Kaieteur News
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Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL Cleanliness – will we ever do the right thing? What will it take to get some of us to recognize and accept that it is our responsibility, and not the city or the government or someone else, to make sure that the garbage we produce is disposed of safely and properly? It isn’t rocket science for citizens to do their part to keep their environment clean. Successive governments have over the years warned us about the threats to public health and other risks associated with the illegal dumping of garbage. However, it is clear that the warnings have fallen on deaf ears, which suggests that some of us do not care about the outbreak of diseases. In certain areas of the city, there is still evidence of indiscriminate garbage disposal, especially around the markets, and along trenches and canals. The highways are littered with fast food plastic containers that were tossed from moving vehicles. On too many empty lots it is common to find overgrown bushes, old mattresses, stoves, television sets, construction debris or the rotting carcasses of dead animals. Despite the warnings and threats by the authorities, nothing has been done to put an end to this terrible problem which is causing untold damage to the natural environment and the image of the country. Such reckless behaviour must end if we want to attract visitors to our shores. The authorities must do more than issue warnings or threats. Efforts must be made to prosecute offenders in order to send a strong message that illegal dumping of garbage must stop. Aside from fines, offenders must also be ordered to clean up their garbage and sometimes garbage in other areas, in full view of the public. The goal is to make sure that zero tolerance will be accorded to those who are guilty. No one must be spared, not even the errant coconut vendors who leave piles of empty shells by the roadside for days after plying their trade. Such callous behaviour must be rooted out from society because it is showing our youths that it is okay to dump garbage anywhere. Of course this is not the case with all coconut vendors. Some are very tidy and responsible. They will ply their trade and will thoroughly clean up the area before leaving. But the practice of some of their fellow coconut sellers and other vendors have created an inconvenience for the general public which in essence is an act of social irresponsibility. The widespread practice of littering in the city and the rural areas of the country speaks to a deeper, underlying problem. It is a reflection that we are not taking pride in ourselves to keep our city and surroundings clean as past generations did. Littering has demonstrated that as a people, we have become very selfish, uncaring and with little concern for our fellow citizens. We live in a country today where the individual takes precedence over the community and where everyone is for his or herself. In years gone by, it was the other way around. It was village, community or country before self. We do not have any concern for the welfare of society. It seems that we are set in our ways and nothing would change that. But whatever we do, we must strive to set good examples for our children. We should introduce sanitation as a civic course in the curriculum to teach children the importance of cleanliness because it is not happening in the home. This will instill in them that cleanliness is a personal responsibility to be exercised throughout life. A cleaner Guyana is a task for everyone. If the saying “cleanliness is next to Godliness” is true, then where are we as a nation?
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
This vehicle should be taken into GRA’s warehouse Dear Editor, Thank you for the publication of my letter in We d n e s d a y ’s i s s u e captioned, “GRA has to explain this totally unacceptable situation.” I would like to take up from where that missive left off. But first I must say that Kaieteur News must be congratulated for its continued vigilance in the interest of the public transparency on the part of Government. The newspaper, however, may have overlooked an angle in its reporting of the duty free concession on a motor vehicle imported by the
Head of Customs of the Guyana Revenue Authority. It was reported that a vehicle of that description and engine capacity, if imported without a duty free concession, would attract duties of over $6 million. If a duty free concession was granted, the requisite duties would have been $1.8 million. However, it was reported that the importer, in this case, only paid $184,917. The only way that this amount could have represented the taxes payable was if the importer was a remigrant enjoying remigrant status and thereby eligible for duty free
concession. Did the Kaieteur News therefore overlook the possibility that the Head of Customs may have been granted remigrant status? Such status, as a form of control, can only be granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but would require that the person had to have lived overseas for a specified number of years and would have had to claim the concession within a certain period. If the Head of Customs was not granted a duty free concession as a public official, then the taxes to be paid would be in excess of 6 million dollars and not 1.8
million dollars. All of this assumes however that authorization was granted for the importation of a vehicle in excess of eight years old. Further since the head has allegedly committed fraud on a motor vehicle, it will attract triple the duties as a fine and seizure of the motor vehicle. This means the customs head will be required to pay 18 million dollars as taxes and penalties. The vehicle should be d e p o s i t e d i n G R A’ s warehouse pending the outcome and payment. Sasenarine Arjune Persaud
Ministry of Finance corrects news story DEAR EDITOR, I refer to your article “US$115M PetroCaribe money transferred to GPL without formal agreement “which appeared in your May 14, 2017 edition. While I applaud your efforts to report on a complex subject as the PetroCaribe Fund, it appears that you were misinformed on some of the issues you sought to highlight. The Ministry of Finance would like to clarify those issues for your readers: 1. Contrary to what your article claims, formal agreements were entered into between the Ministry of Finance, acting on behalf of
the Government and the Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL). 2. Over the period 2007 to 2015, seven (7) such agreements were inked with the GPL. Those agreements were entered into on December 3rd, 2007, April 10, 2008, June 11th, 2011, September 12, 2012 and August 20th, 2015. 3. Six (6) of the agreements facilitated the transfers of US$115M made from the PetroCaribe Fund to GPL while the other agreement covered a loan the PPP/C Government took in May 2010 from the ExportImport Bank of China (EXIM Bank of China)to
support GPL’s Infrastructure Development Project for the development and expansion of GPL’s high voltage transmission lines and the associated substations among other activities. 4. The claim by the writer that ‘the lack of agreement represents serious implications and means that a repayment plan, for what was supposed to be a loan, does not exist, ‘is incorrect as ALL of the agreements stipulated the terms and conditions of the loan and included a repayment schedule. 5. A l l o f t h e agreements were signed by
the relevant representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the GPL Inc., and copies of these agreements are held by both entities. 6. To date, GPL has made one (1) payment in 2010 for the loans provided to them from the PetroCaribe Fund. However, the entity is currently making $1B payments annually to the Government as partial payment towards the EXIM Bank of China loan. These are the facts. Be guided by them, your readers will thank you. Wanita Huburn PRO
Bharrat Jagdeo’s cheapest political shot to date to gain support D e a r E d i t o r, As a Guyanese y o u t h I am both sickened and amused at the shameless duplicity of Bharrat Jagdeo and his hypocritical posturing of support for the decriminalising of marijuana. T h i s i s t o d a t e h is cheapest shot at attempting to gain political mileage. It is Alliance for Change’s member, Michael Carrington, who, in the proposed Narcotics Drug and PsychotropicSubstances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015, introduced to the National Assembly, whose thunder Jagdeo is attempting to steal. It is commendable that Jagdeo would see value in anything coming from the Government’s side of the
House. But, it is instructive to note that from 1993 when he became a Member of Parliament and especially from 1999 to 2011 when he served as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Jagdeo not only was disinterested in the decriminalisation of marijuana, but gave every intention to make its use, sale and cultivation a criminal offence. A s r e c e n t a s 2 0 11 , at the launch of Guyana’s activities to celebrate the United Nations-designated International Year of the People of African Descent, he told the gathering at the then International Conference Centre of mostly Rastafarians that the promise to legalise marijuana could not be assured. He clearly
had no intention to decriminalisethe plant. N o w, f a c e d w i t h d e clining support and battling with the loss of trust of the PPP over wanton rape of the national coffers, Jagdeo is now reinventing himself as a supporter of a cause of the youth and also large portions of Guyanese of African descent, like for instance Rastafarians. But it is Jagdeo w ho presided over the Ronald Gajraj/Roger Khan episode of extermination of more than 400 Guyanese young men, most of whom were of African descent. Where was this s e n timent for our youth when Yohance Douglas and Shaka Blake were murdered at the hands of the police? Jagdeo’s expression is
nothing but empty, noisy klaxon fishing for sympathy and votes. Again on July 9th, 2011, Jagdeo could be quoted saying that he thinks the “marijuana business” would “outlive his presidency” and that there will be “no change in the law whilst I am here”. Truth be told, Jagdeo was never concerned that “somebody has a tiny bit of cigarette, one marijuana cigarette and they get sentenced to three years”. The youths of Guyana are not easily fooled by Jagdeo’s attemptto steal the lime light from Carrington and the AFC. Cynthia Rutherford P r e s i d e n t , Yo u t h s for Change A l l i a n c e f o r Change
Thursday May 18, 2017
Five points to note in the CCJ’s decisions in the Environmental Tax case DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) decisions in the claimants, S.M. Jaleel(SMJ)/ Guyana Beverages Inc.(GBI), case against the Government of Guyana for reimbursement of the discriminatory environmental tax on non-returnable containers utilized by foreign beverage distributors (with local beverage distributors excepted) are a rather mixed bag. On one of the two major issues, it found favour with the Government of Guyana’s ‘laches defence’ that there was an excessive (prescriptive) lapse of time, from the 1 January 2006 coming into being of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) before the claimants on 7 March 2016 instituted restitution proceedings against the Government of Guyana. Because of the time limitation factor, the reimbursement liability of the Government of Guyana was deemed by the CCJ to be only from 7 March 2011 to 7 August 2015 (the latter date being when Guyana eventually removed the tax on foreign beverage distributors).As a result, the claimants were not granted reimbursement from their desired longer period of 1January 2006 to 7 August 2015 because of their not being sufficiently diligent and timely in challenging the tax With respect to the other major issue, that the claimants might have passed-on the environmental tax to the Guyanese consumers and so would be ‘unjustly enriched’ if they were to receive restitutionary compensation in the form of refund of the environmental tax they had paid to the Government, the
CCJ ruled “that unjust enrichment precludes any defence of passing-on being available to Guyana in the circumstances of this case”. It is the reasoning of the CCJ on this particular issue will be the focus of this missive, since the CCJ seemed unduly concerned not to reverse the position in favour of restitution it had reached in the previous Rudisa case, despite the argumentation and evidence produced by the defendant Guyana Government in this subsequent SMJ/GBI case. There are a number of troubling aspects: First, the CCJ did not accept, or even seem to consider, the evidence presented to it on passing on. It should be noted that, In the previous Rudisa case, although the Guyana Government had argued that it should not have to reimburse the claimants the environmental tax it had collected since, if it did, the claimants would be unjustly enriched at the expense of their customers, it nevertheless failed to produce any research data and other information in support of its passing-on case. In this regard, the CCJ, as part of its decision making in 2014, stated that “this (unjust enrichment argument) would have been an attractive submission if Guyana had been able to produce evidence to show that the tax had in fact been passed on to consumers and that to award reimbursement will unjustly enrich the claimants”. In the case of the recent SMJ/GBI case, the Guyana Government did produce the evidence to counter the CCJ argument that “trying to identify what particular costs have
or have not been passed on creates enormous evidential difficulties due to the interactions of various and complex considerations affecting commercial strategy and motivations”. The Guyana Government in fact showed clearly, via Exhibit 12, that, in the annual Financial Statements of GBI, the Environmental Tax is stated as a part of “Cost of Sales” which is the basis of its pricing strategy. Having been presented with the evidence, the CCJ retreated into the rather dubious position of stating that the tax needed to be itemized on the customer’s bills, a la VAT, in order to show that the tax was an extra cost passed on by the trader, GBI. Second, the CCJ surprisingly went even further to state that the price paid by the consumer for a beverage in a competitive economic environment amounted to a private contractual arrangement between the trader and the customer and therefore there was no inherent enrichment as a result of the consumer paying the going price that enables the trader to cover all its costs. The CCJ reasoned that “Guyana cannot just thank the trader for its efforts and then expropriate by way of set off whatever amount of the tax cost that the trader had managed to cover. To permit this would be to allow Guyana to unjustly enrich itself by exploiting the traders’ legitimate efforts and by making an illegal profit out of legislation known to be unlawful”. This view of the CCJ is tantamount to co-opting the consumer into the role of an ally of the trader in the (Continued on page 6)
A contributor’s clash with NIS DEAR EDITOR, Please publish this letter which is in reply to a letter published in the Daily Chronicle’s 11th May 2017 edition, captioned ‘NIS responds to claim by pensioner’. This letter was written by the Public Relations Officer of NIS. Mr. Editor you and every Guyanese including Government officials are aware of the contention between me (Cramer) and the administration of NIS. The PRO’s letter stated the following: 1. NIS has substantial evidence to support their claims that I worked with Willem’s Timbers Ltd. 2. No evidence to show that I worked with Toolsie Persaud Ltd as I (Cramer) claimed. 3. Investigation revealed that I am known by three names.
