

Nevertheless, I take the informed view that these clauses need to be revisited, with the view of bringing them in line with Guyana’s needs and long term goals. In this letter, I have chosen to spotlight some reasons for removing the anti-defection clause as a way of advancing and concretizing our democracy.

In the first instance, that clause is a dictatorship clause, which by its very nature is anti- democratic. To force parliamentarians to vote for the list or not to vote in favour of the other side is undemocratic, if not tyrannical. It is saying that even if the bill/issue to be decided is detrimental to our society, the individual cannot/must not vote against it.

It also means that even if members of the opposition are in support they cannot vote for it, as it would be against the party list.

True democracy attempts to build up, through opposing groups’ negotiating and compromising with each other, an intellectual and emotional environment and ultimately, a political culture that fosters moderation and collective progress.

Success in the context of political bargaining and negotiation requires actors to internalize certain “rules of the political game” that demand respect for the rights of all

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Kaieteur News

participants. The democratic process itself is a form of justice, i.e., it is a just procedure for arriving at collective decisions. This clause, in effect, is antidemocratic.

Further, those who argue for consociational democracy would support the view that amendment/reformation or complete removal of this clause would be required to facilitate any such development.

Under the power-sharing ideology, members of Parliament should/must be allowed to vote for particular bills/programs/policies which they are convinced would advance the national development strategies or vote against them if they would hinder such progress.

This means that some may have to vote across party lines/against the list.

The current clause would not permit such behaviour; It requires anyone intending to do so to notify the Speaker of the House, and should they do so, their political party can and may stop them before the vote is taken, thus, defeating the power-sharing arrangement and stymieing national progress.

Finally, as the German Constitutional Court, quoting the U.S. Supreme Court, stated, ‘the basic right of free expression is one of the principal human rights ... it is a constituent element in a free, democratic order, … it is free speech that permits continuous intellectual discussion, the battle of opinions that is its vital element ... In a certain sense it is the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom.’

Democratic theory also sanctifies rights necessary for political participation, such as a certain degree of privacy so that a person may join or sup-

port unpopular causes without fear of sanctions imposed either by government or fellow citizens. In other words, freedom of expression, whether voting in Parliament or otherwise, is healthy for democracy, and therefore, should not be harnessed/blindfolded for selfish/partisan political gains/purposes.

In a nutshell, as Thomas Jefferson once stated, ‘the mass of citizens is the safest depository of their own rights.’

True democracy enshrines participation for its positive effect of allowing expression of individual dignity and autonomy, as well as its negative effect of limiting governmental incursions into substantive rights.

In essence, the anti-defection/voting against the list clause in our Constitution facilitates and fosters a dictatorship regime which Guyana can ill-afford at this juncture.

If we are to achieve parliamentary democracy, and ultimately, true progress as a nation, we must have full voluntary participation from Parliamentarians, irrespective of party affiliations, especially when voting on matters of national interest. This is not possible with the current antidefection/voting against the slate clause as the ‘Charrandass vote against the list’ continues to demonstrate.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh

The President has acted constitutionally DEAR EDITOR, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana of Guyana Ret’d Brigadier David Arthur Granger is within his right to choose persons to fill Ministerial and Ambassadorial positions - such is the responsibility and must be respected by all and sundry, as his decisions are constitutionally guided.

He remains saddled with top officials in the public sector who daily undermine the effort of the coalition APNU/AFC Government.

Removing the saboteurs would be seen as witch hunting, they lurk in every Ministry and Government department, so our President must be mindful of those he selects to fill those key and strategic positions of government. There must be loyalty

and he is well aware of that, this I suspect helps to guide his decisions.

There will be criticisms, but a wise President that he is, will have reasons for making his choice of Ministers and Ambassadors.

While the critics have their right under the constitution, His Excellency also has his right as head of State knowing full well that his Ministers are guided by a solid team of technical advisers.

I find critics very disrespectful to the President, but he journeys on, marshalling the patriotic citizens for development of this bountiful nation.

His achievement over the last four years in the areas of Public Security, social cohe-

sion, education, health, infrastructure, youth empowerment, etc., must be commended.

He and his Government have laid the groundwork for future national development, and only he as President is capable of maintaining this peace that we now enjoy.

Gone are the days of extrajudicial killings, a parallel economy, blatant corruption, land grabbing and a drug trade that thwarts every effort of development. Order has returned to this land of many waters and must be maintained.

Guyana needs President David Arthur Granger’s wisdom, vision and tolerance.

RAS Aaron Blackman Social Worker

WHY IS THE PAYMENT SYSTEM AT GT&T SO PAINFULLY LONG? DEAR EDITOR, I could never understand why the payment system at GT&T is so painfully long.

This is so at almost all of the GTT outlets in the City where I have cause to do payment transactions.

This letter is an attempt to draw attention to the management of the company (in the event they are unaware) of the inconvenience caused to customers.

I am certain that better can be done. In this age of informa-

tion and communication technology, it is unacceptable for consumers to spend such long periods in lines waiting to pay bills.

Time, after all, is money and the true cost of the time lost is the production and productivity otherwise

sacrificed.I take this opportunity to commend the NIS management for putting in place systems to facilitate the payment of retroactive money to pensioners at the Brickdam office. Our pensioners deserve no less.

Hydar Ally

PAGE 6

Guyanese will not be fooled by these constant attempts to dodge inevitable justice DEAR EDITOR, The application to the court aimed at removing the State Assets Recovery Agency Director and Deputy Director reveals the lengths members of the previous administration are willing to go to avoid justice.

The timing of these actions is deeply suspicious, given the current case against the Pradoville 2 property of the former President. This represents a blatant attempt to undermine the work of the Agency by blocking the legal process to rightfully reclaim government property.

It seems the former attorney general, rather than face the consequences of his clients’ unlawful acquisition of

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

millions of dollars of property, would prefer to avoid the matter entirely.

These tactics cannot delay the inevitable justice that the Guyanese people deserve, after years and years of corrupt deals benefiting solely the elite of the previous administration. Has the former attorney general no shame?

The PPP/C has aimed to undermine both SOCU and SARA since the coalition came to power, fearing that their endless misdeeds would come to light. It is telling that the current presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, has not one but nineteen charges against him in the courts right now, all pointing back to the same Pradoville 2 scheme. Anil

Nandlall’s guilty conscience must keep him up at night!

The double standard the PPP/C is trying to impose by questioning these two dedicated public servants is obvious. How can members of an administration that refused to hold local government elections speak about accountability and transparency?

How can they talk about respecting our country’s democratic institutions?

They can’t, because they clearly don’t respect them, and the Guyanese public knows this to be true.

Guyanese will not be fooled by these constant attempts to dodge inevitable justice.

Yours, Brentnol Holder

The response by the Granger-led...

From page4 advance a politically-motivated agenda.

It is rather ironical, if not mind-boggling to observe how police ranks, who once served faithfully, a previous democratically-elected government, would allow themselves to be inveigled into committing an act that was clearly distractive and vengeful.

To practitioners and students of public policy and governance, there are important lessons to be learnt from the Church street visitation.

The visit was emblematic of a regime quixotic in its behaviour.

Prominent among those lessons is a national security ideology which, from all indications, has taken root within the statecraft practiced by the Granger-led coalition administration.

This is a frightening development which, if not exposed and challenged successfully, can place Guyana’s democracy on the line.

But even more alarming is the regime’s groundless fear of a plot, based on some conspiracy theory that, implicit in the call to “chase them out”, was intent to cause physical harm.

Consequently, the summoning of law enforcement to ‘investigate’ this ‘intent’ must be viewed as a reflection of a paranoia that obtains in the highest echelons of government.

It comes as no surprise that those in power who thrive on conspiracy theories, would interpret the “chase them out” call as mischief being hatched by the political opposition.

As far as they are concerned, the No Confidence Motion was a conspiracy to bring down the government; the current principled stand adopted by opposition Commissioners at GECOM is a conspiracy to frustrate the work of the Commission; exposing mounting scandals in government circles is a conspiracy to embarrass the government; while the demand for free and fair elections is a conspiracy to cast doubt on the electoral process.

In the circumstances, it would not be unreasonable to conclude that actions of the political opposition is viewed through a prism of paranoia by the APNU+AFC coalition administration.

The response by the Granger-led administration to the “chase them out” call was an embarrassing overreaction on their part, manifested in bungling political theatrics.

By calling on the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force to investigate a bee in somebody’s bonnet is to embrace the dark fantasies inherent in plots inspired by conspiracy theories.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

I am appealing to the Traffic Chief to look into this injustice DEAR EDITOR, On behalf of the thousands of commuters that use the Demerara Harbour Bridge in the morning, I am appealing to the Traffic Chief to look into the injustice that is taking place at the Western side of the bridge.

It is no secret that ranks of the Guyana Police Force are the architects and facilitators of a great deal of injustice happening every Monday to Friday at the western side of the bridge. If you approach the bridge around 06:30 hrs, the end of the line will likely be at the junction, however you will not get on the bridge until after 07:10 hrs.

That is only because the flow of traffic for both lanes on the bridge is moving from the western end to the eastern end.

If it was not for that initiative, the wait to get on the bridge would be longer for those that join the line.

For those who are not familiar with the distance from the junction to the bridge, it is

about a five-minute walk or roughly the distance from Courts to the Ministry of Finance on Main Street. Of course, the later you join the line the longer your waiting time will be, since there is little flow of traffic for those that join the line. This extremely slow movement and sometimes non-movement of traffic has very little to do with the traffic flow itself, but more to do with the police ranks that are supposed to control an orderly flow of traffic.

To many it seems like the agenda of the police officers is to punish those that join the line, by allowing the privileged users to access the bridge without joining the line.

The ranks have unlawfully transformed what is supposed to be an emergency lane into what is now being described as the “priority lane” for the privileged.

This injustice is so organized that those in the line are made to stop for the privileged users to get on the bridge. It takes the privileged users little

to no time to get on the bridge, while it will take the average driver that joins the line close to an hour.

On behalf of all the nonprivileged users of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, I am appealing to the Traffic Chief to immediately look into this great injustice that is getting worse by the day.

This all started with the police allowing a few vehicles to use the emergency lane, but that has now grown into at least 300 vehicles passing to get ahead of those that are following the traffic laws.

Some people say that peace is the absence of war, but peace must also include the presence of justice. The lawabiding commuters that use the Demerara Bridge are not asking for any favours from the Guyana Police Force, we are simply requesting that the police officers execute their duties in a professional manner by doing what they are supposed to.

Regards, S. Singh

In my opinion, Mr. Lye knows nothing about the paddy bug plague DEAR EDITOR, I would like to refer to letter by Clairmont Lye on paddy bug infestation, “A solution to the paddy bug control”, KN May 8th, in which he mentioned myself and a Ganga Persaud complaint of a “lack of action on the paddy bug problem in the country.”

I do believe that Mr Lye is well intentioned in offering his “limited experience” on the subject.

The content of the Lye’s letter seems to suggest that if he was part of the Beacon Foundation’s “one-off trial” on paddy bug control in the Rupununi, he was a distant participant.

After mentioning that they “experienced significant paddy bug infestation for the first year”.

Lye wrote,” However, following research on the internet, we identified a “neem-based” liquid, which we sprayed on when the paddy bug was at the nymph stage of development. There was subsequently almost zero infestation.”

I wonder if the Beacon Foundation was cultivating paddy or rearing paddy bugs.

Where did these nymphs come from? Nymph is the stage between eggs and adult of the paddy bug. Nymphs cannot fly. To have nymphs you need to have eggs first.

Having nymphs on your crop is an indication that there was a prior infestation of adult bugs which laid the eggs to produce the nymphs – simple entomological logic that Mr Lye could not contemplate.

Neem is not known to kill insects or their nymphs. So I wonder if Mr Lye is suggesting that after spraying, the nymphs walked out of the paddy fields at Moco Moco which should have water while the crop is bearing. Any rice farmer will tell you that is impossible.

Farmers know that the nymphs are more difficult to deal with given their ability to hide in the paddy foliage. Logically!

The nymphs would remain, use their survival instinct, and adopt to the bitter-

ness of the Neem and continue to feed on the paddy milk.

I can understand why GRDB never give it a thought to pass this information to the farmers, assuming the content was the same as in Lye’s letter - practically it makes no sense.

Ironically, Lye could not remember the name of the Neem-based product, but claims that, “this could be researched on Google”.

The fact that he failed to do the research, questions his sincerity to contribute to assist farmers or the existence of a Neem-based product for insects.

After concluding that Neem “does not have a known knock-down effect”, he went on a charade on the “amazing characteristics of Neem.”

I can only conclude that Mr Lye is a believer in the powers of Neem to control insects and has somehow produced a story to get farmers to try Neem on the paddy bug plague, of which he knows nothing.

Rudolph Singh

Come on, Guyana Police Force DEAR EDITOR, The crime situation in Guyana is once again on the rise, mostly by the bicycle and motorbike bandits, but remember, crime is a business by certain elements in society all over the world.

Our citizens and foreign visitors to our beautiful country can only be comfortable if the Guyana Police Force returns to the study room and comes up with a very simple, seri-

ous and continuous campaign against pedal cycles and motorbikes by day, night, rain or shine.

A number will appear before the courts for defective documents, and body searches will in some instances unearth a lot of illegal items.

Our crime rate will rapidly reduce if this simplicity is put to work immediately.

Yours Faithfully, Parmanand Ram

Thursday May 09, 2019

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Kaieteur News

DemToCo’s tax avoidance reports catch GRA’s eyes The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is looking at allegations that United Kingdom parent company of the Demerara Tobacco Company (DemToCo) hid its profits from operations here.

According to GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, the issue has come to the attention of that tax body.

Statia, however, would only say: “We are checking the manner in which it can be done.” DemToCo is the local distributor/subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT). It handles Bristol and the Pall Mall brands.

BAT, according to a recent report released by the watchdog tax body, Tax Justice Network, Dem ToCo had a scheme where it avoided paying millions of dollars in taxes from a number of countries including Guyana.

Between 2009 and 2012, an average of $200M in tax annually was avoided from Guyana, the watchdog body said.

DemToCo has not issued a statement since the story broke last week.

The report would come amid an ongoing debate of the country’s capacity to audit the accounts of foreign companies, especially with the coming of oil now.

Local companies have been complaining about the tightening of GRA, which has become stricter on tax compliance and procedures.

According to the report, Ashes to Ashes: How British American Tobacco Avoid Taxes In Low and Middle Income Countries, the company shifted more than half a dollar that would have been taxed locally to a UK subsidiary where BAT paid almost no tax.

Tax Justice Network estimates Guyana, Bangladesh, Indonesia,

Kenya, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago together stand to lose a total of nearly US$700 million in tax revenue by 2030 from the financial manoeuvring of just one tobacco company, if business continues as usual.

According to the report, BAT used payments disguised as royalties, fees and IT charges, to avoid paying around US$3.4M ($680M) between 2009-2012.

The watchdog body noted that the countries that it looked at also included Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

In total, BAT avoided paying US$58.2M between 2007 and 2016.

The Tax Justice Network also examined the cost of cigarettes on health and loss

of productivity- what they said was the estimated economic cost of smokingincluding health and low productivity costs due to early mortality and morbidity.

In Guyana, 17.4 percent of men were using tobacco daily. The percentage of women over 15 years using tobacco daily was 2.3.

The percentage of deaths caused by tobacco in men is 11.4 percent as against 4.7 percent for women.

However, the worrying part, according to the report, is the estimated economic cost of smoking. It is US$15M. In the report published on the heels of BAT’s annual shareholder meeting in London, the Tax Justice Network revealed a range of mechanisms used by the

Guyanese man killed by Manhattan-bound train A Guyanese man, Shafraz Kassim, called Shazam, died on Tuesday after being struck by a Manhattanbound A train at 104St Oxford station in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York.

According to a Facebook post by Leon Suseran, a Guyanese, Kassim was heading to work.

The incident occurred approximately 11pm.

According to the New

York Police Department, the man had jumped in front of the train.

However, other reports said he slipped and fell on the elevated tracks.

Investigations are continuing.

The victim hails from Whim Village but lived in Richmond Hill.

This is the fifth person to be fatally struck by a NYC subway train in the past nine days.

