Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Friday May 19, 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 IMPASSE BETWEEN GOVT AND THE COMMISSIONER On May 11, 2015, many Guyanese at home and in the diaspora breathed a sigh of relief with the election of the coalition government. But after two years in office, the government seems to have a major problem with Mr. Charles Ramson, the Commissioner of Information, who has been accused of not fulfilling his duties as outlined in the Access of Information Act. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is in charge of the Ministry of Information, has stated that Mr. Ramson has not submitted a single report to the National Assembly since he took office in 2013. It was hoped that under this administration, the Commissioner would have been more effective in the performance of his duties, but has not heeded requests by the government to present statutory reports to the National Assembly. He has, in effect, been thumbing his nose at the administration. As reported, for the past three years Mr. Ramson has not responded to requests made to him by members of the public. Accused of being unsuitable for the office, the Commissioner countered that he has received fewer than 16 requests since in office and that his office is not adequately staffed due to budget cuts by this administration when in opposition. He also said that the people are not making use of him or the office. The truth is the people are not utilizing his services because either they do not have confidence in him or know that the office exists. Many are appalled and baffled to know that from 2013 to now, the Commissioner has been paid in excess of $70 million for doing absolutely nothing. The matter has many asking how could this happen under this administration that is supposed to be strict. It is not only a waste of the taxpayers’ money but is also a significant shortcoming to provide citizens and organizations with access to information of government programmes and activities. This publication has reported that the $70M could actually cover the cost to repair four public schools and upgrade the roads on the Essequibo Islands. Given the current impasse between the government and the Commissioner, those in authority must act urgently to end such lawlessness, a waste of scarce resources and to restore dignity to the office. They must hold the Commissioner accountable for his failure to perform his duties to submit reports to the National Assembly. Saving the taxpayers’ money is worthier than being worried or scared over a lawsuit. The government must make amendments to the Act immediately in an effort to ensure that the office is more effective and that the taxpayers receive value for their money from the Commissioner. A key requirement of the access of Information Act is for the Commissioner of Information to submit regular reports to the National Assembly. So far, this has not been done since the Office was established. The failure of the Commissioner to deny citizens their rights to access to information has stymied every effort to carry out an assessment on the effectiveness of the Act or his office. The government should know that the actions of the Commissioner mirror those of other public officials who were appointed by the PPP and remain loyal to that party. Their objective is to undermine the government in order to disrupt its smooth operations and to make it appear incompetent. It is known that the Commissioner of Information is a staunch member of the PPP who despises the government. This is a major issue for the government which has allowed most of the members of the last administration to remain in their positions.It could be a foolish decision that may or may not hurt the government. However, since the Commissioner of Information is a presidential appointment, the President has the power to revoke his appointment if he is convinced that the Commissioner has not been performing his functions. He is totally unsuitable for the position and should be replaced pronto.

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.

What agenda could a third political party present? Dear Editor, I note an interesting letter about a third political party being required locally, with suggestions of suitable leaders. Of course, a third party is required, but with what agenda in mind? In the UK, it is virtually the same requirement that is being talked about. But what? Instead of “race”, read “class”. The UK class system is so entrenched, that it is now well nigh impossible to break the mould. Class is to Brits what race is to Americans. In Guyana, those of us with “long memories” will remember the origins of the existing state of political affairs. In the beginning, the two major races, presumably “longing to be free” joined hands and formed a “new” PPP, one party led by Dr. Jagan, the other by Mr. Burnham, both charismatic men, full of ideas, Mr. Burnham able to express them with style.

Thus fused, Mr. Burnham representing the Lodge district, as I recall, in the first general elections held under this umbrella, won every vote! Eventually there was a party falling out, and the races went their separate ways - the outfit became “Split PPPs”. Now, what agenda could a third party present? What worthwhile interest/s could it represent? People worldwide seem to have become cynical and suspicious of politicians in general. One view I have heard expressed is that politicians are like baby diapers and should be changed often and always for the same reason. A universal revolution is now afoot, and it will involve the younger, eager generation, tired of the bickering and dithering of their elders, longing to be on the move. Let us all prepare ourselves in the meantime. Geralda Dennison

GRA has no authority to approve duty free concessions Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in its response to “allegations of corruption” has rendered itself complicit in violating the very laws which it is entrusted to administer and enforce. The GRA has also, by its response, placed itself above law, superior to both the Minister of Finance and the Parliament of Guyana. The GRA has no powers to approve duty free concessions. Whoever within GRA is of this mistaken belief must be disabused of that notion. The law is crystal clear as regards duty free concessions. The Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act of 2003 which governs duty free concessions grants no discretion or flexibility in the award or administration of such concessions. The purpose of the

legislation was to remove discretion in the grating of duty free concession and move towards a rule-based system, one that allows no flexibility. The explanatory notes of the legislation clearly states that the relevant section of the law “limits the duty-free concession to specified public officers and remigrants; restricts the frequency with which the right to the concession may be exercised.” The GRA cannot set its own rules as to eligibility for duty-free concessions because it has no such powers. The rules are set by the law itself and the certification of eligibility is done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( in the case of remigrants) and the Public Service Ministry in the case of specified public officers w h i c h i n c l u d e s parliamentarians and other

public officials above the GS5 salary scale of the public service who are travelling officers. The Public Service Ministry has established the categories of officers who are eligible for duty free concessions and the engine capacities of the vehicles to which such concessions may be applied. All public officers are subject to these rules. The GRA, therefore, cannot create its own categories under the delusional belief that it is a semi-autonomous agency and thus not restricted to what applies to all other public officials. The GRA is not above the law. It cannot make its own law and at the same time administer that law. It cannot exercise flexibility where the law does not make such provision. The Head of the Customs was reported to

have applied to the Public Service Ministry for their certification of his right to a duty free concession on a vehicle above 2362 cc. That application was denied and so the GRA, has now confessed that it applied its own rules, including allowing the Head of its Customs operation to pay a tax rate which is applicable to remigrants and not to public officers. The GRA has therefore implicated itself in tax irregularities. It has placed itself above the parliament. It has gone against the established practice in the public service in relation to duty free concessions. It has disregarded the prohibition announced by the Minister of Finance in relation to vehicles over eight years old. The GRA has become a law onto itself. Anil Maharaj

This Member of Parliament should be asked to explain his conduct Dear Editor, I was in the National Assembly on May 8 when the sitting ended some time after 10pm, which is the usual time for debates to conclude. There were occasions over the past two years when sittings went non-stop until 3 am the following day, but MPs had to vote by motion for sittings to go on beyond 10 pm. On May 8, the Prime Minister notified the House that debates on the opposition motion would end after

speeches from two MPs, one each from the Opposition and the Government and that the debate would resume on June 16. All MPs voted in favour of the PM’s motion. I am shocked therefore to learn that PPP MP Anil Nandlall has claimed that a curfew was imposed on the debate and that the debate was “stifled”. This is not true and I hope Mr. Nandlall would be asked to explain why he has made that attack on Parliament. Earl Hamilton

We are begging Minister Volda Lawrence to correct this injustice Dear Editor, It was on October 20, 2016 that Cabinet cleared the New Minimum Wage for the private sector in which it was stated that Cabinet has approved a New Minimum Wage Agreement for Private Sector workers of $44, 000 ( forty four thousand dollars). Then on the 24 November, 2016 it was published again. Minister Volda Lawrence stated that as of January 1, 2017 businesses within the private sector will be required to pay their

employees no less than $44, 000 per month in accordance with new National Minimum Wage Order issued by the Social Protection Ministry. It was also stated that an employed person shall not be paid less than $ 255.00 per hour. January 1 2017 has come and gone. Labour Day, May 2017 has come and gone and we are still being paid $202.00 per hour, while risking our lives, facing possible murder and rape, as we protect not only state property but also the sweepers and cleaners who are

receiving over $300,00 per hour. I am begging and asking Minister Volda Lawrence, even though she has moved to another ministry to intervene and see to it that a certain guard service complies with the order of the Ministry of Social Protection and commence paying the new minimum wage of $ 255.00 per hour dating back from January 1, 2017 as per the New Minimum Order issued by the Ministry of Social Protection. Senior Security Guards

Friday May 12, 2017

We do not have adequate numbers of engineers trained in the oil industry DEAR EDITOR, In a May 13 letter, Economics students of the University of Guyana requested through KN, clarification from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) as to whether a feasibility study was done for the proposed onshore facility at Crab Island in the Berbice River to determine its viability to service offshore oil fields now being developed off Guyana’s north coast. Additionally, they sought answers to several broader concerns such as to how the oil revenue will be determined and shared, training and employment of Guyanese and the purchase of goods and services locally. Answers to many, if not all of the questions raised by the students should have been found in the Agreement made between the Government of Guyana/MNR and ExxonMobil. However, in a KN letter of May 14, MNR responded to the Students’ queries with vague answers and stonewalled on the request which was made to make available the terms and conditions of the Agreement with the dubious excuse that the contents could not be released publicly on advice it had received. MNR further stated that it would not make any fundamental changes to the Agreement which were made under the PPP/C Govt. and it would respect the Terms therein, whatever they are. The Senior Director of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. (EEPGL) also responded in KN to the Students’ letter and cautiously stated that a critical component of the work of

EssoMobil is to engage with the Public to answer questions on local content, benefits, jobs and other topics. However, releasing confidential information in the Agreement made with the Govt. was not one of them. Therefore, EEPGL was unable to release the terms and conditions under which it is exploring and developing the oilfields off Guyana’s north coast. Hence, responses by MNR and ExxonMobil suggest that the Students will not get answers to their questions anytime soon as critical contents in the ‘secret’ Agreement to exploit Guyana’s oilfields will remain sealed. ExxonMobil stated that it expects to start pumping crude oil from Guyana’s oilfields by the year 2020. The crude will be stored temporarily in floating containers then loaded onto tankers for world markets. The natural petroleum gas produced will be flared and/or pumped back with other materials into the oil-bearing sandstone to force trapped oil to the surface. ExxonMobil has made no commitment to building onshore facilities to refine crude oil or to liquefy gas for domestic use and/or export. Nevertheless, MNR seemed to have ‘jumped the gun’ and paid for a feasibility study to be carried out for onshore facilities the objectives for which are yet to be disclosed. Guyana does not have the finance nor a trained and skilled workforce to develop any facility to service the oil industry. The Govt. efforts with respect to the sugar industry, construction of the Palmyra Monument and the

Kato School clearly bears this out. The APNU+AFC Govt. should concentrate its efforts preparing plans as to how it intends to spend its share of the oil revenue. Plans should be focused on creating jobs by developing the country’s infrastructure, improve education and training in needed skills at every level and provide good health care. MNR has no experience in developing any aspect of an oil industry. This should be left to investors who could be attracted with good incentives such as land, a trained workforce, excellent infrastructures and the opportunity to make shared profits. Any onshore facility to service the offshore rigs should, therefore, be provided by ExxonMobil as they have the finance and know-how to build such a facility to meet their needs. It is doubtful that in its Agreement with the Govt., ExxonMobil would have made commitments on local contents for their operations and secured jobs for Guyanese. The oil industry is renowned for its globe-trotting workers which no doubt will be recruited quickly as needed since it would take years to train Guyanese for the skills required to develop the oilfields. Initially, there may be a handful of low paying jobs available to Guyanese but the high paying ones will be difficult to fill because Guyanese do not presently have the relevant skills. It seems therefore that the UG Students will have to be on-lookers for a long time to come. Charles Sohan

Fake Pandits, fake healers, fake preachers DEAR EDITORS I commend your newspaper on exposing the Fake Pandits (May 17) who have been providing various healing services to people. Indeed, from all indications, its really a profit making enterprise, and the gullible ones are paying the prices. However, Mr. Editor since your newspaper seems to want to expose such exploiters which is a good thing for the society, I believe that it should not stop here. Your newspaper should expose a certain church (non Hindu) which is one of the

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most popular exploiters in this country. For years now, they have been practicing in this country and no one seems to be making any attempt to expose this group and its Fake Pastors and healers. Maybe its because they operate under a Church and not individually. Are these pastors here legally? Are they paying their taxes? Do they

have work permit? Your newspaper need to find out. This church mass advertise their services of: financial problems, family challenges, reuniting of lovers, healing black magic, the enemy, the sick, the addict, et al. They are centrally located in Georgetown and have other centres in other parts of the country. Livil Hopkins

Waiting for the next local government elections to vote them out DEAR EDITOR, Labour Day is a workers’ day and I was pleased to see the Guyana Labour Organization-Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FFTUG) marching together and then sharing the same platform at the rally in the National Park. The unity that was displayed augers well for the Trade Union Movement in Guyana and it is definitely a step in the right direction. Contentious political issues were put aside for that one day and it was a delight to observe so many distinguished Guyanese – political leaders from both the Government and Opposition Party engaging in the same activity that was identified with the proletariat on a day that is universally celebrated. Every year we are also accustomed to witnessing the

former Mayor of the Capital City Comrade, Hamilton Green at our rally and this year he did not disappoint us. It is a clear indication of him understanding the protocol – this is concomitant to holding such public office. However, what was a blatant disrespect for the workers of this great nation was the absence of the incumbent Mayor of the City/ Deputy Mayor. One is forced to reconcile with the idea of them being too grand or little to grace such an important event in our country, maybe they cannot associate and operate without the domains of their comfort zone- the chambers of City Hall. I cannot wait for the next Local Government Elections so that this failure to recognize working people of Guyana will ensure they go their merry way. Disappointed Public Servant

