Wednesday May 17, 2017
Corentyne High School’s history and the pursuit of ego DEAR EDITOR, A few months before the August 2008 reunion of my alma mater, Corentyne High School, held in Queens, New York, I received a phone call from the person overseeing the reunion and the school’s alumni web site. He told me that, considering my past invaluable literary contributions to the web site, he felt I fit the bill to write an article on the history of the school and J.C. Chandisingh, its principal. He wanted me to do the piece in time for inclusion on the website and the reunion brochure to be handed out on the night of the reunion. Needless to say, I felt flattered to be considered for what I considered an important assignment, involving an institution for which I’ve always held the highest regard during and after my five-year tenure there. I thanked the caller for his obvious confidence in me, and requested at least two months so I could do the requisite research before bringing the article to fruition. In the ensuing weeks, I delved deeply into the assignment, gathering as much relevant data as possible, the bulk of it from Hardutt Chandisingh, the last surviving son of the (late) principal. Hardutt, then a resident of Hertfordshire, England, provided a rich trove of information going back to the time, in 1938, when the school was established by the Canadian Mission, which had recognized and deplored the paucity of institutions of secondary education in the Corentyne. After weeks of diligent work and research, I finally put the finishing touches to the article, of around 2000 words, and emailed it to the
administrator. In response, after a few additional weeks, he thanked me, adding that his older brother thought I “write well.” While he relayed that piece of information to me from his brother (for whom, incidentally, I’ve always had high regard from the days he taught me at CHS), it did not escape my attention that he expressed no opinion on the article itself. After all, he was the one to commission me to write the piece and would have been expected to be the first to comment – if at least to say it was what he had in mind. When he instead chose to tell me how his brother ‘felt,’ my skullduggery-detection antennae went into full activation. As a result, I came to the conclusion that his “message” to me from his brother was an attempt to butter me up - for some hidden purpose. Come the night of the reunion, the hall was packed. I arrived there with my wife and was handed the brochure commemorating the event. The full text of my article, the longest, was included and occupied two full pages. However, what I found curiously bizarre was the fact that page two appeared before page one – at first sight, a glaring flub, in effect likely to cause confusion to the reader. An attendee from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, brought it to the attention of the administrator, who attributed it to error or poor proof-reading by the committee member in charge of the publication. The Canadian accused the committee of sabotage. It so happened that I knew well the committee member overseeing the brochure and it’s printing. In fact, I knew him
as a very organized and neat person, one who was unlikely to miss such a glaringly obvious foul-up. Was it really sabotage? Hard to say for certain and by whom. Though it must be noted that contributions to the brochure by both the administrator and the supposedly incompetent proof-reader appeared unblemished. What struck me as quite odd, however, was that the lead article in the brochure was on the same subject as the one commissioned for me to do; and it was written by the administrator’s brother, the supposed source of the “write well” comment. I immediately felt vindicated: It confirmed my suspicion that the administrator was trying to butter me up with that comment, knowing I would feel slighted at his brother’s writing on the same subject obviously at his bidding. To add insult to injury, the elder brother’s article contained data that were at stark variance from mine, including the date J.C. Chandisingh became principal of the school – it was, as confirmed by Hardutt Chandisingh- the late 1940s and not 1938, when the school was established. (Hardutt – may he RIP was livid when I pointed out the discrepancy. After all, he stressed, he knew personally the school’s first principal, Mr. Firth, a Canadian, who held the post until the Canadian Mission determined the time was ripe for handing it over to a Guyanese; and such time was in the late 1940s after J.C. Chandisingh had worked for some years in a secretarial capacity under Firth.) It seems clear that the organizer of the reunion (and
administrator of the website) exhibited questionable judgment, not to mention favoritism towards a family member – all having to do with an educational institution over which no alumnus should have carte blanche control. Besides, if there is a name that comes close to being synonymous with Corentyne High School, it is Chandisingh (as in J.C. Chandisingh) - none other! And I say so in spite of all the much-publicized efforts (particularly on the web site), on the administrator’s part, to raise funds for the school’s upkeep and scholarships to outstanding students. I posit that such efforts involve more of a craving for ego embellishment as opposed to love of the school (Incidentally, my article, which had appeared on the website since 2008, was recently removed – and not by me!) As a graduate of this prestigious educational institution, I deplore the continuing usurping of its name by one graduate to satisfy selfish, egotistic motivations, including the pursuit of elevation of a family name at the expense of the more deserving Chandisingh name. As plans are underway for an August 2017 reunion (in Guyana), I think it’s about time other graduates, including the many, sycophantic ones seemingly in thrall of the usurper, come to their senses and wrest control of the web site and reunion programs from one person. Instead, control should come under a committee of graduates with an unselfish agenda, including keeping the school’s name and reputation on the pedestal it richly deserves. Abel Peters
Mark Benschop blames the world rather than himself for his actions’ DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter written by Mark Benschop published in the Kaieteur News on Sunday, May 14, 2017. What a venomous and vituperative outpouring of ad hominem diatribe that was. Upon reflection, I am happy that I provided an outlet for the toxicity. Any receptacle of such level of poison must contaminate itself after a while. Mr. Benschop used the occasion to heap at my feet, every allegation of wrong doing, ever made against the PPP government. The fact that I was only in government for two and a half years was deliberately omitted. As regards the allegations made against me personally, he must recognise that despite all his rantings of wrongs which I allegedly committed, all the Coalition government can charge me with is US $2000 worth of law books. A charge which the prosecutors, in effect, conceded was instituted without evidence and one which they are now fishing for evidence to support. That the charge will be dismissed, I am in no doubt. Rather than accept that the treason charge against him
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
was a product of his foolish and clumsy bravado, Mr. Benschop blames the world. I maintain that in a normal society with an fair and unbiased jury, Mr. Benschop would not only have been convicted of treason but he would have been charged and convicted of manslaughter in respect of the person whom he aided, abetted, counseled and procured on a loud hailer to “break down the gates [Office of the President gates] and take over the place”. The evidence was clear, cogent, compelling and uncontroverted. Mr. Robert Corbin was so right when he warned this nation to beware of “certain wild men” who are not only public nuisances but whose agenda is only to cause social unrest and public disorder in this land. I have neither the energy nor the time to further engage lumpens like Mark Benschop. So this will be my final response to this matter. I will adhere to the advice of a former US President, who said, “when you are hunting elephants, you must not be distracted by rabbits”. Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP Attorney-at-law
Marijuana double standards of Bharrat Jagdeo DEAR EDITOR, Now that Jagdeo and his PPP comrades, are in some kind of superficial support of legalizing marijuana, in time for a special kinda high in 2020. Please, allow me to expose Jagdeo’s hypocrisy on the issue. In July, 2011 (not so long ago) Jagdeo met with members a group of Rastafarians, at the launch of the ‘International Year for People of African Descent” (IYPAD), and boldly declared to the group that; “This marijuana business, I think it will outlive my presidency, there will be no change in the law whilst I am here…” Interestingly, Jagdeo at the very conference, made this declaration; “I am a little concerned when the countries that lecture us on this issue, they are busy legalizing marijuana on a ballot…” Mr. Editor, for years, Jagdeo has jailed hundreds of Guyanese (mostly young people) for small amounts of marijuana. And, even with numerous calls by a few of us activists, and members of the Guyana Rastafarian Council for the decriminalization of small amount of marijuana, fell on deaf ears during Jagdeo’s reign. Maybe, Jagdeo can explain his position now, other than to score cheap political points. Mark A. Benschop
Verbal abuse of teachers at a Berbice High School DEAR EDITOR, It is with great annoyance and frustration that I pen this letter to you. For the past term and two weeks the teachers at J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School, Corentyne, Berbice have been experiencing verbal abuse among other things from certain quarters. This is creating havoc and causing animosity among teachers at this school. Verbally abusive to female teachers and parents as well have taken place. This is the third week of the school term, and to date the students of the Natural Science courses have not received their report booklets. The teachers have all met the deadline. Jainarine Singh was given a letter by the Deputy Head Mistress (ag) on the last day of last term for failing to meet the deadline, he then tore the letter into pieces in front of the DHM (ag) and told her to write it in the report. Jainarine Singh has no respect for authority. His attitude at work is becoming overbearing and is causing the teachers and students to become uncomfortable and this should not be. A certain individual in February 2017 has since taken up two class room spaces to create an office for himself. The two classes are now housed in one building which is already filled to capacity making it very difficult for teachers to deliver the curriculum or to function effectively since the noise level is extremely high. Students are unable to hear the teacher visa versa. The creation of this office was
done without the consent of senior staff members. Mr Editor, reports were made via the Deputy Head Mistress to the Department of Education, New Amsterdam and nothing has been done about it, so we would be very grateful if the relevant authorities can look into the matter with great urgency so that the environment can be conducive for work, and teachers would be able to deliver the curriculum effectively. We are strongly recommending that a teacher be removed from the school or the education system, since his attitude is not fitting for the working environment. Thank you very much for publishing our concerns and we are looking forward to a quick response by the Ministry of Education. Mr Editor we can provide our names but would be very pleased if you can withhold same since we are scared of being victimized. Concerned teachers
PAGE 6
This govt. has an excellent record of achievements in two years DEAR EDITOR, Permit me a space in your daily newspaper to express my deepest appreciation over the achievements of my government on this their second anniversary. The water was definitely not smooth upon their assumption of duty given that Venezuela suddenly decided to reclaim Essequibo, closure to the PetroCaribe deal, GUYSUCO demanding another bailout and of course the high crime rate, disrespect for law and order, coupled with the disloyalty for country that was present. Nonetheless, the achievements are numerous and for that I am extremely proud. First, public servants received over the two years period a significant salary increase with a $75000 Christmas bonus. The increase in income tax threshold saw 68000 persons exempted from income tax and the reduction in PAYE allowed for persons to have more disposable income at hand. There was a 38 percent increase in minimum wages. The old age pension and public assistance were both significantly increased in the space of two years. A reduction of the Berbice River Bridge toll happened when
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
we were once told that it cannot happen and free transportation for our school children is finally a reality all because of the many buses, bicycles and boats donated by supporters and well wishers of this government. Secondly, close to 1000 scholarships were awarded to Guyanese students in an effort to further educate this nation so as to lift it from the nightmare this government received it in. GUYSUCO received a $33 Billion dollars bailout, the establishment of 51 new ICT hubs all across Guyana is now a reality hence, folks from rural Guyana can be informed in a timely manner of what is happening in urban Guyana. Radio Mabaruma is on air, Radio Lethem is on air, Radio Aishalton is under construction, Radios Bartica, Mahdia and Orealla are also under construction. Georgetown is no longer the garbage city but is being restored as the garden city and no longer flood waters take days to be drawn off; it happens now in a matter of hours fundamentally because major canals and trenches were desilted and excavated. Thirdly, in an effort to
improve the quality of water supply across beautiful Guyana $5.6 Billion was put toward water treatment plants and areas that never saw GWI water are finally smiling, because this basic need was provided to them by the APNU AFC Government. Editor space will not permit me to expound on the other achievements such as the establishment of 3 new towns, holding of local government elections after 22 years, lower crime rates, less blackouts, 4G internet, passage of the telecommunications bill, the abolishment of political victimization, the restoration of press freedom, better roads and streets especially in Leguan and Sophia, reduction in VAT and more zero rated items, the passage of the anti money laundering bill, street lights in a number of communities, the establishment of Regional Passport Offices, the introduction of the ferry service from GT to the North West District, the provision of 8060 laptops to our teachers among so many other achievements combined with the many, many achievements Regional Administrations boast boldly about therefore as a reminder to the people of Guyana, this government is 2 years old and of all the ministers only 2 would have served in previous governments. Therefore it is my belief that not only do we have to collectively embrace our government and give them the support they need so as to achieve the desperately needed social cohesion, but also be proud and honest about the remarkable achievements for again it has only been 2 years. My President, your President, our President has done well in restoring some degree of Law and Order and I am certain in the near future complete Law and Order will be restored. In 2010 a politician friend of mine said publicly that Guyana can with visionary leadership be lifted from the nightmare it finds itself in, and today my dear readers we are seeing before our very eyes that visionary leadership. Let’s embrace and support so that our children and grandchildren can inherit a proud country. Don’t let us be distracted by the very forces that divided and destroyed us. Ganesh Mahipaul
Essequibo must offer services near to where people live DEAR EDITOR, For some reason or the other, it is clear as daylight that some measure of fear exists in residents of Region 2. They need to come out of complacency and speak out against the wrong things as well as injustices that face them for their own betterment and well being. By being a coward, it contributes to one’s own downfall and to be fearful of reprisal is nothing less than living for no useful purpose. A lot of nonsense ever so much detrimental to the community is taking place in this region and at some point and time it will have to stop through diligent efforts of representatives for this to happen. With each of the R.D.C. in the Regions having its own Public Health Officer it is very mush preposterous and foolhardy for only the one in the Anna Regina town to be assigned with the responsibility to issue
sanitary passes which in a glorified way is called Certificate of Fitness to business owners throughout the region which stretches from Pomeroon to Supenaam. Obviously, even a fool can see the unnecessary inconvenience and hardship with the waste of precious time and travelling money that would have to be endured by the far reaching business owners to travel all the way to Anna Regina to get a pass which could be issued at the R.D.C. office within the location and be done so conveniently. The pass is a compulsory requirement showing that Public Health standards have been complied with for the renewal of licences. Without the pass it will not be possible to get a licence renewed. While the pass is for free distribution a racket was exposed some years ago after allegations had surfaced of two female employees
attached to the Public Health office at Anna Regina collecting payment of one thousand dollars to issue a pass. After the police were called in to carry out investigations, statements were collected from several business owners confirming the payment of the pass which was linked to an illegal transaction but it would seem that there was “cover-up” somewhere along the line. Since my intervention the racket ended but not before millions of dollars were collected over the years in the racket which occurred during the regime of the previous Government. My main concern now is for good common sense to prevail for the business owners to get their passes at the location nearest to them. Let there be immediate change to the system for the sake of convenience to the business owners who are so affected. Essequibo nationalist
An insurance company that reminds me of colonial elites and the masses DEAR EDITOR, I have waited this long to compare this company who recognizes its shareholders, than the other who do not. A certain insurance company held its Annual Shareholders Meeting last year at 4:30pm with their theme being CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF INSURANCE. We, the shareholders listened attentively to various discourses from the directors of the insurance body. Time for Refreshments. One had a choice of (1) drink or (1) beer. I hope everyone gets me clearly, one drink only for each shareholder, along with a box of eatables. This indeed was a shocker in comparison with previous years, so I ventured to see what the Board Directors were having for
refreshments and drinks. If every male and female shareholders, who prefer a beer, were to total this sum, it would be infinitesimal to what the directors were having. Obviously the latter have better taste to that of shareholders. Unfortunately neo-colonialism struck me that this form of deprivation exists here, whereby the masters get the best, the servant gets the leftovers. Of note, these directors do not mingle with shareholders. Banks D.I.H. held their shareholders meeting on Saturday 28th January, 2017 at 5:00pm. At the conclusion of their meeting, their bar was open to all on sundry until 8:30pm, not one beer, not one drink but several. See the difference of who cares? Animal Farm Reader
Contract farming can spur agricultural development DEAR EDITOR, Quite recently one of your reports stated that the Hon Minister of Agriculture was telling the citizenry at a public forum that he is in favour of Contract Farming to be used as a vehicle to spur agricultural growth in the nation. Agri-development has been used quite successfully in the Far East. Thailand is a case in point. I am aware that poultry producers as well as dairy and pig farmers there are provided with the necessaries for production by English and European entities. The farmers perform the husbandry and at the end of the production cycle, the products are graded, weighed and sold at the farm gate. Farmers are given a guaranteed price and the
contract givers take out the costs of their inputs. This proves satisfactory to the farmers who are all ‘small men’ who have little or no access to the commercial banking system and can thus be ineligible for loans to carry out their operations. With Government giving Guysuco countless billions of dollars annually and this company progressively sinking, it might well be time enough to change course. We can invest those same billions with first of all the workers either individually or in their organised groups. Government in the absence of private sector participation in such a scheme can set up a holding company for purposes of providing financing and agri-inputs for
the project. When the project shall have attained the desirable level of competence and success, Government can divest itself of its role by selling its holdings to private groupings of the said farmers. By that time our colleagues in the wider Caricom area can also take up shareholding in the schemes. It is important to note that the entire Caricom externally sourced food bill is bordering on ten billion US dollars annually. We can start to make a significant dent in this astronomical sum if we make early moves to revolutionize our agricultural sub-sector. Lastly we might well have to import Caricom labour to make such a project a reality. Cyril Walker
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Exxon yet to make final investment decision - awaits review of applications ExxonMobil is yet to make its Final Investment Decision (FID) for commercial oil production as the US Company awaits the review of its applications by local regulatory bodies. This was according to the Company’s Country Manager Jeff Simons, during a media engagement at ExxonMobil’s office, Georgetown yesterday. Simons said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that was submitted to the regulatory body sometime earlier this year. In keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, an EIA is required for the company’s offshore largescale development of petroleum production facilities before any decision to approve or reject the proposed project is taken, since this development may have significant impacts on the environment. The EPA, based on what Simons has learnt, is in the process of analysing public comments.
ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simons He noted that this passing of the assessment is critical since it will aid the company and its partners to make further investments. Meanwhile, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), is also reviewing Exxon’s production plan for the Liza Phase One development, and their application for a production license. Exxon is currently in possession of a licence which allows them to only explore. The production licence will give the company and its (continued on page 31)
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Practice of grand overpayments on contracts a thing of the past - Patterson For years, Auditor General Deodat Sharma exposed innumerable instances where there were grand overpayments on contracts within the public procurement system. The current Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson disclosed that he has taken note of those observations by the Auditor General, and has already taken steps within his Ministry to ensure that this practice remains a thing of the past. Patterson indicated to this newspaper yesterday that there were cases of contractors receiving about 70 percent of the advance payment for projects. The Minister said that this is no longer the case. He said that according to the procurement laws, contractors are only awarded 20 percent of the mobilization advance payments. “They paid contractors like about 70 percent of the work and mobilization advances. We have already put certain things in place. We have reduced the risk and we have started to follow all of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board
(NPTAB)’s procedures. So it won’t be happening again, but that would have happened under the previous administration,” Patterson emphasised According to the Auditor General’s most recent report, overpayments amounting to $35.7M were made on measured works on 31 contracts administered by Ministries, Departments and Regions in 2015, which included amounts totaling $19.9M that was overpaid for works on the Synthetic Track Leonora, construction of Kitchen Mess Hall Building at Air Corps, Timehri, land filling and concrete works at Student Dorms, Liliendaal and upgrading of the Aishalton Secondary Male and Female Dorms in Region Number Nine. Sharma stated that recoveries through repayments amounted to $30.5M of the sum of $407.5M overpaid on contracts that were awarded prior to 2015. The Auditor General said that this resulted in total overpayments amounting to $377M still to be recovered at the end of 2015. Whilst some entities had made progress in recovering overpayments, Sharma noted that others
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma faced serious challenges. “As stated in my 2014 Report, this continued trend, coupled with no evidence to suggest that disciplinary action of any kind had been meted out to engineering or other staff involved in the assessment of works in progress and the certification of progress payments is of concern, and hints at management.” Patterson was asked yesterday if he has since taken disciplinary action against those who may have been implicated in the overpayment of contracts in
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson his Ministry. The Minister said it is hard to discipline those persons because they were simply following orders that were given from “higher places.” Patterson said, “It’s hard to discipline those employees because they were carrying out instructions handed down to them. It would have sort of been unfair.” The Parliamentarian took the decision not to hand down any instruction to discipline staff implicated.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Ex-soldier to stand trial for raping woman A former corporal attached to the Guyana Defence Force has been committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown for rape. Winston Haynes, who was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd, is accused of raping a young woman in January at Army Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. When the matter came up yesterday before Magistrate Judy Latchman, she ruled that there was sufficient evidence against the accused for him to go on trial. Haynes, who is out on $600,000 bail, will go before a judge and jury at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
According to information, the young woman was allegedly raped by the former soldier in the presence of two of his colleagues, who have since been dismissed from the army. The Director of Public Prosecutions had recommended that only Haynes be charged, even though the two other persons were initially accused. Based on reports, the young woman was dating Haynes and had gone to the army base to see him. It was also reported that while at the base, the young woman refused to have sex with him, since two of his colleagues were there. However, Haynes allegedly forced her into
Winston Haynes having intercourse as the others looked on. It was also reported that when the accused was finished, his two colleagues pulled and tugged at the woman as they attempted to force her to have sex with them. The woman was only allowed to leave after other army personnel at Camp Stephenson intervened.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Region 8 REO sacked The top accounting officer of Region Eight, Rafel Downes, was ordered relieved of his duties yesterday, more than one month after a Parliamentary oversight committee expressed displeasure at his performance. A letter from Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Hector Butts, reportedly said that the revocation of his appointment as Region Eight’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) was because of dereliction of his duties. A copy of the letter was sent to the Ministry of Communities for action. Downes has been under fire for several months now. Last month, he appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer questions about spending in the PotaroSiparuni (Region 8) area. However, his answers or lack of, did not please the members of PAC. He was asked to leave. They called on him to recognize that his performance was cause for serious concern. Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Irfaan Ali, had reminded the REO about several commitments made to the PAC last year. He reminded Downes that he had also given an undertaking by the PAC to have several records and actions taken. However, one year later nothing was done, thus fueling the frustration of several members. Juan Edghill, another Opposition parliamentarian who is part of the PAC, called for stronger action to be taken against persons who come before PAC and lie or deliberately mislead. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, urged the REO to desist from his ‘gaff’. She told him that it is serious
business and as the accounting officer he has a responsibility to properly account for taxpayers’ monies. “Last year you were right here saying the very same thing, and yet you gave us the assurance that you will take certain actions. You haven’t done so. What is the reason for your gaff? All we are seeing is you talking, but nothing to demonstrate that you have taken any actions. The decisions that were taken by PAC you haven’t acted upon them.” Downes had to be cautioned several times by members of the PAC to answer the direct questions that were being put to him. Several of the issues surrounded the overpayment of salaries and deductions. There was also overpayment to several contractors. Addressing the issue of log books, the REO further fuelled the frustration of the PAC Chairman. This resulted in Ali immediately calling the meeting to an end, and instructing the Auditor General to launch a special audit and investigation into Region Eight. When asked why five of the defaulting contractors who owe the region millions of dollars were once again awarded contracts in 2016, the REO could not a n s w e r, muttering that he has received oral commitments of coming to a settlement. However, this irked Edghill, who questioned his competency to serve the region as its Regional Executive Officer. Chairman Ali had said during the April 10th meeting that: “As an REO you cannot bluff your way around as you are bluffing your way around. We will end the meeting today so that you can deliver on the commitments that you
Sacked as REO: Rafel Downes had made one year ago and the other instructions that were given to you by PAC.” Another Region 8 official, Daniel Fraser, had accused Downes of hijacking the procurement system in Region 8. This year, almost $1.6B had been budgeted for the region. In one case, although Mahdia, the capital of Region Eight, has several mechanic shops, someone was hired to come and do work on heavy duty equipment. One bulldozer was left unrepaired because of a dispute over monies. “There are many more cases like this. The contracts and projects are being handled in a clandestine manner. We see cases of contractors, some who are relatives of the officials, being handpicked. And we are talking about projects around here. We are not even sure about projects that are happening over the hill,” Fraser had complained. There were several cited cases of procurement and contract irregularities. The administration has vowed a zero tolerance stance against non-performance and corruption against public servants.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Parents are neglecting their children A few days ago, I saw a group of small boys roaming the streets. The looks on their faces announced that they were up to mischief. They began by pelting a dog walking aimlessly on the road. Then they began to interfere with an old man. A young buxom lass passed by, and she attracted some attention from them. I wondered what next they would be up to. I did not have the time to wait and see, but I asked myself how the parents of these young boys could allow them to be straying. Parents are quick to blame the authorities whenever their children get into trouble with the law. They are quick to make excuses which exculpate themselves from blame. They often blame the lack of employment for their children taking to a life of crime, but they never blame their own failings as parents. They are quick to say that it is harassment by the police that force their children to be deviant, never accepting that it is precisely because their children get away with rogue behaviour that encourages further acts of criminality. I refer to the broken windows theory. This theory states that, if a window in a building is broken and is left unfixed, this will encourage vandals to break more windows, and eventually to break into the building. The theory, therefore, is that problems should be addressed in their infancy, before they get out of hand, since small, petty crimes can lead to more major crimes. By simply preventing low-level
crime and anti-social behaviour, a society can avoid the emergence of major crimes. Fixing “broken windows,” nipping crime in its early stages, is the strategy that led to the clean-up of New York City. I believe, however, that this approach is more relevant to Guyana, where there is a great deal of petty crimes that go unreported, and which can lead the perpetrators to venture into more daring acts of criminality. I believe we have to begin to fix these anti-social ‘broken windows” at the level of the family. There are far too many parents who are allowing their children to go off playing with other boys in the community or neighbourhood without adequate supervision. Some parents pay no attention to children when they are at home. I once saw a mother sitting watching television, and when she was asked where her child was, she could not give an answer. Neither did she care, as long as the child did not disturb her while she was watching ‘The Young and the Restless’. This is how problems originate, especially for young boys, who, as we say in Guyana, are “allowed to be boys.” They are allowed to roam free with other boys, some of whom can be bad influences. When in the company of other boys, the temptation arises to engage in some destructive behaviour, such as pelting an animal, or it may be simply raiding a fruit tree in someone’s yard, or it could be interfering with a weaker child on the road.
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
As the gang gets away with certain acts, they are emboldened to become more brazen. They may stop a school child and take away his/her money, or graduate to robbing someone of their watch or cell phone. This is why I am insisting that parents take responsibility for their children. If your child has to go out of the home, you should know at all times where he or she is going, with whom he or she will be, and what is being done. Today, too many parents are allowing their children to go off unsupervised, and when they find out some of the mischief that their children are engaged in, it is too late, because a life of crime has already taken root. I do not excuse any parent who says that he or she had no control over what his or her children became. This is an admission of failure. Children are being given too much freedom to roam as they please, and this is leading them into the clutches of bad company. While it is easy to blame those who corrupt these children, ultimate responsibility must lie with the parents who failed to supervise their children’s free time. Some parents have no fixed time for children to return home. In my house, there are fixed mealtimes, and if you are not there at the scheduled hour, you not only have to make your own meal, but you have to give an explanation as to where you were. I urge parents, also, not to allow their children to loiter or to wander aimlessly with their peers. Children must be
DEM BOYS SEH...
Jagdeo mek Soulja Bai swear in dem judges given constructive playtime. They should be encouraged to play games with their friends, not so much because the games keep them out of trouble, but because they will learn to compete; and by competing they will want to do better, and by aiming to do better they will have little time to engage in deviant behaviour. Parents also need to give children designated chores around the home, to teach them responsibility. Even if it is to make up their beds in the mornings, children should be asked to help out around the home. The problem with many children today is not that they have too little free time; rather, it is that they do not have properly supervised free time. Instead of allowing their children to get into bad company, all parents should make an effort to be involved in a positive way in the lives of their young ones, so that they will never have to receive that dreaded call that something terrible has happened to their child through involvement in crime.
Jagdeo is a man who don’t drink or smoke, but de other day he tell dem reporters that he prepared to legalize hemp. Hemp is a crop that dem use to mek rope, but it is a drug that does give you a good high like ganja. Dem boys seh that Jagdeo had to try it Monday morning, because he not only look high when he meet wid de media, he also seh he would legalise hemp and if people get him vex he would legalise ganja. But that is only a promise and everybody know that Jagdeo don’t keep promise. When people remind him he does get vex. That is why he hate de Waterfalls paper wid a vengeance. Dem boys does always remind him of de promises he mek. He did promise to legalise same-sex union. He mek people go to parliament and vote, but when de time come he refuse to assent to it. He own people seh he got dem wasting time. Wha dem same people didn’t know was that de vote in Parliament was a distraction. But he serve he purpose. He mek Soulja Bai run and swear in dem judges. Soulja Bai had de names, but he was playing bassa bassa. Jagdeo tell de Chat3 who call de media. Dem boys seh you can run but you can’t hide. Is more judge in de system. But while he swearing in judges, he got people who reporting bout de goodness of others. Some people think dem police hand to mouth, suh dem offering bribe. One man go wid half a million dollar because de police hold he son wid a gun and nuff ammo. Dem boys seh if he didn’t get bail de two of dem woulda end up hugging up in de same cell in Camp Street. Another one had he sister who get ketch and decide that he gun bribe de cop wid money. If he had sense he would bride de man wid he sister. Talk half and watch how things suddenly moving.
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Sad tales from a tragic country Lawyers and former judges tell you that each case has its unusual or unique dimensions. A woman broke a bottle and stabbed her friend, who was pregnant at the time, to death. The guilty plea for murder becomes manslaughter once the prosecution accepts the plea. The judge, known to be a harsh judge, gave her 10 years. I don’t see a problem with that. Outside of conviction for violent rape and violent robbery, I wouldn’t deny people a light
sentence. It is the liberal in me. The same judge handed a life sentence in another manslaughter trial in circumstances similar to how the woman stabbed her friend. It was during a drunken brawl, a youth killed his friend in Berbice. An appeal has been lodged based on the reasoning of a harsh sentence. I haven’t followed the judge’s logic in both cases, but I know in my career as a media operative, I have written profusely on sentence discrepancy.