Died: Shafraz Kassim called Shazam

tobacco company in 2016 to shift income equivalent to over 12 per cent ($941 million) of its pre-tax profits to BAT Holdings Ltd, a UK-based subsidiary where BAT paid almost no corporate income tax.

By charging itself royalties, rerouting loans through tax havens and paying interests fees on loans made between regional offices, BAT shrunk its tax contributions in low and middle income countries where public funding is high in need and short in availability, according to the Tax Justice report.

GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia

PAGE 8

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Standing orders allow for PPP MPs to be paid despite absence from National Assembly – Sherlock Isaacs Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, has said that Members of Parliament from the Opposition are within their rights to receive salaries, despite a decision taken by the party to abstain from the House.

People Progressive Party /Civic,( PPP/C), lead by its chairman Bharrat Jagdeo, had vowed not to attend sittings of the House until the hearing and determination of the no confidence appeals scheduled to come up before the Caribbean Court of Justice CCJ, this week.

Jagdeo later confirmed that he nonetheless has been receiving a salary from parliament, to which he has no qualms. In addition, opposition PPP/C Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, admitted that he was still receiving salaries although his party has decided to boycott parliamentary sittings.

The admissions have since been met with criticisms from party critic and Union Rep, Lincoln Lewis.

Lewis called for parliamentarians, boycotting sittings of the National Assembly to not be paid their salaries.

Addressing the crowds at the Labour Day rally held on May 1, Lewis noted, “Those who do not go to the National Assembly must not be paid because the people whom they represent when they strike are not paid.”

Despite the criticism, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, has said that the Parliamentary Standing Orders allow for the PPP MPs to be paid.

Isaacs explained that according to the Standing Orders, if without leave of the Speaker, any elected member is absent from the National Assembly for more than six consecutive sittings occurring within the same session and within a period no longer than two calendar months he or she shall vacate his or her seat in the National Assembly in accordance with Articles 54 and 156(1)(b)of the Constitution.

“What that essentially means,” Isaacs stressed is that there is nothing prohibiting the Opposition MPs from collecting the salaries.

“At this stage, they are within their rights to collect a

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs salary. However, if any member is to violate the standing orders as it relates to their attendance of the house, he or she is liable of losing his or her seat.”

Jagdeo had previously informed journalists that the party will not be attending Parliament despite the fact that there are a number of important subjects on the agenda, including the circulation of a paper on tax laws for oil companies.

The PPP Chairman noted that he doesn’t think that any sitting of the parliament should address any of these major issues, “especially before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rules definitively” on the cases that sprung from the NoConfidence motion which was voted on December 21, 2018.

Jagdeo said the PPP position is that it will respect the CCJ ruling, but that the party will signal to the court “that we will not attend the sitting until the [No Confidence Cases are] definitively heard.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Jagdeo said that he has noted that the party decision is hinged on the CCJ no confidence appeals set for this week “If we win the case at the CCJ – and the prospects look good – there will be no need for [PPP to head back to Parliament], because parliament will not reconvene.

So, we are waiting on the ruling from the CCJ.” He said that he believes the court will rule in the favour of the PPP, and that that ruling will ensure elections are held early.

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The nurses are hoping for a big increase Nurses have been assured that they will receive an increase in salaries before the end of the year… not before the end of the week or the end of the month… but before the end of the year which is seven months away.

The official who announced the decision did not state whether this increase is the same as the across-the-board increase in salaries which is given at year end to public servants or whether it will be in addition to that increase.

Nurses must therefore not get excited because the pattern has been to impose an average increases of 5% each year on public servants. The nurses therefore should demand that the promised increases should be in addition to the year-end increases which are given to all public servants.

Last year, the teachers were taught a bitter lesson.

They settled their wages dispute with the government only to find that the increases in salaries which they

negotiated was only marginally higher than that which was given to other public servants. They did not enjoy the significant “bump-up” in salaries which they had expected and which is necessary to motivate teachers to do better.

Te a c h e r s , l i k e t h e ir now retired colleagues thirty years ago, are finding that some of their former students are now working for more money than them.

This is humiliating to teachers. The wage debt which is owed to teachers should have been settled with a 100% increase in their salaries and then with smaller, single digit annual increases.

The nurses have to beware of falling into the same trap. They must not accept anything less than 25% interim increase and this must be without prejudice to the annual increases which they have come to expect.

The age debt owed to nurses must also be paid.

Apart from increases nurses pay, nurses should be limited to working a

maximum of five days per week.

It is strange that the government should be announcing that nurses will enjoy an increase in wages since there has been no notification that the government has invited or is involved in wages negotiations for nurses with the union representing workers.

The union has a collective bargaining agreement with the government and therefore negotiations have to take place with the union representing nurses before any announcement is made.

There has been no indication that the union has agreed to any increase or has been involved in any discussions with the government or increased wages for nurses.

H o w e v e r, n o w t h a t the government has announced wage increases, this should be taken by the union as a statement of intention to have negotiations. The union should therefore

Dem boys seh ...

Show people de new airport plan Anybody who building a house must have a plan. This plan gun show de contractor wheh to put de bedrooms, bathrooms, de windows, de dining room and things like that.

If is a big project, de plan got to show how solid is de foundation. If de contractor got to drive piles de plan got to show de length of piles, depending on de height of the project.

De plan would have how many rooms and things like that. It got to be a site plan showing de floor and things like that; then you got a plan of de side—that is de elevation plan. Dem boys believe

that when de contractor decide to refurbish de airport, dem was doing guess wuk. Dem didn’t have a plan.

De original plan talk bout eight air bridges, fancy skylight, car park, cargo area and things like that.

De coalition government change up de whole plan. It cut down de number of air bridges and things like that. But de wuk had problems because dem boys certain if that was de case, a lady wouldn’t fall down when she try to walk into de toilet.

De floor had a sudden drop like if dem put in de toilet as an afterthought.

Now dem boys hear dem put out a tender fuh a

parking lot. De place got a parking lot suh dem boys want to know wheh dem putting this odda one.

Dem talk bout building a cargo area. De old plan had cargo area and it had odda things. Now Soulja Bai got to hear how somebody got to design and supervise de cargo bond and de car park.

People want to know if de whole airport is a case of patchwork. It look like if somebody build a piece and stop. Then dem build anodda piece to add on to de first piece. That is why dem boys want to see de plan.

Talk half and show a plan if you got one.

press for the negotiations to begin and it should negotiate increases for nurses separate from that of the other public servants.

The government has to address the high migration rates of nurses if they are to prevent the public health system from collapsing.

They have reasons now to offer nurses substantial increases especially since many of them continue to leave for better opportunities in the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

Last October and

November it was reported that 74 nurses planned to depart for the United Kingdom. More would have left since then.

At the rate at which they are leaving, Guyana may have to begin to import more nurses. The government has to offer large increases if they hope to retain nurses here.

Last year the Minister of Health said that Guyana needs 1,000 nurses. The only way to ensure that this need is met is to pay nurses better so that the new entrants to the profession will be more

than those who are leaving.

One year ago, the Minister of Health also called for nursing to be restored to its former glory. Paying nurses far more than the annualized 5% average increases in salaries is one way to rebuild self-esteem and pride in the profession.

PAGE 10

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I demand $50 million or I will sue I have instructed my lawyer to sue Ralph Ramkarran for $50 million if he does not apologize on the front page of this newspaper for calling me a liar. I feel my reputation has been damaged as a media operative, academic and social activist.

I need the money. I will buy a new car as soon as I collect the cheque from Cameron and Shepherd law firm that Ramkarran heads.

Or if I am directed to the head office of ANUG in Timbuktu, I will journey there to pick it up. But then again, I prefer the money in cash.

To deposit a cheque in the bank you have to show proof of address within the last three months on an envelope with a post office date stamp. I am not in possession of such an envelope. I will have to collect the stuff in cash.

Mr. Ramkaran wrote the following about me yesterday in this newspaper; “I would be happy to answer Mr. Kissoon’s questions if he confesses that over the past twenty years he has deliberately, persistently and publicly lied about me by accusing me of suing him in court. I am not raising the other matters about which he has lied over the years.”

How can I confess to

lying when I don’t know what I have fictionalized about Ramkarran’s long political career?

ANUG has some strange leaders. We will return to Ramkarran below; a few notes about the other leader of ANUG – Henry Jeffrey.

In four published KN letters, Jeffrey describes me as a liar and dishonest person who cannot do proper research. But no details are available so I can comment on them.

In four missives, there are no examples of my lies and dishonesty and just one example of me, being a poor researcher – I wrote that the ministry should be National Security not Public Security.

Jeffrey said he did a Google search and Israel has a ministry of public security. More on Henry Jeffrey later, the co-leader of ANUG that wants to hold the parliamentary balance of power in the upcoming national elections.

Ramkarran took objection when I responded to him writing in the Stabroek News that when the PPP came to power, he advised PPP leaders not to pursue libel steps but let people offer their criticism.

I showed where Ramkarran sued me and

this newspaper for libel during the time he was advising his colleagues in the PPP leadership about the unnecessary threats of libel.

Charges of being a liar emerged from Ramkarran’s pen because he is contending that he sent a letter of intent and not a writ.

To my disadvantage, I have not done the search through my papers to find the writ. I don’t know if I ever collected the writ.

Ramkarran says there was no legal filing just a letter sent to Kaieteur News.

Could that have been the case? I don’t have evidence of the writ so I cannot pursue that line. What I can do is offer an apology to my editor. But I will not apologize to Ramkarran because he is splitting hairs.

The issue for me is not what kind of paper was used or what process was adopted – letter of intent or court document. My argument revolves around “state of mind.”

The state of mind of Ramkarran was to sue for libel. If the newspaper didn’t agree to his terms, would there have been a writ? This is the pivotal issue which the debate has to incorporate – Ramkarran’s attitude to libel.

Now assuming that I am wrong that there was no court filing how does that absolve Ramkarran from the state of mind I referred to above?

And to prove that such an attitude to libel exists inside the mind of Ramkarran I will give three other examples.

Years after the first letter (see I am not using the word, writ), Ramkarran complained again to the newspaper.

Each time, Ramkarran threatens libel, Glenn Lall would call me in for a discussion.

On one of those occasions, Mr. Lall showed me how angry Ramkarran was by producing a letter in which Ramkarran wrote the words (hope I get the wording correctly,), “You had no intention of firing Kissoon as you told me you would.”

I hope for the sake of his political future, Ramkarran does not deny he wrote such a letter because Mr. Lall obviously keeps his documents.

The other two occasions was in 2017 and 2018 in which the threat to sue was unambiguous, pellu-

Frederick Kissoon cid and graphic.

I am not confessing to anything Ramkarran wants to me to because I do not have that kind of respect for him.

SOCU will not be dismantled - If any impropriety, actions will be taken- Pres. Granger

President David Granger yesterday made it clear that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is not going anywhere soon.

Rather, if there is impropriety found, there will be actions.

Speaking with reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency, yesterday, shortly after swearing in two new members of the Public

Utilities Commission, the president insisted that SOCU is not a free agent.

The unit was established under the previous administration and began to focus especially on financial and money laundering crimes from 2015 when the Coalition Government came to office.

However, with the arrests and charges of the number of (Continued on page 23)

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Challenge to unilateral appointment of GECOM chair…

CCJ reserves decision after arguments President of the CCJ Adrian Saunders

Members of the Opposition’s team of lawyers pose for a photo. At centre is Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes Agreeing with the Opposition’s Senior Counsel (SC) Douglas Mendes, that the President must engage the Leader of the Opposition in meaningful consultation with regards to the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge Winston Anderson said that it was a tragedy that the matter had to reach the apex court.

Justice Anderson said, “I wouldn’t have thought that anybody would want the court to be the ultimate

decider, or put another way, to get too intrusive in the process and hopefully with the kind of guidelines which might be given.

“The two leaders can in fact agree so that we don’t have this kind of task before us.”

The Judge was at the time responding to submissions made by well-known Trinidad and Tobago-based Senior Counsel Mendes, who along with Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, alleges that President David Granger failed to properly exercise his discretion in the appointment

of Justice (RTD) James Patterson as Chairman of the electoral body, and that the appointment was in breach of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Yesterday, a panel of judges including the court’s President, Adrian Saunders, and Justice Anderson heard marathon submissions from lawyers for and against the appointment which was made by the President in October 2017. The Constitutional challenge to Justice Patterson’s appointment is now before the CCJ for final determination after People

Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Zulfikar Mustapha, who instigated a challenge against it, was unsuccessful in both the High Court and the Appeal Court.

SC Mendes held that the President needs to consult with the Leader of the Opposition (Bharrat Jagdeo) and that they may during open discussions come up with a name they are both happy with. SC Mendes said that the President needs to be “open and transparent about his thinking.”

Referencing the written judgment of the Court of Appeal in relation to this matter, SC Mendes indicated that he will not be relying on it since it is not clear to him if the court decided whether the President was required to give reasons for rejecting the three lists, each containing six nominees for the post, which were submitted (by Jagdeo).

While he acknowledged that the President has the power to make a unilateral appointment, SC Mendes argued that the Head of State ought to have provided reasons for his rejection of the lists since the provisions of that Article 161 (2) is to achieve an appointment that is acceptable to both the President and parliamentary Opposition.

While this was SC Mendes’s position, Queen’s Counsel Hal Gallop, one of the lawyers representing the State submitted that on appeal to the Court of Appeal one of the Judges held that the President did indeed gave reasons for rejecting the lists.

Whether the President needed to disclose his

reasons for deeming the lists unacceptable or whether he needed to keep it to himself was a question posed by Justice Saunders.

Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne, who is also representing the State along with Attorney General Basil Williams, on the other hand, reasoned that the Leader of the Opposition needed to submit a list for consideration and it was up to the President to determine if it is acceptable.

“We are arguing that acceptability is not a joint exercise,” said Queen’s Counsel Thorne. There is nothing in the Constitution which provides for dialogue between the President and Leader of the Opposition. He said that such dialogue is held after the Leader of Opposition submits his list of nominees. But Justice Saunders questioned the worth of consultations afterwards.

But Thorne reasoned that it was not required for the President to disclose which person on the list was not acceptable.

Moving on Justice Saunders asked Gallop, “How do we know on what basis were these names not acceptable. The Constitution says that he (the President) must do certain things if the names are not unacceptable…”

“But the Constitution does not say that (the President) must gave reasons…it does not say that,” Gallop stressed. QC Gallop held that SC Mendes failed to indicate that there was a duty imposed by statue or common law for the President to give reasons for

rejecting the lists of nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

According to Justice Saunders, based on Thorne’s submissions he was getting the notion that the President could appoint whoever he wishes to fill the post— which was the state of affairs before the constitution was amended to include the Carter- Price Formula.

In this regard, Justice Saunders told Thorne he appeared to be fixed on what was there before and that there was the Herdmanston Accord and deliberations in which people said they did not want those sorts of practices anymore.

Justice Saunders went at length to explain that based on his understanding of Article 161 (2) the President is not immune or excused from acting in accordance, taking into account relevant consultation and acting in good faith. The Judge’s views were in some way contrary to what lawyers for the State have contended.

Nevertheless, SC Mendes asked the CCJ that if it finds that Patterson’s appointment is not valid, its judgment should be suspended if the court rules that the No-Confidence motion was validly passed which would initiate early elections. This course, he said, should be taken to avoid any disruption to the election process.

The appeals in relation to the No-Confidence motion cases come up for hearing this morning before the CCJ. Article 161 (2) was the premise for the lawyer’s (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 13

Food for the Poor Ultrasounds now offered receives int'l award free at Port Mourant Hospital

CEO, Kent Vincent, receives the award from founder of the UBBM, Bonita Montague

T

HE United Bridge Builders Mission Inc. (UBBM) recently presented Chief Executive Officer of Food For The Poor (Guyana), Kent Vi n c e n t , w i t h t h e “International Humanitarian Service” award.

The ceremony was hosted by British High Commissioner Mr. and Mrs. Greg Quinn at their official residence. The award was presented by the founder and

CEO of the UBBM, Bonita Montague.

The body is a local nonprofit organization founded in the US some 26 years ago.

It is located at Campbellville, Georgetown Guyana.

According to Food For The Poor, the organization seeks to provide support to persons affected by HIV/AIDS, empower women and youths, and advocate against domestic violence.