The number one country in the world for time-wasting DEAR EDITOR, I don’t know if there is any other country in the world where people’s time is wasted like in Guyana, but if there is,or Guyana would still stand out as a front-runner. If this current government does nothing else, it owes each citizen a debt to dismantle structures of senseless bureaucracy, incompetence and ineptitude. Two individuals recently had the royal run-around to get certificates from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) for exams they successfully completed since mid last year (2016). The IDCE offers programmes administered by the University of Guyana (UG). One of the individuals needs her certificate to complete application for a programme being offered by the said UG. She was told that the certificate, which should have initially been ready within three months, had a spelling error and had to be redone. It took them nine months to realize that error. Over those nine months, the young lady was repeatedly told that her certificate was not yet ready. Consequently, the prospective UG student was charged $500 to make a change to her UG application. She had to pay a further $500 to IDCE for ‘expediting’. The latter process meant she had to go to a named commercial bank and stand in a snaking queue for almost one hour to

pay G$500 (approx US$2.30). The process of getting the certificate sorted took about 4 days in total, and on the date she was told to finally uplift her certificate it was still not ready. This was after one week of her $500 payment, because some Dean at UG had not completed the certificate’s endorsement. That young lady has already incurred expense of close to $10,000 in transportation and loss of income through the whole unfortunate episode for which she is at no fault of creating. How are we really helping people? How are we really helping to retain them? How are we going to build capacity and develop Guyana with such backwardness? The second individual’s experience, though similar, differs slightly only since the institution for which her certificate is required is in Canada. She already has a confirmed departure date from Guyana to Toronto. Her certificate is still not ready after much running up and down. I had my own troubling experience dealing with UG recently too, but that was already addressed by an administrator who seems to be making an effort to rescue competence. This culture of wasting people’s time and money seem to be continuing unabated. It is worrisome when, at Guyana’s highest institution of learning such a culture of negligence and procrasti-

nation seem to be the order of the day. The systems are convoluted by a mix of inflexibility, attitudinal hostility and lack of consideration or empathy for people who are often struggling to improve their lives. Something needs to be done to stem this “come-backtomorrow”, “come-back-next week” culture. Such is the case at City Hall too, where earlier this year I had a four month push around on a very simple matter by a senior official. If what my friends and I experienced as (dis)services are the accepted norms, when multiplied by hundreds of other clients or customers, we are in deep trouble as a nation. I know the Head of a prominent entity that is almost completely disillusioned by this nonsensical, unproductive culture in Guyana; something that daily affects his ability to perform and produce efficiently. Invariably when such lapses are challenged the buck always gets passed to somebody or given some senseless, illogical excuse that the hapless client has to live with since redress is often non-existent. It leads to growing frustration in our society. The wasting of time is the wastage of money, resources, health, life, etc. The often coined sentiment that “well this is Guyana” offers no real (Continued on page 6)

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The Speaker has no authority to remove a motion from the Order Paper DEAR EDITOR, In the late evening of Thursday May 4th, PPP/C Member of Parliament Ms. Priya Manickchand received a letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly informing her that “the Speaker has therefore directed,… that the motion published on the Notice Paper No.95 of 2017 (the motion on the revocation of VAT on education goods and services) cannot be proceeded with in the National Assembly”. The letter stated that “…. if allowed the motion would be in contravention of Standing Order No.26(e)”. Standing Order No. 26 (e) states that for a motion to be admissible “it shall not revive discussion of a matter which has been discussed in the same Session”. The matter which the Clerk referred to was the motion calling for revocation of Order No.18 of 2016 and the reinstatement of the Schedules 1 and 11 which existed prior to Order No 18 of 2016, Value Added Tax ( Amendment of Schedules) Order 2016, brought by myself in January 2017, which was defeated. The word “Session’ in the Standing Orders refers to the five year term of the said Parliament. When the same word appears in the Standing Orders as “session” it means the period between the months of October 9th of one year to August 9th of the following year of a given parliament. It should be noted that the Clerk had received Ms. Manickchand’s motion on April 25th, 2017. The Speaker amended it and had approved it as amended on April 26th 2017, after which it was put on a Notice Paper (No. 95) and then included on the Order Paper on April 28th for the May 8th 2017 sitting paper. This was then circulated on April 28th, 2017 to all Members of Parliament. According to Erskine May Parliamentary Practice, 23rd Edition, the House (refers to a sitting of the National

Assembly), not the Speaker, decides on whether a motion already on the Order Paper can be withdrawn and sets out how it is to be done. It is the mover only who can ask for his/her motion to be withdrawn from the Order Paper before the question is put to the House and, if that happens that request is subjected to a vote of the House. Therefore, the House could vote for the motion to remain on the Order Paper, go through the debate and be put to the vote. Or, if the House supports the request for a withdrawal of such a motion, it can then be made again in the same Session. The Guyana Standing Orders No. 36 makes similar provisions. The time for objection, or, a request by any Member to the Speaker for the withdrawal of a motion due mainly to irregularities is/was at the time when the motion is/was placed on the Notice Paper and circulated not when it is on the Order Paper. Therefore the House, nor the Speaker, has the power to remove a motion from the Order Paper. The Speaker only has the power to defer a motion once on the Order Paper if it is found to be sub-judice. The House can vote against the motion when the motion is debated and question put, but not before. Thus the procedural argument for the removal of the motion on the revocation of VAT on goods and services on the Order Paper is highly irregular, improper and in breach of the Standing Orders and parliamentary conventions. Furthermore, the rationale for the removal of motion is highly flawed; the motion on the Order Paper of May 8th 2017 sitting does not call for the same action to be taken as did the Annulment Motion on Notice Paper No. 82 brought by myself which called for “the repeal of Order No. 18 of 2016 .. to reinstate and bring back into force the Schedules 1 and 11 existing

The number one country... From page 5 hope for progress at the rate that this country requires development. In the World Bank Group’s IBRD, IDA 2017 Report on (Ease of) Doing Business, Guyana is ranked at 124 out

of 190 countries. That means there is a 65% difficulty rate of doing any transaction in Guyana, compared to 4% and 35% in the US and Jamaica, respectively. The relevant oversight bodies and government are encouraged to continue advancing influence and implementing mechanisms for improving service standards and operational efficiency within organizations and entities. It is vital to renewing public confidence and facilitating development in Guyana. Orette Cutting

prior to Order No. 18 of 2016. This referred to all the items that were previously zero rated including education goods and services. The new motion calls on “the government to direct the Minister of Finance to take immediate steps to revoke Order No 18 of 2016 imposing VAT on education goods and services” and “the government to reinstate Schedules 1 and 11 prior to Order No. 18 of 2016 on education goods and services.” In essence this is an amendment to the previous motion which is normally acceptable in all legislatures. Secondly and more importantly, Standing Order No. 26 (e) which the Clerk quoted in his letter could not conceivably be rigidly applied to tax measures/bills/orders and motions. Tax measures, in particular, have been changed by this government in 2015, 2016 and 2017, including ones re-

lating to VAT, all in the same “Session” of the 11th Parliament! The motion on the revocation of VAT on education goods and services refers to a tax measure. More fundamental is the fact that it would be inconceivable to consider that no matter can be reviewed by the legislature in a 5 year term of a Parliament. Obviously the Speaker’s interpretation of the Standing Orders would affect both government and opposition alike. Does this mean that next year were the government to review its position on VAT on education goods and services, it could not do so? This is too ludicrous to contemplate! And we shall wait to see what happens in the coming year. Logically, if judicial decisions can be reviewed, provided for in statute by the Judicial Review Act, then why is it not possible for the Legislature, the supreme law mak-

ing body in the country, to review a decision or partially amend a decision, as is the case with this PPP/C ‘s motion? It certainly is not the first time this happened. Standing Order No.25 (3) (Questions for Debate) allows by way of a substantive motion for rescission for any Member to raise a question substantially identical in the same Session with regard to a question for debate that has been proposed, debated and decided. Whilst Standing Order 25, 1 (a) (ii) allows for any member to bring any motion for debate reducing the charge upon the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund. The motion on the revocation of the VAT on education goods and services is in compliance with these Standing Orders. Once again, we have witnessed the overturning of the Standing Orders, and further abuse and infringement of the

Parliamentary Opposition’s rights in the House. Coincidentally on the morning of May 4th, 2017, the PPP press conference, chronicled some of the latest of these infringements in the Legislature which included the Speaker’s editing of all questions and motions made by the Opposition members including the massive deletion of 11 of the 17 clauses in the motion calling for the revocation of the Commission of Inquiry on Land, also listed on the Order Paper for May 8th, 2017 sitting. The Speaker even went so far as to amend the motion calling for the revocation of goods and services by adding words to the mover’s motion without any communication with the mover. And then, seven hours later withdraws his approved motion! Gail Teixeira, M.P. Chief Whip Parliamentary Opposition

PPP Parliamentarian replies to AFC Region 5 activists DEAR EDITOR, With reference to a letter written by an AFC member captioned, “PPP Parliamentarian, Harry Gill is out to score cheap political points”, in which he courageously but foolishly tried to defend a former APNU+AFC RDC Councillor, I am amazed these questionable characters are the ones most willing to risk exposure to defend the indefensible. And I wish to thank Pradeep Bachan for keeping the issue of the Carol Joseph drug reliance alive in the public domain. The Minister of Public H e a l t h , t h e H o n Vo l d a Lawrence needs to have this case thoroughly investigated and recover public funds spent on Carol Joseph with the full knowledge of those in authority at the Fort Wellington Hospital, West Bank Berbice. But before I debunk the nonsense written by this latest Carol Joseph apologist, let me repeat what I told his ‘buddy friend’ Abel Seetaram in a previous letter. When credibility is not part of one’s DNA, no one takes that person seriously. And anyone with an ounce of brain or self-respect would know it is not wise to draw attention to oneself if you’re known not to have character. Just so everyone knows who we are dealing with here, Pradeep Bachan is a former pastor of the Church of Christ, but he is far from being a saint. It is alleged that he was asked to leave years ago. During the drought that affected

parts of Region 5 last year, Bachan visited residence in the Mahaica Creek, presenting himself as having certain status and allegedly made promises to get them firearms licences. He also promised a businessman and his wife on Stelling Road in Rosignol to use his contacts to get their things from the GRA. It took months and an embarrassing public confrontation with threats to take the matter further, for the businessman and his wife to finally confront Pradeep Bachan for a service he failed to deliver. He is also known as promoting himself as the chairman of a certain board. Someone very close to Pradeep Bachan admitted, “If you know Pradeep, he is chairman for a lot of boards… The man tries to impress everyone that he has contacts… He and Seetaram were cut from the same bolt of cloth.” It seems like the AFC are so hard-up for members that there is no vetting process in place to reject those who constantly embarrass the party. The AFC will have to decide whether they would allow the likes of Abel Seetaram and Pradeep Bachan to define the image of that party, or take the high ground and cut them loose now to protect what little image the AFC has left. In his letter, Pradeep Bachan wrote that, “MP Harry Gill has beguiled the media houses and Nurse Sheriyn Marks to score political points for himself

and the PPP/C and used both to his advantage in the Carol Joseph medical issue.” He also added, “His manipulation is baseless because the medical history of the patient Carol Joseph and the various surgeries of Carol Joseph are strictly confidential from the various private hospitals. Her medical procedures also remain confidential. Also psychological treatment from Government Institutions for her physical illness over the years remains confidential.” FACT: From 2008 to April 2017, Carol Joseph has been getting 100mg of the highly addictive drug, Pethidine almost every day and occasionally twice a day as is documented in the Dangerous Drug Act book at the Fort Wellington Hospital. The hard evidence that is in my possession will be made public at the appropriate time if I am forced to defend my actions. FACT: Pethidine is a restrictive drug similar to morphine that is used only when a patient is experiencing severe pain such as child-birth. It is not recommended for long-term use, and it is highly unusual for a doctor to prescribe Pethidine for Dysmenorrhea. FA C T: St a ff N u r s e Sheriyn Marks is a highly trained, certified midwife familiar with the proper use of Pethidine. In any event, it does not take a rocket scientist to know that Carol Joseph has a problem FA C T: I f a n y o n e closely associated with the PPP/C was found to be us-

ing their position to get special favours from any hospital for as often as Carol Joseph has done over a period of 9 years, this vindictive government would have had them and their doctor arrested to face criminal charges. FACT: Carol Joseph needs professional help to wean her off her drug dependence, something her close friends and party comrades had known for many years, but did nothing about it. Perhaps that will change now. FACT: Had the RHO, Dr. Cheefoon and Minister of Public Health addressed the concerns of Staff Nurse/Midwife Sheriyn Marks as articulated in her letter, Carol Joseph’s problem would not have been made public. Instead, the system allowed Carol Joseph to intimidate that poor nurse, with threats of transferring her. Even now, there is no investigation on this highly controversial issue, a n d M i n i s t e r Vo l d a Lawrence has not commented on Joseph’s dep e n d e n ce on Pethidine. Nurse Marks on the other hand, has been transferred from the hospital for doing what is right and honourable. She is being targeted and victimized for being a model civil servant. I call upon Minister Volda Lawrence to do the right thing, and reverse this injustice done t o S t a f f Nurse/Midwife Sheriyn Marks. She is not the criminal here and should not be punished. HARRY GILL

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President to attend Bread vendor’s murder terrorism summit in Saudi Arabia Detained ‘trigger man’ tells how gang By Brushell Blackman travel within that country. The Head of State David Harmon, when asked about plotted to steal victim’s gold rings Granger will be attending the Is- the issues to be raised with the lamicAmerican Summit in Saudi United States of America PresiArabia from Sunday upon the invitation of the King of Saudi Arabia. The summit will bring together leaders in the world’s Islamic nations to address ways of building more robust and effective partnerships to counter and prevent the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism around the world. At the weekly post cabinet press briefing, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that leaders will be looking at ways to promote tolerance and modernization in the Islamic world. Harmon said that Saudi Arabia will be providing air transportation to and from the summit. Additionally, the Arab state will be footing all other expenses including accommodation and

dent Donald Trump who will be attending the summit, said that there are no issues on the table at the moment since there is no set agenda for the summit. What Harmon was sure about is that the issue in relation to the Islamic Development Bank and the loan facilities that Guyana is privy to will form part of the President’s engagement. The government had approached the Islamic Development Bank for funding after there were talks of building a bridge across the Corentyne River to Suriname. The government had also said that it was looking at assistance from the same bank to offset a number of major road projects. The government is still to get that assistance since there are a

President David Granger number of hurdles that have to be overcome before those funds are made available. Harmon was asked if he was dissatisfied with the sloth at which that help is forthcoming. The State Minister said that government is not concerned because it is aware that there are processes that have to be followed. Harmon said that upon becoming a member of that bank to which Minister of Finance Winston Jordan is a part of the board, they knew that things are to be done in a specific way. The President will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell; Shiraz Mohamed, First Secretary of the Guyana Permanent Mission at the United Nations; and Moin-ul Hack, Director of Education, Central Islamic Organization of Guyana.