I can quote former Chancellor, Carl Singh, now that he has retired. Once while in his office to lodge a complaint about a magistrate’s action, the question of illogical magistrate sentencing came up. I can distinctly remember he told me that the judiciary had run umpteen training sessions for magistrates on sentencing guidelines, but there has been no adherence to them. I believe each court sentence must be contextual
once the law allows for variations. In the case of a guilty plea for drugs based on the weight, there is an automatic jail sentence of a certain amount of years. In such cases, the presiding officer, whether judge or magistrate has no latitude to vary the length. Once the judicial officer can vary a sentence, then context takes over. Possession of an unlicensed firearm is an interesting situation in this country. Because of the spate of gun robberies over the past twenty-five years, a jail term is inevitable if found guilty of illegal possession of a gun. What I find is that with such a charge there is no recognition of context by the magistrate. This is where I have a perennial problem with most of the magistrates in Guyana. You can hardly blame a magistrate for the imposition of a jail sentence when a roadblock yields an illegal gun on a taxi driver or a young soldier, or in cases where the
police stop a youth who appears to be engaged in suspicious activity. It comes close to commonsense to assume that the intention was to commit a crime. I find context is missing with magistrates when it comes to aging farmers in desolate areas who have been found with illegal weapons. The magistrate never varies the sentence on the basis that though the weapon was illegal there was no intention to commit a crime. Many farmers actually have concealed unlicensed weapons for protection. I read a really sad case of a 65-year-old farmer last week. He was charged and sentenced to three years for illegal possession of a firearm. While on trial, his sixtyyear-old wife was hospitalized with severe diabetes. When she came out from hospital, she found out that her husband was in jail and she fainted, fell into a coma and died. There is the fear that her sixty-five year-old husband who is also a diabetic might not survive in jail when he finds out that his wife is dead. This is my opinion – I don’t believe that 65-year-old farmer intended to rob or kill anyone. I know farmers who have illegal firearms and I know it is for their protection. The judicial system and
Frederick Kissoon medical service in Guyana make a mockery of human existence in this land. When you think of what happens in our medical system, it really sickens you. Last week a woman in Berbice turned up at the hospital; she said she stabbed herself. She was treated and sent home. She died hours after. Surely, the wound had to be lifethreatening. So why wasn’t she admitted? The husband allegedly did it and he has since been charged. Too many people are dying from medical incompetence in Guyana. An investigation was ordered last month at the Georgetown Hospital over the death of a ten-year-old who was violently kicked in the stomach, was treated and sent home. She died days after (see my column of April 3 for more details). I guess I will never stop writing about these sad realities in my country. The stabbed Berbician woman and the ten-year-old girl didn’t live to see the swashbuckling arch at Cummings Lodge.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
New potable water well for New Amsterdam - Hinterland roads for Region Eight During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), a sole bidder vied for the contract to construct a potable water well in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). The procuring entity is the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
For the supply of stationery supplies for 2017: The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is the procuring entity for the construction of hinterland roads in Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni).
Tenders were opened for the supply and installation of LED lamps and occupancy sensors at Government buildings for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).
Tenders were also opened for the design for a business incubator centre at Belvedere Industrial Estate, Region Six. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Business.
The Central Planning and Housing Authority (CH&PA) is the procuring entity for the construction of roads, drains, structures and installation of water distribution network at Farm, Phase Two, East Bank Demerara. The Ministry is also the procuring entity for the construction of a chain-link fence at the Belvedere Industrial Estate.
Tenders were opened for the procurement of new tyres for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was listed as the procuring entity for two contracts. For the procurement of laboratory supplies for 2017:
Tenders were also opened for infrastructural development at Zeeburg/De Willem, West Coast Demerara.
>>>> Continued on page 28 <<<<
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Jagdeo lying about GPL’s financial position
GPL Chairman, Robert Badal
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo “Totally incorrect,” said Chairman of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Board of Directors, Robert Badal. This was Badal’s response when asked to comment on the veracity of statements made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to the effect that GPL has $20B “sitting in an account.” At his most recent press conference, Jagdeo said that GPL has accumulated the sum “because they did not lower the price of electricity when the price of fuel fell on the world market, so they are reaping.” Jagdeo added, “They have collected from ordinary citizens, and our businessmen, some $20B more than they should have collected in two years from us, and it is sitting in an account at GPL.” This was not the first time Jagdeo made statements along those lines. Back in 2016, just after Minister of Finance Winston Jordan presented that year’s National Budget, Jagdeo told the media that GPL had $5B
“sitting in an account”. Over the months the figures he quoted has grown and is now at $20B. Badal has come on record to, once and for all, put an end to Jagdeo’s bold assertions. The Chairman said that Jagdeo is “pulling figures out of the air.” In an invited comment, Badal said that GPL does not have that amount of money in any account. He also stated that Jagdeo’s utterances that GPL’s good cash standing exists only as a result of lowered oil prices and that the benefits of lowered prices have not been passed on to consumers, are also false and misleading. The Chairman said that soon after he was appointed, GPL’s Board, in April 2016, approved a 20 percent reduction in electricity rates in the form of 5 percent tariff reduction and a 15 percent fuel rebate. Badal went further to state that Jagdeo was being a hypocrite, as he knows very well that in years prior to the 2015 elections, no reduction was passed to the consumers, despite lowered fuel prices. The Chairman did not deny the fact that GPL has secured some amount of money as a result of the lowered prices, but said that he is not disposed to disclose GPL’s cash balance. “GPL has achieved a significant improvement in its financial position and this will be revealed in its soon to be published annual report of 2016.” The Chairman said that a combination of factors has contributed to the improved financial position. “In addition to the current level of international oil prices there have been internal heightened efficiencies in the area of collection, inventory and management.” Badal said that there has also been better scheduling of procurement and there has been procurement of major equipment and supplies directly from manufacturers. “Even the recent tendering of our fuel supply generated further cost savings.” The Chairman said that unlike its reliance on government bailouts and government guaranteed loans in the past, GPL is now in a position of being able to finance the bulk of its capital programmes from internally generated resources. In this
Highlights his irresponsible, deceitful nature - Board Chairman regard he noted that GPL’s Infrastructural Development Programme phase two is currently being planned and tendered out. Badal took the opportunity to caution Jagdeo about his “irresponsible” and “deceitful” behaviour. “The former President has had a long pattern of lying
and misrepresenting information in and out of office. His recent statement is no different. Perhaps he believes that the audience he had lied to and manipulated over the years still exists.” He continued, “It is time Jagdeo stop this pattern. To pull figures from the air and try to feed it to the media is
very irresponsible.” He said that Jagdeo should be wary of talking about GPL, since he must know that the entity is in a much better position than it was under the PPP/C regime. “They had it for 23 years and they ran it right down.” Badal said that there have been fewer blackouts recently “but
a lot of blackouts that occurred during the end of last year were as a result of the mismanagement of GPL under his (Jagdeo’s) regime.” “We understand that he is a politician and performs to get political mileage, but he needs to be a little more responsible. Let him speak facts” said Badal.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Message on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
(From Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes MP) W o r l d Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, the year of the founding of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunications Union (ITU). The theme this year, “Big Data, Big Impact”, is premised on the fact that every business, governing agency, NGO, every person and educational institution has access to copious amounts of structured and unstructured data every second of every day. The ITU used this occasion to highlight the numerous means of extracting meaningful value from the data available to us via any ICT device and system at our disposal. Their message is to encourage the use of advanced technologies to manage and store data. The theme is in keeping with the ITU’s push for technological development in all member countries including Guyana. From our perspective, development translates into a fully green economy, Smart City and towns, interconnected public services, e.g. medical facilities, fire, water and electricity services; eLearning, telemedicine and eTransactions. It translates into interconnected primary and secondary schools and
university campuses to share lectures in real-time, and research data among other things. It provides information on the safe transfer to computers of the copious amounts of ancient, fragile paper documents currently housed in our national archives, post offices, the Deeds Registry, hospitals and even churches. The Significant Impact of this technological age for Guyana is the sprint we’re running to take computers, the internet and the wide world of possibilities to our people including the remote regions where our indigenous citizens live with timehonoured cultures, customs and conventions. This sprint is to ensure that these citizens in particular, can communicate at any time with any one, any authority, any institution in or outside of Guyana; that they have better-than-adequate learning and health facilities. The Government of Guyana, fully aware of the transformational impact of ICT on national development, established the Ministry of Public Telecommunications in 2016. As part our overall mandate, our achievements to date include the following: § The passing of the Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Liberalization Bill that would remove exclusivity from one company § Drafting the regulations to open up this sector to investors (these have been circulated and stakeholder/public input received) § Providing schools, community centers, Government ministries and public service departments with fast internet § Designing/facilitating the creation of applications to ultimately eliminate long lines and long hours at the GRA, the Immigration Department, NIS, post offices and even hospitals § Refining the Passport application app while a broad programme is set in motion to upgrade and
convert inland district post offices to ICT Community Hubs with postal services § Designing an application for safer Pension Payments To date there are 55 ICT Community Hubs in operation mainly in the Coastal regions including Liverpool, Corentyne; Lima Sands and Good Hope, Essequibo Coast. Community leaders are being trained so they could help others, especially students who need the internet for class a s s i g n m e n t s . Simultaneously, the computer labs, staff rooms and administrative offices in 102
secondary schools and technical/vocational institutes now have access to free internet as do a few Regional Administration and Education offices, hospitals and some public services in the regions. In mid-April the Ministry of Public Telecommunications signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Guyana to continue our technical collaboration that began in 2016. UG now has a new teleconferencing platform that allows students at the Tain and John’s campuses to participate in live classes at Turkeyen. The first set of Wifi
hotspots will also be activated at Turkeyen and CPCE shortly. The UG campus is also home to our Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) which will open its doors in the third quarter of 2017. In collaboration with the Government of India, CEIT will first train Guyanese ICT Trainers since it is imperative that Guyana has its own large pool of highly accomplished ICT skills to service the business community, and to implement and sustain Guyana’s ICT-led education, health, trade and national development. The Government of
Guyana is committed to ensuring that ICT provides modern, cutting-edge support to all productive and social sectors, as well as the enabling environment for a strong, sustainable private sector. The imminent Oil and Gas industry will also demand that ICT and connectivity become critical elements of our economy. I wish to assure all of our stakeholders and communities that the Ministry of Public Telecommunications is open to working with you, developing new ideas that will utilize ICT to take this nation to the heights it has the potential to reach.
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Private school teachers trained to handle special needs children Handling and identifying children with special needs in schools will be much better if mainstream teachers are equipped with the necessary skills. Keeping this in mind, School of Nations sent three of its teachers on a week of intensive training in Special Education at Brain Rx in Colorado Springs in the United States of America last month. The teachers were identified as Balinda Beckles, Florence Harris-Lewis and Karen Thomas-Luckhoo. The programme focused on the seven cognitive skills, including auditory processing, visual processing, long and shortterm memory, processing speed, attention, logic and reasoning. This type of skill is said to be the core brain skills that make up the IQ and determine how well persons read, learn, reason, remember and pay attention. Brain Rx brain training programmes consist of intense mental exercises that
sharpen the core skills the brain uses to think, learn, read, reason and pay attention. Facilitators of the programmes do not use the traditional teaching method, instead, they use a blend of personal brain training (during which students work one-on-one with their own brain coach) and digital brain training (done on a computer). Both of these approaches will be used at School of the Nations, the Brain Rx centre in Guyana. This type of training sharpens the brain skills being used in schools, at work, and in everyday life. To begin the training, the Gibson Test of Brain Skills is done to identify each student’s unique cognitive skill strengths and weaknesses. After training, the student’s cognitive skills are once again tested. This final test allows the facilitator to scientifically measure improvements in brain performance. The programme is structured to attract children
The Nations teachers who were trained in Special Education (from left: in back row, Karen Thomas-Luckhoo, Balinda Beckles and Florence Harris-Lewis) and adults who are struggling academically or have been diagnosed with Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and other challenges that are related to the brain. It can also help those who are in fact doing very well, but are interested
in developing their intellectual skills. Nations will be conducting a five-day training course in these methods for
interested teachers in August. For more information, interested persons can contact Dr O’Toole at: otoole.nations@gmail.com.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Tax tobacco, alcohol and sweetened beverages Taxes on tobacco, alcoholic and sweetened beverages can help to reduce consump t i o n o f t h e s e products and generate income that can be used to improve the health of the Caribbean population. M o r e o v e r, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization [PAHO/WHO] is encouraging Caribbean authorities to adopt these tax measures, which can contribute to reducing the burden of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and their devastating social and economic consequences. Implementing taxes on the consumption of unhealthy products requires decisions by health authorities as well as finance authorities who design tax policies. To this end, PAHO/WHO has brought together health and finance officials from 17 countries and territories for the Caribbean Sub-regional Workshop on Alcohol, Tobacco, and SugarSweetened Beverages in Barbados. The workshop commenced on Monday and will culminate tomorrow and will see participants discussing the benefits of adopting such measures. In the Caribbean countries, non-communicable diseases account for three out of four deaths. Tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are the main causes
…to reduce burden of Non-Communicable Diseases – PAHO urges of these diseases. Compared to other sub-regions of the Americas, Caribbean populations have the highest probability of dying prematurely, between the ages of 30 to 70 years, from one of these noncommunicable diseases. “Taxes can be a very effective tool for not only reducing deaths in the region because of these diseases, but as a source of funding for public health interventions that are necessary to care for or affect affected people,” said Dr. Jessie Schutt-Aine, Caribbean Sub-regional Programme Coordinator. “We all win if these measures are applied and more is invested in healthy interventions.” Currently, the use of excise taxation of these products in the Caribbean continues to be limited. Of t h e 1 4 PA H O m e m b e r countries in this subregion, 11 have excise taxes on tobacco, 11 on alcohol, and two countries, Barbados and Dominica, recently implemented sugar taxation as a way to deal with the obesity epidemic. However, of the 11 countries that have taxes on tobacco, none have reached the level recommended by WHO, of more than 70 percent of the final sales price. Taxation cannot be
applied alone, and should be part of a comprehensive policy to reduce consumption of these products, which also involves restrictions on marketing, packaging conditions, sharing appropriate nutrition information to inform
consumers, and creating healthy environments, among others. At the meeting organized by PAHO, health and financial authorities are evaluating various experiences in the Caribbean and in other parts of the world, as well as paths each
country has taken to apply this type of taxation. Delegates of the countries are sharing their experiences and discussing the possibility of implementing taxation proposals, not only from a health perspective, but also from the economic and financial point of view.
In 2013, the countries of the Americas committed themselves to reduce by 25 percent the premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases by the year 2025. The measures included in the Plan of Action to achieve this objective include implementation of taxes.
PAGE 16
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
Proposed Rose Hall estate closure…
Business people, pensioners, taxi drivers join massive protests Protesters came out in their numbers yesterday
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) along with workers from various Estates including Enmore, Albion, Rose Hall and Skeldon, joined with housewives, hire car
drivers, students, pensioners, and businessmen and women, to reiterate the call to save the sugar industry and rethink the decision to close several estates across the country.