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4. Management is of the opinion that there is an urgent need for dialogue with me and has written to me inviting me to visit their NIS head office. The NIS administration is being deceptive with facts. I now reply to their letter as follows. 1. I never worked with Willem’s Timber Ltd. post 1969. 2. I submitted official correspondence to NIS from TPL human resources consultant, Mr. Roberston Bustwick verifying I was employed with TPL from 1969-1974, 1978-1990, and 2002-2004 (19 years/988 contributions). Along with pay slips for my latter years of employment showing NIS and PAYE deductions were made on behalf of the two institutions. 3. I submitted a copy of an affidavit to NIS which
stated that I am Hubert Joseph Montgomery Cramer known as Montgomery Seon same referred to on my NIS card. 4. I specifically informed NIS that there is no postal or telephone service for Kaburi Village 72 Miles Potaro Road. I named a contact person with telephone number and email address as my representative. NIS has evidence that I was employed by TPL but unwisely published alternative facts, perhaps for their own interest; embracing criminality punishing honesty. Mr. Editor I will be visiting NIS shortly at their request, hoping the letter is real and not fictitious like the one the PRO mentioned in her editorial on March 22, 2017. Also, I expect NIS to honour my travelling expenses, etc. Thanking you. Hubert Cramer
A global campaign is launched for imprisoned Baha’i leaders DEAR EDITOR, The Baha’i International Community is launching a global campaign calling for the immediate release of the seven Iranian Baha’i leaders, unjustly imprisoned now for nine years. The campaign, which takes the theme “Not Another Year,” raises awareness about the seven women and men unjustly arrested in 2008 and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for their religious beliefs. This sentence was reduced to 10 years in 2015 after the overdue application of a new Iranian Penal Code. “Our expectation is that these seven brave individuals will be released in the coming year as they complete their sentences,” said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations. “But the reality is that they never should have even been arrested or imprisoned
in the first place and that, under the terms of Iranian law, they should long ago have been released on conditional discharge. She went on; “In fact these seven, their families, and, indeed, the entire Iranian Baha’i community are all subject to injustice and cruelty, to oppression and tyranny. They all face unjust policies of economic strangulation, the unabated denial of access to higher education, and unprosecuted and malicious attacks on Baha’is and their properties, not to mention extensive negative propaganda in the official media,” (end of quote). In a message addressed to the Baha’is of Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the imprisonment of the seven, the Universal House of Justice states:”Some of the events of the past year have left no doubt in the minds of the people of Iran and be-
yond, that the rigid fanaticism and worldly considerations of some among the religious leaders are the real motive for all the opposition and oppression against the Baha’is.” It further states: “the representatives of the country on the international stage are no longer able to deny that these acts of discrimination are in response to matters of belief and conscience. Officials, lacking any convincing explanation for their irrational conduct and unconcerned at the damage done by their narrow policies to the name and credibility of the country, find themselves unable even to give a plausible answer to why they are so apprehensive about the existence of a dynamic Baha’i community in that land.” (end of quote) The campaign for the seven imprisoned Baha’is, which began last week aims to secure the immediate (Continued on page 6)
WHEN 14000 SIGNATURES ARE NOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A CHANGE OF HEART DEAR EDITOR, Someone once said that “Education molds a nation”. If there is any truth in this statement, the imposition of VAT on private education makes a mockery of any effort to improve, sustain or edify Guyana’s most precious resource - its young people. When 14000 signatures is not enough to convince the coalition government that they are acting contrary to the wishes of the masses and in so doing they are abusing the goodwill given to them by the electorate in 2015, then one has to wonder about their state of mind. Maybe it really is a geriatric thing! I remember my father as he aged. Whenever he cited a piece of wood and pronounced it to be stone, I could never convince him that his assessment was wrong. It seems an egotistical inclination of the aged to think they always know better. I have no problem with that as long as it stays in the family arena and does not extend into public spaces I support Ramjattan for his intent in repossessing the firearms of the aged whom he claims have “trembling fingers”. What do we do about those patriarchs who seem to have cognitive impediments (trembling in the head)? Their die hard stance does not au-
gur well for the people of this country. Historically human civilization made great strides with improvement in knowledge (education). Any attempt to limit, curtail or impede education by taxing it is a fatal blow to any semblance of any “good life” for the future generation. Considering that the public schools are currently overcrowded and cannot comfortably accommodate all the children that attend private schools it would have been prudent to cut infrastructural spending from somewhere and try to reimburse the parents of these children rather than exacting VAT from them because they are saving the state from building more schools and expenditures for operating same. Moreover, the private schools serve as a beacon and a source of competition a challenge for the public school system to improve and produce comparable results. The argument from the geriatric club is that these parents are rich and can afford to pay VAT. They cannot picture the parents who are struggling to
make ends meet yet in the name of love and sacrifice spend their last dollar on tuition fees because they realize that the single most important thing they can do for their children is to give them a good education. Had the consumer index been kept on the so called “basket of goods” it would have revealed that workers had a significant decline in “real wages” after the draconian 2017 budget even if the VAT on private tuition fees is called off because many goods and services that were previously VAT free were added to the VAT list. The coalition is patting itself on the back for reducing VAT by 2% in accordance with their election campaign promises but this is mired in ludicrousness. The masses have to understand that any party that comes to power under the present constitution will be free to bite the hand that feeds them until the constitution is changed to allow the people to elect their MP’s from on constituency basis. Rudolph Singh
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City Council wants you to take care of your animals DEAR EDITOR, The Georgetown City Council is appealing to all owners of animals - cows, horses, sheep and other animals to provide the appropriate accommodations. The Environmental Health Officers have observed that animals are kept in such a way that it is a nuisance to neighbours and the community; in some areas, horses are tethered to trees, posts, fence, bridges and other things. While in other instances, cows are left to roam freely in communities damaging the property of neighbours. The results from the inspections at sites where animals are kept revealed that the accommodations provided were inconsistent with the Public Health Regulations The Division has taken legal action against several
errant animals’ keepers and will take the appropriate steps against the others. This particular situation is prevalent in: Lodge, South Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, Tucville, Sophia, Albouystown and Mc. Doom areas. According to the Municipal and District Council Act, chapter 28:01: “Every cattle-byre shall, for every cow, heifer, ox or steer or other animal kept therein, contain not less than 40 square superficial feet floor area, and 300 cubic feet capacity of air space, or less than two square feet ventilating space in window, jalousie, lattice or other opening to the external air. Every cattle-pen shall, for every cow, heifer, ox, steer or other animal kept therein contain not less than 40 square or superfi-
cial feet floor area. Every cattle-byre or cattle-pen shall be floored with concrete tiles bricks laid in cement, or asphalt, so graded towards the “grip” or channel gutter at the back, that no liquid matter can remain on the floor. The “grip” or channel shall be formed with a proper uniform fall, discharging into the yard, drain or sub-main drain of the district.The walls, if any, shall be made of impervious material other than wood for a height of four feet from the floor. The walls, if any and drains shall be adequately and regularly flushed with water and cleansed. Every cattle-byre or cow-pen shall be provided with a properly constructed and water-tight roof. Every cattle-byre or cattle-pen shall be provide
Five points to note in the CCJ’s... From page 5 latter’s dispute with the Government carrying the burden of proof to great extremes. Third, the CCJ seems to rule out the use of econometrics for determining the ‘balance of probability’ that a tax was passed on when it cited a particular ruling of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that “a Member State may resist repayment to the trader of a charge levied in breach of Community law only where it is established that the charge has been borne in its entirety (my emphasis) by another person….” Here again, by its all or nothing approach, the CCJ is treading on dangerous ground and is therefore dismissive of the concept of ‘balance of probability’ (presumably even where, as with many examples particularly in the USA literature, an analyst uses econometrics to compare price cum quantity data before the advent of a tax, with the out-
come showing the exact percentage of the tax that was passed on after its imposition). Fourth, while the CCJ was at pains to state that, in all of the ECJ passing on cases, the ECJ was focused on national legislation that made specific provision for a passing on defence in respect of national taxes or charges allegedly levied in breach of EU law’ and that “Guyana has no such national legislation for detailed examination but unjust enrichment principles underlying any defence of passing on may be considered to be part of Guyanese law”, it did not indicate whether any such examination was done by its justices of the Guyana legal situation. Instead, the CCJ digressed into a lenghty discussion of the inviolateability and non discriminatory imperatives of community trade law (including charges and duties related
thereto among member countries) under the Caribbean’s RTC. At the end of it all, the reader is not sure whether the absence of legislation in Guyana’s case was a significant contributory factor to its basic rejection of its passing on defence.. Fifth, the CCJ is entirely silent with respect to the fact that the SMJ/GBI claimant, in seeking to compensate for the discriminatory environmental tax imposed on it by the Government of Guyana in violation of RTC laws, admitted to unilaterally engaging (ie taking redress without CARICOM’s express approval)) in a commercial policy of discounting the prices of its its beverages sold on the Guyanese market, thus flagrantly violating other community laws relating to dumping. That should have been enough for the CCJ to dismiss the SMJ/GBI claim. Dr. Maurice Odle
with a proper receptacle or dungstead for the reception of dung or other refuse. Every such receptacle or dungstead shall be not less than 10 feet distance from the cattle-byre or cattle-pen and shall be maintained to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer. The dung shall be cleaned up as often as may be necessary, and removed from inside the cattle-byre or cattle-pen at least once daily. Every cow-keeper shall cause each cattle-byre or cattle-pen to be kept thoroughly clean and disinfected with lime wash containing percent of crude carbolic acid to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer. Such disinfection shall be done at least once every three months. The inspecting officer shall report to the Town Council any cattle-byres or cattle-pens which he may find during the course of his inspections that are not in conformity with these By-laws”. It is very unfair and unacceptable for persons, who have such animals to treat them apparently without compassion or to disregard the importance of their health and safety. Also, it is unfair for owners of animals to appropriate City parapets and open spaces for their horses
without any consideration for their neighbours. Chapter 145 of the Public Health Ordinance makes it very clear that: “It shall be the duty of every local sanitary authority to cause inspection of its district to be made from time to time to ascertain if any nuisance exists within its district”. For the purposed of this ordinance: Any stable, cowshed, pig-stye or other building in which any animal or animals are kept in such a manner or in such numbers as to be a nuisance or injurious to health; Any animal so kept as to be a nuisance to health; Any accumulation or deposit which is a nuisance or injurious to health; Under the same ordinance: “Where a nuisance exists which is liable to be dealt with under this ordinance, the local sanitary authority may serve a notice on the person by whose act, default or sufferance the nuisance arise or continues, or if such person cannot be found on the owner or occupier of the premises on which the nuisance arises requiring him to abate the same within the time specified in the notice, and to exercise any work and do any things as may be necessary for that purpose.