Days before they killed b r e a d v e n d o r, A n d r e Alexander, three man stood on a bridge in Sophia and plotted how they would rob their victim. Their intended loot was the gold rings that the bread vendor wore. The alleged plot was revealed to police, following the arrest on Wednesday of a 23-year-old ‘D’ Field, Sophia labourer, who police believe was the individual who shot and killed Alexander on May 5. He is believed to have been in the company of exsolder Shaquille Grant, and another man who is still at large. Grant has since been charged with Alexander’s murder. The man who is still at large is believed to be the owner of the motorcycle on which two of the killers fled. A source close to the investigation said that while the suspect has admitted to being among the individuals who robbed Alexander, he has denied shooting the vendor. Kaieteur News understands that the detained man told investigators that a few days prior to the killing, he and two others stood on “Gully Bridge” to plan the robbery. He claimed that one of

Slain: Andre Alexander

Charged: Ex-soldier Shaquille Grant

the men told him that Alexander wore two gold rings. He alleged that on the night of the robbery, he observed one of his associates struggling with Alexander before shooting him. The men fled with cash and loaves of bread, but did not get the rings. Alexander died during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Hospital staff later handed over the rings to the slain man’s relatives. A police release had stated that Alexander was at his bread stand, located at Lot 394 ‘C’ Field Sophia,

when two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion rider requested three loaves of bread and paid with a $5000 note. It was reported that while Alexander was in the process of making change, the ‘customer’ whipped out a gun and demanded cash. When Alexander put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck the vendor in the stomach. The two men relieved their victim of his cash and also escaped with three loaves of bread.

Friday May 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Where do you live? “Where exactly does a man live?” Is it where you sleep at nights? I know of some men who sleep at a different house every other night. So where exactly do they live? Most men spend the majority of working days outside of the home? So can we say that we live at home or do we live in the office? Where do you live? Is your home really were you live, or it is someplace where you spend some time eating, sleeping and spending a few waking hours with the family. If life is more than sleeping, eating and spending time with the family; if it is also about work, education and play can we truly say that we live in our homes? For me that place which my family and I call home is where I live. Quite simply, I live at home. Even the smallest child knows this. Little Johnny and Susie, each five years old, decided to get married. So Little Johnny went to Susie’s dad to ask for her hand in marriage. “Where will you live?” asked Susie’s dad, thinking this was cute. “Well,” said Little Johnny, “I figured I could just move into Susie’s room. It’s plenty big for both of us.” “And how will you live?” “I get $5 a week allowance and Susie gets $5 a week allowance. That should be enough.” Getting exasperated since Little Johnny seemed to know all the answers, Susie’s dad asked, “And what if little ones come along?” “Well,” said Little Johnny, “we’ve been lucky so far.” Once you have identified a place that you can call home, the next step is to know the address. A fire department once received a call from an excited man. “Help me, my house is on fire!!” The fireman says, “Where do you live?” The man replies, “I am too excited, I can’t tell you the exact address.” The fireman asks, “How do you expect us to get there?” The man replies, “What do you mean ‘how’? The big red truck.” Regardless of where you

live, know your address. One night, two police officers saw this old woman staggering down the street. Stopping her they could tell she had had far too much to drink, and instead of taking her to jail they decided to j st drive her home. As they drove through the streets they kept asking the woman where she lived, all she would say as she stroked one of the officer’s arms was “You’re Passionate” They drove awhile longer and asked again, again the same response as she stroked his arm “You’re Passionate”. The officers were getting a little upset so they stopped the car and said to the woman, “Look we have driven around this City for two hours and you still haven’t told us where you live. She replied I kept trying to tell you: “You’re Passin’ It!” Some people usually walk with a small folder in which they write down personal details such as their blood-type, a contact person in case of an emergency, and their address. This is helpful in some respects since should you have an accident there is information for your family to be contacted. On the other hand, should you lose that folder some stranger can have access to your personal details. I once knew a case where a woman got into an accident and a bystander decided to call the ambulance. The operator asked for the location of the accident. The caller said it was in Urquhart Street. The operator said, “Can you spell that for me?” After a long pause the caller said, “How about if I drag her over to Main Street and you pick her up there?” Once you have a home and know your address, you must next know how to get there? A policeman pulled an inebriated driver over after he had been driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Cop: Do you know where you were going? The driver said, “No, but wherever it is, it must be bad because all the cars were leaving.” Knowing where is home,

knowing the address, knowing how to spell that address and knowing how to find one’s way home is however not all. Where you live must be a special place, somewhere that you can enjoy even if it is on a deserted island. A man found himself swept up on the shore of an island with no other people, no supplies, nothing but bananas and coconuts. So for the next four months he ate bananas, drank coconut juice, longed for his old life, and fixed his gaze on the sea, hoping to spot a rescue ship. One day, as he was lying on the beach, he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. It was a rowboat, and in it was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen. She rowed up to him. In disbelief, he asked her: “Where did you come from? How did you get here?” “I rowed from the other side of the island,” she said. “I landed here when my cruise ship sank.” “Amazing,” he said, “I didn’t know anyone else had survived. How many of you are there? You were really lucky to have a rowboat wash up with you.” “It’s only me,” she said, “and the rowboat didn’t wash up; nothing did.” He was confused, “Then how did you get the rowboat?” “Oh, simple,” replied the woman. “I made it out of raw material that I found on the island.” “But, but, that’s impossible,” stuttered the man. “You had no tools or hardware — how did you manage?” “Oh, that was no problem,” the woman said. “On the south side of the island, there is a very unusual stratum of exposed alluvial rock. I found that if I fired it to a certain temperature in my kiln, it melted into forgeable ductile iron. I used that for tools, and used the tools to make the hardware. But enough of that. Where do you live?” Sheepishly, the man confessed that he had been sleeping on the beach the whole time. “Well, let’s row over to my place, then,” she

said. After a few minutes of rowing, she docked the boat at a small wharf. As the man looked onto shore, he nearly fell out of the boat. Before him was a stone walk leading to an exquisite bungalow painted in blue and white. While the woman tied up the rowboat with an expertly woven hemp rope, the man could only stare ahead, dumbstruck. As they walked into the house, she said casually, “It’s not much, but I call it home. Sit down, please; would you like to have a drink?” “No, no, thank you,” he said, still dazed. “I can’t take any more coconut juice.”

“It’s not coconut juice,” the woman replied. “I have a still. How about a pina colada?” Trying to hide his continued amazement, the man accepted, and they sat down on her couch to talk. After they had exchanged their stories, the woman announced, “I’m going to slip into something more comfortable. When she returned, the woman greeted him wearing nothing but vines – strategically positioned. She beckoned for him to sit down next to her. “Tell me,” she began suggestively, slithering closer to him, “We’ve been out here for a very long time. You’ve

been lonely. There’s something I’m sure you really feel like doing right now, something you’ve been longing for all these months? You know….” She stared into his eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing: “You mean…,” he replied, “I can check my e-mail from here?”

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Friday May 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Two years of the PPP’s loss of power It is customary in society to assess the anniversary of the party in office, whether the first hundred days, the first year, etc. Last week the APNU+AFC coalition completed two years in office. The achievements and failures were analyzed. But what about the existence of the PPP for those two years that it has been in power? The first graphic detail of this party is that it has become resurgent. It behaves as if its twenty- three years of consecutive authority have been the highlight of phenomenal, incomparable accomplishments in the history of government in Guyana. The resurgence can be seen in the frequent letters that Clement Rohee, Gail Teixeira, Donald Ramotar, Sam Hinds and Hydar Ally write in all the newspaper. I single out those five names because they have held important state posts from 1992 until the election defeat in 2015. The outpourings in the newspapers also come from Bharrat Jagdeo who though he didn’t have power from 1992 be-

came president for twelve years. Of all the names listed, he was the most hegemonic PPP person in Guyana. Frequent criticisms of the APNU+AFC administration come from Leslie Ramsammy and Juan Edghill. Although Anil Nandlall writes more profusely than all other PPP figures, he has been a Minister for just three years. It is either a psychological process at work or it is a very depraved biology we have in Guyana that in the oceans of opposition activism and the mountains of letters we are seeing in those two years of the PPP as an opposition party, no one has even penned a concise footnote that goes like this; “We admit to some violations that were unfortunate, we apologize.” I was in the Labour Day March and as it reached Queenstown, Sam Hinds and Juan Edghill were standing at a corner and were saying hello to the marchers. They both said hello to me. This same Edghill filed contempt of court charges against me. The way attorney Ashton

Chase structured the writ once found guilty, there was no alternative of a fine or reprimand but a jail sentence. I say once more as I have written umpteen times – I am forever grateful to Khemraj Ramjattan and Nigel Hughes for successfully contesting Edghill’s writ. These little dictators are here, there and everywhere. They sermonize the Guyanese people with their nonsense, hypocrisy, barefacedness and morbid fictions. And what is the object? To rule again. The PPP can get Ashton Chase to file another writ based on what I will now put down on paper- If the PPP comes back to power either electorally or illegally, I will engage in unorthodox politics against them even if it costs me my life. The PPP should be allowed to rule Guyana again only in one exceptional circumstance – its current leadership must be ostracized and brand new faces without nasty crimes against their names take over the party leadership. I honestly believe that even

if the APNU+AFC coalition returns to power in 2020 what took place under the PPP will not be allowed or will not be practised. The Jagdeo hegemony has been the most immoral, depraved, and uncivilized period in the history of government in power. We have not even seen the tip of the iceberg of violations these people have committed. One former PPP Minister who came from humble beginnings and whose only income was from state employment has agreed to pay market value for his Pradoville 2 house lot. Just read between the lines. The fifteen-year period of Jagdeo/Ramotar control is the darkest cloud that has ever descended on this country. The

words that will follow this line come from the deep recesses of my mind, heart and soul - if in 2015 the PPP had won, Mr. Glenn Lall’s life would have been in danger. I would have had my life endangered. The independent press would have been destroyed. The public service would have been ethnically cleansed. The criminal conspiracy would have exercised unhindered power. The police force would have become completely tainted at the top. I say completely because the few good men left at the top and who resisted drug money would have been kicked out. The little that is left of the country’s resources would have gone to friends

Frederick Kissoon of Mr. Jagdeo. I welcome the charges against those that attacked me in 2010. But there was the other attack in 2012. I am heartened by the new investigations into Crum Ewing’s murder. These are just two examples of the monster that devoured Guyana from 1999 to 2015.

Dem boys seh ...

Dem pundits run more fast than Bolt De whole world know that Usain Bolt can run fast. He beat everybody. People can barely remember anybody beating him. That is how fast de man fast. Well dem pundits who come and been conning all dem Guyanese run more fast than Bolt. Yesterday when dem boys go to check pun dem, all de business place close down. Dem pundits know that dem get skin up and dem run. Felix tell dem boys how he give de people permission to come because dem claim how dem come fuh tek walk. When dem start to wuk that was against de visa but that was when dem boys real-

ize that de government people don’t read de advertisement. These people advertise how dem can move Baku, evil spirits and mek women get baby. Dem boys talk bout that de other day; how de pundit put a special mark under dem woman skirt and how dem husband can’t see de mark. But wha get dem frighten is when a man who go and visit dem fuh protection end up getting killed. Right away dem pundits panic because dem believe de man family would come visiting and demand every cent dem tek fuh give de man a protection. Dem boys know some people who go to dem same

pundit when dem hear that SOCU intend to charge dem. Some of de money dem thief dem use to pay dem same pundits. Well as far as dem boys know de crooks end up in court today; and dem pundits laughing wherever dem deh hiding. Two things gun happen and dem boys know. As soon as de dust settle dem pundits gun come out again. De hurtful thing is that in a short time dem mek more money in two months than some people ever mek in dem whole life. And if dem boys didn’t talk dem same pundits woulda mek more. Talk half and call dem boys when dem pandits come back.