The March began at the Rose Hall Estate went to the Sheet Anchor Turn and returned to the estate. Hundreds of persons joined the march as they progressed through the East Canje area
with their pickets and loud chanting to save the estates tabled to be closed by the Government. The protesters marched in the scorching sun to have their calls be heard, and were slowed by a downpour for a short while, but this did not deter their efforts to fight for the industry they have known all their lives. Vice President of GAWU, Harvey Tombron stated that the government took the decision to close the estate without doing a “social impact study” He argued, “how many families are here to suffer? How many families owe the bank? How many for children to send to school? This is why the people have come out in their big numbers to let them know that we are not going to give up without
a fight”. Tombron charged that the numbers speak volumes that they are staunchly against the decision made by the Government and GuySuco to close and sell. “As we are here today, I want to assure you that the workers of Albion and Enmore are here with you. This is an issue of bread and butter for the people. What about the promise of the twenty
percent? The government has betrayed the people and we stand here in this number so that we can send a clear message”. General Secretary of GAWU, Seepaul Narine made it clear that they are on a journey to democracy, one that is saving the livelihood of the people. “This is a journey that if it has to lead us to Georgetown where they (continued on page 29)
Soldier was dismissed days before bread vendor’s murder - Army
Charged for murder: Ex-soldier: Shaqeil Grant
Dead: Andre Alexander
In a developing story, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) yesterday issued a statement indicating that the soldier who was on Monday charged for the murder of bread vendor, Andre Alexander on May 5, last, was dismissed prior to the killing. In fact, 20-year-old Shaqeil Grant was let go just four days before the father of two was shot once to the stomach during a robbery at his bread stand located in ‘C’ Field Sophia, Georgetown. He was on Monday remanded to prison for the murder of Alexander. The Army statement said, “The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) wishes to advise that 23239 Private Shaqeil Grant was dismissed from the Force, with effect from May 1, 2017.” While the ex-soldier was charged, the police are still hunting for the suspected trigger man and hoping to locate the CG bike that was used to transport the killers to the scene. It is suspected that the motorcycle belongs to the ex-soldier. Alexander was shot in the stomach by one of two gunmen on a motorcycle two Fridays ago. The former GDF rank was arrested after the cops received a tip-off of his involvement in the robbery. The description the police
received of one of the gunmen matched that of the ex-soldier. He was also identified by eyewitnesses. The 20-year-old Section ‘B’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident and an 18-year-old were arrested along with three other Sophia residents, but only the soldier was charged. Alexander, of Lot 394 ‘C’ Field Sophia, died around 23:00 hrs during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The attack occurred around 20.30 hrs 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 loaves of bread. Alexander was rushed to the hospital where he subsequently succumbed.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Guyana, CARICOM mull new tariffs after Brexit Guyana is seeking a “transitional arrangement” for itself and the Caribbean region as the United Kingdom (UK) begins the two-year process to leave the European Union (EU). First Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge recently said this was raised by President David Granger when he made a state visit to the United Kingdom in late April. “That transition has implications for those who supply the United Kingdom with products such as sugar in Guyana, and for those who purchase United Kingdom goods which also applies to Guyana,” Minister Greenidge explained. Those implications referred to by the Minister are tariffs and new regulations which will differ from what are currently being offered by the EU. Minister Greenidge explained that under the EU, the Caribbean, which includes Guyana, had negotiated an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for exporting goods to the UK. “Now that Britain is proposing to leave the EPA we have now to deal with Britain as a new arena into which we want to get products and therefore we have to see with them what may be done with the tariffs that had been abolished when Britain was in the EU,” a government statement quoted Minister Greenidge as saying. Establishing a transitional arrangement will facilitate, “a
soft landing as a result of these changes” for Guyana and the Caribbean in a whole, Minister Greenidge noted. Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is also mulling the implications of Britain leaving the EU. Like Guyana, CARICOM too has to reassess trade arrangements with the UK. At the opening of the 44th regular meeting of Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on May 10, Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, noted that Brexit will have an impact on the Region's external trade relationships. Britain and the EU are major trade partners of CARICOM. At COTED's recent meeting, a decision had to be made to ensure CARICOM's market access to the UK continued after the Brexit process is complete. “This is important given that the UK market absorbs approximately 22 percent of our overall exports to the European Union,” Ambassador LaRocque pointed out. Britain voted to leave the EU last June in a referendum that was popularly referred to as Brexit. At the end of March, Britain's Prime Minister, Theresa May, officially triggered the process for leaving the EU. That process, according to the BBC, will take two years.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362
Recently-built 2-Storey concrete building (1,245 ft2) Parfaite Harmonie $7.9M neg. Contact 231-9690 For details.
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045
Recently-constructed 2Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Landscaping & tree trimming. Call: 656-1326 TOURS Suriname City Tour: Independence weekend, dolphins, malls, casino, shopping May 25th -28th. Call: 665-5171/639-2663/6583758/223-7589
Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/bond warehouse worker. Call: 2222541 8:00am-4:00pm (MonFri) Dried and in large quantities: Corilla bush, lemon grass, sour sap leaves. Call: 665-1397
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966
WANTED Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ Sparkle, Meeten-Meer-Zorg & KeyFood Mc Doom location. Contract Cars and Drivers, Nigel’s Taxi Service @ Sheriff Street, C/Ville. Call: 219-5002/ 699-6152
Buying Wamara, TATABU, Koraroballi, Itikiborabali, fresh logs. Call: 664-5150 Investors needed for gold trading business in the Interior, weekly turnover. Call: 658-7553 Experienced bus and taxi drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence. Call: 6165419/ 265-7076 One domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call: 1868- 683-1528 Experienced sand truck driver. Call: 227-8529 1 Canter Driver. Call: 629-2912
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS) Workers and 1 cleaner to work at ice factory Meadowbank. Call: 642-9191 between 8am-1pm MondayFriday
Are you interested in learning to drive stick shift. Please call: 641-0572
1 Female bartender, cook, waitress, (live in or live out), free meal, in GT. Immediately call: 648-4810
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Person to wash & paint buildings. Call: 225-3269/ 6728599
Sawmill – Call: 673-9401
1 Full time housekeeper. Call: 602-1447 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 6652514
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
1 Female shop assistant to work in the Interior. Call: 6652514 Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Parfaite Harmonie Harmonie. Call: 642-1252 Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com
FOR SALE
FOR RENT
VACANCY
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500
One land in Tuschen Phase 2 – Call: 642-1252
One newly built studio apartment @ Diamond 15X12. Call: 621-1485/ 663-2746
1 Transported property for sale at Covent Garden, music equipment for sale. Call: 2653586 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190 Office furniture, used computers, display racks & stands for store use. Call:2258066/624-6783 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Yamaha 15HP, outboard Engine and boat – 2 months old. Call: 660-4104/ 691-9283 1 White Passo, PSS, 1 -2 door sankey cooler, 1 -280 Sthil slasher, 1 Door upright coole, all brand new. Call: 602-3000/ 690-1038 Toyota Red Rav4 (1994) old Model, reliable and strong $1.3M. Call: 600-0036/2231273
Two bedrooms, upper & lower flat @ Mc Doom Public Road, Married Couple/ Students - $50,000 each. Call: 643-8281 Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644 4 Bedrooms top flat, semifurnished @ Ogle. Call: 222-4630
We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Farm, Herstelling, La Parfaite Harmonie, we pay in $US. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223/ 6292881
Accounts Clerk for office in Eccles Industrial Site, knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks call 614-4358.
1 Two bedrooms apartment for rent in Diamond New Scheme. Call: 216-2339/ 676-6313
Experienced sales clerk. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda
Spacious one bedroom upper flat at 239 Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 601-0223/6459921 1 Bedroom apartment @ Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara $20,000 monthly. Call: 6982802/277-3033 Upper flat house: 3 bedrooms/kitchen, toilets/ baths, AC/Garage, Hot & Cold @ Diamond Housing Scheme E.B.D. Call: 644-3600/ 216-3017
One experienced cook and salesgirl for café on Sheriff Street, Mon-Friday 8hrs, salary $60,000 monthly. Call: 611-1981/ 647-2349 One general domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply: Alabama trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda. 1 Experienced Bar-B-Q/Cook, day security guard, mini bus driver. Call:638-5303/227-7380 1 Strong able body security guard. Call: 226-1877/624-7436 Professional cosmetologist @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800
12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443
Aggressive Salesgirl to do outdoor sales. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147
Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020
1 Nanny/Tutor to tech & care for 18 months boy. Apply to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda
LAND FOR SALE
Electronic/Technician to repair stand fans on permanent basis. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147
Receptionist, male security guard, 30-40yrs @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198
Three storey 75X30 feet building/bond, open floor, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605
Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044
WANTED
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15pm
1 House lot in #1 Canal 175X100 – price $3.5M. Call: 684-6048/694-4372 Providence (corner lot 100ftX50ft) - $4M, Farm $3M, Uitvlugt -$2.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223/6292881
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
1 Female kitchen assistant & 2 male assistant with drivers license to work @ outdoor grill, weekend included. Call: 656-9313/675-2550 Vacancy for wait staff, apply immediately to the Manager Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Street. Cook at Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets. Apply to the Manager. Second hand banquet chairs for inspection contact admin assistant @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets. TAXI SERVICE New Line Taxi Wanted Dispatchers and hire cars. Call: 233-6200 or 675-6130 Continue on page 27
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Effective communication key between internal auditors and company management – Consultant By Kiana Wilburg The benefits of internal auditors to an organization are many. But when there is a breakdown in communication between the auditors and the management team in a company, the effectiveness of reports from the former can be hindered. With this perspective in mind, the Institute of Internal Auditors Guyana (IIAG) hosted an interactive session yesterday morning at the Regency Suites in Georgetown, which focused on how internal auditors can communicate effectively with an Audit Committee/ Senior Management using their audit report. The guest speaker for this programme was Mr. John Seeram, a financial consultant and Governor of the IIAG Governor. In his opening remarks, Seeram articulated that the IIA Guyana Chapter was established in April 2000. He said that it could be argued that more could have been
done by now with the entity. Be that as it may, Seeram said that the Institute’s existence and work has been meeting the expectations of the IIA Global Chapter. The financial consultant said that in developing the internal auditing profession in Guyana, the local chapter has to gain its recognition from stakeholders in the government, and in both the public and private sectors. He said that this can be achieved to a great extent, and is a major landmark for the local chapter. Seeram who has 27 years of experience with the IIA Global, intimated to his listeners that for the profession of internal auditors to move forward, the IIA has to work in partnership with the public, including the government and the private entities. He said that this task is a continuous process and gradually, the Institute is achieving its goals. The former University of Guyana lecturer said that the local chapter is now well
recognized for the work it has been doing over the past 17 years. He said that an example of this is the large number of participants from approximately 30-plus organizations who have been attending the Institute’s seminars/workshops. He said that these would have been related to continuing professional development for auditors. Additionally, Seeram pointed out that there is a growing number of auditors pursing the IIA Certificate designations, one of these being the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Delving into the details of his presentation, Seeram said it is crucial that communication between stakeholders and internal auditors, who are also referred to as Chief Audit Executive (CAE), is delivered in a way that is not only heard but also clearly understood. “In effect, internal audit’s ability to communicate hinges on this relationship, even the best ways of messaging and
From page 26
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501
Mr. John Seeram, Financial Consultant and Governor of the IIAG Governor insights can certainly fail to reach the intended audience or can fall on deaf ears. Internal auditors need to make every effort to get to know their clients. We cannot be content with merely sitting in our offices or board rooms with our audit peers,” Seeram explained. The Consultant
continued, “We must now venture into the business/ operating areas and talk to those we are serving in the organization. We should take every opportunity to communicate not only on a formal basis but also informally, especially with key stakeholders, in order to learn Continued on page 29
Nissan Pathfinder Jeep $1.5M, Toyota Ipsum 7 seater, fully loaded -$2M. Great deals! Must be sold! Call: 609-7766 One Toyota Camry 5030 ,AC working, $625,000. Call: 6737991 1 Mercedes Benz c 200 Kompresso, PNN 6967. Call: 277-3033/698-2802/254-1801 Toyota Fielder PPP series, excellent condition. Call: 6659747/270-5302
TO LET Business Space on Middleton St. C/Ville. Call: 650-0716/667-1896
Some of the participants at the IIAG event
Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apt in a safe & healthy environment. Call: 622-6512/698-6496 1-3 Bedroom house @ Prashad Nagar -$600US monthly. 1-2 bedroom house @ Lamaha Gardens- $1,000 US monthly. Call: 231-4681/ 652-6565 1 Complete liquor bar & restaurant, must buy all equipment or partnership @ Soesdyke, Soesdyke Highway. Call: 600-0036/2231273 Furnished 1&2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 EDUCATIONAL Lessons Grades 1-6: Reading, Composition writing, Grammar, Maths, Science & Social Studies @ Queenstown, G/ Town. Call: 695-9625 Electronic Course. June 6th. The Trade of the Future. Make extra cash, easy! Abdul Electronics. Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391 First Aid/CPR Course, available on Saturdays, St. John, 110 Cowan St, Kingston, if interested please call: 225-9082 for details.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
NEW POTABLE WATER WELL FOR NEW... From page 11 The Ministry of Social Protection is the procuring entity for the painting of internal walls, ceiling and floor at the Palms, Block B, Brickdam Georgetown.
Bids were also submitted for the construction of a guard hut at the Palms.
Tenders were opened for the extension of the Skills Training facility at Eccles.
The Ministry was listed as the procuring entity for the painting of internal walls, ceiling and floor at the Palms, Block C.
Finally under the Ministry, Tenders were open for the painting of internal walls, ceiling and floor at the Palms, Block A.
The National Parks Commission (NPC) was listed as the procuring entity for the construction and installation of teaching benabs.
The NPC is also the procuring entity for the rehabilitation of public sanitary block.
Tenders were submitted for the rehabilitation of sanitary facilities at the Botanical Gardens.
>>>> Continued on page 29 <<<<
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Oregon man charged with decapitating mom on Mother’s Day A blood-covered man carrying the severed head of his mother and a knife, walked into an Oregon grocery store on Mother’s Day and stabbed a clerk before being subdued, local law enforcement officials said. Joshua Lee Webb, 36, faces charges of murder in the death of his mother, Tina Marie Webb, 59, and attempted murder for the attack on the clerk, Michael Wagner, who was recovering from his wounds in a hospital, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Department. Webb is being held in the Clackamas County Jail, the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement on
Joshua Webb Monday. Customers fled the Estacada Harvest Market Thriftway in Estacada, Oregon on Sunday morning and
called police after Webb entered carrying the head, according to local press reports. After Wagner, 66, was stabbed, he and other store employees subdued Webb and held him until police arrived, the Sheriff’s Department said. At about the same time, police said they also responded to a call at the Webb home in Colton, about 12 miles away, where they found Webb’s mother dead. Webb lived with his parents, they said. Police did not provide any details on what led to Tina Marie Webb’s murder. It was not immediately possible to contact Webb or identify an attorney representing him
North Korea missile detected by THAAD, program progressing faster than expected: North Korea’s missile program is progressing faster than expected, S o u t h K o r e a ’s d e f e n s e minister said on Tuesday, after the UN Security Council demanded the North halt all nuclear and ballistic missile tests and
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
condemned Sunday’s testlaunch. Han Min-koo told South Korea’s parliament the testlaunch had been detected by the controversial U.S. THAAD anti-missile system, whose deployment in the South has infuriated
China. The reclusive North, which has defied all calls to rein in its weapons programmes, even from its lone major ally, China, said the missile test was a legitimate defense against U.S. hostility.