The local sanitary authority may also, by the same or another notice served on any occupier, owner, or person, require him to do what is necessary for preventing the recurrence of the nuisance, and, may in the notice specify any works to be executed for that purpose, and may serve that notice notwithstanding that the nuisance may for the time being have been abate, if the local sanitary authority considers that it is likely to recur on the same premises: Provided that— (a) Where the nuisance arises from any want or defective construction or any structural convenience, or where the premises are unoccupied, or include a tenement, the notice shall be served on the owner; (b) Where the person causing the nuisance cannot be found, and it is clear that the nuisance does not arise or continue by the act, default, or sufferance of the occupier or owner of the premises, the local sanitary authority may itself abate the same without notice and may do what is necessary to prevent the recurrence thereof. The Council is urging all animal owners within Georgetown to pay attention to the regulations, and assist the Mayor and City Council to keep the city clean and tidy at all times. Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer
A global campaign is launched for ... From page 5 release of the seven, who are Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm, the eldest of whom is over eighty years in age. The campaign this year also focuses on all the events they have missed during their nine years in prison, the joys— and sorrows—of day-to-day life with their families and loved ones.
Ms Dugal said;”All seven were married with children and, prior to their arrests, had rich family lives. All seven were also extremely active in working for the betterment of their community—not to mention Iranian society as a whole. Further, their long-running imprisonment has meant, among other things, that they have missed out on the birth of numerous grandchildren, the joyous weddings of children and close relatives, and the funerals of family members and dear friends.
“They have been forced to celebrate their national and religious holidays in prison, instead of in the company of their loved ones. And, while in prison, they have been unable to tend to their farms and businesses, which have languished or, in at least one case, has been destroyed by the government,” (end of quote). The Baha’i International Community calls on the Iranian government to immediately release them, as well as the other 86 Baha’is currently behind bars in Iran—all held solely for their religious beliefs Rooplall Dudnauth
Thursday May 18, 2017
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After two decades...
Public Service Appellate Tribunal reactivated The Public Service Appellate Tribunal which has been defunct for over 20 years was finally reactivated following a swearing-in ceremony held yesterday at State House. There, Mr Nandram Kissoon, Ms Abiola Wong-Inniss and Mr Winston Browne were sworn in as members of the Tribunal. Kissoon will be the chairman of the constitutional body. Delivering remarks following the swearing-in exercise was President David Granger who said that Article 215 (A) of Guyana’s Constitution provides for the establishment of the Tribunal. He said that the Tribunal was established by the Public Service Appellate Tribunal Act of 1984 which empowers the Tribunal to hear appeals relating to decisions handed down by the Public Service Commission. These appeals concern the appointment by promotion of any person to a public office and the exercise of disciplinary control over any person providing or acting in
any public office. Quoting Section 23 (1) of the Act, Granger said that the Tribunal is not a perfunctory organ, and has “the power of a judge of the High Court to summon witnesses and to call for the production of books, plans and other documents, and to examine witnesses and parties concerned”. The President told those in attendance that the Tribunal is an essential element in the system of public administration. He said that it is a necessary mechanism for the ensuring of professionalism and fairness with respect to promotions and disciplinary actions in the Public Service. “It affords public servants recourse, other than through the courts, to challenge unfair and unjust promotions, dismissals and other disciplinary action by the Public Service Commission. Guyana’s Public Service is the muscle of public administration. The Public Service serves the public good. It ensures the efficiency and efficacy of the delivery of public
services.” Granger outlined a number of functions which the Public Service performs to ensure the proper running of the country. He said that the public service advises and assists ministers of the government, implements government programmes and projects, delivers public services such as defence, education, health, infrastructure, security, telecommunications and executes public policy among other services to the general population. The President expounded by saying that the work of the public service is enhanced when it is supported by a system which ensures respect for the principle of a meritocracy and the structure of a bureaucracy. “The Public Service Appellate Tribunal, therefore, as an adjudicatory body, promotes professional integrity and morale by offering guarantees for timely redress for aggrieved public servants.” He added that it is regrettable that it took over two
Justice George, Patrick Yarde sworn in to Judicial Service Commission
Newly sworn-in Members of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, from left, Mr Winston Browne, Ms Abiola Wong-Inniss and Mr Nandram Kissoon (right) in the company of President David Granger decades to have the Tribunal reconvened. This sentiment was echoed by President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and Chairman of the Public Service Commission (ag), Patrick Yarde. Speaking with the media after the ceremony, Yarde said that the amendment to the Constitution for there to be a Public Service Appellate Tribunal was as a result of representation by the GPSU. He said, “Notwithstanding the fact, that we had a role of identifying someone for the
Commission, we felt everyone should have the scope for redress and we made that representation and the late President (Linden Forbes Sampson) Burnham was very receptive to it and the Constitution was amended for it.” According to Yarde, the GPSU was extremely disappointed that the Tribunal had not been filled for such a long time. In 1995 the Tribunal had become non-functional after the resignation of George Fung-on, who was a government nominee.
The over two decade delay to re-appoint the Tribunal was described by Yarde as a deliberate and wicked act of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government to deny public servants access to redress. The GPSU President expressed his elation that the Tribunal has been set up once again and is looking forward to seeing public servants using the opportunity to appeal displeasures they may have with the Public Service Commission.
Shooting outside Wings and Things bar…
Investigations complete, statements to be disclosed
President David Granger (centre) poses with the members of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Mr. Patrick Yarde Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire and Trade Unionist Mr. Patrick Yarde were sworn in yesterday by President David Granger to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The simple ceremony which was held at State House was attended by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo among other specially invited guests. There, the Head of State reminded Yarde and Justice George-Wiltshire that the Judicial Service Commission is an indispensible element of Guyana’s legal framework. Granger said that the ‘Commission’ is the guardian of judicial autonomy. He noted that it is the defender of its independence and the protector of its integrity and impartiality. The Head of State reminded too, that the Constitution also vests the Judicial Service
Commission with the authority to make appointments and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices. The President said, “The JSC is intended to insulate judicial appointments from political partisanship and personal and other biases. It is a mechanism which ensures that judicial officers will be appointed on the basis of their competence and integrity.” He continued, “The JSC is obliged to ensure that its recommendations for appointments of judicial officers flow from a dispassionate and objective process and are based on clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees. He added, “The JSC upholds the independence of the judiciary. It ensures by its diligence that judicial appointees possess the (Continued on page 24)
After six months, police have finally completed investigations into the alleged shooting of Martin Atwell also known as ‘John Kirby’ who was shot outside of the Wings and Things Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Former Policeman Lloyd Lyte, 43, has been charged and released on $150,000 bail after it was alleged that on November 14, 2016 with intent to commit murder, he discharged a loaded firearm at Atwell. When the matter came up earlier this week, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore has disclosed that a total of 17 witnesses will be called to testify during the preliminary inquiry. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan adjourned the matter until today, for the disclosure of statements. Lyte has also been
Shot: Martin Atwell
Charged: Lloyd Lyte
ordered to lodge his passport and report to the east Ruimveldt Police Station pending the outcome of the matter. According to reports, Atwell was standing outside the ‘Wings and Things’ bar,
when an argument ensued between him and Lyte. Police said the row started after Atwell refused to remove some beer bottles he placed on the trunk of Lyte’s vehicle. It is alleged that after the (Continued on page 24)
PAGE 22
WANTED Contract Cars and Drivers, Nigel’s Taxi Service @ Sheriff Street, C/Ville. Call: 219-5002/ 699-6152 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 passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
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.
Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 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
Dried and in large quantities: Corilla bush, lemon grass, sour sap leaves. Call: 665-1397
Investors needed for gold trading business in the Interior, weekly turnover. Call: 658-7553 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/bond warehouse worker. Call: 2222541 8:00am-4:00pm (MonFri)
Buying Wamara, TATABU, Koraroballi, Itikiborabali, fresh logs. Call: 664-5150
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Recently-constructed 2Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details. Property at Annadale, East Coast Demerara. Call: 6787875/ 674- 6071
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 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
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). FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
1 Female bartender, cook, waitress, (live in or live out), free meal, in GT. Immediately call: 648-4810
FOR SALE
FOR RENT
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
One land in Tuschen Phase 2 – Call: 642-1252
One newly built studio apartment @ Diamond 15X12. Call: 621-1485/ 663-2746
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 Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044 1 90"x90". Call: 657-6179 TAXI SERVICE
1 Full time housekeeper. Call: 602-1447 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 6652514
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
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
Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Parfaite Harmonie Harmonie. Call: 642-1252
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Experienced land dredge workers between 8:00am5:00pm. Call: 685-0689 1 Able-bodied male. Call: 2312029 Experienced hairdressers & nail technicians needed to work in salon at prime location in Georgetown. Call: 628-4388/ 225-9423
Accounts Clerk for office in Eccles Industrial Site, knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks call 614-4358. 1 Nanny/Tutor to tech & care for 18 months boy. Apply to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda
Second hand banquet chairs for inspection contact admin assistant @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets.