Friday May 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Information gathering begins on extra-judicial killings –Head of State By Kiana Wilburg One of the many campaign promises of the APNU+AFC coalition included thorough inquiries into the extra-judicial killings of the 2000 and 2008 period. While this has not been the most sensational topic in the news as of late, and much has not been said about this since the coalition assumed office, President David Granger noted, recently, that he has not forgotten this issue. President Granger, asked if the matter remains a priority for him and his party, answered in the affirmative. The Head of State added, “We are working on the evidence…It is still a commitment to the mothers of the children who either disappeared or died. We are collecting information, not in a for-

mal way but some information has to be collected from various sources because many of the actual eye witnesses have been killed during the troubles.” Furthermore, the AFC faction of the coalition administration has often said that the PPP rule, particularly the period for which Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo was President, was synonymous with corruption, extra-judicial killings and drug lords. This description was proffered by the Party specifically after Jagdeo had given the government in February last, an “F grade” for its performance. The AFC said, “Mr. Jagdeo has no moral authority whatsoever to speak on the performance of a government when as president his performance was mired in fail-

ure. Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency is synonymous with obscene corruption, hundreds of extrajudicial killings, drug lords overrunning the nation and a narco-state, fear embedded in the hearts and minds of citizens and failed foreign relations.” The extra-judicial killings to be probed by the Granger administration include the death of former Agriculture Minister with responsibilities for Fisheries, Satyadeow Sawh, and the Bartica, Lusignan and Lindo Creek Massacres. SATYADEO SAWH Former Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh, his sister Phulmattie Persaud, brother Rajpat Rai Sawh and security guard, Curtis Robinson, were gunned down on the evening of April 22, 2008 at the Minister’s La

Businesswoman on bail for undeclared US $44,000 in post cards A businesswoman was yesterday released on $150,000 after she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Thirty-six-year-old Tracyann Todd denied the allegation which stated that on May 4 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), East Bank Demerara, she brought into Guyana US $44,685and failed to declare the said money at the nearest immigration office. The defendant was represented by Attorney Glen Hanoman who to l d t h e court that his client resides at Lot 84 Robb Street. The attorney told the court that his client is a businesswoman who supplies hardware and construction materials to St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. The attorney further told the court that since May 4 his client has visited SOCU office seven times and she was released on her own recognisance. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing that the defendant is a flight risk and if granted bail she would not return to the court for the trial. The prosecutor told the court that the defendant was dishonest about declaring the cash. The prosecutor stated that on the day in question the woman arrived aboard a flight from St Lucia and she was observed acting in a suspicious manner. The court heard that a search was conducted on the defendant’s suitcase and the

foreign currency was found hidden in post cards which were hidden away among clothing in the suitcase. Todd was then detained by agents of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) The court heard that the prosecution file is complete and the foreign currency is lodged at SOCU office. Regulation states that all passengers coming into Guyana have to declare any cash that is in excess of US$10,000. The mother of one will make her next court appearance on May 25.

Released on bail Tracyann Todd

Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara, residence. The killing sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Sawh was a Minister of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government but the questions over his death were many. No inquest was ever held. One man was charged with the murder. The promised external assistance that Government had announced it would have been seeking following Sawh’s death never materialised. Fallen Policemen Since the establishment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 62 officers and ranks

have died in the line of duty. Interestingly, 31 died during the period President Granger vows to investigate. Among those fallen heroes are Sergeants, Constables, a Chief Inspector, a Superintendent, an Assistant Superintendent, a Lance Corporal and a Special Constable. It started with Constable Allan Higgins in 2000 and ended with Constable Oslyn Glasgow in 2008. Among the slain lawmen was Superintendent Leon Fraser in 2002. His death had however, left questions and calls for investigation. Bartica, Lusignan and (Continued on page 13)

President, David Granger

PAGE 12

Friday May 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

Almost one year after restoration Presidential Park left unkempt The Presidential Park located between Vissengen Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive was included in the Merriman Mall restoration project, which was undertaken last year February by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). A drive along North Road or Church Street will reveal that the Park is still at a standstill; no maintenance has been done. There are two guard huts, with broken windows and vagrants can be seen sleeping in the park at night. According to Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis, works are stalled for financial reason. Works were to be completed last year for Independence celebrations. Will it be completed for this year’s celebrations? This initiative was part of Government’s effort to restore Georgetown to the title “Garden City.” There is also a Children’s Play Park between Oronoque Street and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

The Presidential Park located between Vlissengen Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive (view from North Road

View of the Presidential Park from Church Street

Children’s Play Park between Oronoque Street and Shiv Chanderpaul

$750M in contracts awarded to construct, rehab roads in three Regions Contracts totalling $750M have been awarded to contractors for the construction and in some cases, the rehabilitation of roads in three Administrative Regions. During the post-Cabinet press briefings yesterday in Georgetown, the State Minister Joseph Harmon announced the award of 24 contracts for projects in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara); Four (Demerara/Mahaica) and 10 (Upper Demerara/

Upper Berbice).These works, the Minister said, are part of Government’s ongoing programme to construct and/or rehabilitate urban and miscellaneous roads in all communities across Guyana. “This is part of a greater commitment to enhance the infrastructure in rural and urban communities across the country so as to improve the quality of life for all our citizens,” he said. The contracts announced are as follows:

Friday May 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Taxi driver among two held for seaman’s execution Police have detained a taxi driver and another man in connection with the execution-style killing of 27-yearold seaman Roy Rowland, whose body was found in Marigold Street, Roxanne Burnham Gardens on Wednesday. The taxi driver was reportedly an acquaintance of Rowland’s and it was reportedly this very driver who had

picked up the seaman some hours before his body was found. A source close to the investigation said that the taxi driver has given police statements that have further aroused their suspicion. The body of Roy Rowland, called ‘Gangster Boy’, of Lot 25 Castello Housing Scheme, La Penitence, Georgetown, was found

Information gathering... From page 11 Lindo Creek Massacre On January 26, 2008, heavily armed gunmen stormed the village of Lusignan, slaughtering 11 persons, including five children. The victims were Clarence Thomas, 48; Vanessa Thomas, 12; Ron Thomas, 11; Mohandan Goordat, 32; Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, 4; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52. On February 17, 2008, a number of gunmen invaded the mining community of Bartica, Essequibo They attacked the Bartica Police Station, where they killed Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constable Shane Fredericks and Constable Ron Osbornes. After murdering the three police officers, the gang stole cash, arms, ammunition and a vehicle from the police station. Using the stolen police vehicle, they drove through the streets of Bartica shooting at civilians, fatally wounding Irwin Gilkes. They then proceeded to CBR Mining, where they killed Irving Ferreira, stole arms and ammunition and removed two safes containing cash and gold. Next, they shot and killed Dexter Adrian before returning to the wharf. At the wharf, they executed Abdool Yassin

Jr, Deonarine Singh, Errol Thomas, Ronald Gomes, Baldeo Singh and Ashraf Khan. After their one hour rampage, the gunmen departed Bartica by boat. The Bartica Massacre was immediately linked to the Lusignan Massacre. While some initially questioned the link, the Guyanese security forces attributed all of the murders to Rondell Rawlins and his criminal gang. In the end, Michael Caesar, Clebert Reece, Mark Royden Williams and Dennis Williams were all convicted. The two Williamses were sentenced to death while Caesar and Reece were given lengthy jail terms. Eight gold miners were slaughtered at Lindo Creek, Berbice River. June 21, last marked seven years ago that the unidentified remains, inclusive of feet, bones and skulls among other body parts, of Nigel Torres, Bunny Harry, Clifton Wong, Dax Arokium, his uncle Cedric, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes and Lancelot Lee were discovered in their camp at Lindo Creek, Berbice River. To date, that is still being considered as one of the major mysteries of the crime wave. For the police the case died with the notorious gang leader Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins who along with members of his organization was blamed for the gruesome killings.

From page 7 been trying to get an update from the CDC in pointing out the desperation of the communities in needing assistance. “We are concerned that the response is extremely slow even as we recognise the need for an ‘assessment’ which the CDC says it first needs to conduct. At this point, an update we have is that about 10 houses have been washed away in Waipa and more than 20 under water; many farms are under water. Kaibarupai is hit harder with a landslide causing the Ireng River to sweep away their belongings. Their Health Centre is about four feet under water.” APA later sent out an official press release adding Itabac to the list of affected

Macushi and Patamona villages. According to the Toshao of Chenapou, Edward Mc Garrell, approximately 95 percent of his village has been affected in some way or the other. All trails in the village have been flooded, 15 houses are almost submerged and one home was washed away. In addition, the primary and nursery schools had been closed and parents asked to keep their children at home. The APA is seeking emergency support for the affected communities. These include donations in cash or kind of food supplies (for adult and children), water, clothing, torchlights, batteries, water purifying tablets and toiletries among other vital supplies.

Region Eight endures severe...

around 06:30 hrs on Wednesday with a bullet wound to the back of the head. The police said that a 9mm spent shell was found at the scene. Investigators described the victim as someone who was well known to them. It is suspected that the father of two, with a child on the way, was killed somewhere else. Family members of the victim yesterday again insisted that they had no idea why he was slain. However, they appear certain that Rowland knew his killer(s). His father, Rowland

Bentham, learnt of his son’s murder when someone approached him and showed him the picture of his son’s body on a phone. “Right away I picked up my bicycle and go to Roxanne Burnham and I see him. After the police said that no one can go near the body, I went home and inform everybody,” Bentham said. He added that he last saw his son around 21:00 hrs on Tuesday when Roy left home to go and spend the night by his wife. Another relative said she was informed that after the man left his father’s home, he went to pick up his wife.

“He went to pick up his wife with the same taxi and like they (wife and taxi driver) drop he (Roy) off by some shop and when they were passing back, they called, and he told them that he wasn’t ready as yet,” the relative noted. The woman further explained that as the young Rowland’s wife was heading home in the taxi, he called to inform her that he would be” making a spin” with a friend (name given) and as such, would return home late. After that, all calls to the young man’s phone went unanswered.

Executed: Roy Rowland

PAGE 14

Linden seeks $200M bailout Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, yesterday expressed his grave concern at the town’s debt, and is calling for a bailout of $200M or more. According to Holland, Linden is in debt and $200M would help to develop the region and rid the debts. A request has been made through a letter to the Ministry of Communities; the mayor is still awaiting a response. When Holland took office in 2016, he relayed that a young enthusiastic group of councillors was confronted with the gigantic debt of $200M. He explained that the municipality has been working effortlessly to repay the debt. However with the government pushing to have self sufficient local government organs, it is hard to pay the debt and run the town smoothly. The town is indebted to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and several other persons. “It is a monkey on our back which we need to get off,” Holland reiterated. The Mayor added that the city has been bailed out many times. “Lots of rain has been fail-

Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

…wants 60% of bridge tolls

Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland ing in the capital city; in Linden we have some rain falling as well and we need bail out too,” tangible bailout, Holland said. There will be debt for the next “…30, 40 years if we don’t get that bailout,” he added. Linden needs to revisit and meet with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Holland said that Linden depends heavily on the money from the Linden/ Mackenzie Bridge.

However most of the finances are under the control of NICIL Holland explained. “That is something that needs to be discussed.” The heavy duty trucks that cross the bridge are the same vehicles that are damaging the roads. The revenue is needed to up keep the roads and aid in developing the town, he said. Holland said that the town is not too comfortable but the municipality is currently in discussion with NICIL. The town has pushed so far as to have councillors on the managing committee but needs to get more on the inside. In terms of the management and the allocation of the resources that comes from the bridge - “We need a larger share,” Holland noted. The Mayor believes that for years Linden has been paying its dues for that bridge. “It’s about time that that bill is cleared so that it can be back in the hands of the people of Linden.” Holland says that 60 percent from NICIL would be a fair amount for the town.

ECD arch to be completed Sunday

The recently erected ANSA McAL Jubilee arch at Cummings Lodge, ECD highway. The recently commissioned ANSA McAL Jubilee arch at Cummings Lodge is set to be completed on Sunday. The East Coast Demerara highway between UG Access Road and Ogle Access Road will be closed to vehicular traffic for four hours to facilitate this activity. The arch is being erected compliments of a Trinidadian Company, ANSA McAL. On Sunday, the continued works are for the installation of lights on the arch. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure apologizes in advance for inconvenience this road closure will cause. The arch was commissioned last Saturday. On the previous Thursday, there was absolute traffic chaos on the East Coast Demerara road, as such works on the arch had to be halted. The arch has been described as an allGuyanese endeavor.

Executive Chairman of ANSA McAL Group of Companies, Norman A. Sabga, said that the company’s business in Guyana for the last 25 years has flourished and as a result when the government asked for the arch to be donated, the company saw it fit. Guyanese engineering firms, Marcel Gaskin and Associates and Industrial Fabricators Incorporated (InFab) worked on the arch for almost a year. Owner of InFab Jerry Max-Gouveia says that a 70 person team worked for about nine weeks to fabricate the arch. Max-Gouveia said that he wanted to do something different, and played around with some shapes. Not only does the arch represent boundaries of the city, it represents the strength of the Guyanese people; their vibrancy and futuristic mentality Sabga said. The arch costs approximately $20M or more according to the company.

Friday May 19, 2017

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Kaieteur News

CARICOM Legal Affairs Committee ends

Some of the regional officials during the 22nd LAC on Wednesday. The Twenty-Second Meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee (LAC) ended Wednesday, one day ahead of schedule. Chairing the meeting was Basil Williams, S.C., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana. CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, declared the meeting open. He asked the forum to pay close attention to the matters impacting Crime and Security in the Region, as well as those related to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Secretary General added that since the LAC is the body that drives the Legislative Agenda of CARICOM, it is necessary that this body meet more regularly. Attorneys General from CARICOM Member States

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago were a part of the meeting, some joining via video conference. Belize and Suriname were also represented by senior officials. Also present were representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety (CAHFSA), the Caribbean Law Institute Centre (CLIC), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the CARICOM Secretariat. High on the Agenda were several Community instruments for review, including the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), the Agreement on the Return and Sharing of Recovered

Assets and the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty (CAWT). These and other instruments were approved by the Attorneys General for submission to the Thirty-Eight Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government slated for the July 4, 2017 for adoption and signature. Model Legislation was also considered, in particular the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which is aimed at addressing terrorism and terrorist activities - an emerging threat to the Region’s security. The Bill speaks to, among other things, foreign terrorist fighters and designating geographical areas. The Anti-Terrorism Bill along with the Public Procurement Bill, Food Safety Bill and Mediation Bill were approved by the 22nd LAC as the

Captain charged for defrauding employer of $4.9M A man was granted $250,000 bail and released on Wednesday after denying a charge of embezzlement when he appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Naipaul Beharry, 34, of Lot 11 Diamond, East Bank Demerara, denied the charge which alleged that between May 1 and July 31, 2016, while being employed as a clerk or servant at Ramgobin

Mohanlall, he fraudulently embezzled the sum of $4,977,000, monies taken in possession by him, on behalf of his employer. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne did not disclose any facts about what transpired. She had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant but asked that it be in a substantial amount. The unrepresented man was released on bail and will make his next court appearance on June 7.