UK ambassador’s ‘bruising’ encounter with Austrian boar Diplomats are used to finding themselves in tricky situations. However, those tricky situations are usually confined to the treacherous waters of foreign relations, and tend not to involve an aggrieved wild boar. Which is possibly why when Leigh Turner, UK a m b a s s ador to Austria, heard the sounds of just such an animal heading towards him at high speed, it took a moment to decide exactly what to do next. But then, rampaging wild boar really only give a person one option. “Not having prior experience of boar attacks, I ran,” Mr Turner recounted in a blog reliving his experience in a Viennese park on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. According to the blog, Mr Turner had been enjoying a relatively rou-
tine day up until the point he decided to go for a walk - braving the rain which had all but emptied the park of its usual visitors. Things took a turn for the exciting early on, when Mr Turner, who took over his posting in Austria last year, spotted a group of wild boar crossing a path “about 100 metres ahead” as they headed into the forest. “In nine years in Germany and nearly four in Austria I had never seen wild boar so close up,” Mr Turner enthused. Unfortunately for the diplomat, this was not to be his last encounter with wild boar on this particular day. Now he decided to go into the woods - and stumbled across a second group. Conscious of not frightening them, he turned
and walked away slowly. One boar, however, had other ideas. “Moments later I hear a noise behind me like galloping horse, and turn to see a massive wild boar, head down, charging straight at me,” he wrote. “ C l e a r l y, i t c a n r u n faster than I can. What to do?” The answer came in the form of fallen tree trunks. After all, humans are surely better climbers than pigs? “I attempted to scale it and slipped on the wet wood, scratching and bruising myself in multiple locations as I scrambled to a p l a c e o f s a f e t y, ” M r Turner recalled. “By the time I turned round, the boar (no doubt thinking ‘ t h a t ’s g o t r i d o f t h a t swine’) had trotted back to join the rest of the group, which was melting back into the forest.”
Effective communication key between...
From page 27 about new and changing developments. Having breakfast, lunch, or even just a cup of coffee with senior personnel can be an excellent starting point for ensuring our audit voice is heard.” The IIAG Governor added, “Effective communication not only From page 28 Contractors also vied for the contract to rehabilitate the caretaker’s quarters (location was requires us to be adept to sharing information. We not listed). must also listen carefully to what our clients say. We must listen ‘between the lines’ to hear the core message or
New potable water well...
messages...” Seeram said that audit practitioners who possess the aforementioned skill will improve the quality of audit information gathering as well as enhance the audit function’s image as a reliable partner that recognizes the concerns and priorities of the organization. The consultant also stated that communication of internal audit observations actually presents many opportunities, and should be one of the most thoughtful
tasks an internal auditor performs. In this regard he stated, “That isn’t to say that audit planning, scoping, and testing are not that important. However to achieve the greatest value from the work performed in those phases, the outcome needs to be communicated to the appropriate audience in a way that allows them to understand the results, appreciate the significance of the issue, and to take the appropriate action.”
Business people, pensioners... From page 16 are sitting comfortable, we shall see them there and we shall stand up and fight.” He mentioned that workers at the Albion Estate who were also taking part in a protest on the Corentyne in support with the Union and other workers were not granted the permission to do so; they were stopped by the police. Narine also expressed
his shock at the level of police that turned up at the protest, some were decked out in helmets, heavily armed, with face and body shields, while community police and other senior ranks were also present, “I was surprised when I saw this morning a whole truck load of police men and women dressed in riot clothes, nobody is here to
riot, this is reminiscent of the martyrs”, the General Secretary stated. The Union called on the Government and GuySuco to listen to the plight of the people and to re-look at their position to have the estates closed, a decision that it is opined will cripple the economic progress of the country and imperil the lives of many.
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Nurses’ migration considerably reduced “People ain’t going nowhere; nobody ain’t want we now,” said veteran Nurse, Marva Hawker, as she addressed the wanting quality of some nurses that the public health system has produced over the years. Hawker was recruited last year by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation as a Nursing Mentor, in the deliberate quest to bring an end to the evident deficiency within the profession. This has seen her working along with the Ward Manager, Supervisors and the nurses to guide them and ensure that they employ necessary
- linked to wanting quality of professionals remedial measures. “When we came here, there was total indiscipline; enough to send you crazy. Some of these nurses, they don’t even want to tidy the patients, they don’t even see administering tablets as a priority. Medications are not given at their specific time for reasons like ‘the patient not ready’ or ‘the patient don’t have water’. But it is gradually being addressed; it is slowly getting there but things are happening…it
isn’t as yet where it needs to be by any stretch of imagination,” a very vocal Hawker shared. In fact, she disclosed that while nurses’ migration back in the day was a major issue resulting in a shortage of nurses in the system, this is not the case today. “The migration rate in this hospital has dropped tremendously since I’m here…where they have to go? Nowhere! And it’s worse at some other places
[hospitals],” asserted Hawker, who has been a part of the nursing profession for five decades. Hawker is a retired Matron of the GPHC. According to Hawker, during an interview with this publication, she has continued to give her support to the public hospital in the urgent quest to help restore the nursing profession. This is in light of her conviction that the profession has considerably deteriorated. “Among the group of persons we have now in the nursing field, there are some who are just not the caring type. They don’t have the empathic way about them…they just don’t have empathy, they don’t show love,” Hawker insisted. She has reason to believe that far too many individuals who are opting for the profession are merely looking for an income which in itself is a troubling situation. “They are claiming that they are choosing nursing, because they are not getting anything else to do, and that is the problem, because we have now in the system, since I’m back, persons who are here who tell us they don’t like it…”
Nurse Marva Hawker “We have some nurses saying that they were forced to come and do nursing – there are some who are waiting on a visa and some whose mothers feel they’re home doing nothing and so decide to send them out…so the patients feel the brunt of their [the nurses’] dissatisfaction…they don’t want to be here.” Remedying this prevailing dilemma, she believes, will have to start with stringent interviews of the candidates who are accepted to undertake the nursing programme. “I understand that some people were entered into programmes without even b e i n g interviewed…somebody
‘big’ would call and say I sending two or I sending three [nursing students] and the tutors have to accept them. At the orientations [for the nursing programmes] the tutors don’t even know some of the people who turn up,” Hawker said. She continued, “I would personally like to see they have interviews because, you don’t do interview for interview sake. You have to know the quality of people you are accepting into the programme.” She related that, c u r r e n t l y, a d e l i b e r a t e move has been made to put the intake of nurses on hold. “I think this is a good move. Let them deal with what they have and bring them up to the required standard. Those who don’t meet it just let them go, don’t keep them.” Alluding to the batch that participated in the Professional Nurses State F i n a l s , l a s t D e c e m b e r, Hawker reflected, “it was a disgrace. I never heard that and when you look at them…they don’t even care.” Based on the raw results of the 2016 State Final examinations seen by this publication, a mere 23 of the 179 candidates, who participated in the examination, were able to secure overall passes.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Fake pandits return...
CLICO plans to repay government says Duprey
One of the advertisements being aired on television. From page 3 apartment building was an Indian couple who said that the “pandit” will be ready shortly. There were three chairs and the grill door was padlocked. On the door was a religious photo. The entrance to the apartment had pieces of lime with some coloured powder. Inside, there were voices with a man offering to pay the balance of money shortly. There were discussions about $40,000 and $60,000. After waiting for almost an hour, an apologetic Indian national, dressed in a blue traditional top and orange-colored lungi, was seen at the door. Coming from the apartment was an Afro-Guyanese. He had a “tika” (red dot) on his forehead and looked pleased. Inside, the “pandit” asked the “husband and wife” to sit. JESUS CHRIST He sat behind a table that had an altar with flowers. The back wall was adorned with photos of Hindu Gods and even of one depicting Jesus Christ. He asked the reporters to write their names and date of birth and gave them some shiny shells to hold and pray. He asked about their work. The “husband” works in an accounting firm while his spouse was att a ched to an advertising company. For the man, it was the right hand. The “wife” was asked to use her left to pray with the shells. The “pandit” made it clear that the reporter was a good man, from what he can “see”. He believed that the reason that the couple was not getting any children was because a female who had been spurned, had made “some bad prayers”. But there were some good news. The husband is a lucky man. The pandit made it clear that he could make it all go away, and that he is “100 percent sure to fix it”. “The personwho make
bad thing for you…you played with their emotions. When I do some prayers, whatever problem you have…I can solve.” The “pandit”, assuring that the problem is not insurmountable, advised the couple that the process will involve five days of “special” prayers. “You do the things, I do what I have to do. I will get some power, I will understand what kind of problem you have.” The “pandit” requested the reporters bring two photographs. He was assured to do whatever it takes…that money was not an issue. Of course, there was a cost for the prayer, the “pandit” said earnestly. BIG MONEY For one prayer, it would cost $22,000 (US$100) - for the five $110,000 (US$550). A few minutes later, the “pandit” was given a business card of one of the reporters. He was a cool customer. Without blinking, he said he felt something was not right. Asked if he was willing to talk about what he was doing, the man expressed willingness. He knew Kaieteur News. The exposure may even help him to become more known in Guyana. He willingly tendered several IDs, including one that was purportedly issued by the Election Commission of India. It said his name was Anand Kumar, born 18th October, 1995. He had come to Guyana and was granted a visa on arrival. He had come to see his ailing sister. He said he was at the Alberttown location for more than a month and had two months left on his visa.It is not about money, he insists. He likes to help people. Asked if he is registered anywhere, including at the Guyana Revenue Authority, the “pandit” said no. He is most willing to provide any information. He could
not immediately point Kaieteur News to any website or Facebook account that could help. The “pandit” made it clear that he is not connected to the Craig Street “astrologer” but knew from television ads that other persons were operating there, at Parika and at Grove. He said that the Regent Street place had no one. The reporters promised to keep in contact with him. At Craig Street, the apartment downstairs was located behind a small bodywork and mechanic shop and printer. There were shoes in front of the door, but no one answered. There was no one there again yesterday. At Grove, in “Back Street”, Times Square, the “pandit” had reportedly left since Monday night. There was again no signboard. A sign, however, was attached to a power post at the corner. A neighbour insisted that from what she knows, the “pandit”, who had been there a month now, is a genuine person. She knows this because of the number of visitors there. Nobody is behaving badly to get back their monies. People from all over, including Suriname and the US would visit, she claims. The “pandit” had replaced one that had been there for several months and who was expected to return sometime. Further down Back Street, other neighbours were not so complimentary. One woman, they claimed, died of heart attack when she could not cough up a $1M payment. Lots of persons are going to the “pandit”. “We want somebody to look into them. They are smooth. They understand how to manipulate people. The neighbours does cook for them. They are smooth. They are calling lots of money.” Kumar said that he is not registered with any pandit council or religious organization here.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) says it has a plan to pay the government back billions of dollars spent in bailing out the financially troubled regional insurance giant. Former Clico Chairman Lawrence Duprey in a statement to the Trinidad Guardian newspaper disputed a claim by Finance Minister Colm Imbert earlier this week that government is in excess of TT$27 billion (One TT dollar=US0.16 cents). Imbert told Parliament during the mid year review of the budget that the government had so far spent $20.3 billion on the 2009 Clico bailout. Imbert also said that overall the government could be owed as much as $27.7 billion. However Duprey told the Trinidad Guardian that the company’s shareholders have submitted a plan to repay the government in full and the government has letters to this effect. “Government is fully aware the shareholders’ agreement has expired but is continuing to operate without consulting the shareholders. The time has come to end this colossal disaster and remove this burden from the public’s neck,” he said. The former Clico chairman said the government’s
Lawrence Duprey “determination to destroy Clico and CL Financial is bewildering” adding that the government did not spend $20 billion on “the so called bailout as we know that approximately 15,000 policyholders representing the largest single liability are still waiting to collect their full benefits, having been forced to wait 20 years to be repaid 85 per cent of their life’s savings.” “Sadly most of these people will not live to dully enjoy these payments, yet we’re told $3.2 billion has been spent on advisor fees and other costs. This appears to be ‘money for the boys’ while policyholders languish on the vine.”
According to Duprey, the Finance Minister’s reference to expenditure is simply a promise to pay in the distant future “in the form of government bonds or some other arcane financial arrangement.” Duprey added that over six months ago in response to questions raised about the missing $6 billion of statutory funds in the Clico accounts, the Finance Minister proposed a forensic audit into the affairs of the ‘bailout’ to date, but the audit “hasn’t been forthcoming”. Clico is part of the CL Finance Group that collapsed in 2009 and received billions of dollars in state funds.
Exxon yet to make final investment... From page 7 partners the power to extract. According to Simons, the Commission has sought assistance from other entities and Exxon is working along with the GGMC and its aide in providing the necessary clarifications and information needed. He could not commit to when the green light would be given, but noted that the wait was anticipated. Despite these applications being reviewed, Exxon is seemingly confident that all will go through as planned. The company and its partners have already spent in the vicinity of US$1B to carry out its operation thus far, the Country Manager said. Contracts have already been awarded for the supply of vital elements to aid the company through this exploratory stage and beyond.
Back in May 2015, ExxonMobil announced a huge oil find in the Liza-1 well and encountered more than 295 feet (90 metres) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone. With the second well on the block, Liza-2, the company confirmed the finding as “significant,” with a potential recoverable resource of 800 million to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Drilling operations on ExxonMobil’s Skipjack prospect, the company’s third well in the block offshore Guyana, yielded disappointing results. It was reported that the company did not find commercial quantities of hydrocarbons within that well. The Liza-3 appraisal well was subsequently drilled to a total depth of 18,100 feet in 6000 feet of water on a location about 2.7 miles from
the Liza-1 discovery. The well hit around 200 feet of net pay “in the same high-quality reservoirs” as the first two Liza wells which would further solidify the potential recoverable oil in the reservoir. The Payara-1 well – the fifth well – located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) northwest of the L i z a - 1 d i s c o v e r y, w a s drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and encountered more than 95 feet (29 metres) of highq u a l i t y, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well was safely drilled to a depth of 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water. The Snoek-1, was recently drilled where more than 82 feet of high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoirs were encountered.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
High crime rates in the Caribbean require new evidence-based policy approaches – IDB study NEW YORK, CMC – The Inter American Development Bank (IDB) says the Caribbean needs to redirect its anticrime efforts in favor of more interventions that are evidence-based and targeted at high-risk individuals and geographic areas, with improved monitoring of police and justice systems. In a study conducted by the IDB , entitled – “Restoring Paradise in the Caribbean: Combatting violence with numbers”, the lending agency said it is based on the results of new crime victimization surveys carried out in The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. “Three thousand individuals were interviewed in each of the five countries. With almost half of all crimes going unreported to the police, these victimization surveys provide a fuller picture of the prevalence of crime and its unique characteristics when compared to other regions,” the study found. When comparing results from Caribbean capital cities with the International Crime Victimization Surveys database, it was found that nonviolent property crimes in the region are low. The average rate of individuals victimized by theft of personal property, in a 12month period, in the Caribbean is 4.8%, compared with the global average of 8.1%. Rates of burglary (4.1%) are significantly lower in the Caribbean than in Africa (8%) and Latin America (5.9%). Violent crime rates, on the other hand, are among the
highest in the world. The average rate of victimization by assault and threat (6.8%) is higher than in any other region, including Latin America (4.7%). “Nearly one in three said they had lost someone to violence. Guns are used about twice as often in robbery and three times as often in assault in the Caribbean as compared with the global average.” The study found that violence is concentrated in certain neighborhoods and demographic groups, often far away from tourist resorts – stating that certain demographic groups are repeatedly victimized, mainly 18-25-year-olds who live in poorer areas. The IDB notes that the high proportion of victims said they were attacked by people they k n o w, o f t e n i n t h e i r homes or neighborhood. “The victimization surveys help us understand how crime affects populations, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” said Ana María Rodríguez, the manager of the IDB´s Department of Institutions for Development. “Notably, women and youth were found to be less likely to report violent crimes to the police. These surveys help direct prevention efforts to those who need them the most.” “The Caribbean region is rightfully known for its beauty, warmth, culture, music and, yes, beckoning environment,” said Therese Turner-Jones, the manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Department. “But the darker side of
having some of the world’s highest violent crime rates remains a cause for concern. This book provides the basis to build policies that are more likely to work because they are more firmly rooted in data and best practices.” In taking look at the rates in the region for car theft, simple theft, robbery and assaults – the highest victimization rates were in New Providence, Bahamas. Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago also has a relatively high rate of car thefts, robberies, and assault; it was found that Kingston, Jamaica had medium-to-high rates for all categories except for assaults and threats, which are higher. M e a n w h i l e , Bridgetown, Barbados and Paramaribo, Suriname, had comparatively low rates for most types of common crime. According to the study – victims are concentrated in neighborhoods with high physical disorder, low trust among neighbors and a gang presence. “Even within those neighborhoods, crime is concentrated in pockets. For instance, in Port of Spain 50% of crimes are committed in only three percent of street segments.” It was also found that crime also takes a toll on the private sector – this is evident as 23 per cent of firms have experienced losses because of crime and nearly 70 per cent spend money on private security measures.