Awards are usually bestowed on individuals for outstanding service to the community. Mr. Vincent thanked UBBM for the award and said that to recognize the organization is also a recognition of those who donate to FFP to donate t o t h e p o o r. H e a l s o commended them on the work they are doing to assist the needy in Guyana; going beyond helping people in material ways.

For the first time, ultrasounds for pregnant mothers have been added to services at the Port Mourant District Hospital, free of charge.

More specifically, highrisk maternity cases will be monitored more efficiently with the availability of this service. Also, other complex medical cases requiring ultrasound as a screening mechanism will readily benefit from this initiative.

According to the Doctor in Charge of the Hospital, Dr. Devendra Radhay, this follows discussions between the Regional Health Service Department of the Public Health Ministry and the management of the hospital through Region 6's Department of Health Services.

There was a brief period for consideration, which subsequently saw the agreement made for an Ultrasound Technician from the Cuban Medical Brigade to operate the service.

“This service will be provided five days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for pregnant mothers

Ultrasound services at Port Mourant District Hospital

and the other days are for other patients.

“We will also have a 24hour emergency service right here at the hospital; this will reduce the number of patients that go to New Amsterdam. This will facilitate the persons who cannot afford to travel or to pay for an ultrasound at a private institution.”

A high number of maternity cases travel from various villages along the

Corentyne Coast to New Amsterdam, which costs money and time.

“Port Mourant hospital actually covers seven health centres so all of those health centres send pregnant mothers to New Amsterdam hospital.

“Here in the high-risk clinic, we have roughly about 28 patients, and that's just a small number. I am sure that in each of the health (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

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Thursday May 09, 2019

CDC hosts oil spill planning and readiness assessment workshop The workshop in session yesterday.

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) yesterday, opened an Oil Spill Planning and Readiness Assessment workshop at the Duke Lodge. The workshop is aimed at finalising the Contingency Planning and Implementation of the Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation (OPRC) Convention for key public and private players in the local oil and gas sector.

The first workshop was held in March at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) to provide stakeholders with a detailed understanding of the National Oil Spill Response Contingency Plan and the requirements, policy and p r o c e d u r e s f o r implementation of a national oil spill response.

Out of that first w o r k s h o p , a recommendation was made for another session to finalise the assessment of national readiness for oil spills before implementation can take place.

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said the workshop has been organised to complete the assessment so that systematic gaps, lead agencies and deadlines can be identified and established. He also said that the CDC aims to create a sustainable disaster risk management system; noting that as Guyana advances towards becoming an oil producing territory, the probability of oil spills increases significantly.

Therefore, simultaneous plans and actions are taking place. Lieutenant Colonel Craig also commended the stakeholders at the workshop for their commitment and recognition of the need for collaboration.

“We are here today, to take steps to formally develop a national mechanism for Oil spill Preparedness and Response.

Over the last couple of months, a number of steps were taken in advancing the oil spill response mechanism. Primarily at the

legislative level, the Department of Energy (DoE) is working with the relevant stakeholders, international bodies and countries to devise and develop new legislation for Oil Spill response.

At the CDC, we are currently developing a Disaster Risk Management Bill. We are ensuring that provisions are also made for

Oil Spill response and preparedness,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig noted that the Bill is being drafted by international experts and during this week, it would be available on the CDC's website and sent to all stakeholders so that they can make recommendations for its enhancement and improvement.

“It is our hope that we can have this Bill ready by the end of this year. Apart from the Bill, what you would find happening is that the Working Group for Oil Spill Response continues to meet every week to further develop the Oil Spill Response Plan.

“We have drafted a general aspect of that plan, which covers the competent national authority, the CDC, outlines roles and responsibilities, and so forth.

As it relates to the roles and responsibilities, we have identified who are responsible for detection and monitoring; what and who is responsible for reporting, assessments and response.

We are hoping to have a good draft of this by June 30,

2019,” he further said.

The Director General said that apart from planning, the Commission is also working to acquire resources to ensure that all key agencies are equipped to deal with any adverse effects of the oil sector.

“Right now, there are four containers of oil spill resources that has been procured by the DoE and which will be handed over to the CDC. It is our intention to take these and hand it over to the necessary agencies.

“We are also trying to procure other materials and very soon, the CDC would

be meeting with key agencies to see what are some of the resources that they require because we are not just buying materials; we are buying what is most needed,” he asserted.

The workshop caters to national stakeholders drawn from agencies such as the Guyana Energy Agency, Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration Department, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Aircraft Owners' Association and the Guyana Red Cross Society.

Mechanisms will be in...

From page 3 regards to local content and decommissioning. So these are all areas we will be looking at. Once in place, we will move to the Petroleum Commission which you would have recognized, we would have put in abeyance until the legislation is in place.”

Asked to say if the revised primary legislation will be in place before first oil, Dr. Bynoe said it is difficult to say. He reminded that the completion of such a task does not only rest with the Energy Department. He said, “It has to go to Parliament and whether there is that resolve to move that through is outside of the preview of the department.”

Be that as it may, Dr. Bynoe assured the media that the Energy Department will fulfill its role where legislative review is concerned.

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

Woman caught trying to smuggle Cambridge University removes ganja to incarcerated fiancé bell over slavery links in Guyana

A

20-year-old woman is likely to be charged soon after she was allegedly nabbed at around 15.30 hrs Tuesday afternoon attempting to smuggle marijuana to her incarcerated fiancé.

The marijuana was concealed in washing soap.

According to Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, the suspect, Althea Douglas, was preparing to visit her fiancé,

who is currently being held in the Holding Bay at the Lusignan Prisons, East Coast Demerara. “Alert officers on duty conducted a detailed search on the soap and found the marijuana concealed therein. Police weighed the contraband which amounted to 19 grams.

She has since been taken into police custody.”

Samuels warned that there are serious consequences for smuggling prohibited items into the prison.

SLAVE TRADE CONNECTIONS: A Cambridge University college has removed a bell from view over probable links to slavery

U

nited Kingdom ( w w w. v o i c e online.co.uk)-

Cambridge University has removed a bell from St Catharine's College over its suspected links to the slave trade.

The Demerara Bell was donated to the college in 1960 by former student Edward Goodland, The Telegraph reported.

After spending a few years in what was then known as British Guiana, now Guyana, Goodland, who worked as the technical director at Bookers Sugar Estates, gave the bell to St Catharine's College.

During the colonial era, the British owned and operated sugar plantations in the country.

The bell's removal comes after the university announced it was launching a two-year investigation into its links with the slave trade.

Concerns were raised over the bell's connections to slavery. The Telegraph has reported that it is “most likely” the artifact came from a slave plantation.

For now, the bell remains in place but has been hidden from view until its origins can be examined.

“As part of the ongoing reflection taking place about the links between universities and slavery, we are aware that a bell currently located at the College most likely came from a slave plantation,” The Telegraph reported a spokesperson for St Catharine's College said.

They added; “A more detailed investigation is under way into the bell's provenance as part of a wider project researching the College's historical links to the slave trade.”

An eight-member advisory group has been tasked with coming up with recommendations on how Cambridge University can publicly acknowledge its slavery links.

The researcher's findings are expected to be published in autumn 2021.

In 2018, Glasgow University revealed that it was launching a “reparative justice programme” to address its historic acceptance of donations, estimated to have a value of around £198 million, that were linked to profits from the slave trade.

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 17

Nurses urged to uphold and restore respect in profession I

nternational Nurses Day will be observed on May 12, 2019.

Leading up to the day's celebration, which is also Florence Nightingale's birth anniversary, a week-long calendar of activities is in place for its observance.

Launching their week of celebrations was the Regional Health Department of the East BerbiceCorentyne Region (Region 6).

Nurses were given the opportunity to embrace this year's theme of 'Nursing: The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit' with a church service.

They were recognised for their ability to balance the work they do while maintaining an exemplary lifestyle.

With the emphasis being placed on upholding and restoring the respect of the noble profession, nurses were urged to wear their uniform with dignity since they work in the most critical division of health care delivery.

During the event, the nurses were called on to rededicate themselves to their profession.

“There are challenges but I urge you to keep up the good work.

The profession requires that you must do your best to uphold the profession…

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system… I say to you nurses that you must continue to give of your best to the nursing profession, don't get weary in well-doing, you will reap if you faint not,” urged Matron of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Region 6, Susette August, who has served in the profession for several years.

Nursing is the vocation in the healthcare system that employs the largest number of persons and there can never be too many nurses, she noted.

“Nurses maintain the health and wellness of patients throughout all aspects because nurses not only deal with patients with

physical ailment… Patients come to us with social, emotional issues and nurses are trained along this line to assess and to really care for persons with these issues.”

Sharing similar sentiments at the brief engagement for spiritual upliftment, both Kim Williams-Stephen (Regional Executive Officer, Region S ix ) an d A lex F o s ter (Ministry of Public Health, Focal point in the region) agreed that nurses make a difference in the world and in saving lives.

“There were days when as soon as you see a person in white, in spite of their level of academic achievement, just because they wear that uniform they were respected.

Every young man wanted to marry them, and every doctor wanted them to work alongside him. People used to be looking at nurses as though they came from another planet,” Foster recalled.

An appeal was also made for retired nurses to partner with policymakers to

influence young nurses in the profession, to re-instil values that made the profession what it is today.

The profession, which is no longer dominated by women, has seen males joining over the years, which, according to Foster, shows that being a nurse is about being a person with a desire to save lives.

“Recommit yourself to work with dedication to uphold your professionalism and to uphold the confidentiality of your patients. Apart from seeing

you as their nurse, persons will confide in you so many things, and it is your responsibility to uphold the confidentiality of your profession,” advised REO Stephen.

Nurses Week is hosted in Guyana to raise public awareness of the contribution of nurses in all spheres.

It is also observed in recognition of Nurse Florence Nightingale who pioneered the idea of modern nursing.

(A DPI release)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday May 09, 2019

Utilities regulator vows aggressive campaign as two new members sworn in

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resident David G r a n g e r , y e s t e r d a y morning reiterated that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is “the guardian of the public interest”.

He had just completed administering the Oath of Office to Verlyn Klass and Dr. Leyland Lucas, who will now serve as members of the Commission.

At the simple swearingin ceremony, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, the President reemphasised the Government's commitment to ensuring that citizens have easy access to public services and to public utility services.

“The country's relatively large size, low population density and numerous small, isolated hinterland and riverine communities increase the costs, reliability and quality of such services,” he said.

The Head of State noted that the PUC is tasked with ensuring that public utility services are delivered to the people in a manner that is “safe, adequate, efficient, reasonable and nondiscriminatory.”

The Commission, in so doing, is tasked with ensuring that the public utility laws are upheld, the President added.

Since taking office, the Government of Guyana has been decentralising access to

public services through its policies of regionalisation and local democracy.

Capital towns – at Bartica, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem – have been established in our hinterland regions in order to boost their development and to ensure that public services, including public utilities, are delivered to the people.

“Local Government Elections – held twice in three years – are part of the renewal of local democracy aimed at electing leaders and councils to make decisions and take actions to improve public services within their communities,” President Granger said, while noting that his Government is investing in improving public utility services.

“Wells are being drilled in remote communities to provide water. Internet access is being expanded across the country to improve communication. Unserved communities are being linked to the national electricity grid and other communities are being provided with solargenerated electricity.

Public infrastructure – aerodromes, bridges, roads and stellings – are being extended and upgraded to improve transportation.

Electricity powers homes, industry, offices and schools; telecommunication services allow citizens to communicate with each

President David Granger with members of the PUC. From left is Dr Leyland Lucas; Chairperson, Dela Britton; Verlyn Klass and Rajendra Bissessar. other; transportation moves people and goods and water is necessary for life and h u m a n a c t i v i t y, ” t h e President asserted.

The Head of State said public utility services are provided, usually, to large sections of a population across networks. They are necessary to ensure a high quality of life for our citizens. It improves production and productivity and promotes national integration.

“Public utilities – i n c l u d i n g e l e c t r i c i t y, s a n i t a t i o n , telecommunications,

transportation and water – are essential services to which citizens are entitled.

Government's expressed policy is to ensure that citizens enjoy greater access to adequate, reliable and quality public services and public utility services,” he stated.

A s s u c h , P r esident Granger believes that public utilities, because of their essential character and the desirability of universal coverage, must be regulated in the public interest to ensure that, as far as possible, public utility

services are accessible, adequate and provided on a non-discriminatory basis; that costs, fees and tariffs associated with their provision or sale are reasonable; and that these services are regular, reliable, efficient and safe.

The Commission, in accordance with the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016, is tasked with regulatory, investigative, enforcement and other functions conferred by the Act and other public utility laws. According to Section 24 of the Act, the

Commission is vested with the power “…to initiate and conduct investigations into the operations and standards of service of any public u t i l i t y a n d telecommunications undertaking.”

President Granger noted that the work of the PUC is vital to protecting the public interest by ensuring the delivery of public services.

“Government expects that the Commission will continue to ensure that citizens' welfare will be continuously enhanced through the provision and delivery of public utility services,” the President said.

Ms. Klass who is an electrical engineer, works as an engineering consultant and a senior lecturer in Electrical Power Systems at the University of Guyana while Dr. Lucas is a Professor of Management and Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at the University of Guyana.

Also present at the swearing in were PUC's chairperson, Dela Britton, who said that the entity has been upping its public awareness campaign.

The PUC is looking to expand its work to outer regions to ensure its message is heard. The awareness is working with the PUC receiving a growing number of complaints.

It has regulatory responsibilities for the Guyana Power and Lights Inc., the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Digicel and the Guyana Water Inc.

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

Queens Street renamed after slain Guyanese

PAGE 19

Detainees released from police custody in Pensioner's murder/robbery - pensioner was threatened over land dispute

W

S

outh Ozone Park, New York: On Sunday, hundreds of residents, community leaders, and elected officials joined the family of late Correction Officer Jonathan Narain for the unveiling of 111 Street and Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill.

The street was co-named “Correction Officer Jonathan Narain Way” on Indian Arrival Day. On September 14, last, CO Narain was fatally shot in Richmond Hill, New York. He was 27.

Narain had been with the New York City Department of Correction for almost three years and worked at Rikers Island. He left behind a heartbroken family, a community touched by this senseless gun violence, and residents who are inspired by his life.

“There was an outpouring of grief and love that we had to respond to

w i t h u r g e n c y. T h e community was shocked by this tragedy; another young man was killed by gun violence. “ Wi t h t h e f a m i l y ' s support, we mobilized by collecting hundreds of signatures and in record time the New York City Council voted unanimously to approve the street in Jonathan's memory. It is where he grew up,” said Richard David, District Leader in New York State Assembly District 31.

The City Council voted to approve the resolution on December 20, 2018 just four months after the tragedy.

“It is an honour to support this family who has given their life to public service and pay tribute to a fallen hero. It is also one of the only streets in New York named after a GuyaneseAmerican, and perhaps the only one named after an Indo-Caribbean person.

“It's long overdue that this community's sacrifices are properly recognized. I was happy to sponsor this resolution at the City Council” said Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Member District 28.

CO Narain was born at the former St. John's Hospital in Queens and raised in Richmond Hill on 111 Street. He graduated from Richmond Hill High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

He comes from a proud family of public servants.

His mother is a retired teacher with the Department of Education; his father works for New York Transit, his eldest brother has worked with the New York City Fire Department for 15 years, and his youngest brother works as an Emergency Medical (continued on page 20)

National Oil Spill Contingency Plan...

From page 2 years of experience in this field.

As the nation awaits the completion of the document, oil companies are shaping up to accelerate their drilling activities this year.

According to a report that was produced by Financial Analyst, Jenny Xenos, of Canaccord Genuity Corporation which is based in Canada, offshore Guyana is expected to see about 14 wells being drilled.

In an Industry Update report, the author stated that up to nine wells will be drilled on the prolific Stabroek block, two of which are currently being drilled.

The Stabroek Block is operated by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana

Limited (EEPGL), Hess and CNOOC. Furthermore, two wells are slated for drilling on the Orinduik Block which is under the licensed control of Tullow Oil, Total and Eco Atlantic.

One well is planned for the Kanuku Block by Repsol and Tullow Oil. The Corentyne Block also has one well planned for drilling by its operators, CGX and Frontera Energy.