Naipaul Beharry released on bail

CARICOM Models for implementation by Member States. Matters touching and concerning the CSME, specifically those related to the free movement of CARICOM nationals, were discussed at length and certain recommendations were made by the Twenty-Second LAC to the Conference and other Organs of CARICOM. There was also a fruitful and meaningful discourse on the state of Legal Education in Member States following a

Report on a survey undertaken by the Council of Legal Education (CLE). Issues such as access to law schools and the role and function of the CLE formed part of the discussion. Adriel Brathwaite, Attorney General of Barbados commended the Hon. Basil Williams, S.C., M.P. for his work as Chairman of the LAC, under whose leadership several matters that have long been engaging the attention of this body were finally

brought to completion. These sentiments were echoed by Cajeton Hood, Attorney General of Grenada. The meeting ended on a positive note, with renewed commitment from the Attorneys General to work assiduously to discharge the mandate given to the LAC. This would be the second meeting of the LAC held within the last eight months. The Twenty-Third LAC is expected to be held in September, 2017.

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Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

FWCH implements automated stores Fishermen demand more inventory management system Coast Guard presence

The Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) is now utilizing a fully computerized management system which tracks the use of items in its stores and provides replenishment orders at established re-order points. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Steven Cheefoon, disclosed that the inventory management system for its stores follows the acquisition by the Hospital staff of state of the art touch screen computers last year. He disclosed that the installation of stores inventory software is the latest step in an ongoing thrust by the Regional Health system towards the establishment of an electronic Hospital Management System (HMS) with such components as software for management of the inventory of drugs ie: an Electronic Drug Tool (EDT) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)for all patients.

The vision and the ultimate aim is to install an HMS at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, the other Hospital in Region Five. Then there is the linkage of all the health centres in the Region to two Hospitals using Cloud Technology. Another innovation at the Hospital that uses Information Communications Technology (ICT) in recent months, was the establishment of Biometrics which is used as an employee time and attendance recording system. “The use of biometrics as a booking in and booking out system, using their fingerprints, discourages theft of time by employees. It is already in use and is already ensuring maximum staff availability for patient care,” he said. The stores inventory management system was set up by local company Smart Tech Solutions. The Stores staff no longer does paper-

work. Dr. Cheefoon disclosed that the software is designed in such a way that at the end of the month there is a pop up which says that based on the average consumption of a particular item during the month the Hospital will be out of stocks of that item in 21 days as a specified time frame. “So you know that you have 21 days to order new stocks of that particular item.So you don’t ever run out,” he disclosed. The use of the items will be tracked via barcodes scanned into the computer network. ”The barcode on items is an essential element of the system so we have been working towards barcodes on items such as bags of sugar or rice which normally do not carry barcodes. “But Staff have been trained; and the system is up and running well, “he said. He divulged that the Hospital has obtained approval for the employment of a Systems Analyst who put the other elements of the HMS in place and ensure their maximum up-time.” Ovid Morrison, Regional Executive Officer, said that the systems being put in place were highly commendable, since in addition to the benefits to patients it would assist the sector to eliminate “double dipping of medication” practised by some chronic disease patients.

Doodnauth Persaud Boat Captain

Permaul Samaroo Boat owner

Dead boat captain: Mahadeo Ramdehol

In light of the recent pirate attack in Corentyne waters - which resulted in a fisherman being found dead along the Rose Hall foreshore - several of the fishermen are claiming that they receive very little assistance from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guards. According to the men, security in the waters has been non-existent. Permaul Samaroo, the owner of two fishing vessels, including the one that was attacked on Tuesday, told this publication that the Coast Guard patrolled the waters t w i c e f o r t h e y e a r and wasn’t even seen on the waters during last year. “We are fishermen; we glad fuh get protection but there is no coast guard. Who you go talk to? We spoke to the chief of coast guard; we invited him to a meeting and we talk to he concerning this. “They said yes they gon patrol the waters and provide

assistance but nobody don’t do anything.” Another irate fisherman, Doonauth Persaud, argued that it is always a royal run around when requesting assistance. “You na get no response. When you go to the police and ask them to go out they don’t want to go they say go to the coast guard. When you call the coast guard dem ah tell you dem ah come out but dem never come. Two to three days does past and nobody don’t come, we have no protection out here; we got to fend for ourselves.” The men stated that no authority made any effort to search for the missing fisherman when the incident occurred and they have not yet seen a coast guard since the incident. They are requesting on behalf of all the fishermen who have venture out on the waters to make a living for

themselves, to be provided some sort of protection. They would like to see increased patrols on the waters. A 45-year-old fishing boat captain was killed following a brazen attack by pirates armed with cutlasses on Tuesday evening. Dead is Mahadeo Ramdehol also known as ‘Chico’, of 146 Kilcoy Squatting Area. Reports reaching this publication indicate that the captain and his two crew members were dumped overboard by two masked pirates in the Corentyne River, after the attackers had stolen their boat engine and the day’s catch. The two crew members managed to swim to safety. However, the boat captain did not make it. His body was fished up at 16:10 hrs Wednesday along the Rose Hall Foreshore The men were attacked approximately a mile away from the Tain Foreshore.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

HOTTT UP Gaff this weekend!!!

Timeka Marshall launches video for new single tonight Guyana's most sultry and entertaining songstress, Timeka Marshall, will be launching the video for her new hot single, “Bend Me Ova” tonight at the Original Palm Court. Everyone is free before 10 pm. Admission is set at $2000 before 11pm. The Boom DJs will be there to ensure the party is a most unforgettable one. You won't want to miss this.

THE AURA BAR AND LOUNGE EVENTS LIST The Aura Bar and Lounge at the Pegasus Hotel presents is weekly staple of events for patrons of all interests to indulge in and nothing but absolute satisfaction is guaranteed. Here is a list of their upcoming and staple events. · Beer Wednesdays - Every Wednesday, the Aura Bar will have half priced beers and free bar snacks ALL NIGHT LONG. The Lounge will be opened from 5pm. · Thirsty Thursdays - Had a long week? Is the weekend taking forever to come? Well, wait no more because the Aura Bar and Lounge is inviting you to quench your weekend thirst in fine style. On Thursdays, Aura is giving you BIG deals on BIG Drinks! Fishbowl Sangrias, Margaritas and Mojitos for ONLY $3000! Mason Jar Drinks are also available for

$1500! Head down with your crew and jumpstart your weekend in a fun way at Aura Bar and Lounge. · Bollywood Fridays – The Aura Bar and Lounge is poised to transform into a spectacular platform of Bollywood bonanza this and ever Friday. Patrons will be able to enjoy drink specials all night and the event is deemed open to patrons at 8 pm. · Club Saturdays – Every Saturday, the Management at Aura will be providing an ambiance filled with quality service, delicious food and great music. Every Saturday should be a party to remember and the Aura is determined to give you that experience. The Lounge will be open from 8pm. Music will be provided by Guyana's most popular DJs.

Independence Day Party for Umana Yana

O

n Sunday May 28, the Umana Yana in Kingston will be transformed into the 'Guyana Independence Festival Village' as Guyana marks the occasion of the 51st Anniversary of its Independence. The event which is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education – Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is dubbed 'Celebrate Guyana, the Ultimate Independence Party'. It is going to be a celebration of Guyanese Drinks, Food and Culture. Celebrate Guyana will include stalls and vendors' booths offering traditional and contemporary Guyanese Beverages and cuisine reflective of the diverse culture. The Guyanese food and drink extravaganza will be augmented by an exciting 'Eat to the Beat' Concert that will feature Dave Martins of the Tradewinds, along with other very notable performers and cultural groups.

The entertainment will be family oriented, providing a wide variety of engaging and exciting cultural activities which will present an enabling environment for public education of Guyana's rich culture and heritage and the promotion of 'Brand Guyana'. In keeping with the thrust of this event, and that is to provide patrons with authentic, wholesome and delicious Guyanese culinary treats, and drinks, the organizers of 'Celebrate Guyana' are inviting all interested persons involved in food preparation from caterers, cafeteria and restaurant owners, to private cooking enthusiasts who enjoy preparing and serving their favorite, unique and diverse Guyanese recipes to come onboard. Individuals and companies wishing to participate in this event are asked to urgently contact the Coordinator Ms. Adunni Adams at telephone number: 692.9793 or 227.8069 or send an email to celebrateguyana@mail.com for more information and to register.

BRAZILIAN AFTER WORK LIME TONIGHT Xtreme Sports Bar and Night club AT TOWER SUITES It is going to be a night of ultimate fun and hosts weekend of pleasure at the ultra sleek and sophisticated Tower Hotel Suites as management fun-filled events prepares to launch its one of a kind Brazilian after work lime. The event promises to treat patrons to some of the finest roast beef, pork, chicken and fish along with a sumptuous serving of seasoned rice, farine and salad. There will also be specials on the caipirinha drinks. See you there.

Let your weekend culminate on a high note this and every Sunday at the Xtreme sports bar and night club. Check them out from Thursdays to Sundays for your ultimate entertainment pleasure. They're located in the Wismar Housing Scheme and will be open from 7 pm to 2 am.

STRAIGHT

WHATZ

PAGE 24

Being Single doesn’t mean I’m LONELY

By: Rehana Ahamad

I

t is impossible to be single and happy. How can someone who does not have a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, side chick or “the people man” ever be happy? Well, let me break it down. I have been single for...well, a very long time and contrary to what some of you reading this might think I am most happy. And believe it or not, I am not the only one who feels this way. There are thousands of us who weren't goat-bitten, but chose to remain single. There is usually that ominous word attached to being single – alone. But when did that word become synonymous with flying and/or riding solo? I know the English language is the definition of complexity, but I doubt it went that far. Anyways, let me get to the point. Being single, is a beautiful thing. Only healthy, self confident people are able to be completely satisfied with being on their own. As a matter of fact, there are positive words that should be used to define the single life. I am completely satisfied with words like freedom, independence and yes, happiness. It is important for those relationshiplovers to understand that we, the single population, are a very contented people. Some of us really, genuinely love being unattached. It doesn't make us pathetic. We go out when we want, we talk to whomever we please and you have to admit, we have tremendous time for figuring out who we are, and what we want. Most of the chronically single people I know are brilliant; thriving academic minds that are bound to make this world a better place. But let's face it, not many people can handle being on their own. I know of men and women who have to constantly be in relationships. Some of us are dependent on others for happiness, and there should

be no shame in that either. But here's my point, the overwhelming judgement being passed against single people has got to stop, especially when it comes to single women. For men, it's a tad bit easier. Single men are hailed as “star boys” by their relatives and those within their clique. A single woman on the other hand, is a lonely and potentially miserable cat woman, and I have got to let it be known – I hate cats. I also dislike the fact that the first question I'm asked by relatives when they see me after a long time, is, “When yuh guh get married?” I usually respond, “Not for now.” But it doesn't end there. The lectures would follow. There are too many people who seem to think that we are still living in the 60s. I have no problem with marriages, but what is wrong with utilising your 20s to grow, to explore, and to learn? If you ask me, nothing...absolutely nothing! There are too many failed marriages and relationships in this generation. Yes, it is true that our parents and grandparents may have gotten married while they were mere teenagers, and yes, it is true that it worked wonders for them. But my dear readers, those were the days when there wasn't an actual 'International Side-chick Association' and the concept of 'Blow' wasn't a song. Get my point? So, if you're in a relationship and you're happy, good for you. If you are in a relationship and you are not happy, get out. Don't waste your time. If you are single and feel lonely, then you need to work on finding yourself that special someone, because clearly, flying solo is not for you my dear. Follow that blood pumping organ of yours, and do what you have to. But, please, for the love of everything sensible, leave us, the single people who love being single, alone. Your judgement is genuinely not needed. (You can email your comments to rere_ashley@yahoo.com)

YORUBA SINGERS BAND TO HOST SPECIAL AFTER HT G I N WORK LIME TO

O

ne of Guyana's culturally iconic bands, the Yoruba Singers, will be hosting one of a kind event

tonight. The musical couple of the band, Mr Eze “Crekete” Rockcliffe and his wife, Joycelyn also known as “Danger Water” are celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary today. With this in mind, fans can certainly look forward to a musical treat at the after work lime which is held at the GNS Sports Club on Carifesta Avenue every Friday. Show time starts at 6pm and ends until midnight. For further details, patrons can make contact with band members on telephone numbers: 225-7714, 661-0902 or 682-3878.

After 31 years, these two songs birds are still crazy in love with each other. Happy Anniversary!

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Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Texas court set to sentence former Region Three official on coke smuggling charge

A former senior Region Three offical who was busted last year with more than three pounds of coke at Texas, US airport, is set to be sentenced next week Friday. According to court documents, several legal procedures have been completed following the plea deal of Ameena Hinds filed in early March. She has pleaded to count one of the indictment– conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and would have faced up to 20 years had she gone through

a regular trial and found guilty. She could also have faced up to a US$1M in fines and automatic deportation. In late October, Hinds was busted at a Texas, US airport with the cocaine hidden in her suitcase. According to court documents, after her arrest, the Region Three official told security officers that she took a chance with the drugs after a number of persons she owed, came knocking to collect. She was supposed to receive US$2,500 for the job. The charges said that on October 29, at Harris Country,

in the Southern District of Texas, Hinds knowingly and intentionally imported into the US over 500 grams of coke. The Deputy REO touched down at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport around 13:45hrs on a United Airlines flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She was singled out for a secondary inspection. Around 15:00hrs, her luggage was subject to an xray inspection and a strange rectangular shape was seen at the bottom between the suitcase wheels.