Police investigate massive cocaine haul on ship from Spain
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The police are searching for answers following a multi-million dollar cocaine seizure on the weekend .
The police report that shortly after 2:00 am (local time) on Sunday, the drug was removed from the hull of a ship that arrived from
Valencia, Spain on Friday. It’s reported that security personnel saw a metal canister attached to the ship and alerted the police and the Jamaica Customs Contraband Enforcement Team. Checks revealed that the canister contained 58 rectangular parcels of cocaine. The police say the illicit drug weighed 75.35 kilograms and has an estimated street value of J$71.63 million. “No arrest has been made in connection with the seizure, however detectives have intensified their probe into the matter,” the police said.
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
Americans Support Impeaching Donald Trump More Than They Oppose It Despite a near constant drumbeat of White House controversy, it seems unlikely President Donald Trump is anywhere near being impeached by a Congress controlled by the Republicans. But more Americans now support doing so than oppose the idea, according to a new poll released Tuesday. The survey from Public Policy Polling (PPP)—a company that does public polls as well as polling for Democratic candidates—found that 48 percent of voters support impeaching Trump while 41 percent do not. It is the first time the company found more voters supported such a move than opposed it. Just 43 percent of voters thought Trump would finish out the four-year term as president, while 45 percent thought he wouldn’t. That seems to be in alignment with Las Vegas oddsmakers, as Bovada.lv gives betters a 2-1 chance on 2017 being Trump’s exit year as president. The PPP survey even seemed to illustrate a bit of regret among Trump voters. By a margin of 49 percent to 41 percent, voters said they
wished Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton—who won the popular vote by some 3 million votes—was president. Ten percent of Trump voters said they wished the former of secretary of state was president, according to the survey. The impeachment process would be a long one even if it was triggered by Congress, and it would not necessarily guarantee Trump’s removal from office. But numerous experts and scholars have said the president has already done enough to get that process under way, including seemingly suggesting
the FBI’s investigation into allegations of his campaign’s collusion with Russia played a part in his firing of Director James Comey. “He arguably could be impeached now,” Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University who is a renowned election predictor, told Newsweek last week. “Arguably, he’s already obstructed justice and already violated the emoluments clause [regarding receiving gifts from foreign governments]. I’m not saying we should impeach him now. I’m calling for an impeachment investigation.”
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
Americans Support Impeaching Donald Trump More Than They Oppose It Despite a near constant drumbeat of White House controversy, it seems unlikely President Donald Trump is anywhere near being impeached by a Congress controlled by the Republicans. But more Americans now support doing so than oppose the idea, according to a new poll released Tuesday. The survey from Public Policy Polling (PPP)—a company that does public polls as well as polling for Democratic candidates—found that 48 percent of voters support impeaching Trump while 41 percent do not. It is the first time the company found more voters supported such a move than opposed it. Just 43 percent of voters thought Trump would finish out the four-year term as president, while 45 percent thought he wouldn’t. That seems to be in alignment with Las Vegas oddsmakers, as Bovada.lv gives betters a 2-1 chance on 2017 being Trump’s exit year as president. The PPP survey even seemed to illustrate a bit of regret among Trump voters. By a margin of 49 percent to 41 percent, voters said they
wished Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton—who won the popular vote by some 3 million votes—was president. Ten percent of Trump voters said they wished the former of secretary of state was president, according to the survey. The impeachment process would be a long one even if it was triggered by Congress, and it would not necessarily guarantee Trump’s removal from office. But numerous experts and scholars have said the president has already done enough to get that process under way, including seemingly suggesting
the FBI’s investigation into allegations of his campaign’s collusion with Russia played a part in his firing of Director James Comey. “He arguably could be impeached now,” Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University who is a renowned election predictor, told Newsweek last week. “Arguably, he’s already obstructed justice and already violated the emoluments clause [regarding receiving gifts from foreign governments]. I’m not saying we should impeach him now. I’m calling for an impeachment investigation.”
PAGE 35
PAGE 36
Windies must rebound, says legend Sir Curtly HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Legendary former fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose has urged West Indies to use the disappointment of missing out on next month’s ICC Champions Trophy, to return to the top of world cricket. The tournament, referred to as the mini World Cup, features the cricket world’s top eight sides, with West Indies missing out on the June 1-18 showpiece in England due to their lowly number nine ranking. “It’s really a shame. It is sad. I never thought the time would come when we, as a West Indies team, would miss a Champions Trophy,” Sir Curtly told the Royal Gazette. “It’s not a nice feeling at all, but that’s the way it is. We are not playing as well as we can so it’s up to us as a nation, and the cricketers themselves, to bring back this tradition we have to get West Indies cricket near the top again.” West Indies were good enough to win the tournament back in 2004 in England, when they beat the
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Kaieteur News
Legendary former West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose. hosts in a dramatic final at the Oval. Their fortunes have declined steadily since then, however, and they now also face the prospect of failing to qualify automatically for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Only hosts England and the remaining top seven sides by the September 30 cut-off date will secure automatic spots with the remaining sides forced to play a qualifying tournament for
a chance at the remaining two slots. Sir Curtly, who up until last year served as a bowling consultant to West Indies, believes consistency is the big hurdle the regional side has to overcome. “Potential and talent has never been the question. It’s just we’ve not kept the results that we want. From time to time there have been some good performances, but we’re not consistent enough,” explained the Antiguan, who took 405 wickets from 98 Tests and 225 scalps from 176 onedayers. “To move up the rankings you have to be consistent with both games and with both teams and until we start to do that we will remain the way we are at the moment. We just need to be more consistent.” This year already, West Indies have lost five of their six One-Day Internationals, with five-match series against India and England to follow by the end of September.
Japan’s... (From page 36) offences. “The ban from all professional tennis applies with immediate effect and means the player is not allowed to compete in, or attend, any tournament or event organised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of the sport,” the TIU said in a separate statement on its website.
Dumoulin... (From page 34) champion Vincenzo Nibali in future stages if he is to retain the maglia rosa and win his first grand tour. In 2015, Dumoulin was leading the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) at the start of the penultimate stage but cracked in the last mountain trek after an onslaught from Fabio Aru’s Astana team to end up sixth overall. Today’s 11th stage is a 161-km hilly ride from Florence to Bagno Di Romagna.
NSC to hold training sessions for PWD’s today to Sunday The National Sports Commission will be paying attention to Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in Region #2 during the period May 17 – 21, 2017. Mr. Wilton Spencer Sports Organiser will be there to conduct training for guides, persons who will be aiding the blind as they com-
pete in Track and Field events. Training will be conducted at the NOC ground on May 18 and 19, 2017 commencing 09:30h daily. On May 20 and 21, 2017 Sports Organiser will be conducting a domino competition for persons with disabilities. On both days competition
will commence at 10:00am at the Unit of the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme located at Queenstown Essequibo Coast. All persons with disabilities are asked to contact Mr. Lloyd Griffith, Area Coordinator, for further information.
Younis says he leaves with no... (From page 33) has given to the game that, unlike Misbah, he does not foresee a post-retirement attachment within the game. When he became captain in 2009, he had spoken keenly of helping set up a players’ association, something Pakistan’s cricketers have never known. That is not, for now, on the agenda. “Believe me - I think, in all,
I’ve given 27-28 years of my life to cricket. So I have nothing in my mind about any future plans to get back into cricket. I don’t know if I’ll have any energy left after I leave to give to cricket. “A players’ association should happen for sure, but I don’t think I have the energy to be able to do something like this. We should do this, and if others start
it up, then I will stand by them for sure.” One thing he will be doing plenty of is fishing, a pastime in which he often sought refuge during his career. “A lot of the dreams I had which I couldn’t get to while I was playing, I will now pursue. People think you achieve all of them in your career but actually this is a new career starting for me now.”
Wednesday May 17, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with. Secret affairs may only cause complications in your life.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship. Your loved ones could set you off. Do your own thing and everything will settle down.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't jump into investments too quickly. You may need a good friend to lean on. Investments will cost more than you anticipated.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Get on with business. You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will be able to get to the bottom of things today. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue. Investments may not be as lucrative as you thought.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. You don't want to give anyone fuel for the fire.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) A little rest will do wonders. Don't blow situations out of proportion or you could find that others will misinterpret what really happened.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't share your dilemma with those you work with. You need to do something energetic and different. Trips, educational pursuits, or projects that could lead to new outlooks should be on your agenda.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Consider making pleasure trips or participating in entertainment that will require energy. Your home environment appears to be a little shaky. Elders may need your help. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about. You may not want to spend time around family or your home. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be cautious handling tools, machinery, or dangerous objects. Do not push your opinions or try to reform your emotional partner today. Real estate investments could be to your advantage. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may exaggerate your emotional situation. You could be misinterpreted if you're not careful. Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 37
Saunders hopes Fury can make undercard for title defence (Reuters) WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has backed former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to resolve his doping issues and fight on the undercard for the Briton’s title defence against G e o r g i a n Av t a n d i l Khurtsidze in July. Fury was charged by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) last June for allegedly consuming a performanceenhancing drug. He vacated his titles, admitted to battling depression and his boxing licence was revoked in October pending an investigation. The former WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, who has not fought since beating Wladimir Klitschko to win the titles in 2015, maintained his innocence prior to a
Billy Joe Saunders during the press conference at Grosvenor House Hotel. (Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge Livepic) UKAD hearing scheduled for last week that was subsequently postponed. “Mentally, Tyson is out of the dark place which worried me. We had long
chats and, like me, realised that what we do is box,” Saunders told reporters of his compatriot while promoting his fight on Monday.
Tyson Fury during the head to head press conference at Manchester Arena. (Action Images via Reuters / Lee SmithLivepic) “It all comes down to there being only one thing for him and that’s boxing. He is good for the sport and it would be a shame to see it taken away from him.
“There wasn’t a day when he wasn’t up early in the morning ready to go out, r u n n i n g b y t h e beach...Everything is there with Tyson, it just needs
putting back together.” Saunders also said that Fury would be more popular than British world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua had he displayed a more personal side to the media. “You only see the media side of Tyson, what the man puts out there,” Saunders said. “When you know him personally, he’s different. If he was to show that side, he’d be loved more than Anthony Joshua. “He’s 28 years old and never been arrested. I’m 27 and have been arrested 12 times, so he’s got a better record than me. He’s a good family man, not an animal.” Unbeaten Saunders (240) will meet the 38-year-old Khurtsidze (33-2-2) at the Copper Box Arena in London on July 8.