The Canje Block will also see one well being drilled by ExxonMobil, Total JHI and Mid-Atlantic.

IDB URGES The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is of the firm view that Guyana should have a national oil spill contingency plan in

place before oil production commences in 2020.

In its special report, the IDB noted that Guyana's CARICOM sister, Trinidad and Tobago, which has been in the petroleum industry for more than a century, has taken the wise move to safeguard its sector with a national oil spill plan.

That plan was updated and passed by TT's Cabinet in January 2013. The IDB said that with TT's new plan, “Deep-water drilling operators will now be required to demonstrate accessibility to a containment lap system to arrest a subsea blow out event.”

The IDB believes that Guyana can take a page from Trinidad's book and get its own plan in place soon.

hile the police in Berbice continue to investigate several theories in connection with the death of re-migrant Godfrey Branche, 73, of Lot 22 A Springlands P ublic Road, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, the three persons that were detained for questioning has since been released. A senior police rank in Berbice told this publication that although the men have been released the investigation is still "very much active".

Kaieteur News had previously reported that Branche had an ongoing land dispute with a neighbour.

Investigators are said to be in receipt of t h a t r e p o r t a n d a r e investigating.

Reports from several sources have revealed that Branche visited a senior regional official's office on the Corentyne and vented his pr o b l e m s i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e ongoing land dispute.

He told the official that he was threatened on several occasions over the issue and was advised to file a report at the station. This took place in

Godfrey Branche 2017. B r a n che made several other visits to the offic i a l's office in 2018. He also reportedly visited the office of the president.

It was also disclosed that Branche had requested from his attorney, a lawyer's letter to be served to someone who was trespassing on his land.

It is unclear whether the person who trespassed on the land was the said individual who reportedly threatened him. Branche's body was found by a female family friend who often checked on him since he lived alone. He was face up with several stab wounds about the body.

He wascladinpantswitharain boots on, with both feet tied with a purple cloth. There were two stab wounds on his abdomen, one to the left region of his heart, one to the right chest and another to the left region at the back of his head.

The pensioner who is also a former employee of the National Insurance Scheme had his home wired with security cameras but that was tampered with by whoever bargedintohishome.

They reportedly removed a DVR with CCTV footage, a quantity of cash was also stolen, police said.

Branche's home was also ransacked.The female caretaker identified as a detective's wife, had told investigators that she left the pensioner alive at home around 9.15 pm on Thursday and when she returned the following day around 09:15 am the man was found dead inside of his house.

His door was left ajar but the gate to enter the yard was padlocked. The caretaker told investigators that she jumped the fence to enter.

Police are investigating.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday May 09, 2019

Cop steals colleague's Fisherman remanded for phone, sells it - court hears Norton Street murder

A

fisherman yesterday found himself before the courts charged with the murder of Marlon Seon Rodney, called 'George', who was shot in the leg last week. As a result of the shooting he later died.

James Fraser, called 'Dab' appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where the charge was read to him by the Chief Magistrates Ann McLennan. He was not required to plead to the allegation as the charge was indictable.

The charge alleged that on March 30, last, at Norton Street, Georgetown, Fraser murdered Marlon Seon Rodney, called 'George'.

Fraser who was not represented by an attorney told the court that he is 21-years-old and resides at Garnett Street, Georgetown.

According to reports, on the day in question, Rodney, a 35-year-old taxi driver of Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was involved in a heated argument with the victim and another man called 'Curl Up.' The two men reportedly pulled out guns and discharged several rounds at Rodney, who was hit in the left leg. A passerby, identified as 24-year-old Shaquille Dion of

A

Remanded: James Fraser D'Urban Street, was also shot in the process.

The injured men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where Dion was treated and sent away, while Rodney was admitted in a critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Fraser to prison and instructed that he should return to court on May 21, 2019 for the continuation of his matter.

police constable attached to the Sports Secretariat as an athlete, was yesterday made to answer a charge of simple larceny. He allegedly stole a colleague's cell phone during a football practice session and sold it.

Constable Ornesto Thomas, 27, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he denied the charge which was read to him.

The charge alleged that on March 5, 2019 at the Police Sports Club Ground, the defendant stole a S5 cell phone valued at $60,000 and a phone SIM property of Carl Singh, who is a police sergeant.

The charge stated that, on the day in question, Singh was at the location carrying out a football practice session. Upon completion of the practice session the victim made checks for his phone which he had in his possession and found it to be missing.

A police report was made and an investigation was launched which lead to the arrest of the suspect. According to police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the defendant admitted to finding the phone and discarding the SIM card.

Ornesto Thomas Also, Thomas allegedly admitted to selling the phone to an unknown individual.

Furthermore, legal advice was sought which resulted in the charge against the defendant being instituted.

After listening to the information presented to the court, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan released the police constable on self bail. The matter was adjourned until May 14, 2019.

Man convicted for murdering Mocha mechanic

O

ne day after he professed his innocence in relation to the murder of 23year-old Mocha, East Bank Demerara mechanic, Te r r e n c e L a n f e r m a n , K e n k o s s i e Ly n c h w a s yesterday found guilty of the crime following deliberations by a jury at the High Court in Demerara.

Lynch, formerly of Lot 110 CC Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was convicted of the June 1, 2015 murder of Lanferman which occurred at the man's Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia home.

Sentencing for Lynch, who had been on trial before Justice Navindra Singh, has

been deferred to Thursday, May 30.

Ly n c h , a w e l d e r, formerly of Lot 110 CC Eccles, East Bank Demerara, killed Lanferman on June 1, 2015 at his Lot 27 Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia home. Lynch reportedly confessed to police that he and his cousin plotted the crime. Lanferman was shot dead by a lone gunman who came and knocked at his door.

At the time of the shooting, Lanferman was in the bottom flat of the twostorey house he shared with his other sibling. His lifeless body was discovered lying on the floor in a pool of

Queens Street renamed after slain Guyanese From page 19 Technician.

“Jonathan was a vigilant servant to the City of New York. His hardwork and dedication were unmatched.

On September 14, on his way to the job he loved, he was involved in an altercation and was gunned down in cold blood.

“We at the NYCD Desi Society honor his memory by co-naming this street, where he lived his incredible life. We want people to know his name and remember him forever” said NYCD Desi Society Vice President CO Raishamraj Persaud.

Also present at the street co-naming were Borough President Melinda Katz, City

Council Member Donovan Richards, Commissioner of the New York City Correction Department Cynthia Brann, a n d N e w Yo r k S t a t e Assembly Member David Weprin. Community leaders p r e s e n t i n c l u d e d D r.

Dhanpaul Narine, Romeo Hitlall, Ashook Ramsaran, Mohamed Amin, Jeany Persaud and Mohamed Hack.

“They say no one is perfect, but my brother was near perfect.

This kid did everything right. My family and I are deeply proud of him and our community for standing by our side during this time of mourning” said Jason Narain, bother of Jonathan Narain.

blood. He received gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. He was pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre East Bank Demerara.

Following the closure of the prosecution's case on Tuesday, Lynch in an unsworn testimony, told the court that he was innocent of the crime.

Lynch denied ever giving a caution statement to Police Inspector Prem Narine. In fact, he told the court that at the time of his arrest, he could not read or write.

He said, “(The police) did not caution me and tell me anything about my rights. I did not get any call to my family.”

That same caution statement in which police say Lynch confessed to the crime was admitted into evidence after a Voir Dire.

Justice Singh had ruled that he found the statement was

GUILTY: Kenkossie Lynch freely and voluntarily given.

Lynch's lawyer Adrian Thompson had asked the court to disregard the caution statement on the basis that his client was induced to sign same.

The lawyer had argued that at the time of the taking of the statement his client could not read or write.

Cops charged for demanding money from Venezuelan...

From page 2 victims during a stop and search operation at Makari Top, Essequibo. The women allegedly handed over a quantity of raw gold.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objection to bail for the defendants.

None of the three police ranks were handcuffed, as is the case with other individuals when they are being sent down the prisoners' chute. They were also not placed in the

prisoners holding cell at the courts, but were allowed to stay in a room where prisoners are searched before being taken to the holding cell.

The three men were released on $30, 000 bail each for the menace charge while Mingo was granted $150,000 bail on the rape charge.

The matter was adjourned until May 16, at the Bartica Magistrates' Courts.

Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohamed and Abigail Gibbs presented the case for the State and called a total of 15 witnesses.

Among the witnesses called was Orville Stuart, who told the court that he had pursued the accused following the shooting incident. Stuart told the court that he was hanging out at the corner when he heard what sounded like an explosion.

A few minutes after the explosion, the witness said a man ran past him. He said that the man was wearing a hoodie and had what appeared to be a gun in his hand.

Stuart said that he mounted his cycle and pursued the accused.

However, the witness said that the perpetrator jumped on the back of a CG motorcycle and made good his escape.

Questioned by the Defence Counsel Thompson about the description of the alleged perpetrator, the witness noted that he had not seen the man's face but he could tell that he is dark in complexion because he was clad in a three quarter pants and he could see his legs.

The victim's mother, Ulice Lanferman, also took the stand. She provided the court with an emotional testimony of identifying the body of her son after he was executed.

The woman became emotional even as she told the court that she was working as a pump attendant at the Guyoil Gas Station at Providence when she was informed of the incident involving her son.

The woman said that as a result of the call, she rushed over to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she saw her son's lifeless body—he was covered in blood.

Ebon Booker recalled that she lived at the upper flat of the house in which Lanferman and his girlfriend once lived. She said that on the day of the incident, she was at home.

The witness told the court that she had just finished cooking when Lanferman's girlfriend came to visit her upstairs. A few moments later, she said two loud explosions were heard.

They rushed downstairs to see what had happened.

There, they discovered, Lanferman lying in a pool of blood.

Ultrasounds now offered free...

From page 13 centres they maybe have 30, 40 or 50 plus patients that are pregnant and need an ultrasound,” Dr. Radhay added.

Just last month, x-ray services were introduced at

the district hospital with the commissioning of a radiology department. Even further, public confidence has been restored in the service delivery as more persons are accessing health care at the hospital.(DPI)

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Sexual Offences Court commissioned in New Amsterdam at Berbice High Court chaired by Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George SC, CCH. Justice Jo-Ann Barlow led in the prayer and Registrar of the Supreme court, Sue Ann Lovell, did the appreciation.

Others in attendance include Justice Simone Ramlall; Chief Magistrate Ann Mc

Guyana’s Second Sexual Offences Court was on Tuesday commissioned in New Amsterdam. The Supreme Court of Judicature officially launched the Court at the Berbice High Court Building, Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam.

The initiative is in keeping with the Sexual Offences Act which provides for the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court.

Giving the key note address in front a packed Supreme Court auditorium was Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings – Edwards OR, CCH. Mrs. Cummings-Edwards stated that Guyana is going places in terms of reforming the judiciary. She noted that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) collaborated significantly with the Justice Department in bringing the project to fruition.

They have provided much needed financial support and capacity building in the quest to ensure that justice is served, she said.

“We will follow the sexual offences guideline which offers internationally best practices for the management of the cases.

“With the dedicated support of UNICEF and being joined by the British High Commission now, we assure that this court will bring much needed justice to residents who encounter sexual assault.”

She said with the new court in the district, those issues will be dealt with in a way which respects the dignity and privacy of the victims.

Detailing what has been achieved since the passing of the Sexual Offences Act and the Establishment of the first Court in Georgetown In 2017, Justice Cummings –Edwards noted that it has seen some 53 cases with convictions totaling 33. There were 20 acquittals.

Sentences varied from

nine years to life imprisonment. Those crimes for which trials were conducted included seven for rape, 21 with a child under 16 years, 15 for sexual activity with a child family member and one for Carnal knowledge.

She noted that there are a total of 37 cases involving sexual offences in the Berbice Assizes.

Deputy British High Commissioner, Ray Davidson, commended the Supreme Court for establishing such an “advanced court room” and said that the new system replicates “much of what is being done in the United Kingdom (UK).”

“It will allow survivors to be able to give their side of the event in a more conducive environment. It might encourage others who have suffered abuse to come forward knowing that they will be treated with respect and dignity.

“I commend the work that is being done here by everyone involved; particularly the Judiciary of Guyana and UNICEF. I am delighted to say

(that) the British Government will be supporting the setting up of a new Sexual Offences Court scheduled for Essequibo later in the year. “ He lamented the harsh questioning victims go through. It leaves them feeling as if they themselves are on trial rather than the defendants.

“That is bad enough for an adult, much less a child who has already gone through the most horrific ordeal that one can imagine.”

UNICEF resident representative to Guyana and Suriname, Ms. Sylvia Fouet, pledged her organization’s support in conquering issues relative to sexual violence and encouraged families, specifically children, to use their services when necessary.

Attorney at law Adrian Anamayah spoke on behalf of the Berbice Bar Association and lauded the many improvements that have taken place. He commended Madame Justice Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings- Edwards and her team.

The programme was

Lennon, and Magistrates Renita Singh and Peter Hugh.

Members of the Berbice Bar Association; Commander of Police B Division, Assistant Commissioner Paul Langevine, and heads of the Prison and Fire Services in Berbice were also there.

The project was completed in approximately three months by VK Construction Service at a cost of $13M. It is complemented by a Special Measures Room next door where the victims will be accommodated whilst giving testimony.

PAGE 22

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

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DemBake @ Land of Canaan 3 Bedroom apartment is seeking distributors & unfurnished, 2 living rooms. experienced drivers & sales Water included $62,000 agents.

Email CV: suitable for storage.Room for admin@demerarabakery.com / single person.675-2550/674- 266-5848 2526.

Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

CAR RENTAL

Support worker program/Care giver program.Train to work as in home caregiver in Canada.

227-4881.

Common Entrance Computer Package 9 courses $40,000.

Micrographics Vreed-enHoop. 264-3057.

Design a Website for your Business that can be viewed on any device.Contact Computing Core@600-1096.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One Apartment to rent in Charity.Contact#654-7162/ 687-5814.

VACANCY Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM

General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank.Call#614-4358.

Female cleaner office & home.

Age 25-50.Call#642-9823.

Room attendant, Desk staff receptionist.Age 25-40yrs.233 South Road Lacytown/2250198.

Assistant cook preferably Carnegie trained & Cashier/ waitress.225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street.

Experienced Chefs & Bartenders.Kindly submit a AIDAN’SCAR RENTAL: detailed CV to Park Vue Hotel PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI or email: lorenzo.persaud.pv BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT @gmail.com & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698- 1 part time kitchen asst/cook & 1 live-in domestic.207807 35yrs.Contact Mr.Khan.695WING’S CAR & PICKUP 6550/656-9313.

RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT,CHEAP RATES, Immediate Vacancy exist for SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: one cashier. Must have Maths+English & workers @ 690-6494 Del Ice Co.Call 231-1408/6429191.

VEHICLE FOR SALE TM 4X4 Truck, Case 680H BackhoeExcellent condition.Call Richard#6097675/674-1705/233-2614.

House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657. yashardabhola4@gmail.com

Pick up Truck from Canada extra cab, 2005 Tacoma $1.8M, Ford F150 Sport $1.3M, Ford Ranger sport $1.1M, 682-5230/ 615-4414.

Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 6175323, 666-8052.

Tractor Massey Ferguson (foreign used) MF165$1.5M, MF135 $1.1M, MF265 $1.8M, MF165 Loader tractor $2.2M Vreed-en-hoop.Call:682-5230/ 615-4414.

Taxation Personnel: 3 yrs experience.Minimum qualification CAT/Diploma i n A c c o u n t a n c y. S e n d application to bs.vacancy @gmail.com.

LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109

From page 12 arguments. That article state… “the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consulate with political parties represented in the National Assembly.

“Provided that if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or had held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.”

Justice Anderson asked SC Mendes if he would say the consultation process between the two leaders was required via Article 161 (2).

The Senior Counsel replied, “Implicitly it is required.

Implicitly.”

In response, Justice Anderson said, “Yeah, Yeah.

It is a list of six persons not just a list in a sort of an LAND FOR SALE Farm (East Bank) $3.8M (Neg), Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M, Dairy $2.2M Neg. Tel#656-0701.

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1 Welder, gas welding & arc.Age 18-25.Apply@ 21 Broad street, Fat Man Welding shop.223-5595/6439125.