That part of the suitcase appeared shaded on the x-ray machines when it was supposed to be clear. Officials later inserted a metal probe and discovered a white powdery substance. They field tested it positive for cocaine. Hinds was immediately arrested and after the cocaine was weighed, it was found to be 1.49 kilograms (three pounds) in weight. The court documents said that Hinds was willing to answer questions without an attorney present. She claimed that she owed US$5000 in personal debt and persons were pressuring her to pay. In July, she met with an unknown man whom she described as “Mystery

Man”. She was offered US$2,500 ($500,000) to take a suitcase with drugs to the US. However, the Deputy REO was nervous and it was not until in October when she was contacted again by the “Mystery Man” that she relented. She was given a ticket by a female and later flew to Trinidad. There, she met “Mystery Man” who gave her another suitcase. Her personal items were placed in this suitcase. She was told to travel to New York and to stay at a hotel where she would be contacted and paid, after the suitcase and drugs would have been handed over. In court, Hinds pleaded not guilty to her indictment and was held without bail.

A police officer attached to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court has been removed from his duty at that location after he was allegedly caught giving a prisoner ‘tablets’ wrapped inside a Dhal Puri. It is alleged that a relative of the detainee approached the officer and requested that the items be handed over to the prisoner. According to reports the police officer suggested that the ‘drop’ be made in the absence of the many preying eyes that were in the court environs at the time. Little did the police know that an individual who was visiting the court Tuesday realized that something was amiss between him (police officer) and the prisoner’s relative. Now suspicious of the two, the individual observed that the police officer collected the items but did not

give it to the prisoner at that time. It is alleged that the officer then went around to the back of the lock up where the prisoner was secured and delivered the items. The law abiding citizen promptly reported the matter to a senior police rank at the court and the officer was summoned to explain his actions. When contacted ‘A’ Division Commander Marlon Chapman said that he was aware of an incident involving a police officer giving items to a prisoner at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. Chapman could not say what items the officer attempted to deliver. However, he did confirm that the policeman is no longer assigned to the Magistrates’ Court and that the matter is now under investigation. According to a source, after the incident was brought

For sentencing: Ameena Hinds

Court policeman removed for allegedly giving ‘tablets’ to prisoner to the attention of senior police ranks at the court, the officers who were present at the court at the time of the incident were summoned to an emergency meeting. It is understood that senior officers were furious about the incident and the police officer in question was upbraided while the other ranks were given a ‘roasting’ by their superiors. It is still not clear what kind of tablets were given to the prisoner. One observer opined that had it been tablets for legitimate medical conditions the officer would not have been moved let alone an investigation commissioned. The individual said that it is likely that it could have been an illicit drug that the officer attempted to pass on to the prisoner. The Guyana Police Force has long been plagued by problems involving ‘shady’ police officers. Persons have always alleged that some police officers are always in the habit of collecting monies for favours. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan had said that he was adopting a zero tolerance approach to such law enforcement officials. Ramjattan said when police officers are caught in such acts they will either be charged or interdicted from duties.

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Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Probe has to be launched into Customs chief duty free concession -Opposition urged Amidst recent allegations that a senior official of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) may not have followed procedures in the importation of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the Opposition is calling for an immediate investigation. O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, is also calling for GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, and Customs chief, Lancelot Wills, to be sent on immediate administrative leave to facilitate the probe. “There should be no sacred cows when it comes to justice,” Edghill said. He is a former Junior Minister of Finance under the previous administration. He is also a member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a body that has oversight on GRA. Wills allegedly imported a Toyota Harrier SUV., which was registered in January. It was reportedly 2362cc (engine size). The “cc” or engine size is what GRA used to calculate the applicable taxes. Wills reportedly only

paid over $180,000, instead of an estimated $1.8M in taxes had he been granted a duty free concession. Without the concession, taxes and duties on a Toyota Harrier similar to what Wills brought in would have attracted over $6M. However, there are questions over the transaction. Wills, as Customs head, was rejected for a duty free concession last year November by the Department of Public Service. The department’s Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson, this week explained that rejection was because the vehicle was more than eight years old and it was also over the 2000cc (cubic capacity) engine size that Wills would have been eligible for. Under the laws, only Parliamentarians, judges and remigrants are allowed duty free concessions for vehicles over 2000cc. The Customs chief reportedly got the blessings of GRA for the duty free concession. GRA insisted Wednesday that it has some flexibility to grant permission for staffers. However, this argument by GRA is being

GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia

Customs head, Lancelot Wills

Opposition MP, Juan Edghill

hotly contested with a number of letter writers and other critics saying that the 2003 amended laws took the powers out of the hands of the Ministry of Finance and made it law under which circumstance duty free concessions for vehicles are to be granted. The amended laws came after widespread abuse and multi-million dollar fraud scheme was uncovered. Under the amended laws, GRA is only supposed to ensure that all persons recommended for a concession and not required to pay the full tax, meet the requirements as laid out.

GRA does not have the authority to grant any duty free concessions. GRA, in defending Wills and the decision to allow the vehicle to be registered, on Wednesday said that the marginally higher “CC” permission- was granted based on his responsibilities and job specifications which entails “all terrain” use, and which requires nightly and daily commute and monitoring of customs activities. But Edghill is clear that something is amiss with the transaction. He said that everyone must abide by the law. There cannot be one for Customs and another for public servants. GRA staffers are considered part of the public service. A number of them are part of the Guyana Public Service Union. The parliamentarian pointed out that Wills, as the Customs head, should have known of the eight-year restriction on cars, SUVs and

vans, implemented last year by the government. Edghill said based on the sequence of events as reported, it can be surmised that the vehicle was shipped in with the presumption that the Department of Public Service would have granted the waiver. In the absence of that, it can be deduced that the vehicle was brought in with the knowledge that GRA had “some internal mechanisms” to allow Wills to bypass the department’s written permission. “It would raise questions if there were similar transactions of older vehicles being imported. Therefore, there was an expectation that there should be an expected reciprocal treatment.” According to Edghill, if the Customs chief did not receive permission for the department, it would have been automatic that he pay the normal duties as any normal citizens would. ”There are questions. Why

did he not pay the charges? Who signed off on a meager payment of taxes for just $180,000 as reported? Was it the Commissioner-General or someone acting on his behalf?” Edghill said that GRA must tell the public what section of the laws would have been applied when it took it upon itself to grant the Customs chief the permission. “In the absence of such information, there is a conclusion that there is rampant corruption at GRA. That it is facilitated by high officials at GRA and…selected Guyanese are in collusion with GRA office,” Edghill stressed. “Certainly this cannot be the transparency and accountability promised by the government.” According to the Parliamentarian, it was only Monday during a sitting of PAC, where it was discovered the two vehicles went missing from a warehouse that was jointly monitored by GRA and an importer. The vehicles reappeared after the auditor went back two weeks later to check. “The r e then are questions over the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medicines by Government. GRA is worse, because the checks and balances have been compromised to facilitate selected individuals. A full investigation is required and just like how people are sent home when being investigated, both the CG and the Customs head have to be sent on administrative leave.”

Beverage bar owner freed of Alberttown killing

By Rehanna Ramsay He maintained a cool disposition as the jury returned to the courtroom to announce their decision in regards to the charge of murder, at the Georgetown High Court yesterday. Moments later, beverage stall owner, Lawrence Wayne, who had been incarcerated for murder since August 23, 2014, was walking down the corridors of the High Court, a free man. He was represented by Attorneys-at-law Max McKay and Stanley Moore. Wayne had been found not guilty of murder and manslaughter by a mixed jury before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a packed courtroom. “Mr. Wayne. You are free to go,” the judge told the former accused minutes after the verdict was announced. The announcement was met with mixed emotions from those seated in the gallery of

Freed: Lawrence Wayne the court— relatives of both the victim and the accused. Outside the courtroom, some persons shed tears of joy while others made snide remarks about the outcome. “Me ain’t understand is

what kind an Obeah is this. You could shoot a man and get off.” The remarks did not deter the relatives of the former accused who were in celebration mode. Outside the courthouse they were wallowing in what they said was “much deserved victory.” Their loved one had been set free. Wayne, a Merriman Mall, Bourda, beverage bar proprietor had always maintained his innocence in relation to the murder. He was indicted for the murder of Dexter Lindo. Lindo, 26, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot on August 23, 2014, at Alberttown, Georgetown. He was allegedly shot three times during a confrontation with Wayne, who claimed that Lindo had robbed his place of business. However, State (Continued on page 29)

Friday May 19, 2017

Trump calls special counsel Russia probe ‘greatest witch hunt’ in U.S. history

U.S. President Donald Trump listens to questions from the media. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Reuters) President Donald Trump yesterday assailed the Justice Department’s appointment of a special counsel to probe possible ties between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, calling it “the single greatest witch hunt” in U.S. history and a move that “hurts our country terribly.” Trump also said he was close to selecting a new FBI director to replace James Comey, who he fired last week, and that former senator and one-time Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman was among the top candidates. Trump’s defiant comments stood in contrast to his measured statement on Wednesday night after former FBI chief Robert Mueller was named as special counsel, in which he said “a thorough investigation will confirm what we already know - there was no collusion between my campaign and any foreign entity.” Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller after a succession of jarring developments that brought to a boil questions over Russia’s alleged meddling in the election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign. They included Trump’s firing of Comey, reports that Trump had previously pressured Comey to end a probe

of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and Trump discussing sensitive information on Islamic State with Russia’s foreign minister. The Republican president decried the naming of a special counsel, by an official he himself appointed. “With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!” Trump wrote in Twitter postings yesterday morning. He did not offer any evidence of such acts in his reference to Democratic former President Barack Obama and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. “This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!” added Trump. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar responded, “This is a truth hunt.” Trump later told news anchors at the White House that Mueller’s appointment was a “very, very negative thing,” adding, “I believe it hurts our country terribly, because it shows we’re a divided, mixedup, not-unified country.” U.S. stocks recovered ground yesterday as upbeat economic data emboldened investors to return to the market, a day after Wall Street saw the biggest selloff in eight months on worries the political turmoil could undermine Trump initia-

tives such as tax cuts that investors see as favoring economic growth. Rosenstein, the No. 2 Justice Department official, named Mueller amid mounting pressure in Congress for an independent investigation beyond existing FBI and congressional probes into the Russia issue. Rosenstein briefed U.S. senators yesterday, but made no public comments. Afterward, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told reporters that “everything he said was that you need to treat this investigation as if it may be a criminal investigation.” ROSENSTEIN LETTER The White House initially said last week that a letter Rosenstein wrote accusing Comey of missteps as FBI director, including his handling of an election-year probe into Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state, was what prompted Trump to fire Comey. Trump later said he had already decided to dismiss him and was thinking of “this Russia thing.” Rosenstein told senators that he knew Comey would be fired before he wrote his letter, Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill said. Democrats and Trump’s fellow Republicans widely praised Mueller’s appointment. But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Comey should still appear before congressional committees that have invited him to testify. Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi said an independent commission to investigate the Russia matter was still needed to guard against White House interference. Russia has denied U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusion that it interfered in the election campaign to try to tilt the vote in Trump’s favor. Trump has long bristled at the notion that Russia played any role in his November election victory.

Beverage bar owner freed... (From page 28) Attorneys, Shawnette Austin had contended that this was not the case. She held that Wayne shot Lindo to avenge his son whom Lindo had “slapped up,” earlier that day. During the investigations, Wayne had told the cops that he shot Lindo pursuant to a robbery which occurred at his beverage stall. Wayne told the police

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Kaieteur News

that he received a telephone call that armed men had entered his Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda. The accused, a licensed firearm holder at the time, told the cops that he arrived in time to see the men, who escaped in a vehicle, fleeing the store. The accused recounted to the police that he followed the men in his vehicle and eventually

caught up with them at Light and Fifth Streets, Alberttown. Wayne is said to have confronted Lindo. He recalled that Lindo had already exited the car and had entered a shop in the area. He said that Lindo turned and pulled a gun from his waist. The businessman said that he in turn, opened fire on the man. Lindo succumbed days later, at Balwant Singh Hospital.

U.S. slaps sanctions on Venezuela Supreme Court judges

Opposition supporters clash with riot security forces while rallying against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins (Reuters) The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the chief judge and seven other members of Venezuela’s Supreme Court yesterday as punishment for seizing powers from the opposition-led Congress earlier this year, U.S. officials said. The new sanctions package was aimed at stepping up pressure on supporters of the leftist government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro amid growing U.S. concern over a crackdown on mass street protests. Venezuela’s latest wave of anti-government unrest, which has left at least 44 people dead in the last six weeks, began with the Supreme Court, packed with Maduro loyalists, assuming the powers of the oppositionled Congress in late March. There was swift and

widespread international condemnation of the de facto annulment of the National Assembly, which the opposition won in late 2015 during an unprecedented economic and social crisis that has seen Maduro’s popularity plummet, and the decision was later partially reversed. “The Venezuelan people are suffering from a collapsing economy brought about by their government’s mismanagement and corruption. Members of the country’s Supreme Court of Justice have exacerbated the situation by consistently interfering with the legislative branch’s authority,” U.S Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. “By imposing these targeted sanctions, the United States is supporting the Venezuelan people in their efforts to protect and advance

democratic governance in their country.” Among those hit with sanctions was Maikel Moreno, a Maduro ally who became president of the 32judge court in February. All of those targeted will have their assets frozen within U.S. jurisdiction, and American citizens will be barred from doing business with them, the Treasury Department said. UNREST Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in the South American nation of 30 million in protest against the Maduro’s government, demanding elections, freedom for jailed activists, foreign aid and autonomy for the oppositionled legislature. Maduro’s government accuses them of seeking a violent coup and says many of the protesters are no more than “terrorists.”