Younis says he leaves with no regrets ESPNcricinfo - It remains one of the most enduring what-ifs of Younis Khan’s career: what if, in November 2009, he had not upped and left the captaincy? Where would he, and Pakistan cricket, be now had he continued? Pakistan cricket is no longer as obsessed with that one, in light of the successes of the eventual beneficiary of that decision, Misbah-ulHaq. But the question has hounded Younis’ career since, up to and including this, his last series. And now, as he steps away from international cricket as Pakistan’s most prolific Test batsman, it
seems he has found closure. “People say to me, you should’ve done more c a p t a i n c y, ” h e t o l d ESPNcricinfo. “But I think whatever happens, happens for the best. Had I been captain maybe I wouldn’t have scored all these runs. People think that maybe I carry these regrets, but no. Had I done more, who knows whether I would be where I am today? If I had been captain for so long, maybe I would’ve been too distracted by other duties to score as many runs as I did.” Despite leading Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in 2009, Younis’ experience
with the captaincy has been difficult. He turned it down first in 2007, having been groomed for it. In late 2006, as an interim captain, he had given it up in anger, only to accept it back a day later. When he resigned in 2009, it was under the weight of, effectively, a player revolt. And yet, over the last couple of years, he has spoken of another tilt at the captaincy, talk that has been encouraged by people around him. Certainly it is difficult to imagine him having done better as a batsman. Though his last series was a poor one, under Misbah’s captaincy, Younis scored nearly 5000 runs and more than doubled
Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq pose with the series trophy, West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Dominica, 5th day, ©AFP
his century count: 18 in 53 Tests (16 in 65 before). It is a run that has established him as, arguably, Pakistan’s greatest Test batsman and one of the finest from anywhere in the modern age. “All the cricket I’ve played - for club, department, association, c o u n t y, i n A u s t r a l i a ,
wherever - when I’m gone if you ask any of them, they won’t be able to say that Younis Khan left something in the tank. I gave 200% everywhere I played. “Two-three years ago, I was about to retire but I got the motivation to try and get to 10,000 runs. As a captain, player, junior, senior, I put it
all out there, whatever I had. Whatever I could, with bat, ball, in the field. No regrets either. We won a world title, we beat Australia, leveled a series in England. We performed, I performed so there’s nothing left that I really wanted to do.” So much does he feel he (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 38
Dumoulin hammers timetrial rivals to take Giro lead (Reuters) Dutchman Tom Dumoulin claimed the Giro d’Italia pink jersey when he crushed the opposition in yesterday’s individual time trial to open up a big gap at the top of the overall standings. The Team Sunweb rider clocked 50 minutes 37 seconds over the 39.8-km course between Foligno and Montefalco, beating Britain’s Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) by 49 seconds
and Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels (Quick Step-Floors) by 56. Overall, Dumoulin now leads previous leader Nairo Quintana by 2:23 after the Colombian lost a massive 2:53. Dutchman Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo) moved up to third, 2:38 behind his compatriot, after he leapfrogged Frenchman Thibaut Pinot (FDJ), now fourth and two further
seconds back at the end of a bad day in the 10th stage. Thomas, who lost over five minutes after a crash in the ninth stage, revived his podium finish hopes, sitting in 11th place overall, 5:33 off the pace. Dumoulin will now have to hold off the expected repeated attacks from pure climbers like Pinot, Quintana and defending (Continued on page 32)
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Dhoni, Sundar vault Pune into the final
Washington Sundar, MS Dhoni and captain Steven Smith discuss field placements, Mumbai Indians v Rising Pune Supergiant, Qualifier 1, IPL, Mumbai, ©AFP
Tom Dumoulin (NED) of Netherlands competes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/Bryn Lennon/Pool/File Photo)
ESPNcricinfo - After being asked to bat on a favourable chasing ground, Rising Pune Supergiant lost the majority of the first innings. But it was an atypically slow surface at the Wankhede Stadium and Rising Pune utilised those conditions better than Mumbai Indians did to clear a path to their maiden IPL final. Rising Pune defended 162 comfortably in the end, by 20 runs, for their third win over Mumbai this season. Mumbai, despite having squandered the shootout for the final in front of a packed home crowd, will have a second chance in the second qualifier in Bengaluru on Friday. At the forefront of a sublime bowling performance was teenage offspinner Washington Sundar. His fuller-than-good length and straight lines meant the batsmen were not able to attack either side of the wicket with any conviction. His quick pace didn’t let them get under deliveries either. The 17-year old finished with 3 for 16 from four overs and the Manof-the-Match award. The harder task on the night, though, was with the bat. Manoj Tiwary and Ajinkya Rahane struck patient fifties, setting a platform for MS Dhoni to use his wiles and hitting prowess at the end to help Rising Pune finish with a decent score and sufficient momentum. A strong start In Mumbai’slast league game at this venue , Kings XI Punjab defended a total of 230 by just seven runs. Even with the possibility of dew and the short boundaries, Rising Pune may not have been aiming that high after
losing the toss, but they knew they needed to get close. Planning, check. Execution, a big red cross. Rahul Tripathi fell over a flick and was bowled. Steven Smith’s leading edge was snaffled up at backward point. Rising Pune were 9 for 2 in two overs. The surface may have been slow, and Mumbai’s variations were effective, but after that start, a score of close to 170 was the best Rising Pune could hope for, which meant Mumbai were never out of the game. Different pitch, same D h o n i f i n i s h Rising Pune had laboured to 121 for 3 after 18 overs. The five overs prior to that yielded just 32 without a wicket as Mumbai’s bowlers found the right length to Dhoni and Tiwary. Dhoni’s strike rate in his first 10 balls in the IPL, before this game, was 88.52. Against Mumbai, he could only muster 14 off his first 17 balls. But then Mitchell McClenaghan, not for the first time this season, missed his yorker. A high full-toss was hit for four and the resulting free-hit went for six over long-on. Dhoni anticipated McClenaghan’s good or short length in the second half of that over, and sat back to hit two sixes. Jasprit Bumrah hadn’t pitched anything in Dhoni’s half all through the match. But in the final over, he gifted two good length balls that were smashed for sixes as Rising Pune plundered 41 off the last 12 balls. Their score of 162 was below par at this ground, but the momentum and confidence - of having defended a similar score before on this ground earlier this season - was firmly with
Rising Pune. Falling behind from the start Rising Pune had only one way forward - exploiting a t w o - p a c e d Wa n k h e d e surface. Even if they didn’t get early wickets, they had to keep Mumbai in check because batting was going to get harder. Jaydev Unadkat brought out his offcutters in the first over and conceded just one run. Mumbai were already behind the game. Parthiv Patel hit 33 off 16 in the Powerplay, but Mumbai lost three wickets. Lendl Simmons was run-out, backing up too far at the nonstriker’s end. Rohit Sharma was undone by umpiring error, given out lbw despite a thick inside edge. Ambati Rayudu found midwicket with a pull; the second wicket in Sundar’s over. Mumbai were 42 for 3 inside the fielding restrictions and behind the asking rate. Undone by conditions Timing shots and picking slower deliveries was getting tougher. Why? After a bowler releases his delivery, batsmen pick the speed through the air and then adjust accordingly. But with the ball gripping the surface, it came onto them slower than expected. Mumbai, having played seven league matches on an even, true Wankhede pitch, weren’t used to that pace. Unadkat used his slower balls, Shardul Thakur his knuckle balls and Sundar an effective change in pace, to thoroughly flummox Mumbai’s batsmen. Scores: Rising Pune Supergiant 162 for 4 (Tiwary 58, Rahane 56, Dhoni 40*) beat Mumbai Indians 142 for 9 (Parthiv 52, Sundar 3-16, Thakur 337) by 20 runs.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 39
Law not despondent despite heart-breaker ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – West Indies head coach Stuart Law believes the regional side can take heart from the just-ended series against Pakistan, despite losing the threematch rubber, 2-1, in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday’s final day at Windsor Park. The Australian, who was overseeing his first Test series since taking up his post last February, said the batting of Roston Chase and the whole-hearted effort displayed by the fast bowlers on flat tracks, was evidence enough to suggest the Windies were heading in the right direction.
“We can take plenty of positives. Let’s not dwell too much on what happened yesterday,” Law said here Monday. “Going into yesterday’s play we had a chance of winning the Test match and winning the series. I don’t think West Indies have been in that position for a long time. And the way we played – we got beaten up in Jamaica but then we fought back hard in Barbados. “We changed the way we wanted to go about our preparation and we wanted to change our culture and the boys really responded well to that and we took that into this Test match. It was pretty
tough on pretty unresponsive surface but everyone stuck their hands up again.” He added: “Our bowlers were outstanding. Shannon Gabriel led the attack brilliantly in the series. Alzarri Joseph, a young man in his first proper series bowled exceptionally well. Jason Holder is a standout young man and he led the team with great distinction and from the front. “Yesterday is still a bitter taste to everyone. I think it may take a couple days to fully leave the system but we are very positive moving forward.” Chase’s batting was one of the highlights of the series. The 25-year-old was
French Open decides against giving former champion a wildcard
Sharapova is playing at the Italian Open in Rome this week. (EPA) BBC Sport - Maria Sharapova will miss the French Open after tournament officials decided not to give the two-time champion a wildcard. The Russian, 30, was ranked too low to gain direct entry as she continues her return from a 15-month drugs ban. “There can be a wildcard for the return from injuries there cannot be a wildcard for the return from doping,” French Tennis Federation chief Bernard Giudicelli Ferrandini said. The French Open begins on 28 May. Sharapova had been hoping to receive a wildcard
either into the main draw or the qualifying tournament. “I’m very sorry for Maria, very sorry for her fans,” added Giudicelli Ferrandini. “They might be very disappointed, she might be very disappointed, but it’s my responsibility, my mission, to protect the high standards of the game played without any doubt on the result.” The former world number one has not played a Grand Slam since she tested positive for heart disease drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. That brought an initial two-year ban, later reduced
to 15 months after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found she was not an “intentional doper”. Sharapova returned to action without a ranking last month and has since risen to 211 in the world after receiving wildcards in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome. That will be enough to at least earn a qualifying spot at Wimbledon next month. She could yet qualify directly for the main draw with a good run at this w e e k ’s I t a l i a n O p e n , otherwise Wimbledon will announce on 20 June whether the Russian is among the wildcards at the All England Club.
Man-of-the-Match Roston Chase (right) chats with captain Jason Holder (middle) and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, following West Indies’ defeat in the third Test at Windsor Park on Sunday. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) the only batsman on either side to pass 400 runs with 403, and averaged 100 with two centuries and two halfcenturies. His valiant unbeaten 101 on Sunday’s last day brought West Indies within one over of splitting honours in the three-Test series before number 11 Shannon Gabriel lost the plot and was bowled off the last delivery of the penultimate delivery of the day by champion leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Law said Chase’s heavy scoring and critical interventions with his offspin, had made him perhaps the ideal choice for Man-ofthe-Series. “Roston Chase had an outstanding series – 400plus runs and an average of over a hundred and he was
my pick for Man-of-theSeries,” Law contended. “Yasir Shah (eventual Man-of-the-Series) bowled beautifully, had three fivefours, picked up the victory in the series but Roston Chase, on difficult batting pitches [where] no one really excelled consistently, he scored runs in Jamaica, he scored a hundred in Barbados and scored another one here – backing it up with a 69 in the first innings.” He continued: “He also picked up valuable wickets with the ball and he’s a young man. He still has plenty to learn. If he can keep improving and getting better, who knows where he’s going to end up. He’s one of our finds and a really good bloke to have around the dressing room as well.”
And while the young batting line-up did not set the world alight, Law said several of them had managed to impress beyond the scores. “I thought we saw players in this series making massive strides. Kieran Powell came back into the squad, didn’t perform the way he wanted to but I thought he looked very solid,” he noted. “Every innings he played he looked solid before he got out and that’s just a matter of concentration and making sure when you get through the tough times you cash in at the end. “I thought Shai Hope really gained momentum in his career and his status in world cricket so we’ve got some fine young players.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Guyana Curling Federation officially launched (From page 40) access development programmes to promote the sport to the Guyanese people. After a one-year period, the next step will be to apply for Provisional Membership status, which would allow our athletes to compete in International events. The first event that the GCF will organize is to send a team to the 2018 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, which will take place at the end of April 2018 at a site to be announced by the World Curling Federation. “First and foremost, the goal of the Guyana Curling Federation is to raise awareness to the Guyanese people about the sport of curling through the use of Street Curling. Street Curling is an iceless rink produced by Canadian company and partner to the GCF, Rock Solid Productions Inc,” explained Husain. “Through the use of this rink, we can bring a taste of what curling is about and how it’s played without the need to build a regulation ice rink,” Yassin added. U l t i m a t e l y, t h e Federation would like to inspire the youth to not only take up an interest in curling
but to lead healthy and active lifestyles. According the GCF Head, through time, the goal of the Federation is to send a curling team to the Olympics Winter games hopefully as soon as the 2022 Olympics in Beijing in Mixed Doubles, as well as to produce Medals i n t h e W o r l d Championships. The Guyana Curling Federation can be found on F a c e b o o k (www.facebook.com/Guyan aCu r l i n g ) o n Tw i t t e r (@GuyanaCurling) and b y E m a i l (guyanacurling@gmail.c om) Curling is a ‘Winter Sport’ in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area which is segmented into four concentric circles. It is related to bowls, boules and shuffleboard. Two teams, each with four players, take turns sliding heavy, polished granite stones, also called rocks, across the ice curling sheet towards the house, a circular target marked on the ice. Each team has eight stones. The purpose is to accumulate the highest score for a game; points are scored for the stones resting closest to the centre of the house at
GOA President to head GCF
The Canadian High Commissioner tries his hand at Curling at the launch of the GCF at Giftland Mall yesterday.
the conclusion of each end, which is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones. A game usually consists of eight or ten ends. The curler can induce a
India to tour West Indies right afterChampions Trophy ESPNCRICINFO India will tour the West Indies for five ODIs and one T20 international in June and July, with the trip beginning almost immediately after the Champions Trophy final in England. The Champions Trophy final is scheduled for June 18 and the first ODI between India and West Indies is on June 23 in Trinidad. The second ODI is at Queen’s Park Oval as well, before the teams move to Antigua for
the next two matches. The last ODI and the T20I will be played at Sabina Park on July 6 and 9. Unlike India, West Indies are not part of the Champions Trophy and will be hosting Afghanistan while the top eight ranked ODI nations compete in the ICC tournament in England. This will be the fourth bilateral series between the sides since 2013. India had toured West Indies in 2016 as well, for Tests and T20Is but
no ODIs. The complete fixtures of India’s tour of the West I n d i e s , 2 0 1 7 : 23-Jun Friday 1st ODI at Q u e e n ’s P a r k O v a l 25-Jun Sunday 2nd ODI at Q u e e n ’s P a r k O v a l 30-Jun Friday 3rd ODI at S V R S 2-Jul Sunday 4th ODI at S V R S 6-Jul Thursday 5th ODI at S a b i n a P a r k 9-Jul Sunday Only T20I at Sabina Park.
curved path by causing the stone to slowly turn as it slides, and the path of the rock may be further influenced by two sweepers with brooms who accompany it as it slides
down the sheet, using the brooms to alter the state of the ice in front of the stone. A great deal of strategy and teamwork go into choosing the ideal path and placement of a stone for each situation,
and the skills of the curlers determine how close to the desired result the stone will achieve. Curling officially became a Winter Olympic sport in 1998. (Sean Devers)
Japan’s Mitsuhashi banned for life from tennis for match-fixing (Reuters) Japanese tennis player Junn Mitsuhashi has been banned for life and fined $50,000 after being found guilty of match-fixing and betting o f f e n c e s , t h e Te n n i s Integrity Unit (TIU) said yesterday. Mitsuhashi, who peaked at 295 in the singles rankings in 2009, was accused of asking Joshua Chetty, a player he had coached, to approach a competitor during an International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in South Africa in
November 2015. Using Chetty as an intermediary, Mitsuhashi offered the player $2,000 to underperform in a singles match and $600 in a doubles match, the TIU said. The player rejected the offer and reported the approach to the TIU. Under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program, money or other benefit does not have to change hands to constitute a serious corruption offence, the TIU told Reuters in an email. Chetty was banned for
life last September following a separate TIU investigation. Mitsuhashi was also found guilty of making a direct approach to another player at an ITF event in Nigeria in December 2015 and asking him to fix certain aspects of a match. The 27-year-old placed 76 bets on tennis matches between October and November 2015 and refused to cooperate with the anticorruption body’s investigation, which are also (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 41
BCCI miffed by WICB Brawn willing to work with lack of support on recent MotoGP on F1 calendar ICC votes – report
WICB president Dave Cameron. NEW DELHI, India, CMC – Factions of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) want pressure brought to bear on the West Indies Cricket Board for its lack of support in the recent vote regarding the International Cricket Council’s new governance structure and revenue sharing model. At an ICC Board meeting in Dubai last month, the BCCI found itself standing alone as nine other countries voted in support of the governance structure. On the contentious revenue sharing model, India found support only from the Sri Lankan Board, as they lost 8-2 on vote.