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Salesgirls & porters .Apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies 1E Dennis & Middleton Sts, Campbellville

abstract way. So from what you have said and reading the information before us… that meaningful consultation had not really taken place.”

“It did not take place at all,” SC Mendes insisted.

SC’s arguments were based on the criterion for eligibility, the selection process which includes persons recommended by the Leader of the Opposition and the appointment process, which lies solely with the President.

He said, “The power was controlled to the extent that he (the President) has to make the appointment from a certain category of persons, either persons who are judges, former judges or persons qualified to be a judge. But the discretion was his (the President) alone. It was his appointment to make alone.”

Essentially SC Mendes dismissed the arguments made by the State saying that both Queen’s Counsel on the ground that Guyana has a modern Constitution that imbues openness and transparency. He said that both QCs Thorne and Gallop were trying to take Guyana into the past, into a situation where you have a Monarchy.

SC Mendes said that their submissions embodied a President who is exercising powers that are unreviewable.

“That is not this (Guyana) constitution.

This constitution goes to great pains to ensure that the rule of law is respected and that democratic principles are followed,” he added.

However, Gallop argued, “I respectfully urge the court to find what the learned trial judge did.

That the absence of reasons did not adversely affect the decision making process.

In fact, I also urged the court to observe that one Justice of Appeal said reasons were given. She saw in the statements and in the correspondence between the President and Leader of the Opposition, reasons for his (the President’s) decision.”

He asked the court to disallow the appeal against Justice Patterson’s appointment, disregarding the position of SC Mendes which is that both leaders should act in good faith, in that regard.

Following arguments, President Saunders announced that the court has reserved its decision, and that notices will be sent to the parties.

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Kaieteur News

Killer knew Guyana-born Bajan businessman had money hidden in pants Barbados (Barbados Today)- A peculiar request by the killer of 47-year-old Guyanese Eton Lyken has raised suspicion in the brother of the deceased.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY from Guyana on Tuesday, Allan Savoury, said he found it “very strange” that the person responsible for killing his older brother at Country P a r k To w e r s , C o u n t r y Road, St Michael, around 12 a.m. on Sunday, asked the father of five to take off his pants before the shooting occurred.

A distraught Savoury said he was struggling to put this piece of the puzzle t o g e t h e r, b e c a u s e o n l y those close to Lyken knew that he always kept his money in his underpants.

Savoury explained that his brother did this from the time he was a businessman in Guyana, before migrating to Barbados.

“I find it extremely strange at a robbery scene, why would you instruct him to take off his pants?

It is strange that he was told to take off his pants.

From since he living here that is how he does operate. He used to go about doing salt beef and pickled pork that is what he used to do here.

“Then he shut that down and he migrated to Barbados. Since my brother start working, he

Killed: Eton Lyken

Brother, Allan Savoury

Mom: Yvonne Lyken, 84

always does wear an underpants and that is where he always got he money stashed.

It is not something of recent; it is something that h e d o i n g y e a r s n o w, ” Savoury said.

According to police reports, Lyken, of Beckles Road, St Michael; and Andrew Michael Vanderpool, of Apt 5E, Country Park Towers, St Michael, were having a conversation while seated in a motor vehicle.

They were surprised by a man who had his face hidden with a scarf.

The man, who had a firearm, ordered both men

out of the vehicle and proceeded to rob them of cash and valuables.

During the ordeal, a gunshot was fired and Lyken fell to the ground where he died. The killer fled the scene on foot.

Vanderpool was unhurt. “. . . He told us get out the van, come to the front of the vehicle and take off our pants.

My pants was in my hands but uncle was still taking his off.

The man went to give uncle a kick and he caught the mans foot and he shoot uncle in his head,” Va n d e r p o o l shared with members of

the media on Sunday, as he recounted the mom e n t s b e f o r e Ly k e n s tragic death.

Ly k e n , w h o o w n e d and managed Etons Bake r y a n d E t o n s Va r i e t y, located at Beckles Road, also operated the popular bread stall at We y m o u t h , St M i c h a e l close to the Globe Cinema. He employed about six people.

Savoury said the trag-

Black Bush Polder man on trial for truck driver 2014 murder Navendra Basdeo, called ‘Phone’, 24, of 14 Johanna North Black Bush Polder, is on trial in the Berbice High before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed Jury on a charge of murder.

Basdeo is on trial for the gruesome murder of K a r a n S u k h d e o , c alled “Vishal”, 30, a truck driver and father of one, of 101 Johanna North Black Bush Polder.

Sukdeo was reportedly killed on Saturday August 23, 2014 following an altercation with a group of men at a wedding house.

The incident allegedly occurred around 23:45 hrs at Johanna North, Black Bush Polder.

Attorney at law Mursalene Bacchus is appearing for the accused.

Attorney at law Mandel Moore is prosecuting the state’s case.

The prosecution is expected to call a number of

Karan Sukhdeo

Navendra Basdeo called ‘Phone’

witnesses including relatives of both the accused and decease and police investigators.

A post mortem examination conducted by Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan at the

New Amsterdam Hospital showed that he died from multiple injuries.

He received stab wounds in the region of the heart and about the body.

The matter is continuing.

e d y h a s r o c k e d Ly k e n s family in Guyana, especially his 84-year-old mother Yvonne Lyken, who was still in shock.

“It is a tragic loss. It is untimely.

My brother certainly didnt deserve that. There are children who are being deprived of having a father and their lives would never be the same again.

“He would have been the only person that could have given them a good life, being a real father, treating them with love and respect.

Dont care what he died and leave; life would never be the same again. Whatever he had planned for them, it has now been altered,” Savoury said.

The deceaseds mother said her heart has been aching since she got word o f Ly k e n s d e a t h . S h e shared with Barbados TODAY that the businessman was the third of her 13 children to die.

The mother said she had a good relationship with her son who, just two months ago, told her to come to Barbados and spend some time with him.

She recalled that he informed her at the time that

he had just bought another vehicle and his bread business was progressing well.

“I am feeling it because he does not interfere with persons. He is very kind to everybody. Something is wrong,” the elderly woman said.

The octogenarian lamented that “something just dont seem right about the way my son was killed”.

“We want his body to come home.

All his family is back here and we want him to come home. I cant deal with coming [to Barbados], so the children would deal with that,” she said.

Yv o n n e e x p l a i n e d that one of her children contacted the Guyana Consulate in Barbados seeking information regardin g their loved ones death.

When contacted, Guyanas Consul, Cita Pilgrim, said the Consulate would remain in touch w i t h Ly k e n s f a m i l y i n Guyana and update them on any development with the case which is still being investigated by police.

SOCU will not be dismantled From page 10 Opposition’s officials for a number of alleged crimes, the unit has been coming under criticisms for the cases which dragged on waiting for advice and even during the investigations.

With a handful of staffers and little resources, the unit has been handling scores of cases, including the controversial National Industrials and Commercials Investments Limited, the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Guyana Rice Development Board.

Several of the cases are in jeopardy, now.

There was a recent audit

which suggested that internal financial procedures were not followed with petty cash.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, recently hinted that there could be a shakeup at the unit.

However, with the resignation of lead investigator, Sheronie James, and sacking of British advisor, Dr. Sam Sittlington, the unit has been shaken to its core.

The government’s committal to fight corruption, using SOCU, has been dented.

According to Granger yesterday, SOCU is an integral part…an organic part of the Guyana Police Force,

He noted that SOCU’s head, Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James, is a police officer. “…And the Police Commissioner and the Minister of Public Security presumably will take the necessary actions to ensure the unit continues to enjoy the confidence of the public.

“I have taken note and I agree with the Minister of Public Security that if there is any impropriety or misconduct- it is an organic part of the police force; it is not a free agent, it is not a loose cannon… and we will ensure that the public confidence in SOCU remains.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

Thursday May 09, 2019

CARICOM warns of elusive peace in Venezuela

CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Timothy Harris at meeting in Costa Rica SAN JOSE, Costa, Rica CMC – The Chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Timothy Harris says peace will continue to be elusive in Venezuela until the “contending parties are encouraged to sit down and agree.”. Harris, who is also the Prime Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis, told the Third Ministerial Meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela that CARICOM reiterates its position of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for the constitutional order and democracy. “We have also found comfort in a mechanism [the Montevideo Mechanism] that would assist us in working within the broad frame of the five principles that I have outlined, which says we have to engage in

dialogue as we are now doing. From the dialogue, we should have a framework of negotiation; those negotiations should lead to commitments on both sides,” said Harris, who is heading a fivemember delegation that includes CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque and Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Colin Granderson.

He told the meeting that “peace will continue to be elusive until the contending parties are encouraged to sit down and agree. “The reality that we have learned from Latin America and elsewhere is that significant groups cannot be excluded from any peaceful process in a country to resolve a national crisis. I believe that if we get the principles right and if we establish a mechanism, we will get there.”

The ICG is comprised of

countries from the European Union and Latin America and last weekend, CARICOM leaders at a special security summit in Trinidad and Tobago vowed to continue their diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, where opposition forces are seeking to overthrow the government of President Nicolas Maduro. At least three people have been killed and several others injured in clashes between opposition and government supporters in Venezuela, since the Opposition Leader, Juan Guaidó, last week called on the military to support the move to remove Maduro from power. But the army appears to be remaining loyal to Maduro and during the clashes amid rival demonstrations, they fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.

IDB approves grant funds for Caribbean countries receiving migrants WASHINGTON, United State - CMC — The InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) has approved a multimillion dollar special grant facility to support operations that help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean integrate migrants into local communities and contribute to their development.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the initiative is in response to “unprecedented and sudden intraregional migration flows impacting countries in Latin

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Kaieteur News

America and the Caribbean.”

The IDB said it will use the grant facility in combination with economic and social development loan operations to help receiving countries provide better access to health, education, housing, security, and other services in communities struggling to integrate new arrivals.

Under the approved proposal, the IDB said it will provide US$100 million from its facility, with additional resources expected to be provided by the donor commu-

nity. These grant funds will be combined with regular IDB loan operations of US$800 million. The IDB said the grant facility was created in 2007 for dealing with special circumstances arising in specific countries or projects. The facility has supported investments in Haiti so far and now has been expanded to include support for countries dealing with “sudden and massive migration inflows,” and the IDB said the new facility will not impact the IDB’s programme of donations for Haiti.

PM links predecessor to criminal charges laid against former attorney general PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says his predecessor in officer, Kamla Persad Bissessar, cannot wash her hands clean like Pontius Pilate as two members of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) face criminal charges committed during the period she led a coalition government in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Tonight I want to say to Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar, the difficulty that your two cronies got involved in at the court, you will not be allowed to exonerate and distance yourself from them. It is my intention to bolt them to your chest and if after all of that the people of this country are in the majority who want you back as prime minister, they are free to have you,” Rowley told a meeting of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in Chaguanas on Tuesday night.

Former attorney general, Anand Ramlogan and attorney Gerald Ramdeen, appeared before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby EarleCaddle in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court on Monday charged with conspiracy to contravene Section 3 of the Prevention of Corruption Act; conspiracy to contravene Section 45 of the Proceeds of Crime Act and conspiracy to misbehave in public office between October 1, 2010 to September 9, 2015.

Neither Ramlogan nor Ramdeen were asked to enter

a plea since the charges have been laid indictably. They are due to return to court on June 28.

The charges stem from an alleged scheme involving state briefs. They have been released on bail totalling TT$2.7 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents).

Ramlogan served as attorney general between 2010-15 when the UNC formed the biggest partner in the coalition People’s Partnership government headed by Persad Bissessar, while Ramdeen, this week, resigned as an opposition senator.

Rowley told the PNM supporters at the meeting held in the heartland of the UNC, that he, as then opposition leader, had questioned the significant amount of money that had been allocated to the Office of the Attorney General during the Persad Bissessar term in office.

“That could have been avoided and should have been avoided, because from day one…I was the first opposition leader that did the budget examination over a three day period, line item examination…and one of the items that stood out in the very first year was that particular item of monies being paid to lawyers by the attorney general office.

“Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar cannot say she did not know….She knew and she was in a position from a distance to know that something was radically wrong

here,” Rowley said, noting that as a geologist, he has had on occasions to question bills in the Cabinet submitted by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) for projects.

“I look at the numbers, at the costs and I look at what they say they are going to do.

As a geologist I brought my thought to bear….and I queried it and I sent it back…asking WASA to justify this,” he said, adding “Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar, who gave herself Senior Counsel, she must have known that those numbers passing through her budget every year to the AG office should be a problem for the people of Trinidad and Tobago”.

Rowley said that the budget was “moving from 20 million dollars a year ….to 60 million .to 84 million dollars to 100 something million dollars, and Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar was there when every query was made …

Rowley said he had warned then that “it would be a hell of a thing if the money you are spending to fight corruption becomes itself the catalyst for more corruption.

So say, so done.”

He said now that the matter has reached the courts “the one thing you are not hearing being spoken about in Trinidad and Tobago is the word evidence.

“So she comes out now like Pontius Pilate, let the law take its course,” Rowley told supporters.

Trade unions call for comprehensive review of labour practices Daily Observer - A highranking official of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has repeated calls for a comprehensive review of all legislation relating to workers’ rights.

The union’s General Secretary, David Massiah made the comments during the Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress rally, whose theme was “Trade Unions Against Unfair Labour Practices.”

Massiah said that the government should not seek to amend labour legislation in a fragmented manner, but it must be reviewed as a wholesale package.

“I am asking the Minister of Labour to ensure that he goes to Cabinet to ensure that the legislations that are for workers – the [occupational] health and safety, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code – are placed before Parliament.

Not in a piecemeal manner, but the whole process must be positioned,” he said.

Despite his calls for the whole review of the legislation, Massiah applauded the administration for addressing the labour issue relating to Scotiabank.

“But I welcome your decision to take certain aspect in light of the challenges we are facing with the multinational [corporations], such as Scotiabank, to indicate to them that our people are not commodities. The people in Antigua and Barbuda are not for free sale, but we must have that right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ashworth Azille, President of the

Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers, called for the entire labour force to stand in solidarity with each other against bad labour practices, as he lamented the lack of attendance by workers at the Labour Day rallies.

“It would be remiss of me if I did not point out that we struggle to have good gathering of workers at this Workers rally.

One begs the question, where do our priorities lie?

The union is not about the elected officials only. The strength of the union resides solely with the body of workers who are holding up their leaders as they go along,” he said.

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Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

GNPL admits ordering books in Trinidad; local printers insists they had capacity The state-owned Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL) has admitted that it ordered books from Trinidad and Tobago.

However, the explanation by the corporation is not going down well with local printers who insisted that they were not consulted.

They say that the proper procurement procedures were not followed.

In fact, the corporation had attempted to force at least three printers to use GNPL rolls of paper to produce the books.

The printers refused because the cost of paper from GNPL was way above the cost printers acquired their paper.

GNPL is under pressure to explain and provide proof how it bypassed local printers and ordered tens of millions of dollars of books overseas.

The Audit Office of Guyana has said that it is preparing to investigate whether proper procurement procedures were followed and whether Guyana got value for its money.

Rackets involving the procurement of exercise and text books, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, have been ongoing for years now. The Coalition Government has vowed to stamp out the corruption.

Consecutive state audits on the Ministry of Education had raised red flags over procurement, delivery and storage.

In recent days, Kaieteur News has been critical of the way in which the Ministry of Education and GNPL have been sourcing books for the schools.

GNPL, questioning the motives of Kaieteur News yesterday, said that recent reports by the newspaper border on being dishonest, malicious, reckless and is to some extent “libelous”.

GNPL has been selected unilaterally by Government to produce registration forms for the Guyana Elections Commission, and even Official Gazettes, to the tune of millions of dollars.

GNPL said that over the years, it was contracted by the Ministry of Education to supply exercise books for use by public schools in Guyana.

40

“In 2018 after the new board ramped up its marketing and sales opportunities, the company received a contract to supply textbooks to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the first time in decades.

“All text books were ordered directly by the MOE, either from the printers in Trinidad, or local suppliers – many of whom order the supplies from Port of Spain.

“This was obvious, as most or all of the local printers did not have the capacity to supply the large orders.”

GNPL did not immediately say what prices it paid the overseas suppliers. That price would include waiting time and shipping and handling.