Brazil’s Temer refuses to resign in face of investigation (Reuters) Brazil’s President Michel Temer yesterday defiantly said he would not resign from office despite a Supreme Court decision authorizing an investigation into allegations he condoned bribery of a potential witness in a major corruption probe. In a terse five-minute speech broadcast nationwide, Temer said he had done nothing wrong, that his presidency was helping turn around Brazil’s stalled economy and that he welcomed an investigation so that he could prove his innocence. “I did not buy the silence of anyone,” Temer said, referring to the allegations

made against him. “I will not resign.” The investigation into a sitting president sent Brazilian financial markets tumbling and raised doubts that Congress would pass Temer’s ambitious austerity agenda. Temer’s situation grew more perilous after the Supreme Court approved an investigation into allegations against him, according to a source with direct knowledge of the decision. A Supreme Court justice also approved plea-bargain testimony and an audio recording that allegedly captured him conspiring to obstruct justice with Joesley Batista, chairman of the

world’s largest meatpacker, JBS SA . That approval allows the court to quickly make both the testimony and audio public. Leaders of Temer ’s biggest allied party in Congress, the PSDB, said that if the allegations proved true, they would demand the resignation of three of their members who are in the president’s cabinet. “The president is absolutely convinced he committed no crime, but that has to be made clear to the eyes of everyone,” a top presidential aide told Reuters. Brazilian markets plunged on concerns the investigation could derail Temer ’s sweeping fiscal reforms.

PAGE 30

WANTED

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Dried and in large quantities: Corilla bush, lemon grass, sour sap leaves. Call: 665-1397

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

Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644

1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190

1 Two bedrooms apartment for rent in Diamond New Scheme. Call: 216-2339/ 676-6313

Experienced sales clerk. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda

Spacious one bedroom upper flat at 239 Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 601-0223/6459921

One experienced cook and salesgirl for café on Sheriff Street, Mon-Friday 8hrs, salary $60,000 monthly. Call: 611-1981/ 647-2349

Buying Wamara, TATABU, Koraroballi, Itikiborabali, fresh logs. Call: 664-5150 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362

Recently-built 2-Storey concrete building (1,245 ft2) Parfaite Harmonie $7.9M neg. Contact 231-9690 For details.

Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045

Recently-constructed 2Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details.

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

CAR RENTAL

Investors needed for gold trading business in the Interior, weekly turnover. Call: 658-7553 Experienced bus and taxi drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence. Call: 6165419/ 265-7076 One domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call: 1868- 683-1528

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Friday May 12, 2017

Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Property at Annadale, East Coast Demerara. Call: 6787875/ 674- 6071

Office furniture, used computers, display racks & stands for store use. Call:2258066/624-6783

1 Bedroom apartment @ Uitvlugt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara $20,000 monthly. Call: 6982802/277-3033

Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS)

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999

Workers and 1 cleaner to work at ice factory Meadowbank. Call: 642-9191 between 8am-1pm Monday-Friday

Yamaha 15HP, outboard Engine and boat – 2 months old. Call: 660-4104/ 691-9283

1 Female bartender, cook, waitress, (live in or live out), free meal, in GT. Immediately call: 648-4810

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

2 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Houston, working couple preferably. Call: 6642861

1 Full time housekeeper. Call: 602-1447

Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044

House to rent: Premniranjan Place, Prashad Nagar. Monthly rent US $3500. Contact: 610-0965 or 227-5416

1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 6652514

Upper flat house: 3 bedrooms/kitchen, toilets/ baths, AC/Garage, Hot & Cold @ Diamond Housing Scheme E.B.D. Call: 644-3600/ 216-3017

1 Female shop assistant to work in the Interior. Call: 665-2514

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). Are you interested in learning to drive stick shift. Please call: 641-0572

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

Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com 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 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/ 629-2881 One experienced cook to work in restaurant also knowledge of baking, preferably from West Bank. Call: 678-3400

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) TO LET 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 2&3 Bedrooms apartment, free Wi-Fi @ Nandy Park. Call: 641-3318 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 Sawmill – Call: 673-9401

1 Nanny/Tutor to tech & care for 18 months boy. Apply to Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda

One general domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply: Alabama trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda. 1 Experienced Bar-B-Q/Cook, day security guard, mini bus driver. Call:638-5303/227-7380 Professional cosmetologist @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800 1 Female kitchen assistant & 2 male assistant with drivers license to work @ outdoor grill, weekend included. Call: 656-9313/675-2550 Vacancy for wait-staff, apply immediately to the Manager Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Street.

1 90"x90". Call: 657-6179

Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt and La Parfaite Harmonie Harmonie. Call: 642-1252

VACANCY Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020

Cook at Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets. Apply to the Manager. Second hand banquet chairs for inspection contact admin assistant @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose &Anira Streets. CHEF AND ASSISTANT COOKCARNEGIE TRAINING OR GRILLING EXPERIENCE NEEDED. CALL: 225-7933, 173 SHERIFF STREET.

LAND FOR SALE 12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443 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 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. Continue on page 23

Friday May 12, 2017

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Kaieteur News

GTT rewards winners of Mother’s Day Promotion 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

Representatives of GTT pose with winners of the cell phones Hardat Malchand, Vanita Ally, Fly Jamaica representative Patricia Lewis, and winner of the trip Clement Sealey The Mother’s Day Top Up promotion sponsored in partnership with Fly Jamaica ended on Monday. Yesterday The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) presented the winners of the promotion with one all inclusive trip and two Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge at its Camp and Robb Street branch. The promotion required that you top up $1,000 or more, and they had a chance to win a trip to Jamaica. Patricia Lewis, Promotion Officer, Fly Jamaica, said the company is always happy to partner with GTT and “give back to our customers.” Hardat Malchand of West Coast Berbice; and Vanita Ally, of Skeldon; won the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge cell phones. Clement Sealey was the winner of an all-inclusive trip for two to Jamaica. The trip is for three nights, four days sponsored by Fly Jamaica.

Seaey said he is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the competition, and although it is not his first time visiting Jamaica, he looks forward to this trip. Sealy applauded GTT for the customer service and service. There will be a Father’s Day promotion. Top up with $1,000 or more between May 21 and June 18 and enter to win a Samsung Galaxy S8 weekly or an all inclusive trip for two to Riu Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. There will also be 50% discount on select handsets; Alcatel Go Play was $57,999 now $28,999; Figo Virtue 40 was $10,599 now $5,299; Logic X5 was $17,699 now $8,849; Quattro X was $14,999 now $7499; Drone Xt was $8,999 now $4499. Yesterday, only, there was a sale on the Samsung Galaxy S5 for $39,999, the original price was $117,000.

Patricia Lewis presents a ticket to winner of the all-inclusive trip for two to Jamaica Clement Sealey

Queenstown woman, 60, dies on Mother’s Day … after husband’s prison sentence A 60-year-old woman from Queenstown, Essequibo Coast died Sunday, just two days after her husband was sentenced to two years in prison. It is believed that upon hearing of her husband’s sentence, Geeta Dorwish suffered an instant relapse, family members said that the deceased had recently recovered from a surgery performed on her some two weeks ago. The woman’s husband, Dennis Dorwish, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment last Friday for the possession of an

unlicensed firearm with three live rounds. It was alleged by the court that on February 10, 2015 Dorwish had in his possession one unlicensed Pen Gun with three matching rounds. The weapon was believed to have been stashed in Dorwish’s Awara Farm in Queenstown. Initially Dorwish pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to family members however, at some point in time Dorwish pleaded guilty to the charge stating that the pen gun was a gift from his brother-in-law. Son of the deceased, Deon

Dorwish, said that his mother had recovered well from the surgery she recently underwent. He further noted that his mother also suffered from Diabetes and Hypertension for quite some years. Deon said that at the time of her death, his mother was at her sister’s residence in Georgetown. “I got a call from my aunt saying that mommy doesn’t like how she was feeling. At some point she passed out, they tried to call ambulance but she didn’t make it.” With tear-filled eyes Deon said that if he had one wish, it was that his father never picked up that Pen gun from his farm.

Then he said his father would be out of prison and most importantly his mother would still be alive. Family and friends of the Dorwishs said that Geeta and Dennis were inseparable. Neither could’ve imagined a life without the other. Geeta couldn’t bear the thought of spending the coming two years of her life without her husband by her side. She gave too much thought to those coming lonely years and thus suffered a relapse in her health, sadly to the point of death. Dennis on the other hand is currently unaware that his wife has died. His family is afraid of

risking it since he also suffers from Diabetes and Hypertension. Family members still blame the Magistrate, Sunil Scare since they believe his ruling was to the extreme. They believe that Scarce should’ve taken into consideration the man’s age along with his health issues. “I believe that the magistrate should’ve put Dennis under house arrest, or at least let him pay a fine to the court. I don’t understand why a 61-year-old man should sit in prison for just the possession of a fire arm. Is not like he killed anyone with the gun.”

1 Mercedes Benz c 200 Kompresso, PNN 6967. Call: 277-3033/698-2802/254-1801 Toyota Fielder PPP series, excellent condition. Call: 6659747/270-5302

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Mayhem rages in west Venezuela; Capriles blocked from U.N. trip (Reuters) Mobs looted shops and fought security forces overnight in Venezuela’s restive western region, where three soldiers were being charged yesterday with the fatal shooting of a man who was buying diapers for his baby, witnesses said. Six weeks of anti-government unrest have resulted in at least 44 deaths, as well as hundreds of injuries and arrests in the worst turmoil of President Nicolas Maduro’s four-year rule of the South American OPEC-member country. Protesters are demanding elections to kick out the socialist government that they accuse of wrecking the economy and turning Venezuela into a dictatorship. Maduro, 54, the successor to late leader Hugo Chavez, says his foes are seeking a violent coup. One of Maduro’s main opponents, local governor Henrique Capriles, said yesterday that his passport was confiscated when he was at the airport outside Caracas for a flight to New York, where

he was to visit the United Nations and denounce human rights violations. “My passport is valid until 2020. What they want to do here is avoid us going to the United Nations,” Capriles said, before returning to the capital to join a protest march. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, was due to meet with Capriles in New York on Friday. “Hope (Capriles’) passport removal is not reprisal linked to planned meeting with me tomorrow,” Zeid said on Twitter. The move comes a month after Capriles, a two-time presidential candidate who was seen by many as the opposition’s best chance in the presidential election scheduled for 2018, was banned from holding political office for 15 years. Capriles, a sports-loving lawyer who has tried to shake the opposition’s reputation of elitism by focusing on grassroots efforts with poor Venezuelans, narrowly lost the 2013 vote against

Maduro, and the two frequently lock horns. UNREST IN THE WEST Across the country near the border with Colombia, clashes and lootings raged overnight, even though the government sent 2,000 troops to Tachira state. Security forces fired teargas at stone-throwing gangs, and crowds smashed their way into shops and offices in San Cristobal, the state capital, and elsewhere. Manuel Castellanos, 46, was shot in the neck on Wednesday when caught in a melee while walking home with diapers he had bought for his son, witnesses said. Diapers have become prized products in Venezuela due to widespread shortages of basic domestic items. The State Prosecutor’s Office said three National Guard sergeants would be charged later on Thursday for their “presumed responsibility” in Castellanos’ killing. Earlier in the week, a 15year-old was shot dead when out buying flour for his family’s dinner.

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Stark warning issued to Region concerning climate change BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A warning has been issued to governments across the Caribbean to do more to make countries resilient to climate change as there is a price to pay if nothing is done. According to a report commissioned by the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, the Caribbean is “in the front line” and at greater risk from more severe impacts than many other parts of the world because of its geographic location, because most regional states are smaller islands where people live close to and depend on the sea. The Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card 2017, which was conducted by scientists and researchers said more intense storms, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and ocean acidification are major threats to all regional economies and pose a danger to lives as well, both directly and indirectly. “As the seas, reefs and coasts on which all Caribbean people depend are under threat, much more needs to be done to protect these resources and the authors recommend building more resilient environments to prepare for, and protect against, climate change,” the report noted. It has recommended developing a regional network of marine protected areas designed to futureproof marine biodiversity against climate change and stabilise shorelines to preserve natural barriers such

as mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs. The scientists warn that while the overall frequency of Atlantic storms may decrease, the strongest hurricanes are likely to increase. Global average sea level is projected to rise by a further 10-32 inches over the coming century — a devastating amount for a country as low-lying as Cayman, where it could be even worse. “In the northern Caribbean, sea level rise could be 25 per cent higher than the global average due to other physical factors affecting land elevation,” the report states. “This projected rise in sea level and severe storms is likely to increase the risk of storm surge events for Caribbean states, which will further exacerbate risks to biodiversity, settlements and infrastructure.” The report also zeroed in on some countries in the region including Jamaica, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana and St. Lucia. Where fishing is concerned, the researchers noted that if there is no action – permanent fishing camps on low-lying offshore cays may be completely submerged by future sea level rise and these are particularly vulnerable during extreme-weather events. “Examples of these occur in Jamaica (Morant and Pedro Cays), Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” In Dominica, the report said the road network and the airports are particularly vulnerable adding that ports and port lands are also under

threat and at risk of inundation under scenarios of a one metre sea-level rise. For Grenada and St. Lucia – “Climate-induced sea surface temperature changes are being linked to the increased occurrence of the micro-algal toxins that accumulate up the food chain to cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in humans. Although CFP is well known in the northern states of the Caribbean, it could become more frequent in the southern Lesser Antilles.” In the case of Guyana the researchers said frequent flooding “linked to climate change could destroy landing sites and cooperative buildings along the coast. Mangrove forests may become damaged or displaced causing valuable resources to be lost. Salt water intrusions are also a risk, as salinisation is likely to affect freshwater aquaculture, as well as large areas of agriculture near the coast.” On the matter of tourism, the report said “the attractiveness of water-based tourism in the region is being negatively affected by the increased frequency and magnitude of coral bleaching and disease.” “Coastal tourist resorts could potentially be two-tothree times more exposed to climate change impacts such as extreme events and saltwater intrusion than inland tourist resorts,” the report stated, which will clearly have a serious impact on investment decisions about the type of tourism development that the local government is keen to attract.

