Kaieteur News

Monday May 15, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The antecedents in the CCJ’S A THIRD POLITICAL PARTY ruling in SM JALEEL’S CASE IS A NECESSITY BUT….

DEAR EDITOR, This nation continues to reel from the anti-nationalistic and political vindictive ploys, which the APNU+AFC unleashed in the National Assembly as a joint opposition, using their one seat majority, during the tenth Parliament. By this year end, we would have been so close to getting energy from the Amalia Falls Hydro Project at a rate of about twenty per cent (20%) cheaper than the current rates being paid, and then progressively cheaper with the passage of time, had they not killed this project. Guyana’s financial system would never have been penalized with a regime of oppressive sanctions imposed by the Caribbean Financial Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Task Force (FATF), which is still in force, if APNU+AFC had supported the AML/CFT Bills, which they voted down. Hundreds of infrastructural projects in the Hinterland Regions along with hundreds of projects of vital public importance across the Coast would have been completed, had they not been cut out of National Budgets by the Joint Opposition. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) would have been nearing completion were it not undermined by the then Opposition and the list goes on. On May 9, 2017, the CCJ ordered Guyana to refund to S.M. Jaleel and Co Ltd. and its local subsidiary, Guyana Beverages Inc., all environmental tax which these companies paid from 2011 to 2015. The aggregate sum is not yet known. No doubt, it will run into millions of US dollars. The CCJ, in following its decision in Rudisa Beverages MV v Guyana, ruled that the Environmental Taxes collected by Guyana was in violation of its treaty obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The history of this matter is worth repeating so that readers can appreciate how the political arrogance of a then Joint Opposition, driven purely by a naked hunger for political power, continues to bleed the taxpayers’ of this country. Before Rudisa filed its claim, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, tabled an amendment to the Customs Act to remove the offensive provision contained therein, which ran afoul of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. I made public, that unless this Bill is passed, Guyana will be forced to refund all the taxes levied under this provision of the

Customs Act. By this time, I had already received a letter from Rudisa threatening litigation. I made the letter public. The Joint Opposition was fully apprised of the facts and consequences, if the Bill was not passed. Yet, they used every opportunity to dilate. When the Bill was eventually debated, they voted it down. By this time, Rudisa filed its claim at the CCJ. I appeared and extracted an undertaking from Rudisa’s lawyers that were the Government able to pass the Bill in a second attempt in the National Assembly, the company will withdraw its claim. As a result, Rudisa’s lawyers were magnanimous enough to join me in an application to adjourn the matter for a period of three (3) months to facilitate the Government of Guyana to put the Bill before the National Assembly a second time. Further, Rudisa’s lawyers informed the Court of their intention to withdraw the case and relinquish their claim completely, if the Bill is passed. In those circumstances, the Court was kind enough to grant an adjournment for a period of three (3) months for the Bill to be enacted. Again, I disclosed all the aforementioned facts, publicly, and they were widely carried in the press. A few days thereafter, Dr. Ashni Singh re-tabled the Bill in the National Assembly. Again, the Joint Opposition embarked upon their stalling tactics, pretending to be consulting with local manufacturers. Eventually, the debates came. In my presentation in the National Assembly, I painstakingly explained all which transpired before the CCJ; I emphasized that this is Guyana’s last opportunity to enact the Bill; I warned that a failure to do so would result in drastic financial consequences. All the speakers on our side advanced similar presentations. Like the first time when the Bill was debated, our plea fell on deaf ears. Mr. Carl Greenidge led the onslaught for the APNU. He boldly asserted that the CCJ could not dictate for the Guyana Parliament. Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan argued along the same vein, “the CCJ does not run this Parliament, we do!” he

declared. They, eventually, voted the Bill down. As a result, taxpayers’ of this country was forced to pay over six million US dollars to Rudisa during the years 2016 and 2017. This money could have been used to do so many things, for so many people of our country in this guava season. Unfortunately, it did not end there. Taxpayers’ now have to pay another foreign company millions of US dollars. A prudent Attorney General, with a sound understanding of the Rudisa’s ruling, would have never contested the S.M. Jaleel case. He would have recognized, very early, that the CCJ would not depart from its previous ruling, lightly and in the Jaleel’s case, there were no exceptional facts for them to do so. Therefore, a tactful Attorney General would have approached the Company and worked out an amicable resolution, including the payment of a reduced sum and a generous payment plan. But not our AG. He proceeded to publicly boast that, “the Government assembled a team of persons, who would testify on the question of whether environmental tax was transferred to the consumer”; obviously, failing to recognize that this issue was already conclusively determined in the Rudisa’s case. He imposed additional millions of dollars of expenditures upon the backs of taxpayers’ by hiring ‘experts’ to advise him on the matter and also retained highpriced lawyers in Trinidad to present the arguments at the CCJ. In the end, the Court ruled against Guyana and ordered Guyana to pay the other side costs in the litigation. This will cost taxpayers’ yet another set of millions of dollars. But it does not end there. Ansa Mcal, Grace Kennedy and others are next in line to sue. I have no doubt that the blundering will continue. The moral of this story: arrogance coupled with political vendetta executed by incompetents is a recipe for disaster. The same agenda and persons currently drive the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). The results are bound to be the same. Anil Nandlall

DEAR EDITOR, Re your letter: “I See a Third Party Coming,” KN of Sunday, May 14. This is a necessity, but not a reality without a revolution. Our constitution has been so manipulated that it is impossible to have a third party succeed. The Constitution as it now stands, states that any coalition between two parties must take place before the election. This has the effect of perpetuating the racial divide that dominates our political system. This divide is denied by both parties, but recognized by any Guyanese. Any Coalition before an election causes an elector to see the new “party” as supporting the race of the

major partner. This will cause some voters to cast their vote for the other party. I am aware that it happened in the last election. A Coalition before an election does not give a “new” party a chance to test its real strength. Another scar on our “Democracy” is the fact that our Members of Parliament cannot vote their “conscience” they must vote the “party line”. If they do not, they are expelled from Parliament. This has the effect of putting the country in the hands of the party executive, a small body of persons normally dominated by one person. The arrangement we have had for the last 50 years or so, calls itself “Democratic”.

It is not so, but we live with it. It does not encourage entrepreneurs, but does encourage bureaucracy. We have, 25 Ministers that misrule us? In the bad old days, I’m told, three persons ran the country with a string of civil servants, who were dominated by a group of Permanent Secretaries, who knew their jobs, and did them well. Currently ‘Permanent Secretary’ is a job description and often is a ‘political appointee’. Guyana has a problem. Our best President was defeated by the racial vote. Our system is corrupt with no recourse, so where do we go? Even Venezuela cannot exist under virtually our system. John Willems

Traffic chaos came about because of inadequate notices DEAR EDITOR, In one section of the media it has been reported the erection of the Arch on the East Coast Demerara was slated for last weekend but due to late delivery from the fabricator it was rescheduled to Thursday (‘Govt. snarls EC traffic for Ansa event’, May 12, 2017) However, notices from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in the print media were running from last Sunday about the erection of an arch at Industry Access Road and disruption to traffic for the period May 9 to May 11 2017. From publications that I saw the above notice was published as follows:

Sunday May 7 - Kaieteur News, and other media houses on Monday May 8 and Tuesday May 9. Notices in the other publications on the dates mentioned did not indicate the duration of the disruption to traffic. On Thursday, May 11 2017 notices from MPI appeared in the newspapers (that I saw) indicating the ECD Highway “between UG Access Road and Ogle Acess Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from Thursday May 11, 2017 to Friday May 12, 2017 between the hours of 08:00 to 21:00”. Definitely adequate notice was not provided resulting in the chaos which ensued. Shamshun Mohamed

A government’s fatalistic obsession with pomp and ceremony DEAR EDITOR, What happened on the East Coast Demerara Highway clearly illustrates that in President Granger’s mind, pomp and ceremony and pageantry are more important than an academic degree. That is why students who have their final exams at the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education and those teenagers writing CAPE and CSEC exams, had to miss their exams all because this Granger government has a fatalistic obsession with parade, pomp and ceremony and pageantry. Shame on ANSA McAl (which was offered a nontransparent and noncompetitive medical supplies deal for G$605 million a few months ago, yet the

Georgetown Hospital still has no aspirins). Shame on the Granger government! Shame on all the window blinds from the AFC and the WPA in that Granger cabinet especially Ministers Roopnarine and Patterson. They collectively did very little to help those children! The weight of the tears of the parents of those students will forever weight on this operational bankrupt Granger/Nagamootoo government. What manner of evil old men will destroy the future of our Guyanese children so that they can build another idle monument that adds absolutely very little economic value to the nation?

Aesthetics will not feed the children of Guyana, but a well-trained and matriculated class will. Shame on President Granger on all counts! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! The parents, who spent thousands of dollars preparing their children for this day and the affected students themselves, will all be voters in 2020 and they ought to remember this day as their day of infamy come 2020. How more incompetent can this Granger government be? Sase Singh

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Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Teachers who under-teach children and give lessons should be dismissed DEAR EDITOR, It is a well-known fact that much needs to be done to correct the stark and engineered deficiencies which are responsible for much of the failures and underachieving students that are generated annually at both the CSEC and NGSA levels in the public education system. It also would be a pleasant surprise if the final report of the COI into education did in fact deal with perhaps the greatest source of failures and underachievement within the public education system – teachers who give lessons and who willfully and in dereliction of their duties, it

is probably now widely known, short change children by under-teaching them in order to force them to attend lessons. Any thorough evaluation of this issue throughout the public education system would expose the entrenched nature of the problem. There is very probably no school along the coastland and in Linden which can boast that none of their teachers give lessons. Such an evaluation would very probably also expose that these teachers are largely responsible for much of the failures and underachievement of students through all the years of their education starting from Grade One, when they

Successive governments the past 40 years have been the same DEAR EDITOR, I believe Nandlall is throwing a baby tantrum - trying to justify the fact that he misappropriated the laws books - by trivializing the cost. What he fails to realize is that an illegal act of this kind lends to the accusation of fraud or that you stole. Irrespective if it is a pencil or millions of dollars; these are the properties of the people of Guyana and he should be held accountable for his action. Payback is not always fun. One would hope that he would have had some kind of training in Ethics and as a result, would have rejected the president for authorizing that he be given state assets, or he himself should have realized that this was wrong. I recall one of the condemnations of Burnham was that he was a “good man”, but he hired party loyalists. Was the coined flipped? Were the PPP ministers “good men” and the president incompetent? Would this material not have been better placed in a library where students and members of the public could also have accessed it? I guess in his zeal to do things “my way”, he lost sight of the fact that he was abusing his position. As the facts are emerging, this seems to have been a theme with the PPP. As the son of a sugar worker, this boils my blood knowing that the PPP and their cronies have been living the high life, while sucking the blood out of the sugar workers and the industry thus destroying our future in the process. With respect to the rest of his letter on the law book charge; I have this to say: Unfortunately, we are caught in a vicious cycle where successive governments justify their corruption and incompetence by citing bigger corruptions and incompetence of the previous governments. Guyana has not changed over the past 40 years. Fazil Rasheed

An enchantment with...

From page 4 Ministry’s curfew against night-long partying and noise nuisance. Additionally, the decrease of certain criminal activities, successful crime solving, and timelier prosecutions have increased public confidence in law enforcement and security. The foregoing are significant elements that forms an agglomerative trajectory for Guyana There is a seamless and methodical restoration of civilization in Guyana; something that may be oblivious to many locals but is an evident and enviable development to other nationalities. Just observe the influx of foreign nationals, particularly western investors, Cuban traders and students from Southern Asia and Africa. The progressive steps that Guyana has made over the past two years under its new government is something each citizen should be cognizant and proud of, for it inspires confidence for the journey ahead. As the Chinese Philosopher, Lao-Tzu, said via translated quote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Our journey has started. Let us not tire or lose focus by those bent on distraction and divisions! Orette Cutting

are considered eligible to attend lessons. This problem compounds annually into Grade Six where the impact of under teaching students first makes itself evident in the national domain. These children are now sent off into secondary schools where throughout the years of their secondary school life they continue to be exposed to the systemic abuse of their right to a proper education. We have all extended ourselves in considering the plight of teachers, and all public servants as a matter of fact. The conduct of these teachers willfully violates the rights of children and they are culpable in the failures and underperformance of students whose parents cannot afford to send them to lessons. There can be little or no improvement in the public education system in children’s performance through their entire academic years until the problem brought about by these teachers is addressed with some finality. Throughout the years also, a number of teachers who gave lessons throughout their careers now find themselves in positions of authority either as Heads, Deputies and or Heads of Departments or Senior Masters/Mistresses. These teachers - many trained and

more than equipped in the tools of psychology to navigate their domains, corralling the minds of children and their parents into accepting the futility of their positions - now in authority, quietly continue to give their lessons while exerting their influence over their staff in the lessons game, and determine which teachers (their friends) can be leveraged against competing teachers with students for lessons. The fact is, students moving to another class every academic year are accompanied by quiet competition among teachers for students to come to their lessons. A rule has also been developed among teachers that teachers of lower classes cannot continue to give students lessons officially once they have moved on. With a little thought, two things would very probably contradict each other sharply in respect to the delivery of education in the public school system. There continues to be a consistently high record of failures throughout the public education system. It would be particularly interesting to find out exactly what has been the report on the delivery of the course content for each of the classes of the individual public schools over the

years. Because if this is anything close to satisfactory, this would imply that our children are dunderheads, which we know is not the case. The possible implication therefore is that by Headteachers and their teaching staff presenting what could only be fabricated reports to the Ministry of Education, a great fraud has been committed. That is, head teachers and their teaching staff declare that students have been provided the necessary and relevant content and attention when the grades of these students consistently indicate otherwise. What is important in considering the above also is that public schools usually have inspections of their records by education officials. Editor, we can complain all we want about the failing grades of our children, but we also have to admit this can never change until we actively move to address and disband the group of teachers who give lessons, and move as well to remove those who have acceded to positions of authority. These persons, instead of being stewards of success for our children, are in fact the engineers of their failures, both academically and in subsequent underachievement in their lives whilst they themselves

indulge and engorge on the opulence facilitated by their lessons fees. Any proposal to address this problem could include a substantial increase in teachers’ salaries accompanied by the position that teachers giving lessons and perverting the system should be summarily dismissed. These teachers have systematically degraded the lives and futures of our children throughout the years and will continue to do so once they remain in the public education system. Asking teachers to give up their $200,000 - $500,000 plus lessons fees, over which they very likely do not declare in their income taxes, can be easily be considered a very nearly impossible feat, and the task of supervising teachers who give lessons should not be entertained by the Ministry of Education. It is an easy matter to investigate which teachers give lessons in schools. Ask them to sign to the statement that they do not give lessons. Then proceed to investigate all of them. The process may take some time, but it will most definitely result in an improvement in our children’s performance in the public education system throughout all the academic years. And this is time well spent. Lance Cumberbatch