GNPL stressed that over the years, it has always supplied exercise books to the Ministry of Education.

With regards to recent orders, GNPL had this to say: “As part of the exercise books contract, GNPL received orders to supply checkered line books as well.

Because of old equipment and consistent delays, the company, in an effort to meet the deadlines of providing the books for schools ,ordered the checkered line books on a sub-contractual basis from Trinidad. This arrangement continued up until 2017.”

The corporation claimed that in 2017, Kaieteur Books Inc., which now had the capacity to print the checkered line books, was given the orders by GNPL to print the books locally.

It claimed that the price by local printers was higher than Trinidad.

However, GNPL provided no proof of this yesterday.

In fact, at least two printers challenged GNPL to produce those payments to Trinidad as it would determine whether Guyana got value for its money.

This decision to go local was taken in spite of the cost of printing was higher than in Trinidad.

“The decision however, was based on the fact that a local company had developed the capacity to do the job, and the Board of Directors wanted to ensure that the

General Manager of GNPL, Trevor Bassoo printing was done locally, since the ability to have it

printed here was now available,” GNPL said.

GNPL claimed that to date, it continues to share the printing of the checkered line books with Kaieteur Books Inc. GNPL claimed that the local printer was unable to provide a complete product (inclusive of Quality Control and Packaging) to hand over to the Ministry of Education.

According to Kaieteur Books, this is a blatant untruth. In 2017, GNPL said it received a loan from the Government to purchase and enhance its capacity to provide a reliable and efficient service to its customers, including its biggest one – the Ministry of Education.”

GNPL said that it is it is no secret that the Ministry of Education, in the past did contract a Trinidadian company to print the majority

of the text books because the capacity to do it locally was not available, at that time.

GNPL did not say how many times it went to Trinidad to sole-source books.

It added, “Therefore there was great excitement and expectations to have that business come back to Guyana since we were on the verge of having our press up and running. Unfortunately, we encountered some early electrical issues and were faced with the challenge of meeting our deadline for the Ministry of Education.

“In our efforts to salvage any disruptions of the delivery of the books, GNPL contacted the local companies we felt had the capacity to print the books, including Kaieteur Books Inc.” Kaieteur Books Inc refuted this statement.

GNPL however reverted to the Trinidad company for the printing of the text books.

“We at GNPL were saddened in having to make this decision. But as a business, and in order to maintain our responsibility to the Ministry of Education and by extension the school children around the country, we were forced to go that route.”

The corporation said that since these developments, it has continued to produce and satisfy the orders for exercise books for the Ministry of Education and all of its customers.

It said it is also putting systems in place to correct the challenges “and can assure we will be ready to print the orders for books for the upcoming academic year.”

House panel accuses Barr of contempt as Trump invokes executive privilege WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic-led House panel yesterday approved a measure to hold U.S. Attorney General William Barr in contempt for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference even as President Donald Trump invoked the legal principle of executive privilege to block its disclosure.

Throwing down another challenge to Trump, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted to recommend that the full House cite Barr, the top U.S. law enforcement official and a Trump appointee, for contempt of Congress after he defied its subpoena for the complete report and underlying evidence.

“We are now in a constitutional crisis,” Jerrold Nadler, the committee’s Democratic chairman, told reporters after the panel approved the contempt resolution on a party-line 2416 vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed.

The confrontation escalated a clash between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican president over congressional authority under the U.S. Constitution to investigate him, his administration, his family and his business interests.

The vote came hours after the White House took its own provocative step, asserting executive privilege to block the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s full report on Russian actions to boost Trump’s candidacy in the 2016 U.S. election and related evidence such as investigative interviews.

“It is deeply disappointing that elected

representatives of the American people have chosen to engage in such inappropriate political theatrics,” Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said, adding that no one will force the department “to break the law” by handing over documents that cannot be disclosed such as secret grand jury material.

A House vote to hold Barr in contempt was likely to trigger a court battle, with fines and possible imprisonment at stake for him.

Nadler said the full House vote would come “rapidly,” without being more specific.

Executive privilege is only rarely invoked by U.S. presidents to keep other branches of government from getting access to certain internal executive branch information. Trump had not previously taken such a step in his showdown with Congress.

The White House said Democrats forced the move.

“Faced with Chairman Nadler’s blatant abuse of power, and at the attorney general’s request, the president has no other option than to make a protective assertion of executive privilege,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Nadler said Trump’s stonewalling of Congress in various investigations is “an assertion of tyrannical power by the president and that cannot be allowed to stand,” though the congressman tiptoed around the question of launching the impeachment process to try to remove Trump from office.

In a letter to Nadler, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd said Barr could not comply with the subpoena “without violating

the law, court rules, and court orders, and without threatening the independence of the Department of Justice’s prosecutorial functions.”

Trump, seeking reelection in 2020, is stonewalling numerous probes by House Democrats, ranging from Mueller’s inquiry to matters such as Trump’s tax returns and past financial records.

Contempt of Congress is an offense that can be enforced several ways, most likely by a civil lawsuit, which could lead to a judge ordering imposing daily fines on the defendant or even arrest and imprisonment, according to legal experts.

The next step will be a floor vote by the full House.

No action in the Republicanled Senate is needed.

Barr, who released a 448page redacted version of the report on April 18, missed two deadlines to turn over the requested material after Nadler last month subpoenaed it. Nadler said lawmakers need the material to determine whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to impede Mueller’s inquiry.

‘SELF-IMPEACHABLE’ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Trump’s moves to thwart House subpoenas were obstructing oversight by lawmakers and inquiries into Russian election interference.

“Every single day the president is making the case.

He’s becoming selfimpeachable,” Pelosi told the Washington Post. Pelosi added that Barr, who last week also refused to testify before the House panel, should be held in contempt of Congress.

She last week accused Barr of

committing a crime by lying to lawmakers.

Trump has filed lawsuits meant to block House subpoenas seeking some of his financial and business records, and his administration refused to disclose his subpoenaed tax returns. In a letter obtained

by Reuters last week, White House legal counsel Emmet Flood asserted that Trump has the right to instruct his advisers not to testify before congressional oversight probes related to the Mueller investigation.

In a lengthy Judiciary Committee meeting, Republicans condemned the move to hold Barr in contempt. “What a cynical, m e a n - s p i r i t e d , counterproductive and irresponsible step,” said Doug Collins, the panel’s top Republican.

Other Republicans accused Democrats of paving the way for impeachment.

Democrats said the Trump administration waived executive privilege when it allowed some senior Trump advisers, including former White House Counsel Don McGahn, to talk to Mueller’s team during the investigation.

The Justice Department said allowing such cooperation did not mean Trump relinquished the right to assert executive privilege now. When the House was controlled by Republicans, it voted in 2012 to hold Eric Holder, attorney general under Democratic President Barack Obama, in contempt for failing to turn over subpoenaed Justice Department documents about a gun-running investigation.

It was the first time Congress had held any Cabinet member in contempt.

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Trump awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods Washington , United States (AFP) — Tiger Woods, fresh off his epic comeback victory in the Masters, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

Presenting the golfing great with the nation’s highest honour, Trump praised Woods’ “relentless will to win, win, win”.

“These qualities embody the American spirit of pushing boundaries, defying limits and always striving for greatness,” the president said.

Trump congratulated Woods on “your amazing comeback and your amazing life and for giving sports fans a lifetime of memories.

“We can’t wait to see what’s next, Tiger,” said Trump, an avid golfer and owner of several golf courses

around the world.

Woods, 43, choked up as he thanked his mother, his two children, his girlfriend and his caddy during the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.“You have seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows,” said Woods, who battled back from injury to win the Masters last month, his first major title since the 2008 US Open.

“My dad is no longer here, but my mom is here,” Woods said. “I love you, Mom.”“I have tried to hang in there and I have tried to come back and play the great game of golf again,” Woods said. “I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to do it again.”

He said his Masters victory was “probably the highlight of what I have accomplished so far in my life on the

Thursday 09, May 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't be surprised if you bump into an old friend or colleague today, Aries. This chance encounter could have a dramatic ripple effect on you as you reflect on your life and analyze how far you've come.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today is your lucky day, Taurus. You may get a windfall of some sort, maybe a check in the mail or a raise or promotion at work.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Airline travel is indicated in your immediate future, Gemini. It's likely you've been feeling serious wanderlust lately, as well as frustration with the same old routine.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your ship comes in, Cancer.

Don't be surprised if you find a big, fat check waiting for you. Who knows what you've done to deserve such kindness?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can expect to reap the benefits from recent training or studies, Leo. You've made a huge leap in ability, especially where technological skills are concerned. As a result, you can expect to receive either a promotion or raise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may receive some important information today. This message could have a dramatic ripple effect on your life.

golf course.“To have had that type of experience and to be able to come out on top and win,” he said.Established by John F Kennedy in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is bestowed upon those who have made an “especially meritorious” contribution to US security or national interests, world peace, cultural pursuits or other non-specified endeavours.It has been awarded to nearly three dozen sports figures including golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, honoured by President George W Bush.

President Barack Obama gave the medal in 2014 to Charlie Sifford, the first African-American golfer to play on the PGA Tour.During his speech, Woods praised Sifford, who he said was “like the grandpa I never had”.“I ended up becoming so close

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you have no significant other, Libra, all indications are that this will soon change. A friend may set you up on a blind date that turns out to be a real winner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have a persuasive nature, Scorpio. Take care that you don't come on too strong today.

You may try to rally support for a favored cause of yours.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) What a day this could be, Sagittarius. You may get an unexpected raise that seems to manifest out of the blue.

Who knew it was possible?

Yo u m a y h a v e a c l o s e friend to thank.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) In spite of any feelings to the contrary, Capricorn, you're bound to be successful. You may be involved in a group project that requires a lot of time and effort.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You feel energetic and optimistic, Aquarius. You can do anything you set your mind to!

This positive outlook is a refreshing change from the usual pessimism.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may not want to leave the house today! You may not feel very social and prefer to spend time alone. You could go through old photographs, read old letters, and look through the attic.

Pondering memories with a new perspective may clear up some things.

US President Donald Trump presents US golfer Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday. (Photo: AFP) with him that I ended up naming my son Charlie after him,” he said. “So to have been chosen as the next golfer after Charlie is truly remarkable.”

Woods’ Masters was his 15th major title, leaving him just three short of the record held by Nicklaus.Woods, a black superstar in a whitedominated sport, has steered clear of commenting on politics during his career.He has golfed with Democratic presidents Bill Clinton and Barack

Obama and with Republican presidents George H W Bush and Trump.

He has hit the links with

Trump on several occasions, most recently in February at the president’s course in Jupiter, Florida.

Woods was asked last year about his relationship with Trump, who has been engaged in an ongoing feud with a number of AfricanAmerican basketball and football stars.“Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years,” Woods said. “We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together.”

Woods said the important thing was to respect the office of the presidency, regardless of who happened to be occupying the White House.

“No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office,” Woods said.

Raptors routRaptors 76ers for ... used a 7-0 surge to

From page 28 31 points when Gasol hit a 3pointer two minutes into the fourth period.Ibaka’s layup and free throw bumped the lead to 33. Norman Powell’s running dunk got the advantage to 40 with 2:24 to go.The

establish a 27-26 edge after one quarter.

Toronto had an eightpoint lead early in the second quarter on Gasol’s 3-pointer.

Serge Ibaka’s layup gave Toronto a 12-point lead six minutes into the second quarter.The Raptors continued to pull away, and when Green made a 3-pointer with 40.5 seconds to play in the first half, the Raptors led by 19 points. Leonard made two free throws with 29 seconds left to increase the gap to 21.Toronto led 64-43 at halftime.Leonard had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. Siakam had 15 firsthalf points, and Lowry and Green added 11 each.The 76ers were led by 15 points from Butler and 11 from Harris at the break.

Philadelphia started the second half with a 10-2 surge, trimming to deficit to 13.A pair of free throws by Lowry with 6:19 left in the third quarter had the Raptors back into a 20-point lead.Green added a 3pointer to bump the advantage to 23 points with 5:23 left in the third.Toronto was on top 92-70 after three quarters.

(Field Level Media)

No. 72 All Stars...

From page 33 National Newspapers Limited, she disclosed was delighted to be associated with the Berbice Cricket Board as sports is a safe avenue for youths to be involved in as an alternative to crime and drugs. The BCB President also announced to loud applause that the New Building Society 40-Overs Round Robin Tournament would bowl off shortly, while another 100 Balls Tournament for Upper Corentyne would also bowl off within a month.

PAGE 28

Federer makes triumphant return to clay in Madrid, Djokovic advances MADRID (Reuters) Roger Federer made an impressive return to clay by easing past Richard Gasquet to reach the last 16 of the Madrid Open on Tuesday, while Novak Djokovic also breezed through with a straight sets win over American Taylor Fritz.Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Federer took just 52 minutes to see off Frenchman Gasquet 6-2 6-3 in what was his first match on clay in three years after skipping the 2017 and 2018 seasons on the surface to manage a knee injury.

“I would have always felt regrets not being on the clay in 2019 because my knee problem is far enough away now. I grew up on this surface, so I feel comfortable on it,” the 37year-old Federer told reporters.“It feels good to be back on the clay now and I enjoy it. Some of these rallies where you get pushed to the side, you slide, you hit the ball, you slide, you hit the ball, you come back into it, then you can defend in a different

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action (REUTERS/Sergio Perez) manner than you do on the hard courts, or on the grass.”

World number one and Australian Open champion Djokovic needed only one hour and five minutes to win 6-4 6-2 against 21-year-old qualifier Fritz, ranked 57th in the world, who he also beat in straight sets at the Monte Carlo Masters last month.

Last year’s runner-up Dominic Thiem reached the round of 16 without having to

finish his match with American Reilly Opelka, who withdrew due to injury one game into the decider.

Austrian Thiem lost the first set 7-6(2) before winning the second 6-3 and was leading 1-0 when 21-year-old Opelka retired.

In first round matches, Monte Carlo Masters champion Fabio Fognini comfortably beat Britain’s Kyle Edmund 6-4 6-3 to reach the last 32, while Stan Wawrinka had a straight sets win over Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Home favorite David Ferrer, who is playing the last tournament of his career, delayed his retirement by beating fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 4-6 6-4 and will play German hotshot Alexander Zverev in the round of 32.Five-time Madrid champion Rafael Nadal enters the tournament on Wednesday when he faces Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime in the second round bidding to reach the last 16.

Nationwide softball cricket tournament bowls off on May 18 The inaugural 592 Beer, ICool Water 10/10 Softball Cup was launched at Ansa McAl Corporate Head Office, Beterverwagting East Coast Demerara and is expected to begin on May 18.

The tournament, which is opened to all teams across Guyana, is being sponsored under the 592 beer and I-Cool Water brands, is organized by the Demerara Softball Cricket Association.

According to Samuel Kingston of the organizers, there is a registration fee of $12,000 per team which allows teams to participate in the tournament and to also receive one case of 592 Beer, one case of I-Cool Water and a pack of tournament balls ahead of their opening match.

Kingston further stated that a special yellow supreme ball is the official ball of the tournament. The balls are only available at Trophy Stall in Bourda Market or at the match venues on match days.

According to the organizer, the use of any other ball by any team will result in immediate disqualification of that team.Teams to show early interest include Farm XI, Speed Boat All Stars, Omesh XI, De Hoop All-Stars, Success All Stars, Super Stars, Lusignan All Stars, Regal AllStars, Park Rangers, HS All Stars, Ariel All Stars, Boots All Stars, Grill Masters XI, Canje All Stars, Corriverton

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

The sponsors and organizers are all smiles at the launch of the inaugural tournament. From left; Ansa McAl’s Marketing Assistant Gabriell Lopes, 592 Beer Brand Coordinator Seweon McGarrell, Samuel Kingston and Ansa McAl’s Business Unit Head Non-Alcoholic Division Errol Nelson.

All Stars, Edinburg All Stars and Young and the Restless.

Registration is still open and teams may contact the following persons to sign up.

In West Demerara Omesh on 675-7961, on the Essequibo

Coast Patrick Rooplall 6715697, in Berbice Roy Jaferalli and in Georgetown and East Bank Demerara Samuel Kingston on 692-8815.

Matches will be played in Berbice and Georgetown.