Sawmill – Call: 673-9401
CAR RENTAL
Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020
Experienced sales clerk. Three storey 75X30 feet Apply in person to Alabama building/bond, open floor, 2 Trading 65 Robb Street, offices, 2 washrooms, Bourda driveways @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ One experienced cook and salesgirl for café on Sheriff 225-0605 Street, Mon-Friday 8hrs, 1 Two bedrooms apartment for salary $60,000 monthly. Call: rent in Diamond New Scheme. 611-1981/ 647-2349 Call: 216-2339/ 676-6313 One general domestic must Spacious one bedroom upper be able to prepare vegetarian flat at 239 Herstelling E.B.D. meal. Apply: Alabama trading, Call: 265-0204/ 601-0223/645- 65 Robb Street Bourda. 9921 1 Experienced Bar-B-Q/Cook, 1 Bedroom apartment @ day security guard, mini bus Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, driver. Call:638-5303/227-7380 West Coast Demerara $20,000 monthly. Call: 698- Professional cosmetologist 2802/277-3033 @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Upper flat house: 3 Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: bedrooms/kitchen, toilets/ 652-5800 baths, AC/Garage, Hot & Cold @ Diamond Housing 1 Female kitchen assistant & Scheme E.B.D. Call: 644-3600/ 2 male assistant with drivers 216-3017 license to work @ outdoor grill, weekend included. Call: 2 Bedrooms apartment for 656-9313/675-2550 rent @ Houston, working couple preferably. Call: 664- Vacancy for wait staff, apply 2861 immediately to the Manager Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter TAXI SERVICE Rose & Anira Street. New Line Taxi Wanted Dispatchers and hire cars. Cook at Herdmanston Lodge, Call: 233-6200 or 675-6130 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets. Apply to the Manager.
1 Female shop assistant to work in the Interior. Call: 6652514
Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com
VACANCY Receptionist, male security guard, 30-40yrs @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198
LAND FOR SALE WANTED Electronic/Technician to repair stand fans on permanent basis. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147 Aggressive Salesgirl to do outdoor sales. Apply at R.Sookraj & Sons on Regent Street. Call: 223-6147 We buy land in Eccles, Providence, Farm, Herstelling, La Parfaite Harmonie, we pay in $US. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223/ 6292881
12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443
CHEF AND ASSISTANT COOKCARNEGIE TRAINING OR GRILLING EXPERIENCE NEEDED. CALL: 225-7399, 173 SHERIFF STREET.
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 10 Acres of land at long creek. Call: 259-0505 or 678-5113
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. June 6th. The Trade of the Future. Make extra cash, easy! Abdul Electronics. Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391 Continue on page 23
Thursday May 18, 2017
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
200 blacklisted from leaving country…
Opposition seeks intervention of Commissioner of Info to acquire list The opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) through its Member of Parliament Juan Edghill is seeking the intervention of the Commissioner of Information Charles Ramson Sr. to acquire the list of persons blacklisted from leaving Guyana. This newspaper carried a story indicating that as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) intensifies its investigations into 19 forensic audits that were referred to that entity, in excess of 200 persons have been blacklisted. This means that those persons who have been identified by SOCU cannot leave Guyana through the lawful ports of exits. According to a government source, the list is being constantly updated as the crime unit delves deeper into suspected cases of money laundering and misuse of state funds by some officials. The source said that during the execution of the investigations, once suspected ‘skulldug-
gery’ is detected, the blacklist order is applied for by that unit to the relevant authority. The source said that it should be made clear that blacklisting an individual is not something that is taken lightly or on a whim, but a solid case has to be made before such an undertaking is made. Edghill had earlier written to the Police Commissioner and the Chief Immigration Officer to make the list available. However, according to opposition MP, he has not received a response from either official, and is now looking to Ramson to help in this regard. Ramson has come in for much criticism for not presenting a single report since taking up the office as Commissioner of Information. Many have called on the government to act decisively to ensure that he fulfills his obligation in the role he currently holds. Ramson, whose monthly salary is in excess of $1M, has
23 health workers... From page 19 patients with other ailments are doing,” she said. Under the current plan, the primary health care system will be strengthened to cater for immediate treatment of mental health patients, leaving the most complicated cases for specialists higher up the ladder in the public health care system. In addition, RichmondThomas foresees “no more institutionalisation of mental health patients” at facilities in New Amsterdam, Region Six [East Berbice/Corentyne] or other facilities nationwide. She said too that the current training programme will help ensure that patients will no longer be forced to leave their regions for specialised treatment in the capital city. Guyana, like many other countries, has in the past been expending large sums on mental health institutionalised care, while the evidence shows that more than 70 percent of persons with mental health conditions can be adequately treated in primary health care. Large numbers of persons attend primary health care with these disorders, but for various reasons, health workers fail to detect and adequately treat them. “We all have to champion the causes of mental health patients,” Dr. Richmond-Thomas told the batch of graduates from Beterverwagting, Supply, Victoria, Timehri, Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Lusignan, Mahaica and Plaisance Health Centres and representatives from the C.C. Nicholson Hospital and the
Mental Health unit of the Public Health Ministry. “The aim is also to detect them early, manage them correctly, and for help to be everywhere, most importantly in all health centres and all general hospitals,” according to Dr. Richmond-Thomas. The 23 candidates were tutored on depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioural disorders, dementia, disorders due to substance use, self-harm, suicide and other significant mental health complaints. The first batch of trainees from Berbice graduated last week and another group is also slated to receive their certification today in Region Three [Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara]. Guyana is among the first CARICOM states to implement the WHO-designed training strategy which is a “significant step for mental health in Guyana,” Dr. Richmond –Thomas said, even as she explained the rationale behind the training programme. Deputy Regional Health Officer (DRHO) Dr. Patrick Lindo challenged the graduating team to utilise their freshly-gained insights to attend to their patients’ ‘whole person’, that is, their biological, social and psychological needs. “If we impact all three spheres we will get better results,” Dr. Lindo assured. He said the Region is “excited” by the participants’ new understanding of the world of mental health patients.
been accused of doing very little since taking up the position. Some sections of society have been calling for him to go, but it has been established that it is difficult to remove the veteran lawyer from his position. Previously the Opposition Leader had requested from Ramson, information on Parlia-
mentarians who did not declare their assets to the Integrity Commission. That request was made in January 2016 and was rejected by Ramson. The PPP/C is contending that some of those persons that are on the blacklist might not know that they are there in the first place. Moreover it
is the party’s view that placing someone on such a list should be the responsibility of the courts. The party also said that it is unlawful for SOCU or any other law enforcement arm to unilaterally place someone on such a list without being directed to do same by a court of law.
Winston Patterson is new... From page 3 maladministration (including racial discrimination), supported the idea of an Ombudsman vested with constitutional authority. The President then reminded that the Constitution vests the Ombudsman with the authority to investigate claims of injustice suffered as a result of maladministration in government. In fact, the Constitution (at Article 192 (1)) states that the Ombudsman “may investigate any action taken by any department of Government or by any action taken by any department of Government or by any other authority to which this article applies, or by the President, Ministers, officers or members of such a department or authority, being action taken in exercise of the administrative functions of that department or authority.” On this premise, the President said that the Ombudsman provides an important service to the public; serving as the watchdog, guarding against abuse or
the violation of citizens’ rights by public officials and their departments and authorities. He said that the services of the Ombudsman are free and timely and in short, the Ombudsman is the public advocate. The Head of State also took the opportunity to express the appreciation of the Government for the services of the late Justice Winston Moore who served with respectability and credibility in the office of the Ombudsman. He also expressed congratulations to his successor, Justice Winston Patterson, to whom he administered the oath of office. AWAITINGJUSTICE While a new Ombudsman is in place, the Government is yet to take action on two reports which were completed by Moore who passed away September last. Ombudsman Patterson was asked yesterday if he intends to look into these two matters. To this he told Kaieteur News, “I can’t comment at this time. I haven’t even yet seen the office.”
One of the reports done by Moore focused on the issue of Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon being wrongfully dismissed from the University of Guyana. Following a complaint lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman, UG was notified that the newspaper columnist’s contract being terminated in the manner that it was, breached UG’s regulations. The report on the issue said that he should be compensated.Since this pronouncement was made on January 6, 2015, no action has been by the institution to compensate Kissoon. The late Ombudsman Moore had also ruled on another controversial matter relating to the New Building Society (NBS). The Office of the Ombudsman concluded in November 2014 that police wrongfully charged the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and two of his managers of a massive $69M fraud at the New Building Society, in 2006.
From page 22
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 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: 665-9747/270-5302
TO LET Business Space on Middleton St. C/Ville. Call: 650-0716/667-1896 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 Furnished 1&2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 Furnished one bedroom single female, six months contract @ Durban & Haley. Call: 600-0036/ 223-1273 EDUCATIONAL Lessons Grades 1-6: Reading, Composition writing, Grammar, Maths, Science & Social Studies @ Queenstown, G/ Town. Call: 695-9625 First Aid/CPR Course, available on Saturdays, St. John, 110 Cowan St, Kingston, if interested please call: 225-9082 for details.
PAGE 24
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
Pike St. businessman robbery/murder…
Widow maintains ID of attackers during emotional testimony Shyrazadi Raghoo, wife of murdered Pike Street businessman Ashok Raghoo, testified yesterday that she had seen the faces of the men, who robbed and fatally shot her husband. Ashok Raghoo was shot during a robbery on August 18, 2014. His wife was also wounded in the attack. The woman survived, but her husband died days after he was shot. Mrs. Raghoo was called to the stand yesterday morning by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy. During her emotional testimony, the woman detailed to the court that she and her husband were on their way to the city when the attack occurred. The woman recalled that her husband had secured a quantity of money in a black haversack and placed the bag in the back seat of the car. Raghoo told the court that her husband, a miner, had changed a cheque which he acquired from the sale of gold, the previous day. The witness told the court that she was accompanying her hus-
band to the city “to do some business.” She said that she occupied the passenger’s seat next to her husband who was in driver’s seat of the motorcar. The witness recalled that around 11:45 hours that day, she and her husband were on Vlissengen Road, en route to Georgetown, when they were attacked. Mrs. Raghoo told the court that when they came to the traffic light at Vlissengen Road at the Botanical Gardens, “the light turned red and we stop.” She said moments later, a motorcycle pulled alongside the driver’s seat of their motorcar. The witness said that she observed two men were on the motorcycle. Raghoo said that one of the men rode the bike and the other was seated at the back of the cycle. The pillion rider pointed the gun at her husband and demanded the bag with the money. “He chuck meh husband and say gimme the bag, but he said no.”