Guyana has now become a strategically important country DEAR EDITOR, In testimony last Thursday before the US Senate Intelligence Committee’s hearings on the firing of FBI Director James Comey and possible Russian interference in last November ’s American elections, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Mike Pompeo said that the current unrest and political situation in Venezuela presents a threat to the countries of South America. Later in the hearings the CIA director was asked about the possible majority ownership by Russian oil companies in American oil refining capacity. These hearings are beginning to bring to the fore what could well be a carefully orchestrated plan between the Russians and certain powerful elements within the US administration not only to attempt to influence if not hack elections in “strategic” countries, but to access and control the resources of these countries for personal gain. Guyana has emerged as a strategic country given our

declared oil reserves so far, and with the prospects of additional finds. Venezuela is a neighbor with a claim to our maritime space and five eights of our territory and has indicated that it may not agree to this claim being finally addressed through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). So, what might be some of the serious threats which the current situation in Venezuela presents to South America, and more particularly Guyana? The mass movement of Venezuelans into neighboring countries would be one, but of course there are many others some of which the Guyana government and scholars of international relations might not be able to anticipate without the necessary intelligence. Against this backdrop I would hope that Guyana would, if it does not already exist, set up a Special Commission on the Protection of its Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity and Natural Resources that would be politically bipartisan and

that would include members of civil society and others with the ability to contribute to the work of this Commission, particularly for intelligence gathering and analysis. This Commission could assist the government and more particularly the foreign ministry in the collection and analysis of intelligence and information. As an emerging oil producing country with significant reserves Guyana could well be a target of international banditry that would seek to compromise the privacy of our national institutions and elected officials, interfere with our internal processes and ultimately impact negatively our sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is not an attempt in scare mongering. What is being alleged to have happened and is happening regarding Russian involvement in US policy and its link to the conduct of the relations between and among states, must not be underestimated. Imagine the US president meeting with the

Russian foreign minister and barring the American presidential press corps while allowing the Russian media into the Oval Office? As simple an issue as this would seem it should not be taken lightly in the context of the relationship between some powerful people and the Russians. Some may feel we are too small a player in global politics and finance to be a target of the objectives of those inclined to be involved in international banditry. Others may feel that even if this is so, there is little or nothing we could do about it. This would be foolish thinking. The US political system and institutions provide for a certain degree of transparency as well as checks and balances which expose corruption and other wrong doing, even on the part of its highest officials. Guyana’s diplomatic efforts must include establishing good working relations with those good and honest officials in the US. Further I say no more. Wesley Kirton

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Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Bernice Mansell Foundation pays homage to eight mothers Eight mothers were yesterday honoured when the Bernice Mansell Foundation held its annual Mother’s Day luncheon at Parc Rayne Banquet Hall, Rahaman’s Park, Georgetown. Founder of the organisation, Bernice Mansell, said that mothers are recognised each year for outstanding performance in their field of work. This year was no different, as eight dedicated mothers were awarded with prizes and other collectables at the event, which was attended by Minster of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes. During her remarks, Minister Hughes told the gathering that women possess a special gift, and that is the ability to nurture children, other than theirs.

The honouree mothers and the Hon. Minister Cathy Hughes

The Minister said that women have the physiological and emotional strength to find

solutions to the toughest challenges. She also remarked that a

woman can wear a smile, even when things are not going well.

Fifth Street Alberttown killing…

Accused told cops that victim was shot during confrontation over robbery Accused murderer, Lawrence Wayne, had given police an ordinary statement outlining the series of events which led to the shooting of Dexter Lindo in August 2014. Lindo, 26, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot on August 23, 2014, at Alberttown, Georgetown. He was allegedly shot three times and succumbed days later, at the Balwant Singh Hospital. Beverage outlet proprietor, Lawrence Wayne, was subsequently arrested and charged for the murder. He is currently on trial at the Georgetown High Court before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. In an ordinary statement, which was tendered to the court through a police witness, this past week,

Accused: Lawrence Wayne Wayne allegedly told police that on the day of the incident, he shot Dexter Lindo during a confrontation, which occurred after a robbery that had taken place at his beverage bar. Wayne told the police that

he received a telephone call that someone had robbed his place of business. He said that armed men had entered his Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda. Wayne, a licensed firearm holder at the time, told the cops that he arrived in time to see the men, who escaped in a vehicle, fleeing the store. The accused recounted to the police that he followed the men in his vehicle and eventually caught up with them at Light and Fifth Streets, Alberttown. Wayne is said to have confronted one of the men (Lindo) and told him to “freeze.” He recalled that Lindo had already exited the car and entered a shop in the area, when the alleged robber turned and pulled a gun from

his waist. Wayne said that he in turn, opened fire on the man and injured him in the process. Wayne’s case is set to be concluded this week. He had vehemently denied the allegations of murder before the court. The businessman was previously discharged of the murder but the charges were reinstituted shortly afterwards. At present, the matter is being presented by State Attorneys Tamieka Clarke and Mandel Moore in the High Court. The accused is represented by Attorneys-atlaw Max McKay and Stanley Moore.

“Since we are little girls, we learn that those attributes are the very essence of womanhood and motherhood. Our society has strived for a very long time on the pillars of love, respect genuine care for mothers, grandmothers, wife girlfriends, sister, aunts and cousins,” the minister noted. Among the honourees were Kaieteur News Special Person Mitzy Gaynor Campbell, who was described as a selfless person and a hard worker. Her daughter, Cristy Campbell shared that her mom has always been a staunch believer in God and as a result, their day always begins with prayers before sunrise. Magaret Rose Arthur was also remembered. She was the first female to enlist in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), where she spent 25 years helping other women to become respectable soldiers. Faye Audrey Crawford, the fifth of seven children, holds a Diploma in Theology and has been an ordained

Minister for the past seven years. She is involved in social work and started a feeding programme in Tucville, Greater Georgetown. Crawford is currently the Regional Vice President of Intercontinental Region. Sylvia Bernadette Calvan, was born on October 2, 1949. She had a pleasant upbringing and spent lots of time in the kitchen with her mother. In 1980, Sylvia and her family moved from Georgetown to a small, now developing village named Kuru-Kuru on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. There she settled, and it wasn’t long before her skills in the kitchen were recognized by friends and neighbours. She then worked at the Kuru-Kuru Primary School’s canteen, preparing hot meals daily for the less fortunate. Winifred Fuentes was born on May 21, 1946. She moved to Fort Laurendale, Florida, where she graduated as a Cardiovascular Technician. Fuentes later (continued on page 19)

BILLIONS SQUANDERED From page 7 what has informed Government’s decision to do away with it. This represents over $1.3B which has been expended on this component of this project with nothing to show for it. The loss of US$4.2M Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited (SECL) was the company which won the bid for the construction of a Specialty Hospital in 2012. It was agreed that the company would provide services related to designing, building, equipping, testing, delivering, installing and commissioning of facilities for the facility in Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. The cost of the contract was over US$18M. In December of that year, Surendra Engineering received 20 percent of the

contract price as an advance payment – approximately US$3.6M. In November 2013, an additional payment of US$649,440 was made. However, the contract was terminated when Surendra reportedly attempted to submit a performance bond from a company in Trinidad and Tobago called ‘World Bankers Company Ltd’. Following queries, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago stepped in to reveal that ‘Worldwide Bankers’ was not a registered company under the insurance act of Trinidad and Tobago. Following the termination of the contract, Government at the time moved to the Commercial Division of the High Court and sued Surendra. Government was claiming damages in excess of $100M, as well as special damages amounting to over US$4M.

Surendra had by then, flown the coop and had vacated its local office in Berbice when court officials visited to serve the writ, so when the matter was called twice, on January 21 and again on January 23, and no one appeared on behalf of the company, the court awarded judgment in favour of the Government of Guyana. Following a court judgment awarded January 23, 2015, Government is still to collect over US$4M from the embattled Indian firm. It created a situation which left the future of the Line of Credit (LOC) threatened. Following the APNU+AFC government’s accession to office, it reviewed the project and concluded that since there was no existing contract that could be enforced, it was impractical to continue to keep the LOC in its existing form, especially since it was attracting commitment fees.

Monday May 15, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The government and its double standards The government is not being consistent at all when it comes to the administrative procedures involved in investigating corruption. It is applying one set of rules for one set of people and another set of rules for another set of persons. A few weeks ago, the police were called in to investigate an alleged fraud at a city bank. A person involved in the gold industry was accused of having defrauded the bank. The matter is before the courts. The person happens to be a gold miner and therefore all his activities logically came under scrutiny because of the

scale of the alleged fraud. As part of the wider investigation, top officials of the Guyana Gold Board were sent on administrative leave so as to facilitate an investigation into the gold sales of the person accused of the alleged fraud at the bank. The investigation was purportedly to establish the source of the production of the gold. It was explained by the head of the Guyana Gold Board that the Gold Board is required to buy all the gold which is offered for sale to the Board. The Gold Board, it was further explained, is not responsible for monitoring

the production of gold produced. This, we are told, is the responsibility of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Yet no one from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission was sent home on administrative leave in relation to this matter. Double standards? We are also told that the son of the former President of Guyana was also sent on leave in order for the Guyana Water Inc. to investigate a computer malware infecting the computer systems at that entity. Why would you have to send home somebody for

Thousands benefit from Project Life/ Victory International

Representatives of Project Life and Victory International following the presentation of a specialty wheelchair to a five-year old cerebral palsy patient in Guyana, last month. Thousands of Guyanese of all backgrounds have benefited from the partnership of Project Life and Victory International, two charities committed to providing medical aid to Guyana. Project Life, is a local non-profit organization in Guyana and Victory International, a charity based in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A. The two groups continually lend support to the local health sector by helping to provide citizens with dental health, eye care outreach and much needed basic drug supplies. In the past, the two charities combined efforts to distribute medical supplies to prisoners, the elderly, orphans, children, and dozens of Guyanese organizations, groups, and churches. This September, Project Life will once again be receiving members of Victory International. Leading the Raleigh group is Dr. Mark S. Vasconcellos, a Guyanese who resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is the second visit for the Raleigh group. Last month, Dr. Vasconcellos and his colleagues, Pastor Joel Beckham, and Mrs. Anna Elliott of All Nations Church, Raleigh, N.C. visited Guyana. According to Dr. Mark

Vasconcellos, their work has expanded based on the requests from the local population. “We have persons who would contact our local counterparts (Project Life) which is headed by Mr. Vibert Parvatan for constant assistance. We have local doctors and eye care professionals who partner with us. They would distribute eye wear and medicine, based on requests from persons who contact (Mr. Parvatan) and Project life for assistance.” “All services and donations provided by Project Life and Victory International are free of charge to the people of Guyana,” he added. Dr. Vasconcellos explained that the work of the two charities also includes distributing basic over -the -counter medicine to the local population. Even as the nation faces a country-wide drug shortage, he said that the group continues to supply hundreds of Guyanese with a number of basic drugs. These include ibuprofen and other basic pain killers. In addition to the humanitarian aid, Dr. Vasconcellos shared that local churches also benefit from the outreach. “We also conduct theological training.” Continued on page 12

this, when computers are infected all the time by computer malware? In fact the computer system of the health system in the United Kingdom crashed this week because of a cyber attack. Computers all over the world were affected. We will have to await the outcome of the investigation into that incident. On the other hand, there have been reports of investigations being launched at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports into alleged financial transactions. Wrongdoing has been denied by one of the parties whose name was mentioned. Wrongdoing was also, you will recall, denied in relation to the investigation at the Guyana Gold Board. Despite

this, the head of the Guyana Gold Board was sent on administrative leave, but no similar action has been taken in relation to the investigation at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. Why was it not felt necessary to send anyone on administrative leave in relation to that investigation? Is it because of political party connections? A person is assumed innocent until proven guilty. Sending someone home on administrative leave is not suggesting guilt. It is merely a measure to ensure that there is no possibility of interfering with the investigation. But how is it that some persons are being sent home so as to remove any possibility of interfering with investigations, while others

are not given the same treatment. The government is not being consistent. The government is adopting double standards in relation to these investigations. It has also refused to launch a Commission of Inquiry into the allegations of the abuse of prescription narcotics in Region 5. It is for reasons such as this that the government is being accused of being selective in its actions. In the meantime, those sent on leave are not certain if they will return to their jobs, even if they are exonerated.