Raptors rout 76ers for 3-2 series lead Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers guard Jimmy Butler (23) (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports)

Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 125-89 Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The Raptors could have clinched the best-of-seven set by winning Game 6 last night in Philadelphia. Game 7, if necessary, would be played Sunday in Toronto.

Pascal Siakam had 25 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors. Kyle Lowry added 19 points, Danny Green had 17 points, Marc Gasol contributed 11 and Serge Ibaka scored 10.

Ibaka needed stitches after getting elbowed in the forehead by Leonard in the first quarter, but the center returned to start the second quarter.

Jimmy Butler scored 22

points and added seven assists for the 76ers. Tobias Harris contributed 15 points, Joel Embiid had 13 and Mike Scott chipped in with 10. Embiid committed a game-high eight turnovers.The Raptors took command of the game by outscoring the Sixers 37-17 in the second quarter, and Toronto led by 22 points entering the fourth quarter.

The margin increased to (Continued on page 27)

Moura hat-trick puts Tottenham into Champions League final AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Lucas Moura scored a stoppage-time winner to complete a hat-trick and seal a sensational 3-2 comeback win for Tottenham Hotspur to take them past Ajax Amsterdam on the away goals rule into the Champions League final yesterday.

Tottenham looked down and out at halftime after skipper Matthijs de Ligt’s fifthminute header and a superb 35th minute effort by Hakim Ziyech put Ajax in complete command of the tie having won the first leg 1-0 in London last week.

But 24 hours after Liverpool’s miracle comeback to beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate, Tottenham produced their own heroics to reach their first European Cup final.

The celebratory mood in the jam-packed Johan Cruyff Arena turned to one of nailbiting tension after Brazilian Moura scored twice in four minutes early in the second half to put Spurs within a goal of going through.

Ziyech hit the post for Ajax who appeared to have weathered the storm but Moura struck past Andre Onana to flatten the Ajax players and send the away fans into delirium.

Tottenham, playing in their first European Cup semi-final

for 57 years, arrived in Amsterdam on a run of woeful form having suffered three successive defeats in all competitions.

Ajax, by contrast, were buoyant after winning the Dutch Cup final at the weekend, and they began on the front foot with Dusan Tadic forcing a flying save from Hugo Lloris.

When the resulting corner came, Tottenham’s marking was non-existent as De Ligt glanced his header home.

It did not change the basic equation for Tottenham who knew they needed to score twice and Mauricio Pochettino’s side, so disappointing last week, responded in spirited fashion.

Son Heung-min, back after missing the first leg because of suspension, deceived keeper Onana with a cross that hit the post and Son then forced another save from a flowing move.

But Ajax were cool, calm and collected and bided their time before striking again in devastating fashion.

Tadic, who moments earlier had dragged a shot just wide, was released down the left and he cut the ball back perfectly for Ziyech to whip a left-footed shot inside the far post.

Tottenham sent on vet-

eran striker Fernando Llorente for midfielder Victor Wanyama for the start of the second half and pushed Ajax back.

Dele Alli was denied by Onana but Tottenham grabbed a lifeline soon after when a rapid counter-attack ended with Moura converting in style after sprinting through to meet Alli’s pass in the 55th minute.Four minutes later the impossible began to look possible as Onana saved brilliantly from Llorente but Ajax failed to clear the ball and Moura fired through a crowd.

In a rip-roaring finale played out in nerve-shredding tension Ziyech almost restored Ajax’s lead when his slow shot thudded against the post while a desperate lunging block by De Lijt denied Moura.When former Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen headed against the crossbar late on it seemed Tottenham would fall just short, as they did 57 years ago in their only other European Cup semi-final, but there was one final twist.

A high ball pumped forward was flicked to Moura by Alli and the Brazilian’s firsttime shot found the corner.

While Tottenham celebrated an unlikely recovery, Ajax’s journey that began in the second qualifying round in July, ended in abject misery and disbelief.

Thursday May 09, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Chelsea lose transfer ban appeal Jokic, Nuggets move within a win but can register minor players - FIFA of West finals (Reuters) - FIFA said yesterday that they have upheld Chelsea’s one-year transfer ban but the English Premier League club will be able to register youth players during the period following an appeal.

Chelsea were fined 600,000 Swiss francs (453,404.9 pounds) and sanctioned in February in relation to 29 cases where regulations relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18 were breached.

“The FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to partially uphold the appeal lodged by Chelsea FC against the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to sanction the club with a ban on registering

new players at both national and international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods,” FIFA said in a statement.

“This ban applied to the club as a whole – with the exception of the women’s and futsal teams – and did not prevent the release of players.”But FIFA’s Appeal Committee decided the club can still sign players under the age of 16 as they concluded imposing a ban on registering each and every minor “would not be proportionate to the offence committed”.In a statement, Chelsea said they are “very disappointed” with FIFA’s decision and will take their case to the Court of Arbitration for

Sport.

“Chelsea FC categorically refutes the findings of the FIFA Appeal Committee. It acted in accordance with the relevant regulations and will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the club added.

Manager Maurizio Sarri said the ban could give him an opportunity to play a number of youth prospects who are out on loan this season.

“Every month I have a report on every player on loan, we have about 45,” Sarri told reporters.“There are two or three players who have been out on loan this season who are ‘interesting. I do not want to name names now. But the level they have been playing at must be considered.”

Pure R acing secures Racing Sprite sponsorship

Nikola Jokic had 25 points, 19 rebounds and six assists, Paul Millsap scored 24 points, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 124-98 in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Denver, which took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, also got 18 points and nine assists from Jamal Murray. Gary Harris finished with 16 points, and Malik Beasley and Will Barton scored 10 points apiece for the Nuggets.

Game 6 was last night in Portland, where the Nuggets won Sunday in Game 4 to take back home-court advantage.

Game 7, if necessary would be played Sunday in Denver.

One more win by the Nuggets would put them in their fourth Western Conference finals and first in 10 years.

Damian Lillard scored 22 points for Portland, which faces an elimination game for the first time in this year’s playoffs. Rodney Hood and Zach Collins scored 14 points each, and CJ McCollum added 12 points.

The Nuggets never trailed, led by as many as 31 and outscored Portland 62-40 in the second and third quarters.

Millsap hit a floater in the lane and Will Barton made two 3-pointers an 8-0 run to start the second quarter, extending Denver’s lead to 14. Lillard hit a 3-pointer to get the Blazers

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives past Portland Trail Blazers forward AlFarouq Aminu (8) and center Enes Kanter (00) in the third quarter in game five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center.

(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) back within 43-36 midway through the period, but the Nuggets then started to pull away.

Murray hit two reverse layups and a 3-pointer to push the lead to 61-43. After two free throws by Lillard, Millsap was fouled on a 3-pointer and hit the free throw to convert the four-point play with 15.1 seconds left before halftime.

Portland got within 15 early in the third quarter, but the Nuggets responded with a big run. Murray had another reverse layup and followed Millsap’s miss with a put-back dunk, and Jokic’s offensive rebound made it 85-60 with

4:10 left in the third.

Murray fed Mason Plumlee for an alley-oop, and Jokic hit two free throws to cap a 26-10 run and give Denver a 91-60 lead. The Blazers missed 12 consecutive shots and went 5:48 without a point.

Portland was 7-for-28 shooting in the third quarter and missed 10 of 13 3point attempts, helping Denver take a 93-65 edge into the final period.

The Blazers made an early run in the fourth to get within 20, but the Nuggets closed it out.

(Field Level Media)

TKR bring Pollard home for new season

Pure Racing’s Justin Ten-Pow collects the Sprite sponsorship from Banks DIH’s Jennifer Khan.

Local Karting team Pure Racing has secured sponsorship from Banks DIH under its Sprite Brand.

The company yesterday handed over sponsorship to several members of the karting team ahead of the 2019 season opener set for GT Motorsports this weekend.

Speaking to the media today, Non Alcoholic Brand manager Jennifer Khan contended that the company is looking to move in a new direction.

“It’s an area where it’s new for us so this is just testing the water and see what happens. It falls under the coca-

cola umbrella and this is our first venture into this. We hope it bears fruit.”

Representing Pure Racing, Annalisa Phang contended that the team is more than happy to have secured this sponsorship.

“Pure racing is delighted to have Banks DIH and Sprite onboard finally. We’ve been working very hard to get them on board with us and we will certainly make you proud.”

“That is what pure racing is about. It’s about loving the sport, loving the machines and the need for speed.”

The team includes Ben Phang in the Baby Cup, Jus-

tin Ten-Pow in the Sunburst 60cc Kids cup, Jeremy TenPow and Paige Mendonca in the 125cc X30 Juniors and Jhon Phang in the 125cc X30 Seniors.

This weekend’s GT Motorsports Georgetown Grand Prix is billed for Saturday and is expected to include drivers from Trinidad and Tobago as well as Jamaica.

Trinidad’s Kristian Boodoosingh and Zachary Boodram are expected in the 125cc X30 senior class, along with Jamaica’s Collin Daley.

Daley’s countryman Tommi Gore is expected in the 125cc X30 junior class.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – International T20 star Kieron Pollard will play for his native Trinbago Knight Riders for the first time in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League.

The two-time reigning champions announced yesterday they had signed the 31year-old as their marquee player for the season which runs from September 4 to October 12 this year.

Trinidadian Pollard spent the first five seasons of the CPL as captain of Barbados Tridents before moving to St Lucia Stars for the 2018 season.“We are delighted to welcome Pollard back home and it’s great to continue our efforts to bring as many Trini boys home as possible,” said TKR director, Venky Mysore.

“I can’t wait for the reaction of the fans when Pollard takes the field at our opening game on September 4.”

All-rounder Kieron Pollard … will play for TKR in the upcoming CPL season.

Pollard will join the likes of the Bravo brothers Dwayne and Darren, along with offspinner Sunil Narine, in what is already a powerful TKR lineup. The final squad will be decided at the players draft in London on May 22.

Last season, TKR defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final to successfully defend the title they had captured the previous year

when they beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Pollard is expected to be an asset to TKR with his powerful middle order hitting which earned him 330 runs last season at an average of 47.

Overall, he has gathered 9275 runs in his T20 career, along with 261 wickets, to be one of the most successful players in the format.

PAGE 30

Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

Keen battles expected tomorrow in Linden Guinness‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition

Play tomorrow promises to be competitive in Linden.

Several slots are still up for grabs in the elimination round of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship when action resumes tomorrow with the final round of group play at the Silver City Tarmac.

Assassa Ballers will oppose Amazings from 19:30hrs in the opening action, while NK Ballers oppose Capital Storm from 20:00hrs. The third fixture pits High Rollers against Retrieve Unknown from 20:30hrs, with Amelia’s Ward Russians slated to battle Coomacka at 21:00hrs.

In the final two matches of the night will see Swag Entertainment match skills with Wisroc at 21:30hrs, while Silver Bullets will engage Barsenal from 22:00hrs.

According to an official release from the coordinators, “Several teams still have the opportunity to earn a place in the

knockout round. Teams such as defending champion Silver Bullets, Dave & Celina’s All-Stars, High Rollers, Amazings, Retrieve Unknowns and Barsenal have yet to seal their place in the elimination round and will need positive results to secure their passage.”

The release further said, “Given the circumstances affecting many of the teams, a highly competitive and thrilling night of action is expected. Fans will be treated to quality football, as the teams jockey for a place in the knockout stage and a chance to secure the coveted title.”

Complete Fixtures Assassa Ballers vs Amazings-19:30hrs NK Ballers vs Capital Storm-20:00hrs High Rollers vs Retrieve Unknowns-20:30hrs

Amelia’s Ward Russians vs Coomacka-21:00hrs Swag Entertainment vs Wisroc-21:30hrs Silver Bullets vs Barsenal-22:00hrs

Rain prevents further play with Shaw, Pant help Delhi sink Hyderabad, inch closer to IPL final Essequibo placed on 38-1

A section of the Everest Cricket Club following the rain. going Hand-in-Hand Inter ment, thereby robbing the County U19 three-day tourna- cricketers of a decent chance to stake a claim for selection on the National U17 and U19 teams.

Yesterday, only 65 minutes of play was possible at the Everest Cricket Club, on day one of the third and final round game between Essequibo and the Select U17 The Corona futsal tournament, which is being contested team. at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, has seen Essequibo were asked to the initial 24 teams being reduced to 12 following two nights bat when play commenced 30 of elimination matches. minutes later than the schedThe twelve teams that are through to the round are: uled 10:00hrs. Opener Kevin Tucville, North East La Penitence, Leopold Street, Back Circle, Christian got off the mark with Sparta Boss, Bent Street, California Square, West Front Road, a boundary off Avinash Mocha, Future Stars, Beacons and Tiger Bay.On Tuesday Rampersaud, but was caught night, the second and final night of the elimination round, in the same over as Essequibo California Square defeated Pele 2-1, West Front Road beat lost their first wicket with the GFC 5-3, Mocha got the better of Broad Street 4-2, while Fu- score on four. Orlando Jailall ture Stars brushed aside Order and Discipline 6-0.In the and Amir Singh shared in a penultimate match, the seasoned Sophia side lost to new- second wicket stand of 26 becomers Beacons 4-1, while the feature games produced much fore rain intervened at 11:35 entertainment with Tiger Bay thrashing Eastveldt 8-2.The hrs, with Jailall on 13 and groupings are yet to be decided by the organisers.The teams Singh on six, forcing an early that come out on top in the group stages will be awarded as lunch. Following another follows: first $40,000; second $30,000; third $15,000, and fourth shower after the lunch inter$10,000, as an added incentive. In the grand finale, first place val, play was subsequently winner will receive $500,000, while second place will pocket called off after the tea break. $250,000. Third place will cop a $125,000 prize, while fourth Play is set to continue at will have to settle for $75,000.

09:30hrs today.

The inclement weather continues to hamper the on-

Corona futsal tourney Final 12 for group stage decided

The Delhi Capitals players can’t contain their emotions after winning their first playoff match. (BCCI) (Reuters) - Prithvi Shaw’s half-century and Rishabh Pant’s 21-ball 49 helped Delhi Capitals seal a two-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff yesterday to move a step closer to the final.Chasing 163 for victory, Delhi rode on aggressive knocks by Shaw and Pant to edge a thrilling game with a ball to spare.

Delhi face Chennai Super Kings in another playoff tomorrow to determine who meets three-times champions Mumbai Indians in Sunday’s final.Indian opener Shaw laid the platform with a blistering 56 off 38 balls that included six boundaries and two sixes before Pant took Delhi close to victory.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who was left out of India’s World Cup squad, smashed five sixes and two boundaries but missed out on a well-deserved half-century when he was caught attempting one too many big shots.

Delhi survived a nervy final over in which Amit Mishra was dismissed for obstructing the field by getting in the way of a throw at the stumps, before they sealed a famous victory.

Earlier, Hyderabad’s top-order failed to convert starts into big scores with Martin Guptill dismissed for 36 while Manish Pandey perished for 30.Hyderabad were 111 for the loss of four wickets after Kane Williamson was bowled by paceman Ishant Sharma for 28, but Vijay Shankar and Mohammad Nabi helped accelerate the scoring in the last four overs to take them to a challenging total.

Shankar hit two fours and as many sixes in his 11-ball 25 while Nabi made 20 from 13 balls.

Delhi all-rounder Keemo Paul finished with figures of 3-32 from his four overs, including two wickets in the final over.The West Indian was also involved in a controversial run out on the penultimate ball of the Hyderabad innings, after Deepak Hooda was caught short of his crease having collided with him in the middle of the pitch. Paul struck the winning runs, a pulled boundary with one needed.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 165 for 8 (Shaw 56, Pant 49, Rashid 2-15) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 162 for 5 (Guptill 36, Paul 3-32) by two wickets.

Thursday May 09, 2019

Ministry of Business gathers stakeholders for Sports Tourism Seminar Participants at the Sports Tourism seminar yesterday.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) within the Ministry of Business held a Sports Tourism seminar yesterday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters in Liliendaal with the title; Agenda 2019-2021. The seminar sought to bring together all the sports associations/federations along with the Media, Tourism and sports planning agencies to brainstorm ways in which Guyana can capitalise on the potentially lucrative sports tourism sector.