Accused: Travis Mc Dougall The woman recalled that there was a struggle between her husband and the gunman before he was shot. “Then, he shoot my husband …” the woman stated. At this point she noted that the bandit had reached for the black haversack, but she held on to the bag. “He hold on and meh hold on too, then he point the gun
and shoot me.” The woman told the court that she was shot in the right leg, before the bandit then pulled the haversack through the window of the car and rode off with it. According to the widow’s description, the rider of the motorcycle was chubby looking and not too dark with a beard on his face, and the shooter as a little slim and darker in complexion. She said that both men wore helmets. After the men left, she said public spirited persons came to their assistance. Additionally, the woman told the court that she had attended an identification parade in which she pointed out the two persons bearing the description of the assailants. “Look around the courtroom, do you see any of those persons here today?” the prosecutor asked. “Yes he is there,” Raghoo replied pointing to the accused, who was seated in the prisoner’s dock. A GOOD LOOK Under cross -examination
by Attorney Nigel Hughes, Mrs. Raghoo maintained that she had seen the faces of the men who shot and robbed them that day. She told the court that although she was fearful at the time of the ordeal, she got a “good look” at the faces of the men. Hughes suggested to the woman that she was afraid and therefore her eyes were fixed on the man with the gun. “You really weren’t focusing your attention anywhere else did you?” “Me focus pun all two of dem and me see dem face,” the witness said, maintaining that she got a good view of the men. ALIBI Meanwhile McDougall led his defence and told the court that he was nowhere near Vlissengen Road on August 18, 2014. The accused told the court that he left his residence in East La Penitence and went to Jialing store. He said that he went to the store with his girlfriend and two other friends and
then returned home, where he stayed all day. He said the next day, the police came to his house, kicked the door down and arrested him for the murder. The accused called at least two witnesses to his defence. The first witness, Sheba Benjamin, said that she had accompanied the accused and two others to Jailing store around 10:00 am on August 18, 2014. Benjamin said that when they returned home shortly after and Mc Dougall went to sleep in the apartment located aback of her house. The witness told the court that Mc Dougall shared the apartment with his fiancée, Yolanda Beckles. Beckles was also called to the stand. She related a similar story of accompanying the accused to the Jailing store. However, when questioned by the Prosecutor, none of the witnesses could give an account for the whereabouts of the accused between 11:00 am and 15:00 hours on the day of the shooting.
PetroCaribe Fund and transfers to GPL...
Finance Ministry corrects Opposition Leader The Ministry of Finance yesterday corrected Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, regarding certain pronouncements he made on the PetroCaribe Fund and US$115M in transfers that were made to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). At a press conference on Monday, Jagdeo said that moneys that were transferred to GPL from the Fund were in the form of grants and not a loan. But the Ministry of Finance is refuting this. In fact, it provided data to show that there was no intent to transfer the funds to GPL as a grant, as he claims. Kaieteur News had also carried an article based on the Annual Public Debt Report which showed that the moneys were transferred from the PetroCaribe Fund to GPL as loans. The report presents an overview of debt developments during the last five-year period (2011 to 2015). At the end of 2015, the report said that the Government had on-lent some US$282 million to two entities, one being GPL. Of that amount, the document
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
said that 54.8 percent was onlent to the GPL. The document explains that this arrangement is one whereby the Government obtains a loan; usually concessional financing from an international financial institution such as the World Bank or the Caribbean Development Bank, then passes on the loan principal to another entity, usually a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). The SOE is thereafter known as the beneficiary. The document said that the loan
between Government and the international financial institution is often referred to as a primary loan. The on-lent loan between Government and the beneficiary is called the subsidiary loan. The report said that on-lending is a means by which the Government can support strategically important projects that aid national development. The Government enters in an on-lending arrangement, given that the primary loan
Justice George, Patrick Yarde sworn... From page 21 attributes and embody the personal values which make them capable and willing to resist being influenced by improper partisan and personal interests.” Furthermore, the President stated that the JSC is the custodian of the values and standards of ethical and legal probity by judges and judicial officials. He said that the JSC must zealously en-
sure that the personal conduct of judges does not bring the judicature into disrepute. He stressed that it must preserve and protect the system’s integrity. The President then congratulated the members of the Judicial Service Commission on their appointments. He also extended best wishes to them in discharging their mandate to safeguard the high ideals and standards which should characterize the judicature.
proceeds are earmarked to fund capital expenditure for the SOEs. It said that there are 11 onlending loan agreements, seven of which are between the Government and the GPL and four between the Government and GuySuCo. The Report said, “Over the review period, all new on-lending agreements were contracted with the GPL in the amount of US$80.1 million.
The source of funding for these agreements was the PetroCaribe Fund. GPL has been the only SOE (State Owned Enterprise) that benefitted from the PetroCaribe Fund. The transfer of funds to GPL, financed several projects aimed at improving the services provided by this entity.” It was noted as well that at the end of 2015, GPL and GuySuCo had repaid less than one percent of their debt
due and payable to the Government. “These SOEs have over the years been billed for the debt service payments falling due, but have not made payments to the Government. Many SOEs do not appear to have the resources to service their debt obligations to the Government,” the document said. At the end of 2015, the Government had said that arrangements were being made to recover the debt from the SOEs.
Investigations complete,statements... From page 21 argument, the ex-cop went into the bar, but Atwell followed him, pulled out a firearm and shot at him. The man immediately drew his licensed handgun and discharged several rounds at Atwell, hitting him in the chest and abdomen. However, relatives of Atwell claimed that the ex-cop shot him during an argument over Atwell spilling ketchup on his vehicle. A relative said that Atwell visited the bar
with his girlfriend and went to the counter inside to purchase chicken for the woman. According to the r e l a t i v e , a f t e r receiving the food, Atwell went back inside to get ketchup and returned outsi de, where he accidentally spilled ketchup on the vehicle. She said that a heated row ensued between the two men which led to the former cop, whipping out a gun and firing five shots in Atwell’s direction, but only three hit him.
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
Pressure rises on Trump as probes intensify, Republicans fret (Reuters) Pressure built on U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday as lawmakers intensified probes into his ouster of the FBI chief and possible collusion between his 2016 campaign and Russia, more fellow Republicans called for an independent investigation and one even mentioned impeachment, but Trump remained defiant. The controversy spooked investors on Wall Street, but Trump delivered a message of “don’t give in, don’t back down” during a speech in Connecticut where he complained he was being treated more unfairly than any other politician ever. The S&P 500 and the Dow had their biggest one-day declines since September as investor hopes for tax cuts and other pro-business policies faded amid the political controversy. The tumult in Washington deepened over allegations Trump had sought to end the FBI’s investigation into ties between Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and Russia. That raised questions about whether the president improperly attempted to interfere with a federal investigation. Congressional commit-
tees sought public testimony from James Comey, whose firing as Federal Bureau of Investigation director last week triggered a political firestorm, as well as documents from the agency. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan insisted that Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, were not seeing their legislative agenda mired. Comey wrote a memo detailing how Trump commented to him in February that “I hope you can let this go,” referring to the Flynn probe, a source who has seen a memo written by Comey said on Tuesday.
Trump’s spokesman, Sean Spicer, reiterated the White House stance that the reports were “not an accurate description of how the event occurred.” Comey wrote other memos on his dealings with Trump, the contents of which have yet to be revealed, an associate of Comey’s told Reuters. “I think we need to hear from him as soon as possible in public to respond to the issues that have been raised in recent days,” Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the Wall Street Journal, as the Senate’s intelligence and judiciary committees and a House oversight panel asked Comey to testify. “I think it’s imperative that he appear before our committee about any potential obstruction of justice charge,” Republican Lindsey Graham, a senior Senate Judiciary Committee member. Trump removed Comey in the middle of an FBI probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and possible ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia. In a separate but related probe, the FBI is looking into Flynn’s ties with Russia.
Mexican journalists mourn, protest after deadly day Mexican journalists covered news conferences wearing black on Tuesday, and brought pictures of slain colleagues to rallies to put pressure on authorities to act against an escalation of murderous attacks on their trade. The mourning and protests followed a particularly deadly day for the media in Mexico, where warring drug cartels have made it one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist. On Monday, veteran organized crime writer Javier Valdez was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the northwestern state of Sinaloa while gunmen in Jalisco state killed a reporter at a small weekly magazine and critically wounded his mother, an executive at the family-run publication. Authorities have yet to announce arrests in the two new cases, feeding fears of impunity that have become disturbingly familiar to the profession in Mexico. Last year a record 11 journalists were killed, according to advocacy group Articulo 19. Journalists wrote, “They are killing us” in large letters at the foot of the Angel of Independence monument in
An activist speaks while holding an image of journalist Javier Valdez during a demonstration against his killing and for other journalists who were killed in Mexico, at the Interior Ministry building in Mexico City, Mexico May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Henry Romero central Mexico City and flashed pictures of dead reporters to passing cars. Rallies were also held in other cities, including crime-ravaged Culiacan, where Valdez was killed. Valdez spent years documenting the violence in Mexico, and his death triggered an outpouring of grief across the country. The killings come ahead of a key state election next
month and the 2018 presidential vote - fuelling worries that it could result in a less-informed public. “This isn’t just us being killed as people, this is a silencing of those who talk,” freelance journalist Paula Monaco said at the protest. Mexico is struggling to contain a resurgence in violence among rival drug cartels that has pushed homicides to levels not seen since 2011.
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US Coast Guard repatriates 27 Cuban migrants MIAMI, CMC – The US Coast Guard says the cutter Charles Sexton has repatriated 27 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba. On Tuesday, the Coast Guard said the repatriation is the result of a migrant interdiction near Key Largo, Florida on Sunday. “The Coast Guard helped secure the US border and prevent this sea voyage from ending in tragedy, we discourage anyone from taking to the sea and attempting to reach US soil illegally – they are risking their lives with very little chance of success,” said Capt. Aldante Vinciguerra, chief of response for the Coast Guard 7th District.
“The Coast Guard and our partner agencies continue to maintain a strong presence in the Southeast and are ready to stop those who take the illegal, ill-advised and unsafe journey across the Florida Straits,” he added. The Coast Guard estimates that 1,951 Cubans have attempted to illegally migrate to the US, via the maritime environment, since October 1, 2016, compared to 7,411 Cubans in fiscal year 2016. The Coast Guard said these numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic.