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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Politicians really make you laugh in this country Have you seen the achievements of the APNU+AFC Government as a paid advertisement in the newspapers? If you did, then you would see that there is an intellectual deficit in the leadership of Guyana. In the social sciences, researchers work with frameworks, methodologies etc. Your conclusion will be based on the framework and methodology you use. This is a basic in social science research. You learn this from your first year as a freshman at university. Take the complex sociology of Guyana. The three major ethnic communities - Amerindians, Africans, Indians – all have profound cultural differences among them. A sociological investigation into suicide has to start with this framework. If you don’t, then your conclusions may be off track. Using the methodology of rural/urban divide in Guyana

can yield more efficacious results in one’s research. We come now to the APNU+AFC Government and its chalking up of more than 150 accomplishments that adorn the middle pages of the newspapers. One must question the framework and the methodology employed. One must assume that inside the hierarchy of the power establishment, there are people trained in social science methodologies. There is a functional, theoretical and practical distinction between state service and leadership accomplishments. Let’s take this argument outside the realm of politics and place it into family life. Even working class people strive to give their children a tertiary education. Education is a deterministic way out of poverty. The provision of an education to a child is not an achievement. It is a function

of parenthood. In the banal, grammatical sense of the word, it is an achievement. But that achievement carries no exceptional value because it is an inherent function of a parent. State service and leadership accomplishments are not related and cannot be collapsed together. When a researcher does that, the research will have more holes that a dilapidated basket someone threw away in the trench. Among the 150 achievements in that newspaper spread are functions of state. I will just pull down at random some of the wonderful things that the government included in that figure of 150. There are – fisherman protected from piracy; better drainage and irrigation; more irrigation pumps; canals and alleyways desilted; better streets and roads; 886 scholarship to Guyanese

students; new lands for agriculture; new water wells; potable water in Sophia; Soesdyke/Linden highway repaired; Corentyne highway repaired; East Bank highway repaired. I could cite dozens more. But the one that makes you laugh is this; “Successfully hosted CARICOM Head of Govt. meeting.” All of these things are functions of state. You don’t expect a government to list them as accomplishments. They are processes that must accompany the administration of a country. They are givens. Whoever leads Botswana, Guyana, the US, France, Barbados etc., will have to repair roads, provide security for fishermen out at sea, expand agricultural lands to speed up economic development, etc. If the PPP is smart, it can score massive propaganda points against the APNU+AFC by researching President Cheddi Jagan’s first two years in power; President Janet Jagan’s first two years; Bharrat Jagdeo’s first two years; Ramotar’s first two years. If the PPP’s researchers use the framework and the

methodology that APNU+AFC employed to identify 150 accomplishments, then it would be fascinating to see the balance sheet of Cheddi Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo. Surely, when a government desilts a muddied trench that is work that any government must do and all governments, without exception, will do. Surely, roads have to be repaired. One would like to think in ancient civilizations as in Egypt, India, China, Africa, Greece, Rome, streets were always rehabilitated. The one that is really funny as I alluded to the above is that in those 150 achievements is the successful holding of the CARICOM HEADS confab in July last year. But all CARICOM states have had such success, including PPP governments. Using the framework and methodology that the great researchers of this government utilized, then that 150 number can be doubled. For example, recently I saw buildings at UG being repainted. I saw workmen doing repairs to the National Library.

Frederick Kissoon Now this is interesting. Included in that 150 figure is the rehabilitation of the Madewini Youth Centre. So why were repairs to the National Library not in the advertisement? I saw working personnel from Ministry of Public Infrastructure repairing the street lamps on University Access Road where I live (only problem with that is they go out weeks after). I witnessed policemen painting pedestrian crossings on dozens of streets last month. Why was that not listed? Of course, the Cummings Lodge arch came too late to make the list.

Monday May 15, 2017

Bread vendor’s murder....

Cops build case against soldier, ‘trigger man’ still at large - legal advice to be sought today Investigators have managed to build a case against the 20-year-old soldier who was held for the murder of bread vendor, Andre Alexander two Fridays ago at ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday that the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice today. It is unclear what information the police have on the rank, but reports are that he was arrested based on a tip off p o l i c e i n ‘ A’ D i v i s i o n received. It is suspected that the solder was the one towing the ‘trigger man’ at the time Alexander was gunned down. The trigger man has not yet been apprehended, but Blanhum said that diligent efforts are being made to find him. So far, the police are still looking for a key element in the bread vendor’s murder, and that is a CG motorcycle that was used by the suspects. Ranks are confident that the soldier is in possession of one such motorcycle, since traffic ranks at Turkeyen Police Station recalled that they had pulled him in on numerous occasions for riding the cycle without proper documentation. “One time he (soldier) said he didn’t have a bike and when the boys (ranks) tell he that they see he with a bike, he said it is his friend motorcycle, but we are not finding the bike or the person who owns it,”

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a detective said. Alexander was shot in the stomach by one of two gunmen on a motorcycle two Fridays ago during a robbery at ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown. The GDF rank was arrested after the cops received a tip-off two Mondays ago. The description the police received of one of the gunmen matched that of the soldier. The soldier is a 20-yearold Section ‘B’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident. He and a Plum Park, South Sophia resident were arrested hours apart. Both men are known to each other. Alexander, of Lot 394 ‘C’ Field Sophia, died around 23:00hrs two Fridays ago during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The attack occurred around 20.30hrs at the victim’s bread stand, which is situated about four doors from his home. Police said that Alexander was at his bread stand when the two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion rider requested three loaves of bread and paid with a $5000 note. Kaieteur News understands that while Alexander was in the process of making change, the ‘customer’ whipped out a gun and demanded cash. When Alexander put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck the vendor in the stomach. The two men relieved their victim of his cash and also escaped with three

DEAD: Andre Alexander loaves of bread. The dead man’s wife, Beverley Alexander recalled that she was at the stand when the two bandits approached her husband and shot him when he resisted. “After (the pillion rider) collected the bread, my husband was making change to give him when he pulled out a gun and demanded the cash. So my husband tried to push away the gun and the man fired one shot and when that one missed, he fired another shot,” the woman noted. She further related that when she heard the first shot, she ran for her life. “I run behind the stand and when I see the other suspect coming, I start run.” The bandits did not try to rob the other customers at the stand. Beverley Alexander said that after the bandits escaped, she ran to her husband and found him lying on a bench. He was rushed to the hospital where he subsequently succumbed.

Raped and HIV positive - A 14-YR-OLD GIRL’S TRAGIC STORY (The names in this article were changed to protect the child’s identity) “Martha” is a single mother. She works as many jobs possible to ensure that her six children are fed, clothed and have a roof over their heads. This means that she does not always find the time to listen to, and look over her children as much as she would’ve liked. The support of her sister living next door is therefore very crucial in this regard. But Martha’s relationship with her sister has since soured. The sister, “Judy”, does not believe that her husband would sexually abuse her 14-year-old niece, “Lynn”. The teen has related to authorities, that her uncle has been raping her repeatedly for the past three years. According to ChildLink, a non-profit organization that has been partnering with government to tackle child abuse, Lynn’s first sexual encounter occurred in a bathroom. It was related that one afternoon, the then 11 year old Lynn, went to her ‘Aunt Judy’s’ yard to “fetch some water.” As she was getting the water, the child was approached by her aunt’s husband “Jarvis,” who began to force himself on her. According to ChildLink officials, the man allegedly “carried her in an old bathroom and told her to bend over.” Lynn told authorities that she screamed, but was threatened and told to “shut up.” But it would appear as though the actual penetration was just the more brutal aspect of the abuse which began years before.

It was related that Martha’s children used to visit her sister’s home regularly to get water, and that the uncle, “Jarvis” used to always “play with them.” “He used to touch her but she didn’t know that was wrong. Jarvis took the opportunity and when Lynn was alone he threatened her. He said that if she said anything that he would kill her,” Martha told officials. It was after the bathroom incident that the child’s mother said she noticed a significant change in her child’s behaviour. Lynn, who used to be very jovial, began lashing out. Martha, at that time, attributed the behaviour to the “normal” teenage drama. “Sometimes she would

open her mouth and make a set of noise. She became aggressive, so I used to want to know why she behaving like that and the rest don’t behave like that.” Martha began to worry after she realised that Lynn would not only talk to herself, but she would also cry almost every day. Eventually, the teen could no longer put up with the abuse, and confided in her mother. “I got a call from my eldest daughter around 7:30 (PM). She said Lynn went at the back house for water since one o’clock and she didn’t come back. I went straight home, Lynn was sitting by herself and I ask her what happen and she told me.” Continued on page 24

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Trinidad Beverage Company entitled to less than half its claim following CCJ ruling - Legal Affairs Ministry The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ’s) decision in the S.M. Jaleel & Company Limited case represents a major victory for the nation’s taxpayers. This is the view expressed by Ministry of Legal Affairs. In a statement, following the ruling the Ministry outlined that because of the ruling; taxpayers will no longer have to bear the full burden of lawlessness imposed by the PPP/C administration. According to the Ministry, the APNU+AFC Government on entering office in May 2015 inherited the unpaid judgment awarded against the PPP/C Government by the (CCJ) for over US$6 million in the case of Rudisa Beverages & Juices N.V and Caribbean International Distributors Inc versus the State of Guyana. The Ministry noted that based on this precedence, which was set under the former government, Guyana was destined to reimburse S.M. Jaleel a similar sum of over US$6 M. However, in his ruling, with regards to Trinidad Beverage company, (S.M Jameel) CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron, outlined that that a five-year limitation period is appropriate and will protect States from stale claims in respect of which there would be inherent difficulties in trying to produce documentary or oral evidence. It will, above all, encourage claimants to file suit in a timely fashion. S.M Jaleel was seeking a declaration that Guyana breached the RTC in relation to them and an order that Guyana reimburse them the aggregate sum of environmental tax levied and collected from GBI from as far back as January 2006. The Ministry of Legal

Affairs therefore emphasized that the ruling from the CCJ places a five-year limitation period for the settlement of cases about the unlawful collection of taxes in breach of the RTC. Therefore companies claiming for such relief can no longer seek the refund to be calculated as far back as 2006. Additionally, the Ministry said that in the ruling, CCJ found that a period of five years is neither too long nor unduly short for a claimant to commence proceedings. “The court considers that this time limit will protect states from being vexed by claims relating to long–past incidents about which their records may no longer be in existence and as to which their witnesses may well have no accurate recollection. It will above all encourage claimants to bestir themselves and file suit in a timely fashion. This five-year period permits adequate access to justice and is consistent with both international and regional standards. It will run from the time that the claimant knew or at the very least reasonably should have known that the defendant State was in breach of the treaty.” The Legal Affairs Ministry therefore noted that the Trinidad beverage company will only be entitled to half the amount of money for which they claimed. “S.M. Jaleel & Company Limited; Guyana Beverages Inc.’s claim being from 1st January 2006 to 7th August would only obtain reimbursement for four instead of nine years, which sum would be subject to Corporation tax of 40 percent. In other words less than half of their claim,” the Ministry explained.

Thousands benefit from ... From page 9 Quoting the words of Mahatma Gandhi “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Dr. Vasconcellos said that the work of Project Life and Victory International embodies this type of service. Project life is represented by the local directors Mr. Vibert Parvatan and Ambassador Rudy Collins. During the month of April, Project Life and the Raleigh team partnered with volunteers from the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre and a local doctor attached to a dental and medical clinic in

Enterprise, East Coast Demerara. All patients were provided with free examinations, cleanings, fillings, and extractions while receiving dental supplies. Medical patients received free medical diagnoses for physical ailments. The group also presented a specialty wheelchair to a five-year old Guyanese child from Linden who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. The child’s mother was overcome with joy to receive the wheelchair. She stated, after much fasting and praying to God, her prayers were finally answered.

Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Bahamas PM to reveal composition of 16-member Cabinet

Peter Turnquest – Deputy Prime Minister and Carl Bethel – Attorney General of The Bahamas taking the Oath of Office. NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is to reveal the composition of his 16-member cabinet shortly. The chairman of the just elected Free National Movement (FNM), Sidney Collie, said the prime minister will assign the portfolios and the new cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in today. According to Collie, as soon as the Cabinet is sworn in, the first meeting will be held the following day. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest was sworn in as Minister of Finance on Friday. The new attorney general, Carl Bethel was also sworn in. The prime minister, in his address to Turnquest and Bethel said

their appointments are the beginning of the formation of the “people’s government,” adding that transparency and accountability were often absent during the past five years but will be restored. Minnis also said that the “government will ensure that the public treasury is used for the public good rather than directed toward private interests”. “I will remind my ministers to avoid conflicts of interests in the exercise of their public duties,” he said. This is the first time a prime minister of the Bahamas has not taken on the role of minister of finance. Turnquest, a chartered accountant, will take on the portfolio as his first Cabinet post after serving as the

FNM’s Shadow Minister of Finance over the last few years. The newly appointed finance minister said that before charting a course for the future he will go on a factfinding mission to learn what has happened over the past five years with the country’s finances. Reducing the debt and recurring deficits are key priorities for the incoming administration, as well as helping the economy to grow…. this is not about enriching ourselves but about ensuring the services people require are delivered,” he said. He noted that in the short term, the government will focus on creating the annual budget, which is due in two weeks.

CDB puts climate change on the agenda BRIDGETOWN – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is calling attention to the work that remains to be done to strengthen the Region’s resilience to climate change impacts. On May 24, CDB will host a seminar to review the Caribbean’s gains in climate adaptation and mitigation, and to examine the implementation of the Bank’s Climate Resilience Strategy 2012-2017. The event will be held during the 47th Annual Meeting of CDB’s Board of Governors, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. “Our presentation will reflect critically on the implementation of the Bank’s existing Climate Resilience Strategy, and address lessons learnt in the integration of climate considerations in CDB’s work programme. These discussions are especially relevant and timely as we prepare our ‘Climate Resilience Strategy Update 20182023’,” said Cheryl Dixon, Coordinator, Environmental Sustainability Unit, CDB. Panellists include Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning and Development, Government of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre; Pim Van Ballekom, Vice-President, European Investment Bank and Yvonne Hyde,

Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Economic Development, Petroleum, Trade, Investment and Commerce, Belize. The group will discuss the Region’s climate strategy and implementation plan, and share perspectives on the agreed upon nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement - the targets countries have committed to meeting to stop global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius. Participants will discuss the NDCs from the perspectives of their own priorities, implications, trade-offs, and examine the realities of meeting these goals. The seminar will be livestreamed on CDB’s YouTube channel. During the past five years, CDB has sharpened its focus on addressing climate change vulnerabilities in its borrowing member countries. The Bank has raised and mobilised appropriately-priced resources for financing projects with a strong focus on climate adaptation, renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Caribbean. In addition, in 2016, the Bank gained accreditation to the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund, further improving access to funding for low-emission and climateresilient programmes and projects in the Region. (Daily Nation)

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

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Victory in state vote shows Germany’s Merkel on course to retain power Reuters - German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives defeated the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) in a key state election yesterday, exit polls showed, boosting their hopes of retaining power in September’s national vote. Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) saw a surge in support in Germany’s most populous state of North RhineWestphalia (NRW), which is home to one in five German voters and has often been an indicator of national electoral trends. The CDU won 33 percent, up from 26.3 percent in 2012, according to projections on public broadcaster ARD. The CDU focused its campaign in NRW on attacking the SPD for failing to tackle local issues like crumbling infrastructure that causes huge traffic jams, rising crime and an underperforming education system. But the conservatives, who have now defeated the SPD in three state elections since the end of March, are hoping to build on the momentum in the run-up to the federal vote on Sept. 24, where Merkel is seeking a fourth term. Merkel’s image as an experienced leader who can provide stability resonates with many risk-averse Germans. Western Europe’s longest-serving current leader, Merkel is seen by many in Germany and in the European Union as an experienced negotiator to guide tough talks with Britain on its exit from the bloc. She is also seen as a champion of free trade. Merkel stood firm in the face of heated criticism at home and abroad for opening Germany’s borders in 2015 to more than one million mainly Muslim asylum seekers, a measure that hurt her popularity and contributed to the rise of the nationalist party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merkel’s credentials have also been enhanced by an economy that has grown every year since 2010, driven by a solid labour market, a booming construction sector, rebounding exports as well as increased state spending and private consumption.

ACCOMMODATION Le Grand Hotel Penthouse, 6 Commerce St, Lacytown, Georgetown. Low rates, selfcontained, central location. Call: 592-227-1801 or 592-227-3494

Monday May 15, 2017

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China pledges $124B for new Silk Road as champion of globalization Reuters - Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $124 billion (96.2 billion pounds) yesterday for his new Silk Road plan to forge a path of peace, inclusiveness and free trade, and called for the abandonment of old models based on rivalry and diplomatic power

games. Xi used a summit on the initiative, attended by leaders and top officials from around the world, to bolster China’s global leadership ambitions as U.S. President Donald Trump promotes “America First” and questions existing global free

U.S. lawmakers ask Trump to turn over any Comey tapes

James Comey and President Donald Trump Reuters - U.S. lawmakers yesterday called on President Donald Trump to turn over any tapes of conversations with fired FBI chief James Comey, potentially setting up a showdown with the White House as Democrats considered a boycott of the vote on Comey’s replacement. In a highly unusual move, Trump last week appeared to suggest on Twitter that he might have tapes of conversations with Comey and warned the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation against talking to the media. Trump and a White House spokesman declined to confirm or deny whether such tapes exist. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said the White House must “clear the air” about whether there are any taped conversations. “You can’t be cute about tapes. If there are any tapes of this conversation, they need to be turned over,” Graham told NBC’s “Meet the Press” programme. Trump sparked a political firestorm when he abruptly fired Comey last week. The FBI has been investigating alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election and possible ties between Moscow and the Trump campaign. Democrats have accused Trump of attempting to thwart the FBI’s probe and have called for some type of independent inquiry into the matter. Trump has said he removed Comey because he was not doing a good job and that Comey had lost the support of FBI employees. Trump tweeted on Friday that “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!” If there are recordings, Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah told the “Fox News Sunday”

programme it was “inevitable” that they would be subpoenaed and the White House would have to release them. Lee, who was on Trump’s list of potential replacements for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, also said recording conversations in the White House is “not necessarily the best idea.” Trump’s threat about tapes has intensified calls from Democrats for an independent probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump must immediately provide Congress with any tapes and warned that destroying existing tapes would violate the law. Schumer also said Senate Democrats are weighing whether to refuse to vote on a new FBI director until a special prosecutor is named to investigate Trump’s potential ties to Russia. Russia has denied the claims and the White House says there was no collusion. “To have that special prosecutor, people would breathe a sigh of relief because then there would be a real independent person overlooking the FBI director,” Schumer told CNN’s “State of the Union” programme. Trump, who has sought better relations with Russia, has continued to question whether it was behind the hacking of email accounts belonging to Democrats involved in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. But Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told NBC’s “Meet the Press” programme there is no question that “the Russians were playing around in our electoral processes.” He defended Trump’s decision to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the Oval Office last week.

trade deals. “We should build an open platform of cooperation and uphold and grow an open world economy,” Xi told the opening of the two-day gathering in Beijing. China has touted what it formally calls the Belt and Road initiative as a new way to boost global development since Xi unveiled the plan in 2013, aiming to expand links between Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond underpinned by billions of dollars in infrastructure investment. Xi said the world must create conditions that promote open development and encourage the building of systems of “fair, reasonable and transparent global trade and investment rules”. Hours before the summit opened, North Korea launched another ballistic missile, further testing the patience of China, its chief ally. The United States had complained to China on Friday over the inclusion of a North Korean delegation at the event. Xi pledged a major funding boost to the new Silk Road, including an extra 100 billion yuan ($14.50 billion) into the existing Silk Road Fund, 380 billion yuan in loans from two policy banks and 60 billion yuan in aid to developing countries and international bodies in countries along the new trade routes. In addition, Xi said China would encourage financial institutions to expand their overseas yuan fund businesses to the tune of 300 billion yuan. Xi did not give a time frame for the new loans, aid and funding pledged on Sunday. Leaders from 29 countries attended the forum, as well as the heads of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Britain’s finance minister told the summit his country was a “natural partner” in the new Silk Road, while the prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, a close Chinese ally, praised China’s “vision and ingenuity”. “Such a broad sweep and scale of interlocking economic partnerships and investments is unprecedented in history,” Sharif said. White House adviser Matt Pottinger said the United States welcomed efforts by China to promote infrastructure connectivity as part of its Belt and Road initiative, and U.S. companies could offer top value services. India refused to send an official delegation to Beijing, reflecting displeasure with China for developing a $57 billion trade corridor through Pakistan that also crosses the disputed territory of Kashmir. “No country can accept a project that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Indian foreign ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay, adding that there were concerns about host countries taking on “unsustainable debt.” China plans to import $2 trillion of products from countries

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (left) poses with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan during a welcome ceremony for leaders attending the Belt and Road Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China yesterday. REUTERS/Wang Zhao/Pool participating in its Belt and Road initiative over the next five years, Commerce Minister Zhong Shan said. But some Western diplomats have expressed unease about both the summit and the plan as a whole, seeing it as an attempt to promote Chinese influence globally. They are also concerned about transparency and access for foreign firms to the scheme. Australian Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said Canberra was receptive to exploring commercial opportunities China’s new Silk Road presented, but any decisions would remain incumbent on national interest. “China is willing to share its development experience with all countries,” Xi said. “We will not

interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. We will not export our system of society and development model, and even more will not impose our views on others.” “In advancing the Belt and Road, we will not re-tread the old path of games between foes. Instead we will create a new model of cooperation and mutual benefit,” Xi said. North Korea, which considers China its sole major diplomatic ally and economic benefactor, raised eyebrows when it decided to send a delegation to the summit. The North Korean delegation largely kept a low profile at the summit, and there was no evidence that its presence had affected participation despite U.S. misgivings.

OAS general assembly to be held in Cancun, Mexico WASHINGTON, USA — The Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) last week agreed to change the venue of the next general assembly of the organisation to the city of Cancun, in Mexico. The dates will stay the same: June 19 to 21. The proposal, presented by the permanent representative of Mexico to the OAS, Luis Alfonso de Alba, was supported by the full Council. De Alba explained that the change of venue “will lead to better logistical conditions for the proper development of the work of the general assembly.” This will be the first time that

Mexico has hosted the OAS general assembly, which for this year has as its central theme “Strengthening Dialogue and Concentration for Prosperity”. (Caribbean News)

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Raped and HIV positive From page 11 A police report was immediately filed, and “Jarvis” was arrested and charged. According to ChildLink however, he was later released on bail. “Martha stated that after her brother in law was released, he and her sister would curse her and her children. After one of those altercations, Jarvis was arrested a second time and later released,” the organisation noted. The matter is said to still be under investigation, but ChildLink officials are appalled that much time has elapsed and “Jarvis” remains at large. Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ann Greene, said that she already has plans to check on the status of the case, today. Strangely enough though, after his second release, Martha told authorities that her sister and brother-in-law no longer express any animosity to her family. However, during the police investigation, the medical examination carried out on Lynn revealed that she was HIV positive.

“It was very hard for me to understand and cope with the situation. But then going to the (Georgetown Public) Hospital, it got some very nice doctors, and we would sit and we would talk… They counselled Lynn and provided some hope that it is not the end of the world,” Martha related to ChildLink officials. Both the mother and daughter have been receiving counselling from social workers attached to ChildLink. Martha admits that she now makes it her duty to spend more time with her children. “Sometimes you come home from work; as a single parent you have so many things to do. You have to cook, you have to clean, plus you have children to look after children. It used to be frustrating…it used to tell on your nerves,” Martha still carries that guilt that had she paid more attention to Lynn, the child would’ve trusted her with the truth much sooner. “She was trying to tell me but I wasn’t listening. I wasn’t paying attention. She did come

to me one time and say, “Mommy, I want talk to you.” But it was something I was doing or somebody had come so she said, “Mommy, I will talk to you later because you talking.” But she never come back.” Martha admitted that often times, “A lot of parents are aware of certain things and they shame to bring it out to the public. But, they need to come out and expose the person who did it so that a next child wouldn’t be a victim… We need to expose them (the abusers)!” Although being a single parent is quite difficult, Martha is urging parents to spend at least five minutes each day, talking with their children. ChildLink is a non-profit organization and a member of the Child Rights Alliance which aims to protect children from abuse and violence. To report cases of abuse call 231 7174 or 227 0979. Email C h i l d L i n k : admin@childlinkgy.org for further information on the Child Rights Alliance.