Sections of the BCCI now want joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary to speak to WICB president Dave Cameron about the recent ICC votes, as there is a belief the Caribbean board was not held accountable enough for the decision of the one-day side to abruptly abandon the tour here three years ago. “We let the West Indies Cricket Board go scot-free back in 2014 after they pulled out midway,” a senior BCCI official, who requested anonymity, told the Press Trust of India. “We claimed damages of US$42 million but that was also waived by Shashank Manohar after he became the BCCI president for the
second time. Now they (WICB) have also voted against us at ICC Board. We need to look at these aspects.” The BCCI suspended bilateral ties with West Indies and also lodged the multi-million dollar claim against the WICB back in November, 2014, after the team walked off the tour earlier the same month following the fourth ODI, stemming from a players pay dispute with the board. However, the matter was settled amicably following talks between the WICB and the new Manohar-led BCCI, with the entities agreeing future bilateral tours. In fact, only Tuesday, the BCCI confirmed India’s sixmatch limited tour of the Caribbean starting next month, but the senior BCCI official said the only entity benefitting from the arrangement was the WICB. “There has to be some discussions with Cameron and WICB as to what their viewpoint is on governance,” the official continued. “In any case, it’s the WICB which gains if we go [on the tour]. Before the ICC Annual Conference, it would be great if Amitabh speaks to their cricket board.” India toured the Caribbean last year for four Tests and also played West Indies in a two-match Twenty20 series in Florida.
Brian Lara Academy to boost T&T sports The Brian Lara Cricket Academy can be developed as the cornerstone of a strong and vibrant Trinidad and Tobago sports industry. The Academy, which carries the name of the T&T and West Indies cricket legend, provides a high profile platform for the marketing of products and services related to the sports event tourism market. Further, the presence of world class facilities in South and Central Trinidad including the Cycling Velodrome and the National Aquatic Centre signal a necessary shift from Port of Spain and North Trinidad as the be all and end all of Trinidad and Tobago sport.
The official opening of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday points the way to the dawn of a new era for sport in Trinidad and Tobago. That said it will be equally important that we learn from lessons of the past and ensure that well thought out maintenance and utilisation plans and strategies are put in place for this brand new facility. There is a significant opportunity now for Trinidad and Tobago to go after the hosting of international and regional sports events that can be a major contributor to the economy. This will require not only the identification of opportunities to host sports
events, but also the development of skills required for bidding and hosting international sport events. Simultaneously we must also build and develop crucial relationships with international, continental and regional sport federations. Any sport tourism strategy must align to the broader national priorities f o r e c o n o m i c diversification, and sport and recreation. Critical success factors will include clarity as to who should be driving the process, who should be funding it and clear benchmarks for success.
LONDON (Reuters) Formula One has sounded out MotoGP for cooperation and advice as the sport embarks on a period of change under new owners Liberty Media. Ross Brawn, the former Ferrari technical director who has run three teams and is now Formula One’s managing director for motorsport, said he was open to learning lessons from any other series. The Briton told Reuters that he and Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP rights holders Dorna, had discussed “areas of cooperation and how we can learn from what each of us does” at last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. On a basic level, that means working to limit a clash of calendars. The first two rounds of this year’s Formula One and MotoGP championships were on the same weekends, and six more will clash later in the year. They include MotoGP’s final round in Valencia on Nov. 12, the same day as Formula One’s Brazilian Grand Prix — both titledeciders in the past. Brawn said such clashes were “not smart”. “We’re not too proud to consult with other championships and work out the best way forward,” he said, speaking in Formula One Management’s new paddock hospitality at the Circuit de Catalunya. “It’s difficult to juggle dates, and you can’t always achieve what you want, but at least we’re having a dialogue to try and work it out.” There were other areas where Formula One could learn lessons, he added. “I like the meritocracy that they have between Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. I like the progression that they have. “I think it’s interesting looking at the commercial side, the way they structure the teams and the deals and the way it works for the customer teams. I think it’s an interesting element.” BEST DRIVERS He said the way in which MotoGP’s junior series formed part of the same race weekend was also “a great example of where we should be”, with talent rising to the top and a clear career
Formula One Managing Director of Motorsports Ross Brawn walks at the Shanghai International Circuit ahead of the Chinese F1 Grand Prix. (REUTERS/Aly Song) progression that fans could easily follow. Formula One drivers enter the sport from various series and some are chosen by cash-strapped teams more for their financial contribution than talent alone. “We should have the 22 or 24 best drivers in the world in Formula One,” said Brawn. “There are c o m m e r c i a l considerations...which means we don’t always achieve that. “It’s a complex problem because you have to put the teams in a position where they don’t have to make those commercial decisions, they just make the decision based on the strongest drivers they can find.” A fairer distribution of revenues among teams, deciding what kind of future engine the sport should have and building cars that allow closer racing are all big longterm items in Brawn’s intray. None offer quick solutions, with existing team contracts running to 2020, and the immediate emphasis is putting the people in place to analyze and assess and come up with substantial
arguments. Brawn said he was “reasonably happy” with progress. “There’s not going to be a revolution in Formula One where suddenly we come up with a big change and everything gets better. It’s going to be a constant process,” he said. “Until we get the capacity to really understand the direction the sport should change to, we’re not going to change any of the big things. It’s just too risky.” There has been talk about shortening grand prix, and maybe adding a sprint on the Saturday, but Brawn showed no enthusiasm for that. “I like the heritage of a race. I think an hour 40; an hour 45 is a great period for a race. And that’s traditionally what we’ve had. I think it’s a good time period,” he said. “Some people say let’s have shorter races because the public’s attention span is shorter these days. Well, with modern technology you can package the sport in whichever way people want to watch it. “What we have to do is develop the sport so there is as much entertainment as possible during that period.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 42
Wednesday May 17, 2017
Holder hails Chase for bringing balance ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Captain Jason Holder has credited batsman Roston Chase as an “exceptional” player and says he has brought important balance to the West Indies Test side. He was speaking after Chase struck an unbeaten 101 on Sunday to help West Indies come within a whisker of drawing the decisive final Test against Pakistan at Windsor Park here. The Caribbean side eventually succumbed to a 101-run defeat late in the day with a single over left in the
contest. “He’s brought balance to the side. He’s given us something with both bat and ball,” Holder told reporters. “His bowling goes unnoticed sometimes but I thought he did a hell of a job in this Test match as well. He came in at crucial points and got wickets for us. He showed guts obviously when he batted and showed good maturity. “[There were] a lot of positives coming from Roston. I’ve obviously played a lot of cricket with him and I remember the Test match we saved in Jamaica
when he got a hundred and I was asked a similar question. “He’s just an exceptional player for me. He’s one of the few players we have right now averaging 40 and above in Test match cricket and I can see him holding that average or even surpassing it.” The hundred was Chase’s second straight following his 131 in the second Test at Kensington Oval in his homeland Barbados earlier this month. He finished the series with 403 runs at an average of 100 and was the only batsmen on either side to
Basketball Federation to accelerate preparation for CentroBasket
finish with over 400 runs. Holder said while Chase was a bright spot, the top order had not lived up to expectations, and also said the Windies fielding needed improvement. “We need to hit the processes. I’ve spoken a lot about our first innings total; we still haven’t gotten the first innings total we’ve been looking for. Our top order has been relatively inconsistent so we need some consistency there,” he pointed out. “If there is one area I can really, really highlight is the fast bowlers and the spinners as well. We’ve bowled our hearts out in this series on some pretty flat pitches and credit must be given to the bowling unit. “Obviously another area we can improve on is our fielding. We’ve dropped a few chances here and there which pretty much cost us in most of the Test matches we’ve played [in the series].” West Indies lost the three-match series 2-1 following an opening sevenwicket defeat at Sabina Park in Jamaica last month and a
Batsman Roston Chase … has brought balance to the West Indies side. convincing 106-run victory in the second Test. And though the series defeat was the Windies’ sixth on the trot, Holder said there were signs his side were making small leaps. “We said it in the dressing room – it’s the first time in a little while coming into [the final match of] a three-Test series that we were one-all, having a
chance to win the series,” he stressed. “That in itself is a big positive for us. From here we just need to keep pressing forward, spend some more time on the process, keep working hard in practice leading up to games and make sure we learn from it and execute in games when these scenarios come again.”
Speed skating: Sochi silver medalist Creveling gets four-year doping ban
The basketball federation proudly displays its National Awards. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has indicated that preparation for Guyana’s historic appearance at the CentroBasket Under-17 Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will be accelerated over the coming weeks. Guyana’s male Under-16 basketball team created history last year when it played the final of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships where the team lost to The Bahamas,
but automatically qualified for the CentroBasket U-17 Championships. The top three teams from the CBC Championship bounce forward to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) CentroBasket contest. G u y a n a ’s U - 1 6 t e a m became the first team to reach the CentroBasket level in the country’s basketball history. The 2017 tournament will be held during July 26–30 and Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation President, Nigel Hinds has
said that despite some challenges, Guyana will be well-represented at the international tournament that features regional giants. “I am confident that we will be there. I will ensure that expectations are exceeded,” Hinds said in a brief comment to Kaieteur Sport from overseas. Guyana’s U-16 team won the National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Team of the Year last year, while the governing GABF was awarded the Sports Association of the Year prize.
U.S. short track speed skaters Jessica Smith (L) and Chris Creveling (2nd R) practise with U.S. team members in preparation for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, February 3, 2014. (REUTERS/Alexander Demianchuk) (Reuters) Olympic speed skating silver medalist Chris Creveling will miss next year’s Winter Games in Pyeongchang after being given a four-year ban for testing positive for a prohibited substance, the US Anti-Doping Agency
(USADA) has said. Creveling, who won silver in the 5,000 meters relay at the Winter Games in Sochi in 2014, tested positive for testosteronebooster clomiphene in an out-of-competition test taken in October.
Creveling’s ban had been backdated to Nov. 18 last year, the day he accepted a provisional suspension, and he had been “disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to October 18, 2016,” USADA said in a statement.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 17, 2017
PAGE 43
RHTY&SC Cricket Teams and DTV-8 host 10th Annual Mother of The Year Awards Three outstanding young mothers last Saturday, were honoured as Region 6’s Mothers of The Years when the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and sports Club MS and Dave’s Television Station (DTV-8) held their 10th annual Mothers of The Year Award. The mothers honoured w e r e Te s s i e A m a n d a Ramnauth, Jenette Dulbin and Shazeeda Mohamed Ali. Each of the mothers received a Special Mother’s Day gift, a framed certificate and trophy from the organisers. R H T Y & S C Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that since 2008, the two organisations have hosted the programme in recognition of mothers who have worked beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference in the life of their children. Youths across Region 6 were invited via Television Advertisements on DTV-8 to submit a 300word essay on the topic “Why My Mother Is a Role Model To Me.” Dozens of essays were received by the organisers and the top three winners were chosen by a panel of judges headed by veteran journalist Gregory Rambarran. Foster, at the presentation ceremony hailed the role of mothers across Region 6 in shaping the lives of their children and
The Mothers and their Children posing with representatives of DTV-8 and RHTY&SC, MS.
stated that many mothers are fulfilling their role in single parent households without the support of fathers. The veteran club official urged
the mothers to be best role model to their children and to make sure that they fulfill their potentials in education and sports.
Noting that youths in Berbice are affected by drug abuse, teen pregnancy, school dropout, pre-marital sex, suicide and alcohol
Gabriel gets backing from coach Law ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Head coach, Stuart Law, has also thrown his support behind Shannon Gabriel, in the wake of the player’s error that led to West Indies’ heart-breaking defeat to Pakistan in the third Test here Sunday. The Australian said Gabriel had been exemplary in the series in his role as spearhead of the Caribbean side’s attack, and encouraged the entire team to rally around the embattled player. “He was devastated … [over] what went on but he’s a big man and he led the team beautifully when we took the field,” Law told reporters here Monday. “He’s come a long way. He got through a whole series without getting injured, our leading wickettaker and bowled with great pace and sustained pace, and kept coming.
Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel … led the West Indies attack admirably.
“You can’t ask for much more from him for what he’s picked to do in the side. I spoke to him … and he’s feeling better but it might take a while for him to come totermswithwhatwenton.” He added: “As I’ve said to the team, we’ve got to stick together. We’ve got to back our teammates and look after each other.”
With West Indies seeking to pull off a draw to earn a share of the honours in the three-match series, Gabriel joined century-maker Roston Chase in a last-wicket stand to frustrate Pakistan for just over half-hour. But off the last delivery of the day’s penultimate over, Gabriel lost his
composure and missed a massive slog at champion leg-spinner Yasir Shah and was bowled for four, handing Pakistan a 101-run victory and a 2-1 series win. Law, presiding over his firstever Test tour in charge of West Indies, said the series defeat was one of missed opportunities over the three matches. “The way Pakistan play their cricket, they seem to be going nowhere and they offer a chance and you can capitalize and we just didn’t capitalize,” he explained. “We probably had the chances to compete better in Jamaica, to win easier in Barbados and definitely to snatch a victory here in Dominica. “If we keep missing those chances we’re going to make it hard for ourselves but once we start taking them, batting and bowling will become a lot easier.”
abuse. Foster urged parents in Berbice to keep an eye on the activities of youths and he also urged parents across Berbice to get their children involved in sports and religious activities. The RHTY&SC he disclosed would continue to honour the role of mothers in the lives of children as long as the club exists. Foster also stated that over 100 mothers were honoured on Mother’s Day with food hampers. Three senior mothers were also honoured on May 1st during the RHTY&SC monthly pensioner programme at the Rose Hall Town Post Office. Next month, a hundred fathers would be honoured under the Walter Nero Memorial Tribute to Fathers Programme. The RHTY&SC CEO stated that he was pleased to walk along with DTV-8 a longtime associate and friend. Managing Director of DTV-8, Anita Rambarran, stated, that her station is committed to the annual
programme as part of its corporate responsibility. She also stated that working along with the National Awardee Club is always a privilege and noted that DTV-8 and the RHTY&SC enjoyed a highly successful relationship for close to 20 years. She urged the mothers to upkeep their high standards as parents. All three of the mothers expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC and DTV-8 for making their 2017 Mother’s Day a special one for them. The eight cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, MS who organised the event are the Farfan and Mendes Under15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U n d e r - 1 9 a n d Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
t r o Sp
India to tour West Indies right after Champions Trophy
India will be touring the Caribbean for the second time in two years © BCCI
Guyana Curling Federation officially launched GOA President to head GCF
The Canadian High Commissioner, GCF President K. Juman Yassin, GCF’s Secretary General and CEO of the Company who built the modules for the Street Curling at the launching of the GCF at Giftland Mall yesterday.
The Guyana Curling Federation (GCF) is the newest Sports Association formed in Guyana, following the establishment of the Guyana Baseball League, another North American Sport. According to its President K. Juman Yassin, the GCF was formed to not only govern and promote the Winter Olympic Sport of Curling to Guyanese both within Guyana and abroad, but to also raise the profile of Winter Sport within the Caribbean region by working with other similar bodies and organizations. This is the first Curling Federation in the South America or the Caribbean and presently has two competitive athletes who both reside in Ontario, Canada. Canada based Guyanese Rayad Husain, who is the
General Secretary of the GCF and Farzana Husain are two and have reportedly and have been participating in the sport for many years in Canada with great success. “The Federation was established to also provide athletes both in and out of Guyana opportunities to represent the country in International competitions as governed by the World Curling Federation,” said Yassin, who is also the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). According to Yassin the Federation recently received Conditional Membership status from the World Curling Federation to become the 56th Member at its World Curling Congress in Stockholm, Sweden in September 2016. This allows the GCF to (Continued on page 36)
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210