US Coast Guard searching for plane missing in The Bahamas MIAMI, CMC – Authorities from the US Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force have been serving for a small plane with four passengers, including a prominent New York businesswoman and her two children. The US Coast Guard report that the twin-engine MU2B was east of the island of Eleuthera on Monday when air traffic control in Miami lost radar and radio contact with the plane. It was en route from Puerto Rico and never made it to its destination of Titusville, along the northeastern coast of Florida. A Coast Guard spokes-
woman here said debris and an oil slick was spotted east of Eleuthera but authorities were still trying to determine whether it came from the missing plane. “We are still searching for survivors,” said Marilyn Fajardo, a Coast Guard spokeswoman in Miami. Those on board have been identified as Nathan Ulrich, 52, of Lee, New Hampshire, and Jennifer Blumin of New York, 40, along with her 4-year-old and 10-year-old sons. Blumin was founder and CEO of Skylight Group, which provides event space
around New York City, specializing in the fashion industry. The company confirmed she and members of her family were on the plan. “Her family is working with investigators and we politely ask that you respect their privacy at this time,” the company said. Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Kelly, a Coast Guard spokesman, said the plane was at about 24,000 feet when air traffic control lost contact. A Coast Guard cutter has been dispatched to the area and was expected to arrive later Tuesday to assist with the search.
Bahamas Defence Force Makes Million-Dollar Drug Bust
NASSAU, The Bahamas,– The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has seized just over $1 million worth of marijuana and arrested two locals and a Jamaican. A Defence Force vessel, while on routine patrol in the south western Bahamas in the area of Cay Lobos, intercepted a 28-foot go-fast ves-
sel. When it was searched, just over 1,000 pounds of the contraband was found on board. The three men on the boat – two Bahamians and a Jamaican – were also apprehended and handed over to officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Drug En-
forcement Unit. “This arrest has been a result of the consistent efforts of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and their strategic intent to rid the waters of the Bahamas of illicit transnational activities that threaten and security of The Bahamas,” the Defence Force said in the statement.(Caribbean 360)
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
Israel may have to withhold intelligence from US, ex-Mossad boss warns Jerusalem (CNN) As politicians in Israel raced to alleviate concerns over US President Donald Trump’s alleged disclosure of classified Israeli information to the Russians, the country’s former top spy has warned of the damage the episode could do to US-Israeli intelligence sharing and to Israel’s ability to gather information on ISIS. Israeli intelligence was a source for some of the highly sensitive information about the terror group’s bomb-making capabilities that the President discussed with Russian diplomats at the Oval Office last week, US and diplomatic officials told CNN on Tuesday. Danny Yatom, who led Israel’s secretive Mossad agency from 19961998, warned of a “very bad development” and a possible “catastrophe” if Trump compromised an Israeli source during the White House meeting. “If we will assess that our sources of intelligence are in danger due to the
way it will be handled by the United States, then we will have to keep the very sensitive information close to our chests,” Yatom told CNN. The revelation may be a significant blow to Israel’s ability to collect intelligence about ISIS, Yatom warned. “I hate to reiterate it, but it might cause a dramatic change to our capabilities to continue and to collect vital information on ISIS,” he said. “The enemy can very easily identify and recognize where
the information came from and start searching for collaborators.” Israel and the US would not publicly comment on claims Israel was the source of the intel. But the White House has insisted that Trump did not risk national security by sharing information with top Russian officials and revealed that the President did not even know the source of the intelligence he divulged.
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Thursday May 18, 2017
Thursday May 18, 2017
Nadal through to last-16 in Rome after Almagro injury (Reuters) Rafael Nadal eased into the last-16 of the Italian Open on Tuesday when his second-round opponent Nicolas Almagro retired after sustaining a knee injury early in the first set. Nadal, who is the clear tournament favourite and looks to be in the form of his life on clay this season, raced into a 3-0 lead before Spanish compa-
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triot Almagro felt his left knee with less than half an hour played. Nadal is seeded fourth in Rome, where he is bidding for a record eighth title to go with his recent successes in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, and will meet either the Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely or American Jack Sock in the next round. Japan’s Kei Nishikori,
the number seven seed, beat Spaniard David Ferrer 7-5, 6-2 earlier in the day and will play eit h e r B r i t a i n ’s K y l e Edmund or Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the last 16. Third seed Stan Wawrinka was also in action later on Tuesday against unpredictable Frenchman Benoit Paire, who beat him on clay in Madrid last week.
Thursday May 18, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Catch up on overdue paperwork. Visit friends or relatives you don't get to see very often. Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Don't hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs. Short trips will be educational. Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. You are best to listen for the time being. You may be emotional and quick to judge others. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Don't divulge secret information.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't let others know about your private affairs. You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. Your charm and generosity will bring new friends and romantic opportunities.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Fitness or weight loss programs will help your self esteem. You may be out of sorts if you have been extravagant or have let children or friends take advantage of you financially.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) It is best not to upset the apple cart if you learn information that may damage a colleague's reputation. You may have problems with children. You're undergoing changes.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't give your heart too readily. Your creative talent will prove to be lucrative if put to proper use. Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Abrupt action will cause difficulties with relatives. Make money using your ingenuity and creative talent. You will benefit through hidden assets and property investments.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations. Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain. You will earn recognition for the work you are doing. Heart to heart talks will clear up vague issues.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move. Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights.
GFF TO HOST CONCACAF CLUB LICENSING PROGRAMME The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will host a Club Licensing Workshop on Saturday, 20th May. The workshop, which is scheduled to begin at 09:30hrs, is expected to have a total of 40 persons from Regional Member Associations (RMA), national associations, elite league clubs and clubs which will be in contention for promotion to the elite league, that is, two top clubs in each RMA. According to Ian Alves, GFF Competitions Director, the objective of the session is to ensure all senior clubs in Guyana have their club license: “The efforts that club owners and administrators make in order to ensure our footballers, both male and female, have an opportunity to play football are recognized. It is with this in mind that club licensing procedure is geared to enable clubs to have proper infrastructure and the accompanying requisite regulations.” The session will be conducted by CONCACAF Development Coordinator, Cristhian Tonelli, and will adopt a Trainer-of-Trainers approach. This is necessary to continuously enable the transfer of knowledge to RMAs and build capacity among same for club license. A club license is necessary to enable participation in all CONCACAF tournaments. Prior to the workshop, Tonelli will meet with the Executive Committee of the GFF, Club Licensing Manager, the GFF First Instance DecisionMaking Body and the GFF Appeals Instance DecisionMaking Body tomorrow.
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Walter Moore to conduct talent Law hoping to shock strong England identification initiative in Guyana Former Golden Jaguars’ defender, Walter Moore, and his club coach Kristian Heames will conduct a Talent Identification programme in Guyana from Friday to Sunday, which will result in potential players being identified for trials and possible professional contracts in Europe. This initiative is part of the new philosophy of the technical programme of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), which actively seeks to involve past and present national players as part of the technical development programme. Moore and Heames will participate along with Gregory Richardson – another national player – in the national U-17 camp scheduled for the same period and will be involved in the assessment of players as well as coaching sessions. “Walter will be speaking to the players about his experiences and the opportunities in professional football that are open to young Guyanese players in Europe,” Technical Director, Ian Greenwood said. “His vision to expose potential players to European club trials later in the year shows his commitment to give back to football in Guyana and be a part of the brand new Technical Development Strategy. I am truly excited about the project and looking forward
Walter Moore
to seeing Walter deliver coaching sessions with the squad.” Greenwood described the Talent ID trip as an “excellent opportunity for our national U-17s to be exposed to the perfect role model in Walter Moore who has given so much to Guyanese football
over the years.” Moore will join the list of former national players who are employed by the GFF in the execution of the technical development programmes, the others being Charles Pollard, Bryan Joseph, Anthony Benfield, Tricia Munroe and Akilah Castello.
Former MotoGP champion Hayden hit by car in Italy (Reuters) American former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden was taken to hospital yesterday after being struck by a car while training on his bicycle along Italy’s Adriatic coast, the World Superbike series said. Its official website ( w w w. w o r l d s b k . c o m ) said the 35-year-old, who rides for the Red Bull Honda team, was hit w h i l e t r a i n i n g near the east coast resort of Rimini following a race at Imola. “Ambulances arrived and Hayden was taken directly to the hospital,” it added. The statement did not say how severe any injuries might be. Media reports said the “Kentucky Kid”, who won the MotoGP championship on a Honda in 2006, was in a serious condition. He last raced in the championship in Spain in September 2016 as a stand-in for injured Australian Jack Miller at the
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Inspired by the progress he witnessed in the just-concluded series against Pakistan, West Indies head coach Stuart Law says the regional side will be targeting an upset when they face England in their next Test series this August. West Indies are ranked a lowly eighth, only behind minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, while England are fourth, but Law believes once his side can build on the positives from the recent series and use the preparation time before England wisely, they will be able to reap positive results. “We can continue to work hard. When we get to England, we’ve got a pretty extensive preparation period before the first Test,” the Australian said. “It’s not going to guarantee us victories but it will certainly give us an idea of what we’re faced with. England are a wonderful team but we’re going there not just to compete but we’re going there to hopefully upset them.” West Indies face the hosts in the opening Test at Edgbaston starting August 17 before travelling to Headingley for the second beginning eight days later. The third Test is set for September 7 at historic Lord’s in London. The Windies have not won a Test in England 17 years, losing 11 of their last 13 outings and drawing two. In two weeks, however, West Indies will clash with minnows Afghanistan in three Twenty20 Internationals and three onedayers, and Law said while
West Indies coach Stuart Law. their opponents were not top tier, there would be no lackadaisical approach. “We’re not taking any teams lightly, doesn’t matter who they are. We’ve got to install that ruthless mindset that no matter who we come up against,” he emphasized. “We’re out there to win and we’re out there to win well. Afghanistan they are tough, they excel in this format the T20s but straight after that we have three ODIs which are very important to us as well and we’re looking for a good performance from our guys.” West Indies lost the recent three-Test series against Pakistan 2-1, when they went down by 101 runs on the final day of the decisive third
Test at Windsor Park in Dominica last Sunday. However, Law pointed to plenty positives, with the bowling unit excelling on flat pitches and batsmen achieving milestones. And though debutants Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh struggled in their first taste of international cricket, Law said the learning curve had been critical for them. “We had two debutants start the series in Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh and I think they realise now it’s not club cricket, it’s not provincial cricket, it’s serious Test cricket,” he said. “When the boys play against these other bigger teams, they’re going to find out how tough it really is.”