Monday May 15th, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): You may believe that gathering more information is a smart idea today, but additional data won’t help you make a better decision. Usually, compiling more facts enables you to easily choose an effective course of action. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Your career objectives may have been clear in your own mind, but that was before you set your plan into motion. Now it might appear that you’ve made the situation worse. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): Challenging circumstances might prevent you from being clear about your direction today, making you feel as if you just want to retreat. Unfortunately, this is not a great time to give up on your dreams. CANCER (Jun. 21–July 22): You may not understand why everything isn’t going your way today, but you might be jumping to the wrong conclusions. Whatever seems to be problematic now can actually work out for the best later on. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): You could feel as if you’re fighting an inner battle now, yet it may play out in a current relationship. Don’t withdraw; facing a difficult issue with a close friend or partner is the best way to conquer your fears. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): You may be bored at work today, but still need to fulfill your obligations. Instead of doing your job the same old way, it might help to take a new approach.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Even if you are receiving encouragement everywhere you turn today, you still might not believe the good news you are hearing. It’s difficult to trust the optimism of others. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): You might not get everything you want today, yet there are still plenty of opportunities to make the best of current circumstances. Part of your problem may be your inflated hopes, leading you to expect things to fall magically into place. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): You don’t like to place all your eggs in one basket. However, you may be so focused on specific tasks that certain aspects won’t likely work out as expected. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Everything seems to be blown out of proportion today, so it’s challenging to find the right pace and stick to it. Even the littlest problem could become an insurmountable obstacle. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20– Feb.18): Sometimes you can appear disconnected from reality, but others usually don’t know how far out your thoughts actually are. Now, as the Moon moves through your sign, you can surprise everyone with your uncanny brilliance. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): If yo u a r e j u s t l y accused of a wrongdoing today, quickly admit your guilt and ask for forgiveness. Don’t make excuses or slip into denial.

“I’m now truly aware of love” From page 20 said, “a boy” and I started to cry. I turned to my husband who looked like he just saw heaven and hell flash before his eyes, and gave him a smile through the tears. When my doc was finishing off, doing her stitches, the baby was being cleaned. I told her that she was taking too long; all I wanted was to be with my baby. I returned to my room longing for his presence and when he finally came, I stared into those big, bright eyes. I was immediately intimidated. It was like he was asking me, “So I am here, what now?” I held him and that evening the nurse left us to ‘bond’ but I wanted him to leave. My inexperience kept bothering me. I felt like the slightest thing I did could have hurt him and oh was he loud from birth. He cried when he came out and cried that night. I thought

he was hungry, so I tried breastfeeding him, but wasn’t getting him to latch on. The nurse took him away and even though I was in a great deal of pain I tried to sleep. The next day I went home. Everyone cheered as I entered the yard. All I wanted was to sleep in my own bed. He slept too, but still wasn’t ‘latching on’, I grew anxious but eventually he took it. After the pain of my stitches subsided, I was better able to tend to him. However when that pain ended, the breast pain emerged. My nipples felt as though they were bursting. When I overcame that, I had further complications with my breasts that required a minor surgery. But by then, I was not afraid of Nairobi any longer. I was filled with nothing but love for him and wanted to be with him all the time. Through the entire ordeal of my surgery

and the following days of having to dress the wound, Nairobi’s smile and my desire to stay with him kept me going. I have experienced the best and survived the worst and oh am I happy I did. Things are all settled now, and it is only up from here. I have begun to experience love like I never did before. He vomits and spits on me but I love it. So does my husband, Hosni. We make a good team. We both enjoy tending to Nairobi. I know that this is what unconditional love feels like, I clean him, bathe him, feed him, endure sleepless nights and all he has to offer is love in return. I am now truly aware of love, and I feel as if God gives us children and loved ones as an incentive for all the other things we have to endure. Here’s to motherhood and all the joy it brings.

Two Guyanese among 2017 Anthony ... From page 13 the ceremony was staged here, because of the number of Laureates the English speaking South American country has churned out. Reflective, Ramphal said when the award first started in 2005, there were only three categories, Arts and Letters, Public and Civic Contributions and recognition for exemplary work in the field of Science and Technology. Two years ago another category was added; Entrepreneurship, as ANSA McAL who is the founder of the Endeavour, sought to reward and recognize Caribbean excellence and to encourage fearlessness. The evening definitely belonged to Dr. Bulkan, and this was not because he is Guyanese, but due to the riveting speech he gave to the audience upon receiving his award. Bulkan delivering from the 'heart' spoke about how his father died many years ago and his mother was left to perform both parental roles. To loud applause he said that Mrs. Bulkan did so admirably and he will be eternally grateful to her for what she has done. Turning his attention to the work he does, Dr. Bulkan said his activism in human rights has its origin in what he experienced growing up in Guyana at an early age. Bulkan is also at the forefront of promoting indigenous and environmental rights. The University of the West Indies lecturer said that he lauded the bravery of the selection panel, since the groups he advocates for are 'frowned' upon by society. He said prior to being selected, he was told that it would be a 'stretch' if he was selected. Bulkan said his subsequent selection is a rejection of the prejudices

those communities he represents face. Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig was born in Kappawarri Creek off the Essequibo, and credits his early influence to his father who was a wood worker. Craig sold his first piece at age seven for $20. He is currently a lecturer in Arts at the University of Guyana. Kwame Ryan is a Trinidadian conductor and a music educator, whose career has spanned the globe and has seen him perform with

some of the leading orchestras around the world. Grenadian entrepreneur Shadel Compton managed to merge agriculture and tourism and her brainchild, Belmont Estate, provides organic food in a unique tourism setting. Compton said that when she first mooted the idea of the business many doubted that it would have succeeded. She said that she is testimony that whatever one sets out to do, can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

UN advisory group wants international community…

To work closely with new govt. in Haiti UNITED NATIONS, United States (CMC) — Following its recent visit to Haiti, a United Nations advisory group on the French-speaking Caribbean country has called on the international community to work closely with the new government and capitalise on the opportunities that have presented there.”Haiti now has a government and a president that has been elected – a government that has been put in place and which seems to be functioning,” Marc-André Blanchard, chair of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Ad Hoc advisory group on Haiti and the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, told a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday. “They have priorities that are very interesting and aligned with the [UN]2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so there is an opportunity for action,” he added. Blanchard further highlighted that the focus in the impoverished country, hit hard by a number of natural disasters, is moving from

humanitarian assistance towards development, stating that the international community should collaborate with the government to ensure that the priorities set by the county can be implemented. The Advisory Group has been mandated by ECOSOC to closely follow and provide advice on the long-term development strategy of Haiti to promote socioeconomic recovery, reconstruction and stability. It conducted a mission to the country from May 8-10, during which it met with a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, parliamentarians, civil society and development agencies on the ground, the UN said. Blanchard recalled the contributions made by the UN mission in the country, known by its French acronym, MINUSTAH, and noted that, while it was deployed at a difficult time, it “was actually able to achieve a lot.” “Everybody agrees that the country is in a better situation now than it was five years ago [and that] the country is more secure now

Marc-André Blanchard than it was a few years ago,” he said. However, Blanchard added that some security concerns, issues with institutions and corruption remained. He underscored that the transition of MINUSTAH to a new mission, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), with the added focus on the rule of law, governance and institutions is “the right one for the future involvement of the UN.” The 17-member Advisory Group comprises Canada (chair), Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, France, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and the United States.

Antiguan Politician accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister and Others ST JOHN’S, Antigua – An opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) politician who once served in the army is facing series charges, including threats to kill Prime Minister Gaston Browne and 13 other members of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), and intimidation of those same people. The 28 serious charges against former soldier George Wehner, filed under the Electronic Crimes Act, stem from a video which went viral late last year. Featuring Wehner’s voice, it shows Browne and other ABLP members in the cross-hairs of a sniper rifle on a battlefield, complete with the sound of rapid gunfire. The UPP caretaker for the St George constituency is expected to be served with a summons to appear in court on the charges. After the news broke in the local media on Tuesday, Wehner’s lawyer, Leon ‘Chaku’ Symister, told the

George Wehner Daily Observer newspaper that the development was a continuation of “the political witch hunt, the political persecution, [and] the use of the police”. He was also upset that the news about charges being laid

against Wehner was made public before his client had been made aware. “We think that it is unsatisfactory at best that if a citizen is to be charged with an offence or a number of offences that he hears it in the news for the first time,” the attorney was quoted as saying. After the highlycondemned video began circulating, Prime Minister Browne tabled a resolution that condemned Wehner for making “a naked threat of terrorism”. Police had detained Wehner for questioning as they sought to investigate whether he had violated the Electronic Crimes Act and/or the Prevention of Terrorism Act. However, he was subsequently released without charge. (Caribbean360)

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

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Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

France’s Macron takes power, vows to heal division, restore global status

French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with people during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe after the handover ceremony in Paris, France, yesterday. REUTERS/Charles Platiau Reuters - Emmanuel Macron took power as president of France yesterday, vowing to restore the country’s status in Europe and the world and heal divisions in society — a nod to the bitter campaign the pro-EU centrist fought to defeat a far-right leader. The 39-year-old former investment banker, unknown to the wider public three years ago and whose May 7 election marked a meteoric rise to power, was inaugurated leader of the world’s fifth-largest economy in a solemn Elysee Palace ceremony. In his first words after taking office, he pledged to restore France’s standing on the world stage, strengthen national selfconfidence and heal divisions that the bitterlyfought campaign had opened up. Macron beat the National Front’s Marine Le Pen in a May 7 run-off vote but the long campaign exposed deep divisions over France’s role in Europe, immigration, and policies to revive a sluggish economy bedevilled by high unemployment. “The division and fractures in our society must be overcome. I know that the French expect much from me. Nothing will make me stop defending the higher interests of France and from working to reconcile the French,” Macron declared. Although his victory over Le Pen was comfortable, almost half of France’s 47 million voters chose candidates with views opposed

to Macron’s in the first round of the election. Many say they feel dispossessed by globalisation as manufacturing jobs move abroad and as immigration and a fast-changing world blur their sense of a French identity. A convinced European integrationist unlike Le Pen and other leadership candidates, Macron went on: “The world and Europe need more than ever France, and a strong France, which speaks out loudly for freedom and solidarity.” Seeking closer ties with EU anchor nation Germany, Macron will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin today. He will ram home the message that the European Union is resilient despite Britain’s vote to leave and a spate of financial and migration crises that have boosted the far right. Today will also see Macron name his prime minister, whose job will be to pilot liberalising reforms aimed at reducing joblessness and reviving economic growth. Macron becomes the youngest post-war French leader and the first to be born after 1958, when President Charles de Gaulle put in place the country’s Fifth Republic. In a ceremony full of pomp, he was presented with what is effectively his chain of office — a heavy golden necklace mounted on a red cushion that makes him Grand Master of the National Order of the Legion d’Honneur. But Macron appeared determined to create an impression of personal modesty.

Reuters - North Korea, defying calls to curb its weapons programme, fired a ballistic missile that landed in the sea near Russia yesterday in a launch the United States called a message to South Korea days after its new president took office pledging to engage Pyongyang in dialogue. Japanese Defence Minister Tomomi Inada said the missile could be a new type. It flew for 30 minutes before dropping into the sea between North Korea’s east coast and Japan. North Korea has consistently test-fired missiles in that direction. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial assessments showed the missile landed 97 km (60 miles) south of Russia’s Vladivostok region. The missile flew 700 km (430 miles) and reached an altitude of more than 2,000 km (1,245 miles), according to officials in

South Korea and Japan, further and higher than an intermediate-range missile North Korea successfully tested in February from the same region of Kusong, northwest of its capital Pyongyang. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called the launch a message by Pyongyang to South Korea after the election of President Moon Jae-in, who took office on Wednesday. “You first have to get into Kim Jong Un’s head - which is, he’s in a state of paranoia, he’s incredibly concerned about anything and everything around him,” Haley told ABC’s “This Week” programme, referring to North Korea’s leader. Haley added that the United States will “continue to tighten the screws” on North Korea, mentioning sanctions and working with the international community to put pressure on Pyongyang.

North Korea fires missile that lands in sea near Russia

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Venezuelans clog roads in new anti-government protest

In the Venezuelan capital Caracas protesters on motorcycles, bikes and even horseback tried to clog a key highway clashing with riot police firing tear gas (AFP Photo/FEDERICO PARRA)

Caracas (AFP) - Venezuelans in cars and on motorcycles, bikes and even horseback clogged roads and police fired tear gas at them in another day of protest against President Nicolas Maduro. Security forces also used tear gas to disperse protesters in the northern city of Valencia and soldiers blocked the procession from reaching its intended destination. In the capital Caracas, protesters’ goal was to fill 25 kilometers (16 miles) of a key highway leading to the coastal state of Vargas. About two hours after the caravan got under way, police on motorcycles fired tear gas to block the procession. The road eventually cleared. Venezuela is mired in an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food, medicine and other basics in the oil-rich country. Protesters blame Maduro. A total of 38 people have died in street unrest since protests first broke out on April 1. Hundreds more have been injured. Protesters also oppose his plans to elect an assembly — and do it sidestepping the country’s political parties — to overhaul the constitution, dismissing it as a way to put off elections. In the central state of Cojedes, groups of people riding horses joined the procession of protest. Pro-government people rallied in downtown Caracas to show support for the proposed 500 member constituent assembly that would rewrite the constitution.