Director General of the DOT, Donald Sinclair spoke with Kaieteur Sport during the event sharing, “Some organisations have some really exciting things on their agenda. So we have brought them together this morning to have them identify those activities, decide what actions need to be taken and by who and what challenges they will be facing.” He further noted that, “Afterwards a report will be developed and it will be distributed to the media, the sponsors (corporate community) and all the relevant stakeholders.”

This is a welcomed initiative since late planning is a habit for many sports associations in Guyana and with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG); who were well represented at the seminar, set to host the 50th Carifta Games

in 2021, this seminar is a step in the right direction to help kick start preparations for the event which is projected to see at least 600 athletes and 2000 travelling fans.

The Tourism Hospitality Association (THAG), headed by Mitra Ramkumar who shared an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, was involved in the seminar. Ramkumar noted that, “We are the private sector led organisation. We are the ones that actually host guests, accommodate them, take them on tours etc. Why we applaude this event is because we will be able to have a sporting calendar which we can use to plan to get the message out before the event starts so visitors will be well informed as to what they can do in Guyana.”Carla James, Deputy Director of Guyana Tourism Authority GTA, noted that over the years the GTA has trained service providers as part of preparations for the big events that would usually see a lot of overseas visitors. Going forward, James noted that she will work with the various sports bodies that may have to host any international event at a subsidised cost since many of these bodies usually operate with a very tight budget.

(Calvin Chapman)

BCB to launch Water Pitchers Project for Clubs Linden Fraser donates $100,000 to bowl off project “As a Cricket Board, we have fulfilled our mandate of organising cricket on the field for clubs at all levels. Over forty tournaments have been organised at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under19, Under-21, Female, Schools, Intermediate, Second Division, Zone, Double Wicket and First Division levels. Additionally, the Berbice Cricket Board has assisted Clubs in Berbice at several levels during 2019 we would continue to do so in a massive way,” informed BCB President Hilbert Foster as he accepted a $100,000 donation from former Berbice and Guyana fast bowler Linden Fraser.

The donation would be used to purchase water pitchers to donate to members of the Board.

Some 40 Clubs would benefit from water pitchers, 60 from score books, while 90 would receive white cricket shirts and cricket balls. Foster disclosed that over the last fourteen months, he has vis-

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Kaieteur News

Linden Fraser ited 80% of the clubs and venues across Berbice. During these visits, Club officials have requested assistance in form of the above mentioned items.The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ms, which enjoys a very close relationship with Corporate Guyana and overseas based Guyanese, is working along with the Berbice Cricket Board to obtain the items. A Georgetown based Berbician Business Executive has already committed to donating

1,000 white T/Shirts shortly, while the National Sports Commission has donated $200,000 worth of balls.

Fraser’s donation of $100,000 would be used to purchase fifteen water pitchers to assist the first set of clubs. Foster, who also serves as Secretary/ CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ms, disclosed that three junior cricketers would benefit from gears, while his club would start construction of Berbice first outdoor cricket practice facility. This project would be open to all Berbicians especially the Berbice junior cricket team during the rainy season.

Administrator of the Berbice Cricket Board, Angela Haniff, expressed gratitude to Linden Fraser for his contribution and stated that the Board was totally committed to the development of Berbice Cricket. The Berbice Cricket Board, she noted has not received a cent from the National level for over a decade but was able to raise funds for its own development.

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh funds BCB Water Pitcher Programme The Berbice Cricket Board is continuing its widespread effort to assist all of the cricket teams in the Ancient County to fulfill their mandates to their membership.

The Board has obtained the support of one of its major donor to undercover the cost of its ambitious 2019 Water Pitcher Project. Under the Project, the Berbice Cricket Board would be assisting every cricket club in Berbice with a five gallon water pitcher.

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, a Berbician born Medical Doctor based in Texas, United States of America, over the last fourteen months has invested over $2M of his own funds into the development of Berbice Cricket. Among the programmes, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh has sponsored are: Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme, Cricket Academy, Preparation of Inter-county Teams among others. Dr. Singh younger brother Dr. Puran Singh also came on board with the Berbice Cricket Board this year by sponsoring the National Players Financial Stipend Scheme at the cost of $300,000. Under this Scheme, all Berbice Cricketers who gain National Selection receives a $10,000 stipend.

Foster disclosed that over the last fourteen months since his election, he has visited over 80 percentage of Clubs across Berbice to meet with them or to witness them in action on the cricket field.

During theses visits, he has received numerous requests for assistance in form of cricket balls, stumps,

- Pumps over $500,000 into county wide project

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh uniforms, score books, water pitchers and pitch covers. Last year, the Berbice Cricket Board assisted all of its clubs with cricket balls, forty received score books, fifty raincoats were shared out to twenty clubs for groundsmen while a combined 60 clubs received either trophies, cricket gears or stumps.

The Berbice Cricket Board received assistance from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, National Sports Commission, Anil Beharry and Food for the Poor in 2018 for the Outreach Programmes.

The Berbice Cricket Board President, who is spearheading the Outreach Programme, stated that in 2019, all Clubs would receive a $7,000 five gallon water pitcher and also receive a box of cricket balls.

Additionally, the Berbice Cricket has also assisted sixty

clubs with score books, while every club would also benefit from a donation of 1,000 white cricket T/Shirts. The proactive President also stated that some clubs would receive gears, trophies, medals and set of stumps.

The entire assistance package for 2019 would be worth about $5M. This, foster stated would be in addition to the Berbice Cricket Board hosting over 30 Cricket Tournaments at different levels and numerous developmental programmes.

Gratitude were extended to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for his sponsorship of 76 water pitchers at the cost of $532,000. A Georgetown based Businessman who was born in Berbice has already committed to providing the 1,000 cricket T/Shirts, while former Guyana fast bowler Linden Fraser has donated $100,000. Other donors would be unveiled shortly as the Berbice Cricket Board seeks to fulfill its commitment

by August, 2019.

Dr. Singh stated that he is passionate about Berbice Cricket and would continue to assist as long as the present systems of accountability, regular reports are maintained.

He expressed the hope that the donation of water pitchers would assist clubs to provide refreshments and water during matches.

Hand-in-Hand 3-day U-19 Inter-County cricket

Opening day washed out without a ball bowled

The rain poured on the East Coast and the covers were on for most of the day.

The opening day of the third and final round of the Hand-in-Hand three-day U-19 Inter-County cricket match between defending Champions Berbice and Demerara set for Lusignan yesterday, was washed out without ball being bowled.Rain, which poured for most

of the day on the East Coast had the final say as the day was abandoned before Tea.The second day of the deciding game is set to commence at 09:30hrs today weather permitting, with Berbice holding a lead slim .7 lead over Demerara who are on 16.3 points.

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Thursday May 09, 2019

Kaieteur News

ACF Celebrates five years of Cricket Coaching Education in USA The American Cricket Federation (ACF) coach certification programme, managed and executed by the well-respected coach Jatin Patel, celebrates its 5th anniversary this week.

The Cricket Coach Education programme was launched in May 2014, two years after the formation of the ACF, and is the brainchild of Coach Patel, a convener/ member of the ACF’s Advisory & Judiciary C o m m i t t e e .

The unique cricket coach certification programme is designed from an American coach’s perspective on how educators understand the game and teach it to scholars.

Following such guidelines, it is expected that coaching cricket to American boys and girls would be much easier, as well as certifying the coaches, based on coaching techniques employed by American sport coaches.

Jamie Harrison, founder of the United States Youth Cricket Association and an advocate of youth cricket development, commenting on the launching of the ACF coach education programme in 2014 said, “Rather than remain dependent on occasional and sporadic oneoff coach-education sessions conducted for Americans by foreign cricket bodies, (today) American cricket takes control of its own future through the establishment of its own comprehensive American coach-education s y s t e m . ” The Level 1 programme was launched in May 2014 and the Level 2 certification was launched one year later.

To date ACF has trained coaches certified to conduct Level 1 clinics in 26 states.

ACF conducted 14 Level 2 clinics where certified coaches were trained to offer training to Level 1 coaches, and there is an ample number of available instructors to do so year round, on demand. As of May 2019 there are 189 Level 2 certified coaches in the USA, and that does not include County coaches, school and college educators.

The Level 1 scholastic programme includes coaching the basics and introducing cricket as part of the Physical Education (PE) curriculum in schools. The 382 ACF certified coaches does not include many school teachers, educators and future PE teachers trained at six universities in the last five years, and many PE teachers at the elementary school level.

Fourteen Level 2 coaching clinics at different cities in the USA have been held at various leagues, academies

Members of the American Cricket Federation take a photo at one of the programmes. or youth programmes since May 2015.

In just five short years the ACF cricket-coaching programme has established itself as USA’s only cricket coaching programme that’s based on how educators in the USA best understand the game of cricket and how they prefer to teach their youth scholars in schools and colleges. ACF has trained more Level 1 and Level 2 coaches than all other past projects and initiatives by foreign cricket boards and education programmes in USA’s cricket history. ACF continues to expand its coach’s network in the USA, while helping leagues and club communities develop youth cricket programmes, by sponsoring coaching camps at no cost to those hosting the training clinics.

Coach Jatin Patel says, “Knowledge is the most important in sports coaching and I am thankful to ACF for providing the opportunity and platform to pass on the coaching knowledge and ideas to so many new coaches; which can help them in their youth cricket coaching endeavors,” adding,”I always enjoy helping others a s a volunteer and my love for the game.”

The most recent ACF coaching clinic for the 2019 season was hosted by Hoysala and Massachusetts State Cricket league, and held at Lexington (Boston) Massachusetts.

ACF would like to continue helping cricket communities where coaching initiatives never existed. It is the best approach to making cricket a true American sport.

With the ICC’s recent decision to globalize cricket based on the T20 format and USA acquiring ODI status, ACF is stepping up to make

Members of the American Cricket Federation take a photo at one of their camps.

Some of the coaches display their certificates after the coaching programme.

our coaching programme available to other ICC Associate member countries that are in a similar position like USA, when the ACF coach certification programme was launched.

There is no doubt that Jatin Patel is a very qualified instructor. He is a Cricket

Australia Level2 and ICC Certified Coach, with a High School Coaches Diploma from NSCAA and a Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) for High School sports certified by the NFHS, USA. Coach Patel also holds US Soccer national Coaching & Officiating credentials.

Coach Patel is very passionate about the sport of cricket and has made an impact on the cricket coaching landscape of the USA. The very positive initiative of the ACF cricket coaching programme is an integral part of the growth of cricket and the sport

becoming a part of the USA sports environment.

The ACF and Jatin Patel will continue to develop initiatives and programmes that simplify the basics of coaching cricket to an American audience and youth still skeptical about the s p o r t .

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 09, 2019

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BCB/GNNL/RHTYSC 100 Balls Tournament

No. 72 All Stars defeat Dukestown Warriors to lift Title Ramdass and Gobin outstanding

Captain Mahendra Bhoj receives championship trophy from GNNL General Manager (ag) Donna Todd.

No. 72 All Stars are fast establishing themselves as the top team in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association when on Sunday last, won their second successive Berbice Cricket Board Second Division Title. They easily defeated arch rival Dukestown Warriors by 45 runs at the No. 72 Cut and Load Ground to lift the BCB/GNNL/RHTYSC 100 Balls Cricket Title. They owed their championship victory to two outstanding performances from Ryan Ramdass and Pradeep Gobin.

No. 72 All Stars previously won the Ramnaresh Sarwan 40-Overs Title last year.

Playing in front of a large and noisy crowd, Dukestown

Warriors won the toss and elected to bowl first after play was delayed by an hour after heavy overnight rain.

BCB President Hilbert Foster led the fight to get play underway by finding players from both sides to assist the groundsmen by rolling the pitch and other preparation work after heavy rain had left the pitch in a soft condition.

Dukestown Warriors had expected to exploit the heavy moisture on the pitch but a brave and brilliant innings of 43 from the experienced Ryan Ramdass led All Stars to 104 for 8 off their allotted overs. Ramdass was dropped off the first ball of the match by pacer Jermaine Reid off his own bowling, while he

The Winning No. 72 All Stars Team posed with GNNL General Manager (ag) Donna Todd and Staff. also survived two other chances but he backed himself against the five prong Dukestown pace attack to guide the innings.

He received support from Parmeshwar Chatterpaul 23, while Somdat Singh and Amardeo Hemchand both chipped in with 10. Pradeep Gobin 4 not out and Anand Singh 2 not out were at the crease at the end of the innings. Jermaine Reid 3 for 10, Errol Byass 2 for 16 were the successful bowlers for Dukestown Warriors as three batsmen were dismissed via the run out route.

Needing to score 105 to lift their first BCB Title, Dukestown Warriors hopes were dashed in the first over

bowled by the impressive left arm pacer Pradeep Gobin. He had opener C. Beresford caught and bowled for nought off the second ball then removed B. Sukhdeo caught behind by Ryan Ramdass off the third ball and finally bowled Jermaine Reid for nought to end the over, with Dukestown reeling at 3 for 3. They never recovered despite sixteen each from Clavern Beresford and Kevin Clarke. Gobin ended the match to mass celebration of the No. 72 All Stars large supporters group by bowling a hapless V. Ramnarine as Dukestown were bowled out for 59 from 11.2 Overs. Gobin ended with the remarkable figures

of 5 for 9 from 3.2 overs, while fellow pacer Taleshwar Baichan and off spinner Anand Singh 2 for 8 supported well. Gobin was later named Man of the Final and received a trophy and $5,000.

The Winner and Runnerup both received trophies and financial prizes.

BCB President Hilbert Foster congratulated both teams for reaching the final and for their hard work in making sure that play was possible. Foster noted that the game of cricket was once again on the move across Berbice due to the dedication of his administration and praised the outstanding work of the Upper Corentyne

Cricket Association led by Dennis D’Andrade and Sydney Jackman. Thanks were also extended to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd for their sponsorship.

General Manager (ag) of Guyana National Newspapers Ltd Ms. Donna Todd hailed the Tournament as a total success, while stating that her Company was satisfied with the organising skills of the Berbice Cricket Board.

She stated that she was overjoyed at the large turnout of cricket fans in the Upper Corentyne area. Guyana (Continued on page 27)

Police Force Swim Team participates in Dolphin Speed Swim Meet The Police Force Swimming Team participated in the Dolphin Speed Swim Club Meet on Saturday 27th April last at the National Aquatic Centre at Lilliendaal ECD, which saw competitors from six other clubs taking part.

The Police contingent, headed by swimming coach, Rural Constable Christopher Mc Adam, performed outstandingly.

The team wishes to thank the Force Administration for putting the necessary system in place for the competition and looks forward to participate in other invitational events of such nature in the future.

Results are as follows: st 21719 Sergeant Linden Barkoye – 50m Breaststroke 1 nd 50m Freestyle 2 21438 Woman Corporal Eva Harry -50m Breaststroke 2nd rd 50m Freestyle 3 nd 50m Butterfly 2 24095 Woman Lance Corporal Benard -50m Backstroke 2n 50m Freestyle 2nd rd 22829 Constable Akeem Alfred -50m Freestyle 3 nd 50m Backstroke 2 25235 Constable Truemaine Cole -50m Freestyle 1st 50m Butterfly 1st st 50m Backstroke 1 15314 Special Constable Joel Murray - 50m Butterfly 2nd 50m Backstroke 3rd st Rural Corporal Nikita Fiedtkou – 50m Backstroke 1 st 50m Breaststroke 1 st 50m Freestyle 1 50m Butterfly 1st

Members of the Police swim team which took part in the Dolphin Speed Swim Club’s event.

rt o p S

Ministry of Business Pure Racing secures gathers stakeholders for Sprite sponsorship Sports Tourism Seminar Nationwide softball P. 31

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cricket tournament bowls off on May 18

Keen battles expected tomorrow in Linden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition P. 30

From left, Mitra Ramkumar (THAG), Carla James (GTA) and Donald Sinclar (Ministry of Business).

Shaw, Pant help Delhi Moura hat-trick puts sink Hyderabad, inch Tottenham into closer Champions League final to IPL final P. 28

P. 30

Rishabh Pant flays one through the offside, Delhi Capitals v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2019 Eliminator, Vishakhapatnam, May 8, 2019 © BCCI

Tottenham’s Lucas Moura celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick with Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld against Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs)

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