Mohammad Nawaz given two-month suspension
Honda MotoGP rider Nicky Hayden of the U.S. is pictured in his team garage during the second free practice session of the French Grand Prix at the Le Mans circuit, in Le Mans, France Tuesday. (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe) privately-run Marc VDS Honda team. Hayden started 216 races between 2003 and 2015, winning three. Michele Scarponi, the 2011 Giro d’Italia cycling champion, was killed last month after being hit by a van while training
close to his home in Filottrano in eastern Italy. B r i t a i n ’s To u r d e France champion Chris Froome escaped unhurt this month while having his bike written off in a hit-and-run incident in France.
ESPNCRICINFO - Pakistan left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has been suspended for two months after admitting to the PCB’s charge of failing to report a suspect approach. Nawaz’s suspension is effective from Tuesday, but he can return to cricket after one month provided he fulfills criteria set by the Pakistan board. Nawaz’s player contract with the PCB was suspended, and he was also fined 200,000 Pakistani rupees. Among other conditions set by the PCB are that Nawaz should not be found in further breach of the PCB’s anti-corruption code, and that he should take part in the board’s anti-corruption education programmes. The anti-corruption
proceedings against Nawaz began on May 8, when he was summoned by the PCB for a possible breach of the code. He was issued a demand notice and asked to appear before the board’s Vigilance and Security Department. The PCB said that Nawaz, on Monday, had approached the board and requested for a meeting, and the board had asked him to submit a letter stating his version of events regarding the alleged breach. “Nawaz submitted his written statement admitting the charges levelled against him by PCB and appeared for subsequent meetings with PCB on Tuesday to properly explain his case,” the PCB said.
Nawaz was the seventh Pakistan player to come under the PCB’s scanner during the ongoing investigation into corruption that emerged during the second season of the Pakistan Super League in February and March. Six others are either facing charges of corruption, or have been banned, or were questioned by the PCB. Proceedings against Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Shahzaib Hassan are underway; Mohammad Irfan was suspended for a year; and Zulfiqar Babar was questioned. Nawaz, 23, has played three Tests, nine ODIs and 5 T20Is in the last seven months, and he was in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the tour of the Caribbean, though he didn’t play.
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‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament to be launched today at Windjammer Windjammer International Cuisine and Comfort Inn of 27 Queen Street, Kitty is the location for today’s Launch of the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament, starting at 14:00hrs. According to Organisers of the event, invited teams are being asked to send at least one representative to the Launch where the rules and fixtures will be explained and given to the respective reps. The invited teams are: Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Sophia, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Broad Street Bullies, Tiger Bay, North East La Penitence, West Back Road, Back Circle, Hustlers (West Demerara), Dave &
Celina All Stars (Linden), Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast), Show Stoppers (West Demerara), Agricola Champion Boys, Kitty, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Festival City, Albouystown ‘B’, Alexander Village, Plaisance ‘A’, Globe Yard, Campbellville and BV. Meanwhile, a total of in excess of $1million will be up for grabs over the eight playing days at the National Gymnasium with the winners set to receive $500,000 and trophy, while second, third and fourth placed teams will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. There will be prizes for individual outstanding performances, while fans will also
Wins for Laluni, Eccles and Silver Bullet Laluni, Eccles and Silver Bullet recorded victories when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association Sterling Products T20 tournament continued last weekend at Laluni. Laluni beat Uprising by 59 runs on Saturday. Batting first, Laluni scored 108-8 off their reduced quota of 15 overs. Alex Dundas struck 51, while Troy Domingo got 23. Shiveshwar (only name provided) had 3-8 and Dinesh Rampersaud 3-14. Uprising were restricted to 49-9 in reply. Rampersaud made 15 as Domingo returned with the ball to take 3-3; Dundas had 3-4 and David Francis 2-3. On Sunday, Eccles overcame Laluni by eight wickets. Laluni took first strike and managed 60-8 after the game was reduced to eight overs. E. Henry made 20; Bernard Bailey claimed 3-8, Kishan Singh 2-2 and Kelvin Singh 2-13. Eccles responded with 652 in 4.3 overs. Kelvin Singh stroked 32 not out while Corwin Austin got 22. L.
Persaud and Troy Domingo had one wicket each. Silver Bullet defeated Combined United by 110 runs. Silver Bullet batted first and got to 176-5. Lanthee Hinds slammed 68, while Leon James contributed 31. Mark Fung 2-35. Combined United were sent packing for 65 in reply. Parmanand Persaud made 20; Patrick Alexander captured 3-18 and Collin Benjamin 2-27. The competition continues this weekend. On Saturday at Farm, Providence will face Herstelling A at 09:30hrs and Nandy Park will play North Soesdyke at 13:00hrs. On Sunday at the said venue, Eccles will take on Bayrock at 09:30hrs and Farm will battle Bayrock at 13:00hrs. On Saturday at Laluni, Sandpipers will match skills with Rome Athletics at 09:30hrs and Laluni will play Eccles at 13:00hrs. On Sunday at the said venue, Uprising will challenge Laluni at 09:30hrs and Silver Bullet will play Combined United at 13:00hrs.
Frugal Narine helps put... From page 28 number seven.Rain during the interval almost saw the game washed out but when it ceased, KKR were given a fairly straightforward target of 48 off six overs. They were slumping at 12 for three in the second over, however, before captain Gautam Gambhir arrived to smash two fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 32 off 19 balls, to see them over the line.
Jordan’s one over of pace cost nine runs and earned him one wicket. KKR will now face Kieron Pollard’s Mumbai Indians in the final playoff game tomorrow, to determine who will face Rising Pune Supergiant in Sunday’s final. Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 48 for 3 (Gambhir 32*) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 128 for 7 (Warner 37, Coulter-Nile 3-20, Umesh 2-21) by seven wickets (D/L method).
have the opportunity to win prizes on every night of action. Also, at the occasion,
teams will receive the official invitation and teams list. All information pertaining to the tournament will be dis-
closed, at the Launch. Photo on server Claude as: Windjammer 2017: caption- Location for today’s
Launch of the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament.
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Da Silva’s House of Optics testing eyes of players & Umpires
Dr Randall De Santos (right) and VP of BCC Govindaraj Khan. Da Silva’s House of Optics has partnered with the Blairmont Cricket Club (BCC) to assist in maintaining and examining the eyes of club members and officials. The Executives of the West Bank Berbice club know it is vital to have good vision when playing and umpiring cricket. Da Silva House of optics is located at DeEdward Village West Coast Berbice and the Head Office is located on Middle Street, Georgetown. DeSilva’s House of Optics has pledged to give free an-
nual examinations to the club members and officials. The Vice-President of BCC Govindaraj Khan thanked Dr Randall De Santos for contributing towards the club initiative to improve the vision of their officials and players and assured it’s the way to go. The BCC urged sister clubs, cricket boards and match officials to get players and umpires tested today to further improve their performances in the sport at any Da Silva’s House of Optics branch.
Frugal Narine helps put KKR one step closer to final BANGALORE, India, CMC – Sunil Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders inched closer to the final of the Indian Premier League when they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets under Duckworth/Lewis in a rainravaged affair here yesterday. Playing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the West Indies off-spinner was at his most frugal even though finishing wicket-less, sending down four overs which cost a mere 20 runs as Sunrisers were held to a paltry 128 for seven off their 20 overs. Australian seamer Nathan Coulter-Nile was the leading bowler with three for 20 from his four overs. His countryman David Warner top-scored with 37 at the top of the order but
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KKR’s West Indies off-spinne Sunil Narine. Sunrisers simply failed to get their innings off the ground. England and Barbados allrounder Chris Jordan got a one-ball ‘duck’ batting at (Continued on page 27)
Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County Cricket
Tournament starts on May 29 By Sean Devers Howard Cox, Director and Fire Manager of Hand-inHand Fire & Life Insurance Company said yesterday at the Launching of the second annual Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County cricket tournament, that the Insurance Company’s support for cricket goes back to the 1960s and for a long period has been a sponsor of the Handin-Hand second division Cricket competition in Demerara. “I am very pleased with how last year’s tournament was run by the Guyana Cricket Board and proud to see Shemron Hetymer, who played for Berbice in last year’s Hand-in-Hand tournament, selected to play Test cricket for the West Indies,” said Howard. “The GCB has many detractors but Guyana has won (almost) everything which shows that the cricket board is doing something right. I hope we can pass that on to the West Indies team,” added Howard who said Hand-inHand was pleased to be associated with this competition once again. Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie thanked Hand-in-Hand for their commitment for the past two years and said that that he hopes they become a long term sponsor. GTM sponsored U19 inter-county for the long-
est period with their InterCounty tournament being played from the early 1980’s to the 1990s and Sanasie said at a time when sponsors for cricket is hard to find and encouraged the media give Hand-in-Hand coverage for their investment which help develop youth cricket locally. “Hand-in-Hand is standing the cost of almost everything but despite the extra cost we have set matches for the Stadium. We hope the adverse weather improves since we want to have as much cricket being played as possible,” Sanasie informed. Sanasie told the Media and Hand-in-Hand representatives Savita Singh (Business Development Officer), Zaida Joaquin (Human Resources Manager) and Shafeena Juman (Business Development Supervisor) that Baskar Yadram and Joshua Persaud have been selected for the West Indies U-19 tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe and reminded that the pair was both products of the Hand-in-Hand tournament. Yadram and Persaud have been named Captain and ViceCaptain respectively of the Demerara team and will leave for Africa on June 25 after participating in the Inter-County tournament. “The Academy players are all paid monthly salaries and provides players for the First-
Class team. Bhaskar is the latest player from the U-19 ranks to play First-Class cricket this year and the results of that team’s success says a lot for the GCB,” said Sanasie. While Sanasie admitted that the GCB needs to do better with Women’s cricket and is hoping to start a female League, the WICB Director lamented that this and many other plans can’t be put into action due to a lack of funds and commended Hand-inHand for putting valuable money into local cricket. Sanasie, who leaves for a West Indies Board meeting today, disclosed that he was asked to prepare a ‘blue print’ on Guyana’s consistent success at all levels of Regional Cricket and despite that lack of Women’s club cricket in Guyana, feels that at least two Guyanese females should have gained selection on the West Indies Woman’s team. Also present at yesterday’s launching was Territorial Development Officer of the GCB former West Indies pacer Colin Stuart who informed that the tournament is divided into a Three-Day and 50-over formats. The opening 50-over games are scheduled to commence on Monday, May 29 with defending Champions Demerara facing off with the
Select U-17s at Lusignan and Berbice playing Essequibo at Everest. The second round will be played on May 31, while the final preliminary round is set for June 1 with the two top teams advancing to the Final at Providence on June 2. The one-day format will be played with Red balls and white clothes. The three-day tournament is scheduled to be played with three rounds from June 6-16. Matches will be played at Providence, Lusignan, Eve Leary and Everest, but it was disclosed that due to unstable weather pattern venues can be changed. Sanasie said that this tournament plays an important role in preparing the players for a successful defence of their 50over title which they have won for the past three years and to regain their three-day title. Guyana won an unprecedented six titles from 19921997. The Hand-in-Hand competition will be used to select the Guyana U-19 team for the 2017 Regional U-19 50-over and three-day tournament in July and August as Guyana return to St. Kitts where they won the last of their 11 threeday titles in 2007, when Steven Jacobs led them to glory and where Guyana lost the 2007 one-day final to Jamaica at Warner Park. Guyana have three 50-over titles.