Monday May 15, 2017

Letter to the Sports Editor

ECB responds to Mr. Claude Raphael DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me space to respond to Mr. Claude Raphael nefarious article published in Wednesday’s edition of your daily newspaper entitled “Mr. Drubahadur must publicly account for his GCB stewardship”. Firstly, Mr. Editor, the Essequibo Cricket Board has never participated in any illegal elections of the Guyana Cricket Board. The GCB election in 2011 was legitimate since both the Essequibo Cricket Board and the Berbice Cricket Board were present which constituted a quorum. Abstinence from voting will never affect a quorum in any meeting. So for Raphael to say that the ECB participated in illegal election is far from the truth. Secondly Mr. Raphael should explain why he was part and parcel of a group that used state machinery to harass members of the GCB, some of whom were threatened with dismissal from their jobs. Raphael should explain also why members’ houses were searched by black clothes police officers in the presence of their families. Additionally, he needs to explain why his faction was trying to seat a person of their choice as president of the GCB. Mr. Raphael needs to explain to the Guyanese public about his tenure as director of West Indies Cricket Board and what strides he made to develop cricket in Guyana. For under his watch, Guyana won no title. Moreover, he needs to explain to the Guyanese populace why, in all his years as chairman of national selection panel, not a single Essequibian was selected to represent Guyana, when players such as Ramesh Narine, Trevon Garraway and Norman Fredericks were good enough to do so whereas

a number of players from the other counties were selected under questionable circumstances. Mr. Editor, Mr. Raphael has the audacity to ask Mr. Drubahadur to account to the public. Why does a man with several junior and senior titles under his belt as president of the Guyana cricket board has to be accountable when winning titles should silence doubters. Mr. Raphael claimed that the Guyana cricket board is a one man show, unfortunately no one human being can win three consecutive titles, if this is so then that one man is doing an excellent job, which should put all critics to rest. Mr. Raphael should know that the GCB is a democratically functioning institution as all those who are a part of the present system contribute to the success of the organisation. More importantly, that one man can be credited for making positive representation for Guyana at West Indies Cricket Board and contributed immensely to an increase in Essequibians getting an equal opportunity to represent Guyana. Can the same be said of Mr. Raphael? Definitely not. Finally, Mr. Editor, Mr. Raphael needs to explain to the public that the real reason for the problem in Guyana cricket started when he was not selected as a director of the WICB and the public should know that he tried to railroad a democratic process. The public should also know that the problems faced by Guyana’s cricket are as a result of the actions of Mr. Raphael’s faction in their quest for power. In closing, Mr. Raphael needs to tell the public why he and his cohorts have been sabotaging the efforts of the ECB in their attempts to have sponsorship. Essequibo Cricket Board

Shomari Wiltshire and Taylor... From page 35 Girls Under 11 Beau Fernandes – Winner Christiana Fernandes – Second Isabella Ramjohn- Third Boys Under 11 Mohyryan Baksh – Winner Louis Da Silva – Second Nathan Rahaman – Third Shiloh Asregado – Fourth Girls Under 13 Kirsten Gomes – Winner Paige Fernandes – Second Haley Carpenter – Third Boys Under 13 Michael Alphonso – Winner Demetrius De Abreu – Second Ethan Jonas – Third James Mekdeci – Fourth Girls Under 15 Makeda Harding – Winner AbosaideCadogan – Second Kirsten Gomes – Third Madison Fernandes – Fourth Boys Under 15 Shomari Wiltshire – Winner Samuel Ince-Carvalhal – Second

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Gianni Carpenter – Third Lucas Jonas – Fourth Girls Under 17 Makeda Harding – Winner Abosaide Cadogan – Second Kirsten Gomes – Third Maya Collins – Fourth Boys Under 17/19 Shomari Wiltshire – Winner Daniel Islam – Second Alex Cheeks – Third Girls Under 19 Taylor Fernandes – Winner Makeda Harding – Second Rebecca Low – Third Most Improved girl – Kirsten Gomes Most improved boy – Michael Alphonso Most outstanding girl – Makeda Harding Most outstanding boy – Shomari Wiltshire Prizes were presented to all winners by Robert Fernandes representative of the sponsors Woodpecker Products Ltd.

Real Madrid thrash Sevilla to home in on title

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal. (Reuters / Sergio Perez) MADRID (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 400th goal for Real Madrid as Zinedine Zidane’s side closed in on a first La Liga title since 2012, easing to a 4-1 win over Sevilla yesterday, while Neymar hit a hat-trick for Barcelona, who thrashed Las Palmas 4-1. The two sides are equal on 87 points with Barcelona leading the standings on their head-to-head record although Real have a game in hand against Celta Vigo next week and need only four points from their final two matches to take the title. Defender Nacho Fernandez put Real ahead in the 10th minute with some quick thinking from a free kick, sidefooting the ball into the bottom corner and flummoxing Sevilla who were still preparing their defensive wall. Nacho was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up as Zidane rested Marcelo, Casemiro, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric for Wednesday’s rescheduled game at Celta, the latest demonstration of his confidence in a talent-packed squad

which has been a key factor in his side’s march towards the title. “This team has a lot of resources and what I like the most is the character we always show,” Zidane told reporters. “When the going gets tough we know we can always come out on top and will find solutions with our play. We fully deserved the victory.” Ronaldo netted his milestone goal in the 23rd minute from close range and then added number 401, restoring Real’s two-goal advantage in the 78th with a curling shot into the top corner after Stevan Jovetic had pulled one back for Sevilla early in the second half. “What more can I say about Ronaldo? He has something different, and his goal was something else,” Zidane added. “But more than the goal you have to remember what he has done until now. He’s always there in the decisive moments.” COMFORTABLE WIN Toni Kroos got the fourth goal

in the 84th to add an extra shine to a comfortable last home win of the season for Real, who will play the Champions League final against Juventus next month with the possibility of winning a first league and European Cup double since 1958. In the Canary Islands, Luis Suarez laid on a splendid pass for Neymar to open the scoring for Barca in the 25th minute and then the Uruguayan capitalised on a through ball from the Brazilian to lob over goalkeeper Javi Varas in the 27th. Barca were already missing Gerard Pique through illness and Sergi Roberto because of a suspension when Javier Mascherano suffered an injury in the warm-up, meaning youngster Marlon Santos made his first start. France international Lucas Digne was chosen in the unfamiliar role of right back due to the shortages in defence and risked getting sent off early with a lastditch tackle on Jese but was only shown a yellow card. Pedro Bigas pegged back the champions by sliding in to meet a cross from Kevin-Prince Boateng in the 63rd but Neymar quickly put Barca’s minds at ease with two quick-fire finishes from close range in the 67th and 71st. Atletico Madrid sealed the third automatic Champions League spot despite only drawing 1-1 at Real Betis and Sevilla were guaranteed fourth spot and a play-off berth in Europe’s elite competition after Villarreal were held at home to Deportivo La Coruna, who clinched survival. Sporting Gijon were relegated despite winning 1-0 at Eibar as tiny Leganes secured a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao which ensured they remain in La Liga for another year after being promoted to the top flight for the first time last season. Sporting will join Granada and basement club Osasuna, who were relegated last month, in the Segunda Division.

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Kaieteur News

Chase hundred not enough to prevent series defeat as Pakistan claim historic win ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – A moment of stark madness from tail-ender Shannon Gabriel ended West Indies’ stubborn resistance and laid waste to more than half a century of history, as Pakistan pulled off a nerve-jangling 101-run victory in the decisive third Test to clinch an historic first series win on Caribbean soil here yersterday. Courtesy of a magnificent unbeaten 101 from the immovable Man-of-theMatch Roston Chase, West Indies defied a ruthless but tiring Pakistan bowling attack for nearly 90 overs and appeared on the brink of a brilliant rescue effort, with seven balls left in the day at Windsor Park. But Gabriel, who had defended purposely for just over half-hour, suffered a rush of blood and essayed a wild slog at the 22nd delivery he faced – the last of the day’s penultimate over – and was bowled by champion legspinner Yasir Shah for four as the Windies were dismissed for 202. The result gave Pakistan a 2-1 win in the three-Test victory following a sevenwicket victory in the opening Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica last month, and a 106-run defeat in the second Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados earlier this month.

Babar Azam dives forward at short leg to catch Vishaul Singh off bat and pad, West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Dominica, 5th day, ©AFP For the retiring veterans, captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, the success also provided a memorable farewell with Pakistan winning their first series since they first toured the Caribbean 59 years ago. Chase almost proved the difference for the Windies, striking 12 fours and a six in a monumental innings which spanned 239 balls and a shade over six hours, reviving memories of his match-saving maiden Test hundred against India last year at Sabina Park. The knock was his third hundred in his 10th Test and

second of the series, following his 131 in the second Test. Shimron Hetmyer struck a breezy 25 and captain Jason Holder chipped in with 22, but the hosts failed to cope with Yasir who claimed five for five for 92 to finish with match figures of eight for 218 and take the Man-of-the-Series honours. He was supported by debutant seamer Hasan Ali who picked up three for 33. Resuming the day on seven for one with the victory target of 304 purely academic, the Windies’ bid to save the

match suffered a huge blow when they lost three wickets in the morning session to slump to 73 for four at lunch. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite completed a miserable series when he perished for six in the fourth over of the day, slapping a wide delivery from Yasir to Hasan Ali at cover, at 22 for two. Left-hander Hetmyer once again flattered to deceive, stroking a 36-ball 25 with three fours before attempting an expansive drive at left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir with the hour approaching, and losing his off-stump at 47 for

Quintana takes lead after crash-ridden Giro stage (Reuters) Nairo Quintana stamped his authority on the Giro d’Italia when he claimed the overall lead by winning the first big mountain stage as British hopes took a major blow in a motorbike incident yesterday. Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali was also dealt a big knock when he cracked on the final climb, a punishing 13.6-km ascent up the Blockhaus. Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas and Orica-Scott’s Adam Yates were both brought down in a crash at the foot of the climb when a stationary police motorbike at the side of the road caused a big pile-up.

Thomas, who hurt his right shoulder, needed a couple of minutes to get back on his bike. Yates finished four minutes 38 seconds behind and Thomas’s ordeal ended 5:07 after Quintana had crossed the line. “I’ve had worse crashes,” said Thomas. “My shoulder is sore but it’s nothing I can’t deal with. There’s a lot more racing to be had so we’ll get stuck in.” “These things happen in sport,” said Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford. “You’ve just got to stay calm and not over-react. Obviously there’s emotion but my role here is to keep the guys calm, assess the

three. And 10 minutes before lunch, Shai Hope, who had spent 54 balls over 17, fell lbw to a full length delivery from Hasan Ali. More tragedy followed for West Indies when the outof-sorts Vishaul Singh was caught at short leg by Babar Azam off Yasir in the third over following the interval for two, wrapping up a debut international series to forget. Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich also perished to the combination of Azam and Yasir, 45 minutes after lunch, leaving the Windies at the crossroads at 93 for six. Two critical partnerships then followed as Chase put

on 58 for the seventh wicket with Holder and another 30 for the eighth with Devendra Bishoo who made three. Unbeaten on 19 at lunch, Chase played with confidence and authority to reach his half-century 40 minutes before tea and was not out on 66 at the interval, with West Indies on 146 for six. Holder, however, failed to add to his tea time 22, falling lbw to a Hasan Ali full toss in the third over on the resumption. With Pakistan closing in for the kill, Chase was forced to ride his luck, dropped twice by Hasan Ali off return catches on 66 and 91, and then being caught off a no-ball at first slip by Asad Shafiq late in the day off Mohammad Abbas, as tensions rose. He made the most of the chances to notch three figures late in the day, whipping Hasan Ali through mid-on for four to raise his landmark. Bishoo lasted 45 balls before gloving Abbas to silly point and Alzarri Joseph stuck around nearly an hour for his five before edging Hasan Ali behind. Gabriel then frustrated Pakistan with a straight bat and a cool head and steadily grew in confidence as the visitors began to show signs of panic. But with a draw within reach, he lost his composure and with it the series.

SCOREBOARD

Movistar Team rider Nairo Quintana of Colombia prepares to start before the stage. (REUTERS/Juan Medina) situation and look at how we go on from here.” Colombian Quintana (Movistar), looking to win his second Giro title, made the decisive move 4.7 km from the finish line of the 149-km ninth stage from Montenero de Bisaccia, dropping Frenchman Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and Nibali (BahrainMerida). Pinot limited the damage to take second place, finishing just ahead of Dutchman Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb), 24 seconds off the pace. Nibali was fifth, 59

seconds behind Quintana. Overall, Quintana leads second-placed Pinot by 28 seconds and third-placed Dumoulin by 30 seconds. Another Dutchman, Bauke Mollema (TrekSegafredo), who was fourth on the day, is fourth overall 51 seconds off the pace and fifth-placed Nibali is 1:10 behind Quintana. Today is a rest day and tomorrow’s 10th stage is a 39.8-km individual time trial that should see Dumoulin, originally a time-trial specialist, gain time on his rivals.

PAKISTAN 1st Innings 376 WEST INDIES 1st Innings 247 PAKISTAN 2nd Innings 174-8 decl. WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (target 304) (overnight seven for one) K Brathwaite c Hasan Ali b Yasir Shah K Powell c Shan Masood b Yasir Shah S Hetmyer b Mohammad Amir S Hope lbw b Hasan Ali R Chase not out V Singh c Babar Azam b Yasir Shah +S Dowrich c Babar Azam b Yasir Shah *J Holder lbw b Hasan Ali D Bishoo c Shan Masood b Mohammad Abbas A Joseph c wkp Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali S Gabriel b Yasir Shah Extras (b6, w2, nb3) TOTAL (all out, 96 overs)

6 4 25 17 101 2 2 22 3 5 4 11 202

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Powell), 2-22 (Brathwaite), 3-47 (Hetmyer), 4-66 (Hope), 5-76 (Singh), 6-93 (Dowrich), 7-151 (Holder), 8-181 (Bishoo), 9-197 (Joseph), 10-202 (Gabriel) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 15-8-22-1 (w2), Mohammad Abbas 20-9-31-1 (nb2), Yasir Shah 37-13-92-5, Hasan Ali 20-7-33-3 (nb1), Azhar Ali 2-0-3-0, Asad Shafiq 2-0-15-0. Result: Pakistan won by 101 runs. Series: Pakistan win three-match series 2-1. Man-of-the-Match: Roston Chase. Man-of-the-Series: Yasir Shah. Toss: West Indies. Umpires: R Illingworth, B Oxenford; TV – R Kettleborough.

Monday May 15, 2017

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Kaieteur News

2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament

Guyana and Trinidad share spoils in closely contested tournament

Guyana’s Emmanuel Pompey seems to running to his corner after being hit by St Lucia’s Kimlyn Martie. (Sean Devers photo)

T&T’s Abdul Taylor is stretchered out of the ring after being knocked cold on Saturday by Guyana’s Richard Howard. (Sean Devers photo) By Michael Benjamin In what can be regarded as an improved performance, Guyanese boxers chalked up three victories to keep their hopes alive for championship honours when action continued in the 2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, last Saturday evening. However, it was not a cut and dried issue since Trinidad and Tobago also showed some resistance after registering 2 victories from their five fights. The night’s proceedings were characterized by several knockouts, none more stunning than Guyanese, Omar Pollard’s 29 seconds humiliation of Trinidadian, Edwin Felix, in their 54kgs Schoolboys shindig, winning the gold medal in that division. The chimes of the bell were still resonating when Pollard sprinted out and delivered several clouts to his opponents head. In all, approximately ten punches were thrown, all by the Guyanese pugilist. They landed with force and sent Felix to the canvass where he remained for the entire count. The 40kgs Schoolboys finals between Guyanese, Richard Howard (jnr) and Trinidadian, Abdul Taylor, was also a brutal affair. Both pugilists went after each other from the onset and the small crowd was treated to a good display of attack and counter attack. The vicious

exchanges of the first round set the pace for the second. Howard rushed out and backed his opponent to the ropes, mercilessly pummeling his man. The Trinidadian braved the storm but apparently did not see the roundhouse right that thudded into his temple and sent him spread-eagled to the canvas. He remained there for the better part of five minutes while the medical experts attended to him. He was then taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure, while Howard celebrated the gold medal feat. Leon Moore also scored

a gold medal win for Guyana in the 44kgs schoolboys division when he out boxed Trinidadian, Tyrique Hosein. Despite losing, the Trinidadian displayed a fair aptitude of the sport from the onset when he attempted to bully his opponent in the early stages of the first frame. Moore refused to be bullied and retaliated with a two fisted attack that forced the referee to institute a mandatory 8 count on the Trinidadian. Hosein refused to say die and came out swinging in the 3rdround. He connected with a wicked right cross and the referee

Guyana’s Patrick Harvey is hurt by T&T’s Nyrel Hosein in their 46kg final. (Sean Devers photo)

jumped in and counted Moore. Upon resumption, Moore surprised his man and attacked with venom. The two gladiators engaged in toe to toe combat and only stopped when the bell rang. It was truly a valiant performance by the Trinidadian but it turned out to be a mite too late and he dropped the decision on points. The Trinidadians also enjoyed successful moments earlier in the night when Nyrel Hosein outboxed Guyanese, Patrick Harvey to take their 46kgs bout and the gold medal that went with it. Hosein, the taller of the duo, utilized his height advantage to good effect, jabbing and crossing and moving out of range before his opponent could have asserted himself, Pompey attempted to weave his way in but the Trinidadian kept him at bay with long left jabs and right crosses. It was easy pickings for Hosein who was eventually adjudged the unanimous winner. Guyanese, Shemar Hutson, also had a nightmarish experience when he fought Trinidadian, Juan Rodriguez for the gold in the 52kgs schoolboys division. Rodriguez was all business and less than one minute into the fight he scored with a crunching right hand that forced the referee to institute the mandatory 8 count. Upon resumption, the Trinidadian attacked and an especially hard clout to Hutson’s temple sent him down for the referee to administer the count before deciding that the fight should

be halted. The time was 1:27secs of the first stanza. Guyanese, Emmanuel Pompey, stayed around for 1:52secs of the first frame during which time his opponent, St Lucian, Kimlyn Martie, fired away at his hapless body. After seeing no level of resistance the referee wisely waved off the one sided affair. St Lucia also added to the Guyanese woes when their representative, Kimlyn Martie bulldozed Guyanese Emmanuel Pompey and forced the referee to call a halt to the proceedings at 1:52secs of the first stanza. This bout was in the 63kgs schoolboys’ category. The night’s activity also saw several all local bouts and once again Shaquancy Wright showed his dominance by stopping Neil Garraway in just 57secs of the first stanza of their 35kgs schoolboys’ affair. Sean

Graham also forced a stoppage of his 32kgs schoolboys match against Laterell Richards. Vickacy Graham is small in stature but he packed enough power to rock Moses Crawford on several occasions before winning on points. Other winners were Isaiah Moore over Junior Hyman in the 50kgs division, Jaquan Milo from Mark Crawford in the 52kgs division and Inshaun Khan, who was gifted a walk over after Anthony Patterson was a no show for their 56kgs encounter. Two of the country’s seasoned amateurs, Keevin Allicock and Delon Charles also entertained the audience with a three rounds exhibition shindig. The boxers were at it again last night in the finals where the top country would have been established followed by the prize giving ceremony.

GFSCA tourney to commence May 28 The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will commence their annual softball tournament on Sunday May 28 at various venues across the country. The competition will be played in three categories; Male Masters (40 years old and over), Male Open and Female Open. The winning Masters and Open teams will pocket a trophy and $100,000 each, while the runners up will receive $50,000 and a trophy. The player of the tournament in each category will pocket $5,000 and a trophy, while the winning female team will receive $50,000 and a trophy while the runner-up $25,000. Matches will be played at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC), Carifesta Sports Complex, Everest Cricket Club and Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO), Ogle/Industry Community Centre, Enterprise Cricket Club, Jialing ground in Berbice and Tuschen ground on the East Bank of Essequibo. For more information and registration contact GFSCA Organizing Secretary Wayne Jones on 650-1790 or 685-6908.

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Monday May 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Tottenham secure runners-up spot on historic day Mexico maul Bermuda in 59-7 romp

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker celebrate after the match. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez) (Reuters) Tottenham Hotspur signed off 118 years at their soon-to-bedemolished White Hart Lane stadium with a 2-1 win over Manchester United yesterday that ensured they will finish as Premier League runners-up. A carnival atmosphere preceded kickoff and the stadium erupted after six minutes when Victor Wanyama headed them in front against a weakened United side. David de Gea kept United in the game with several fine stops while Harry Kane struck the crossbar shortly before halftime as the hosts threatened to overwhelm their opponents. Home hero Kane scored his 22nd league goal of the season to make it 2-0 shortly after the interval but United skipper Wayne Rooney halved the deficit with just under 20 minutes remaining. As rain began to fall on Tottenham’s parade their were some nervy moments but they

hung on to claim a club record equalling 14th successive home win and remain unbeaten at their north London fortress all season. U n i t e d ’s second successive defeat in London, after last w e e k e n d ’s 2 - 0 l o s s t o Arsenal ended a 25-match unbeaten league run, means that Jose Mourinho’s side can no longer finish in the top four although they could yet qualify for the Champions League by beating Ajax in the Europa League final. It was Tottenham’s day though and as the final whistle sounded to confirm their highest top flight finish for 54 years, thousands of fans invaded the pitch to celebrate, delaying a postmatch ceremony featuring numerous club legends. The stadium, home since 1899 and already being swallowed up by the new 61,00-seater ground rising around it, will be demolished

with the club playing at Wembley next season before returning in the 2018-19 campaign. While it was a day for nostalgia, it was also a day to celebrate the vibrant side assembled by Mauricio Pochettino — even if the title proved just beyond them. With two games remaining they could still end up with 86 points, five more than Leicester City managed when winning the Premier League last season. “What a way to finish,” Kane said. “We wanted a win so badly in our last game here. I said before I’d love to score the winning goal and for it to happen is brilliant.” If there was any hangover from last week’s loss at West Ham that effectively ended their title hopes, it vanished after six minutes when Wanyama powered home a Ben Davies cross. Anthony Martial almost levelled with a curled effort but Tottenham dominated

and de Gea made great saves to deny Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. Kane’s header from Eriksen’s cross rattled the bar before the break and the pattern continued after the interval. As so often this season it was Eriksen’s killer delivery that led to Tottenham’s second goal — his wickedly curling free kick into the danger area touched home brilliantly by Kane with an outstretched leg. When Rooney beat Hugo Lloris from close range after some fine play by Martial it seemed United might gatecrash the party but Tottenham would not be denied and Alli almost made it 3-1 when his shot was headed off the line by Danny Blind. Sunday 14th May results: Crystal Palace 4 – Hull 0 West Ham 0 – Liverpool 4 Tottenham 2 - Man Utd 1

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial passes the ball to Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney before he scored their first goal. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez)

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Mexico, the defending champions, crushed Bermuda by more than 50 points in their 2017 Rugby Americas North Championship North Zone opener at the National Sports Centre here on Saturday. A new-look Bermuda side, featuring a number of debutants, opened the scoring through a converted try by winger Corey Boyce. But Mexico stormed back to lead 33-7 at the break thanks to five tries before adding four more in the second half to romp to a 59-7 victory as Bermuda wilted. Before the 2016 edition, the tournament was known as the NACRA Rugby Championship. Bermuda’s rugby powers have waned since they won back-to-back NACRA titles in 2011 and 2012, when they beat

Guyana in both finals under coach Lawrence Bird. Saturday’s game proved to be a baptism of fire for Bermuda’s new coach, Brian Archibald, who has replaced Rudolph Van der Westhuizen at the helm. “Mexico deserved to win, they kept the ball and played in the right areas of the park,” Archibald said. “They won the tournament last year and they showed they’re a good side and did the simple things well. “They were just better than us and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you got beat by a better side.” In the other match in the four-strong group USA South coasted to a 39-5 victory over the Cayman Islands in Marietta, Georgia yesterday. Bermuda are home to the Caymans on June 3.

Nadal overpowers Thiem to win fifth Madrid title

Nadal poses with the trophy after his victory. (REUTERS/Susana Vera) MADRID (Reuters) Rafael Nadal consolidated his flying start to the clay-court season by taking a record-extending fifth Madrid Open title yesterday, battling past a determined Dominic Thiem to win 7-6(10-8) 6-4. The Spaniard, who snapped a seven-match losing streak against Novak Djokovic to win their semi-final on Saturday, was given a much sterner test by Thiem than in last month’s final of the Barcelona Open. Nadal had easily beaten Thiem 6-4 6-1 in Barcelona but got an early scare when he was broken in Sunday’s third game, soon falling 3-1 behind as the Austrian held. Nadal broke back to win the sixth game and earned three set points at 5-4 but world number nine Thiem saved each one to eventually hold and force the tie-break. The pair stayed neck and neck until Thiem lost his nerve and made two unforced errors in a row, gifting Nadal the set. The 14-times grand-slam winner broke in the opening game of the second set and saved a break point in the next, maintaining a two-game advantage until a thrilling 10th game. The 23-year-old Thiem earned two break points which Nadal saved to move within a point of the title. Thiem resisted three championship points but Nadal seized the fourth with a drop shot to the back of the court to clinch his third consecutive clay-court crown, after winning in Monte Carlo and Barcelona in April, and the 72nd tournament win of his career. “The truth is I was up against an opponent who in the next five to 10 years will be fighting for the most important titles so I’m very happy to have won; it was a very exciting game,” Nadal told Television Espanola. “It was a very important final for both of us — for him as it was the first in the Masters 1000 and for me it’s always special to play here in Madrid in this unique tournament. You never know when it might be the last so I always try to enjoy it.”

Kaieteur News

Monday May 15, 2017

PAGE 33

Hamilton wins in Spain with Vettel second

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in action during the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona-Catalunya racetrack. (REUTERS/Albert Gea) B A R C E L O N A (Reuters) Lewis Hamilton won a strategic Spanish Grand Prix thriller yesterday to cut Sebastian Vettel’s overall lead in the Formula One championship to six points with a quarter of the season completed. The Mercedes driver’s 55th career win was hardfought and tense, with Ferrari’s Vettel seizing the lead from Hamilton at the start and in the hunt all the way as the tire strategies played out. Hamilton took the checkered flag 3.4 seconds clear of the German, who did all he could to beat him with a thrilling move to pass the Briton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas that will be replayed for some time to come. “That’s how racing should be and I loved it,” said a happy Hamilton, who raced side by side with Vettel at turn one after the German’s final pitstop. “This is what the sport needs to be every single race...to have that close battle with him, a four times champion, is awesome,” added the triple champion. Vettel now has 104 points to Hamilton’s 98. The Briton, who made the move stick seven laps later and then made his tyres last to the finish, had sounded strangely breathless during the race when fretting about a strategy that turned out to be spot on.