Curry, Warriors Drub Leonard-Less Spurs By 36 For Dominant Game 2 Win (NBA.com) G2: San Antonio Spurs 100-136 Golden State Warriors Game 2 was going to be all about how the San Antonio Spurs dealt with the absence of their All-Star and MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard against the star-studded line-up of the reigning Western Conference Champions, the Golden State Warriors. And although the Warriors were missing key utility man Andre Iguodala as well, they dominated the contest right from tip-off. They opened up a 17point lead in the first 12 minutes behind some fantastic team basketball even as Leonard’s replacement, Jonathan Simmons had eight of the Spurs’ 16 points in the first quarter. In the second period, Simmons kept his momentum going. His points’ tally for the half was just one shy of his career-high (18). But Simmons’ effort didn’t matter as the first half was completely dominated by
Stephen Curry was impressive for the Warriors. (Getty Images) the Warriors. With Stephen Curry leading the way with 19 points on 5-for-8 long ball shooting, Golden State put up some stellar team numbers for the first 24 minutes: Despite the huge 28-point lead, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr didn’t want his
team to let up. Just like Game 1, Kerr spoke to his team in the locker room at the break: Coming out of the half, the Spurs scored 31 in the third period, an improvement after they finished with 16 in the first and 28 in the second quarter. But it just wasn’t
enough as the Warriors maintained their commanding lead. Game 2 was a spectacular Tuesday night in the Bay Area. Seven Golden State players scored in double figures, which included a wonderful game from rookie Patrick McCaw – 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals on 75% shooting in 26 minutes. Led by Curry, the Warriors’ big guns – Kevin Durant (16 points, 60% shooting), Draymond Green (13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) – did enough to ensure the team didn’t have to sweat too much. For the Spurs, Simmons recorded a career-high 22 points, but that was about it, in terms of positives for the visiting team. The Warriors have a lot of time to soak up their ridiculously great numbers from this game – 56.2% shooting, 94.7% from the freethrow line and 39 assists on 50 made baskets. Game 3 will be played in San Antonio on Saturday night.
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
Page 33
RHTY&SC Cricket Teams, O-35 Group honours 100 Outstanding Mothers
The mothers with their hampers after being presented at the RHTY&SC ground. Dozens of outstanding mothers on Saturday last were honoured for Mother’s Day 2017 by the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S and the Club’s Over 35 Group. Over 100 mothers received special food hampers from the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Bakewell U n d e r- 1 7 a n d S e c o n d Division, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under21 and First Division cricket teams.
Club Secretary/CEO H i l b e r t F o s t e r, w h o spearheaded the programme, stated that since 1991, the RHTY&SC has hosted an annual Tribute to Mothers Programme to honour outstanding parents as part o f i t s M o t h e r ’s D a y celebration. The main objectives of the programme are to honour outstanding parents who played major roles in the development of their children, to encourage senior citizens mothers to be role models to younger Mothers and to promote the
George sprints to silver at Islamic Games Police Progressive Youth Club athlete and Policeman, Sergeant Winston George sprinted to the first medal for Guyana at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan. George raced to second in the 400 metre in 45.69 seconds. George was the only athlete to medal at the last Games, gaining two silver medals in the 200 and 400 metres at the Islamic Games in 2013 in Indonesia. He is part of a five-member athletics team currently at the games with a multisport contingent.
Winston George
RHTY&SC Massive Say NO/Say YES Campaign. The veteran Sports Administrator urged the attentive mothers to be their children and grandchildren’s best role model, while making sure that they advise them to Say NO to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Teenage Sex, Crime and YES to Education, Religion, Life and Sports. Foster spoke widely on the need for parents to spend time with their children and also the benefits that youths get from being involved in sports.
T h e 2 0 11 N a t i o n a l Sports Personality Awardee also pleaded with parents with vast experience to share their experience with their younger counterparts, noting that a good parent must have commitment, patience, discipline and a strong faith in God. Foster expressed disappointment that several parents are poor role models, while several mothers are forcing their young daughters into sexual activities for financial rewards. Foster committed the
Pepsi Hikers... From page 31 Chester, left them lacking the quality to remain competitive with the country’s top side. The Hikers, meanwhile, strengthened by the inclusion of tournament MVP Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford and Jerazeno Bell punctuated the second half with an avalanche of goals. Shane Samuels led the way with 4 goals, followed by doubles from Tivesarid Garnett, Robert France, Assanah, Branford and Bell. The Pepsi Hikers played unbeaten throughout the two rounds of competition, scoring 27 goals and only conceding 5. GCC’s Kevin Spencer was the top scorer for the tournament with 9 goals, while Hikers midfielder Jamarj Assanah received the coveted Most Valuable Player Award. During the presentation ceremony GHB secretary Tricia Fiedtkou thanked Farfan and Mendes for their commitment to the sport over the past 30 years. Company representative James Mentore emphasised their enthusiasm for being associated with the sport for many years and pledged their intention to stay involved for years to come.
RHTY&SC under the Patronage of H.E President David Granger towards continuing to invest heavily in the development of the family structure and to making sure that every youth in Berbice fulfils his/her full potential in education, culture and sports. He again issued an appeal to other Clubs and organisations across Berbice to get involved in social issues and in assisting the less fortunate. The total investment for the programme was in excess of $250,000. The
RHTY&SC Cricket teams and Over 35 Group would like to express gratitude to the following companies and individuals for their input into the programme – Home Designs Construction, King Solomon Shipping, Guyana Beverage Company, Ansa Mcal, J o s e p h To r r e z a o , R a y Document Centre, Julian Moore, Major James Fraser, Terry Pike, Joe Welding Shop, Mibicuri Community Developers, Food for the Poor, Clinton Pestano, Rana Persaud and Sunil Madrimootoo.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday May 18, 2017
Commitment to training and application in order to achieve our goals – Coach Gilbert Fruta Conquerors not daunted by 2nd place finish
Despite ending second to champions of Season Two of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League (SEL), Head Coach of Fruta Conquerors Sampson Gilbert revealed that he is generally satisfied with the progress of his team. The Tucville based club ended the league on a high having defeated champions, Guyana Defence Force 2-1 to halt a three game losing streak to the Army. Like the GDF, Fruta Conquerors have qualified for the 2018 edition of the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship and this fact is a huge positive for the club. ”At the start of the league my aspiration was to win the league but most importantly to qualify for the CFU tournament. The fact that we had so much young talent to expose it was obvious I had to exercise patience to see the team realise its true potential. The second half saw the
inclusion of some experienced players, while we continued to work on developing a chemistry and style of play that is unique to Fruta Conquerors. There were some inconsistencies in the process but I am satisfied with the progress.” Conquerors ended two points behind the GDF (27) and their only loss in the league was to the said team which they avenged. Conquerors actually conceded one less goal than the champions which conceded eight a statistic that speaks to their defensive astuteness. However, Gilbert lamented the fact that a constant bugbear is the failure of the players to be clinical in the attacking third. ”The team played well in all the games against the GDF but the impediment has been our inability to score the many chances we created. Among everything that could be considered GDF has shown the ability to
score goals when the opportunity presents itself even when they are being outplayed.” Honing the skills of the young and exciting players on his roster is one of the encouraging factors for Coach Gilbert who was able to incorporate some senior players in side with the aim of producing an unbeatable unit, a work still in progress, whilst pointing out that the senior players need to show more dedication. ”Notable young talent to mention is Jeremy Garrett, Nicolas McArthur and Raushan Ritch. The effort of the more experienced players has been good but there needs to be a greater commitment to training and application in order to achieve our goals.” Qualifying for CFU would have been an aspiration of the club from the onset of the league and its realization Coach Gilbert shared, “Gives us the
opportunity to expose our younger players with so much potential, this is a good opportunity for the players, the clubs and Guyana.” Conquerors players will have another chance to upstage the GDF when they clash in the Big Four To u r n a m e n t t h a t w i l l showcase the top four teams from the SEL but a date for this is yet to be fixed by the GFF. Whenever that is finalized it will be a present for fans, a mouthwatering showdown hopefully on a turf that will encourage exciting play as long as the weather holds. ”Fruta Conquerors just need to play with the tactical awareness we are capable of and score the goals when the chances are created. I must take this opportunity to congratulate GDF on winning the league and rest assured Fruta Conquerors will be aspiring for the top position.”
Fruta Conquerors players in celebratory mode.
Fruta Conquerors Head Coach
Thursday May 18, 2017
Kaieteur News
Page 35
2017 Farfan & Mendes Men’s League
Pepsi Hikers crowned champs The curtains came down on the Guyana Hockey Board’s premier outdoor men’s competition, the Farfan and Mendes First Division League, on Saturday afternoon, at the St. Stanislaus College ground. The Pepsi Hikers put an exclamation mark on their league performance with a 14-0 thrashing of the youthful Saints Hockey Club side which placed them three points clear of second place Bounty GCC. After being frustrated by Saints in their first encounter which they won 1-0, Hikers seemed bent on making a statement the second time around. Saints kept things respectable up to half time where they were trailing 04, however, their lack of substitutes and absence of their best player, Hilton (Continued on page 29)
The victorious Pepsi Hikers team poses for a photo op following their crowning of 2017 Farfan & Mendes Men’s League champions.
rt o p S Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County Cricket
Tournament starts on May 29 P.28
Howard Cox of Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCB’s Anand Sanasie in the presence of two Guyanese West Indies U-19 selectees atyesterday’s launching of the Inter-County U-19 Cricket tourney.
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‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament to be launched today at Windjammer
Walter Moore to conduct talent identification initiative in Guyana
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George sprints to silver at Islamic Games
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