“Lewis saved the race with an incredible drive. The strategy was great, but it was the driver who won it,” said M e r c e d e s F 1 ’s n o n executive chairman Niki Lauda. POOR START The win was Hamilton’s second in Barcelona and ended a run of 10 different winners in 10 years. “I was eight seconds ahead and then...I don’t know how we managed to lose that,” said Vettel, who made the most of Hamilton’s poor start. On an afternoon that saw the two multiple world champions in a battle of their own with the rest so far behind they might as well have been in another race, Daniel Ricciardo finished 75.8 seconds behind the winner. Ricciardo was the only driver not lapped by the top two in a race after inheriting third, and his first podium of the year, from Bottas after the Finn’s engine expired. On a day of Finns failing to finish, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen went out at the start after a collision with Red Bull’s 2016 winner Max Verstappen. Bottas, who celebrated his first career victory in Russia two weeks ago, made glancing contact with his compatriot and the impact pitched Raikkonen into Verstappen on the other side, smashing the suspension on

both cars. The 19-year-old Dutch driver, with a legion of fans around the Circuit de Catalunya, shook his fist as the field disappeared in front of him and Raikkonen stopped. Stewards investigated the incident and decided to take no further action. Bottas retired 38 laps later, having started with an engine that had already done four races and was hurriedly shoe-horned into the car overnight on Friday after a water leak was discovered. Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso, starting seventh for McLaren after a troubled practice, was forced into the gravel in a tussle with Williams’s Felipe Massa and dropped to 13th. He finished 12th. The virtual safety car was deployed when Alonso’s team mate Stoffel Vandoorne broke his car’s suspension in a collision with Massa on lap 34.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after the Spanish Grand Prix. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

Mexican Sergio Perez finished fourth, his 15th successive points finish, for Force India with French rookie team mate Esteban Ocon fifth. G e r m a n y ’s N i c o

Hulkenberg was sixth for Renault, with compatriot Pascal Wehrlein eighth for Sauber after a five second time penalty was applied — the Swiss team’s first points of the season — and Carlos

Sainz seventh for Toro Rosso. Russian Daniil Kvyat was eighth for Toro Rosso and French driver Romain Grosjean took the final point for Haas.

Fernandes rolls back the years to win FACC cycle race in West Berbice

Winner, veteran cyclist Syborne Fernandes receives his prize from B Division Community Relations Officer ASP Mark Vigilance in the presence of other riders, officials and fans. The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice in collaborating with the B Division of the Guyana Police Force recently ran off a 30-mile cycle road race on the West Berbice. The event which was dubbed the “Race Against Drugs”, started from Bennet Dam in front of Roy’s Taxi Service, Rosignol Village, West Coast, Berbice, proceeded to Litchfield School and back to finish at it point of origin. The event, which was for cyclists of the FACC, saw some 17 cyclists take to the start. In the end veteran rider Sybrone Fernandes showed the younger riders how it is done by winning the event in a time of 1 hour 1 minute 27

seconds. He was followed by Orel Ross, Clement Doris, Sanjay Baijnauth and Samuel Mootoo in that order. The first female to cross the finishing line was Shenika Teixeira, while in the 12-14 category Shivnarine Bhowandin won from Cameron Yorrick. Out of the six sprint prizes available, Ross rode away with four, while Fernandes took two. The Presentation of prizes and other incentives was done immediately after the completion of the race, by among others, newly appointed Community Relations Officer of the Police B Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mark Vigilance and parents.

The club would like to thank the various sponsors of the event including the Guyana Police Force, Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, Assistant Superintendents Parks and Vigilance, Inspector Clay Rose, Ramesh Vernon and Bryan and Sons General Store among others. It also expresses its appreciation to past Secretary Rhonda Russell for her assistance. The race was organized by the Club Coach Randolph Roberts. It was the second successive event staged on the West Berbice and according to Roberts the event is being held to help revitalized the sport in that part of the County.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

WTA condemn Madrid Open organizers for Nastase presence

Monday May 15, 2017

Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s

‘Green Machine’ continues dominance over B/dos

Halep holds trophy after winning, with Romania’s tennis legend Illie Nastase. (REUTERS/Sergio Perez) (Reuters) The head of women’s tennis has condemned Madrid Open organizers for allowing controversial Romanian Fed Cup captain Ilie Nastase to take part in the trophy presentation ceremony following Saturday’s final. The 70-year-old is under investigation by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) following last month’s Fed Cup tie with Britain, where he swore at members of the opposing team and made a derogatory remark about Serena Williams’s unborn child. However, the former world number one shared the stage with Madrid champion and compatriot Simona Halep, who defended her title with a 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2 victory over Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic. “It was an exciting final match and I heartily congratulate Simona and Kristina for their outstanding display of tennis,” Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) CEO Steve Simon said in a statement on the governing body’s website. (www.wtatennis.com) “The only shadow cast on the day was Mr Nastase’s invitation to participate in today’s award ceremony. He had no place on court today,” Simon added.

The victorious Guyana men’s squad pose for a photo op following their win against Barbados on Saturday.

R

eigning South Zone champions Guyana started its Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s campaign on a positive note with a 34-26 triumph over Barbados on Saturday, at the Garrison Savannah in Barbados. Former Captain now Vice-captain Richard Staglon was in terrific form,

ending over the tryline thrice to lead all scorers for the ‘Green Machine’, while support came from Vallon Adams, who recorded two tries and Ahmad Isaacs on his debut registering one. Rickford Cummings converted twice for Guyana. The Green Machine will next play rivals Trinidad and Tobago at the

National Park Rugby Field in Georgetown on June 10, but before that the Trinis take on Barbados on May 27. Meanwhile, Mexico, who defeated Guyana last year also won their engagement against Bermuda, beating them 59-7, while USA South beat Cayman Islands 39-5.

Felix Austin Police College holds Volleyball Extravaganza and fun day

The winning female team receiving their prize at the presentation. Skeldon Community Center Slammers created a major upset when they defeated Port Mourant Training Center 1, (PMTC1) 2-1 in the final that went down to the wire of the Felix Austin B Division Volleyball extravaganza and fun day. In a very close encounter the SCCS held their nerves to edge home against their more famed counterparts in a cliff hanger. The day’s activity was held at the

FAPTC “B” division location at Adventure Corentyne, Berbice. In a game that was hotly contested from the start, the SCCS bounced back after losing the first game 25-21. To take the next two games at 25-23 and 15-12 in fading light to announce themselves on the big stage. The other teams that took part were Black Bush Polder and the Felix Austin Training Center

Recruits. Two teams participated among the females with Port Mourant coming back from a game down to defeat Falcons 2-1. The scores were Port Mourant winning 16-25, 25-16 and 15-8. There were three junior teams that participated with GTC PM1 steamrolling Jets 15-5 and 15-8. The other team that participated was GTCPM 2.

At the end of the day’s activity trophies and other incentives were distributed to the winners and outstanding individual players. The first and second places (SCCS and PMTC1) in the senior male categories received trophies. First place finisher in the female category received a trophy, while medals were presented to the runner up. The top junior team also received a trophy.

The outstanding individual players who were rewarded were Ray Moore MVP senior male, Candacy Mentore MVP female, Female Best setter was Krystal Paddy, Junior male best setter award went to Hellon Singh. Among those who were in attendance and assisted with the presentation of trophies and incentives were BVA president Levi Nedd, B Division Commander Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam, Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, OC No3 Division (Corentyne) Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, Divisional Detective Officer Deputy Superintendent Gary McAllister, Community Relations Officer Assistant Superintendent Keith Williams, Commandant of the Training School Assistant Superintendent Antonio Fredericks, Assistant Superintendent Elton Davidson and Assistant Superintendent Yonette Stephen among others. T h e d a y ’s a c t i v i t y w a s coordinated by Nedd and Fredericks. The next tournament will be held on Sunday May 28th at the Skeldon Community Centre in keeping with the Government’s Social Cohesion initiative.

Kaieteur News

Monday May 15, 2017

PAGE 35

Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships 2017

Shomari Wiltshire and Taylor Fernandes lead line of champions crowned

The respective winners along with officials following the conclusion of the event and presentation of prizes take time out for a photo. The curtains came down on the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) second junior tournament for 2017, the Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships which were held at the Georgetown Club Inc courts. Ten champions were crowned with Shomari Wiltshire and Taylor Fernandes being the top players on show by their capturing of the Under 19 titles. Shomari Wiltshire defeated Daniel Islam in three tough games to win both the Under 17/19 titles 11/6, 11/8, 11/7, while Taylor Fernandes outplayed Rebecca Low in the final match winning comfortably in straight games 11/4, 11/5, 11/6. Results of all the matches played on the final day were as follows: Girls Under 11 Beau Fernandes defeated Isabella Ramjohn 11/4, 11/8, 11/1 Boys Under 11 Louis Da Silva beat Shiloh Asregado 11/1, 11/8, 11/2 Chad De Abreu beat Dhiren Persaud 12/10, 11/5, 11/4 Mohyryan Baksh beat Nathan Rahaman 11/3, 11/1, 11/5 Girls Under 13 Kirsten Gomes beat Paige Fernandes 11/6, 11/4, 11/1 Boys Under 13 Demetrius De Abreu defeated James Mekdeci 11/5, 11/8, 11/7 Zachary Persaud beat Liam Carpenter 11/0, 11/1, 11/3 Michael Alphonso beat Ethan Jonas 11/4, 11/8, 11/6 Girls Under 15 Kirsten Gomes beat Teija Edwards 11/3, 11/1, 11/1 Makeda Harding beat Aliyah Persaud 11/1, 11/2, 11/3 Abosaide Cadogan beat Madison Fernandes 5/11, 11/9, 8/11, 12/10,11/6 Aliyah Persaud beat Jahcinta Adams 11/2, 11/1, 11/1 Boys Under 15 Jason Gomes defeated Dominic

Collins 5/11, 11/9, 11/4, 11/8 Mikhail Persaud beat Osmond Mack 11/7, 11/8, 5/11, 11/5 Shomari Wiltshire beat Lucas Jonas 11/1, 11/1, 11/2 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Gianni Carpenter 11/3, 11/7, 11/4 Girls Under 19 Taylor Fernandes beat Rebecca Low 11/4, 11/5, 11/6 Taylor Fernandes beat Sarah Lewis 11/1, 11/7, 11/3 Boys Under 17/19 Alex Cheeks beat Anthony Islam 11/3, 11/6, 11/5 Shomari Wiltshire defeated Daniel Islam 11/6, 11/8, 11/7 Results of matches played on

Saturday evening were as follows Boys Under 11 Mohyryan Baksh beat Shiloh Asregado 11/1, 11/1, 11/2 Nathan Rahaman beat Chad De Abreu 11//3, 11/6, 11/8 Boys Under 13 Ethan Jonas beat Zachary Persaud 12/10, 11/9, 11/5 Michael Alphonso beat Demetrius De Abreu 13/11, 11/4, 11/8 Zachary Persaud defeated Nicholas Verwey 12/10, 11/4, 6/11, 11/5 Ethan Jonas beat James Mekdeci 11/5, 11/2, 11/7 Girls Under 15

Kirsten Gomes beat Jahcinta Adams 11/0, 11/1, 11/2 Abosaide Cadogan beat Aliyah Persaud 11/8, 11/2, 11/5 Madison Fernandes beat Teija Edwards 11/0, 11/0, 11/2 Boys Under 15 Dominic Collins beat Mikhail Persaud 11/2, 11/9, 11/8 Gianni Carpenter defeated Lucas Jonas 11/6, 11/7, 11/2 Shomari Wiltshire defeated Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11/3, 11/3, 11/5 Jason Gomes beat Osmond Mack 11/2, 11/6, 11/8 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Lucas Jonas 11/3, 11/4, 11/2

Dominic Collins beat Osmond Mack 11/4, 11/5, 11/7 Jason Gomes beat Mikhail Persaud 11/6, 11/2, 11/2 Girls Under 17 Kirsten Gomes beat Maya Collins 14/12, 10/12, 11/8, 11/6 Boys Under 17/19 S h o m a r i Wi l t s h i r e b e a t Anthony Islam 11/2, 11/1, 11/4 Daniel Islam beat Alex Cheeks 11/5, 11/4, 4/11, 11/7 Girls Under 19 Makeda Harding beat Rebecca Low 11/8, 9/11, 11/9, 11/8 Final results in each category was as follows Continued on page 29

rt o p S

Chase hundred not enough to prevent series defeat as Pakistan claim historic win

Yasir Shah removed Vishaul Singh and Shane Dowrich soon after lunch, West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Dominica, 5th day, ©AFP

Roston Chase, another quality knock under pressure. (Windes Cricket facebook)

Woodpecker Products Ltd Junior National Squash Championships 2017

SHOMARI WILTSHIRE AND TAYLOR FERNANDES LEAD LINE OF CHAMPIONS CROWNED 2nd edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Boxing Tournament Guyana’s Richard Howard knocks out Abdul Taylor of T&T on Saturday. (Sean Devers photo)

Guyana and Trinidad share spoils in closely contested tournament The Referee steps in as Guyanese Shemar Hutson is floored by T&T’s Juan Rodrigues on Saturday Night. (Sean Devers photo)

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