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Friday May 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Wells keeps Premier League dream alive London, CMC - Bermudian striker Nahki Wells kept his dream of playing in England’s Premier League alive as he helped his Championship club Huddersfield Town reach the promotion final at Wembley by beating Sheffield Wednesday in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in their semi-final second leg match at Hillsborough on Wednesday night. With the away goals rule not in operation, the game went to extra time and then penalties, with Huddersfield prevailing 4-3 and booking a final clash with Reading, who beat Fulham in their semi-fi-

nal, on May 29. Goalkeeper Danny Ward was Huddersfield’s hero, keeping out spot-kicks from Sam Hutchinson, then crucially from Fernando Forestieri. ”I’m not going to take anything away from how tough a task it will be to go to Wembley and win. Reading are still on a high but we fancy our chances,” Wells, 26, who blasted home his penalty in the shoot-out, said after the game. ”We knew today was going to be tough, we knew the onslaught was going to be massive from them because

they are at home but, over the two legs, we edged it. “We created a few more chances, but most importantly we are going to Wembley.” Wells went down in the area in the 38th minute after goalkeeper Kieren Westwood knocked him off the ball but referee Andre Marriner waved aside penalty appeals. Steven Fletcher brought a huge roar from the Wednesday fans when he broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a powerful header at the back post, but Huddersfield drew level in the 73rd minute when Wells appeared to turn in substitute Collin

GAPF to host fundraising BBQ... (From page 37) March 19th last fund raising bar-b-que and Bench Press competition which took place at Fitness Revolution Gym, LBI, East Coast of Demerara. He revealed that the deadlift competition is open to all GAPF athletes as well as members of the public noting that many persons, both male and females attend gym on a regular basis and this

would be an ideal opportunity for them to come out and test their strength levels in a novelty way. Attractive cash prizes would be presented to the top three competitors which would be decided based on the Wilks formula for male and female competitors. What is the Wilks Formula? The Wilks Coefficient or Wilks Formula is a coefficient

that can be used to measure the strength of a powerlifter against other powerlifters despite the different weights of the lifters. Competitors would be required to pay and entrance fee of $2500 while patrons would be asked to pay a minimal $500 as an entrance fee towards the federation’s fund raising drive. Only persons without tickets would be required to pay this fee. Meanwhile, Bounty Farm Limited has continued its partnership with the federation as the supplier of succulent chicken for the bar-b-que. Manager Mr. Keith Fernandes again handed over the letter of commitment to Dr. Mack reminding that they are pleased to continue its assistance towards the efforts of the federation and athletes who are aiming to compete at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)/North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Annual NAPF/Caribbean and NAPF/FESUPO Powerlifting Championships set 5th – 8th July 2017, in Orlando Florida, USA. Fernandes wished the federation every success in its efforts to ensure that the full 22-member team that was shortlisted would be able to attend to continue Guyana’s rich tradition of excelling at these championships having also won the Team title on three occasions. Mack, on behalf of the federation expressed gratitude to Fernandes and Bounty Farm Ltd. for their continued support and empowerment of the sport. He made a call for other sponsors to come forward and assist.

Quaner’s cross although it later went down as a Tom Lees own goal. Westwood twice denied the lively Wells in the last five minutes of normal time, first blocking a shot set up by Quaner, then pouncing again as the Bermudian hesitated over a through-ball. Wells has bitter-sweet memories of Wembley. In his two previous appearances there — both in 2013 — he was on the losing side for his then League Two side Bradford City, who were thumped 5-0 by Swansea City in the League Cup final. He returned to score in Bradford’s 3-0 victory over Northampton Town in the promotion final. Bradford remain in League One.

Nahki Wells

Friday May 19, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas. You'll meet new friends if you try new activities. Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated.

munications. Situations you can't change should be forgotten for the present.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Be discreet about your feelings, and hold back until you find out a little more about the person who's coming on to you. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Take the time to help those less fortunate. You have done all you can to sort things out a personal level. Too much talk will lead to disputes.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't bother retaliating, just walk away. Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Love can be yours if you get out and about. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both parties. Don't be too hard on your mate. Your energetic nature and ability to initiate projects will add to your popularity. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children. You won't have much time for your mate today. Don't hold back. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. Try to be precise in your com-

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't be too quick to judge others. Trouble could be brewing at home. Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Coworkers may not be completely honest with you; try not to rely on help from others. Don't make promises that you can't possibly keep. Enjoy the company of relatives today. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets. You will meet some interesting people if you attend promotional functions. Ease the anguish by offering assistance. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't be afraid to lay your cards on the table. You need to put some trust in others. You need to make changes that will raise your self esteem, such as a new hairstyle or a new image. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If they're too demanding, reconsider this union. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs.

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal launched

Fixtures for the first two night of the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament were released during an impressive Launch which took place yesterday, at the Poolside of the Windjammer International Cuisine and Comfort Inn of 27 Queen Street, Kitty. The ceremony which had in attendance Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Ivan Persaud, NSC Administrator, Gervy C . H a r r y, M a n a g i n g Directors of Xtreme Clean, Shanai Gomes and Roger Cambridge among other officials from the Company, teams’ representatives, and the media. Persaud speaking at the occasion said, “We already have sports and tourism, so how about sports and entrepreneurship. I think it’s one of the things His Excellency President David Granger is talking about in Guyana, for young people to come together in groups and e x e r c i s e t h e i r entrepreneurship skills.” He further stated that the NSC is extremely pleased to be part of the event, adding that because it involves a business entity, they are happy that they chose sports to announce their entrance to Guyanese populace. ”I’m glad that they (Xtreme Clean & Maintenance), understand from early, their social responsibility as a business. I’m sure it speaks for everyone in the sports community and the NSC is happy to be onboard and we will continue to support in any venture going forward,” Persaud mentioned. Harry in his presentation implored on the teams to

exhibit discipline, while urging the fans to desist from behaviour that could tarnish the reputation of the promoters. Gomes said the genesis of the tournament was really to highlight the work that the Company does and what better way to do it through the staging of a football tournament that will benefit communities. She revealed that the Company which was founded last year specialises in landscaping, also does garbage disposal and general cleaning. Meanwhile, it was announced that every night two lucky fans will have the opportunity to kick to win one pennyweight of gold each or its equivalent, while several other novelty events will allow patrons to win prizes. The tournament will be played on a ‘win or go home’ (knockout) format on May 26 and 27, after which, 12 remaining teams will be placed in three groups of four and will play a round-robin to see who will be the teams advancing to the quarter finals, semi-finals and ultimately the finals. The other playing dates are May 28, June 6, 8, 13, 15 and 1 7 . A total 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. The invited teams are: Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Sophia, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Broad Street Bullies, Tiger Bay, North East La Penitence,

Inter Ministry Tapeball Cricket set for Sunday The Pre-Independence Inter Ministry and Government Agencies sixover knock out tapeball competition is set for Sunday at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac starting at 09:00hrs. Among the teams that have already confirmed their participation are PSM, Guyoil, Transport and Harbours Department, Demerara Harbour Bridge,

Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Agriculture, P r e s i d e n t i a l S e c u r i t y, Forestry Commission, GPHC, NDIA, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Teams can contact James Lewis on 672-6179 or 666-5857 for information on registration. At stake are trophies and cash prizes.

West Back Road, Back Circle, Campbellville , Dave & Celena Allstars (Linden), Melanie ‘B’ (East Coast), S h o w S t o p p e r s ( We s t Demerara), Agricola Champion Boys, Kitty, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Festival City, Albouystown ‘B’, Alexander Village,

Plaisance ‘A’, Globe Yard, Future Stars and BV ‘A’. Meanwhile the fixtures for the first two days of competition are seen below. Friday-May 26 Agricola vs BV-A-19:00rs Festival City vs Albouystown-19:30hrs Sophia vs Dave and Celena t h

All-Stars-20:00hrs Showstoppers vs Tiger Bay2 0 : 3 0 h r s Broad Street vs West Back R o a d - 2 1 : 0 0 h r s Sparta Boss vs Kitty2 1 : 3 0 h r s Saturday May 27 Tu c v i l l e v s M e l a n i e 1 9 : 0 0 h r s t h

Plaisance vs Alexander Village-19:30hrs B e n t S t r e e t v s Campbellville-20:00hrs North East La Penitence vs Future Stars-20:30hrs Gold is Money vs North Ruimveldt-21:00hrs Back Circle vs Globe Yard21:30hrs.

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

Savannah Marshall: Floyd Mayweather to promote British two-time Olympian

Marshall was joined by Floyd Mayweather (right) and Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions at her media announcement

British two-time Olympian Savannah Marshall has turned professional and will be promoted by Floyd Mayweather. Marshall became the first British woman to win World Championship gold when she took the 75kg title in 2012. She appeared at London 2012 and Rio 2016, and

becomes one of three female boxers at Mayweather Promotions. The 25-yearold, who also won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is the only woman to beat two-time Olympic champion Claressa Shields. American Shields, 22, has two wins from two fights since turning pro. Writing 13 days before Marshall officially joined the paid ranks, she tweeted: “Yes, yes, yes. Savannah

Marshall has turned pro! The amateur brackets can’t save her.” Mayweather, 40, won world titles in five weight divisions before retiring in 2015. Earlier yesterday, UFC lightweight world champion Conor McGregor said he has signed a deal to fight Mayweather. However, Mayweather refused to discuss the matter when asked about it. (BBCsport)

GDA Independence International tourney to commence on May 26 The Guyana Darts Association (GDA) will be staging an Independence International tournament starting on May 26 at the Millennium Manor Hotel on Hadfield Street. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have already established their participation while Barbados, Jamaica and Brazil are yet to confirm theirs. The Luck of the Draw will be held on the opening day followed by the Mixed Nations Doubles and the male and female singles. Defending Caribbean Singles champion Sudesh Fitzgerald, Luis RamirezMerlano who partnered with Fitzgerald to win the Caribbean Doubles title in Barbados in 2016, Lalchand Rambharose, Anil Lachhman, Sherwin Greene, Anthony

Bissoondyal, Bholanauth Ramdyal and female players Rosetta Hiralall, Hemwantie Amyan, Vi c t o r i n e C h a n d r o , Shondell Hyles and Melissa Smartt are among those set to turn out for Guyana. GDA President Sheik Yassin indicated that the Independence tournament is part of a crammed agenda for 2017 adding that the next major event is the National Championships slated for October. The Independence tournament which will see over USD$3, 000 up for the taking will start at 18:00hrs on the first and second days and at noon on the final day. Millennium Manor Hotel, Roosters Bottled Coconut Water and R. Ganesh Mining Enterprise are the sponsors on board. The tournament will conclude on May 28.

Wawrinka falls in Rome, Djokovic into quarter-finals Third seed Stan Wawrinka became the latest high-profile casualty at the Italian Open yesterday when the Swiss was knocked out in the third round by American John Isner. Isner took his ace count to 72 in three rounds as he powered past Wawrinka 76(1) 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. It was his first claycourt win against a top-10 player at an ATP Tour event and his reward is a clash with Croatia’s Marin Cilic who beat David Goffin 6-3 6-4. Wo r l d n u m b e r t w o Novak Djokovic continued to look more like his old self after a slump as he saw off Spanish claycourter Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-4 6-4 on Court Centrale to reach the q u a r t e r s f o r a n 11 t h successive year.

Earlier there was disappointment for home fans as Fabio Fognini, who beat top seed Andy Murray on Tuesday, was outplayed 6-3 6-3 by Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Fognini failed to reproduce the sparkling form that did for Murray and blew his top in the second set over a line call, arguing with umpire Mohamed Lahyani. Lahyani got out of his chair to check a mark at Fognini’s request, but told the Italian to “stop talking” after the Italian continued to vent his anger. Zverev, who turned 20 last month, wrapped up the second set 6-3, and will play Canada’s Milos Raonic, the number five seed, next after he beat Tomas Berdych. (Reuters)

Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

James amasses 38 points as Cavs make perfect start to NBA Eastern Conference finals

LeBron James leaps for the basket having got beyond the Celtics’ Al Horford. So much for the Cavaliers being rusty. LeBron James embarrassed every defender Boston threw at him and Cleveland picked up where it left off following a long lay-off, rolling to a 117104 victory on Wednesday night in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference finals. James had 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Love added a play-off career-high 32 points and had 12 rebounds to help the Cavaliers improve to 9-0 in the first three rounds of the playoffs. They opened 10-0 last season en route to their first NBA title. ’It was our two bigs that set the tone - Kev and Double-T (Tristan Thompson), they were phenomenal,’ James said. ‘I saw it in Kev this morning. I knew what type of game he was going to have. So he came through for us.’ But there’s no denying it has started with James, who has scored at least 35 points in five straight games. Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said James’ efficiency continued to make things easier for everyone on both ends. ’He’s playing at a high level. And that’s the reason why we’re riding him so much,’ Lue said. ‘When LeBron’s playing at that level other guys just have to be solid and we have a good chance to win.’ Game 2 is tonight in Boston.

Coming off a 10-day break, James and Cavaliers raced to an early lead were never threatened. ‘You can’t dig yourself in a big hole like that against them,’ Boston coach Brad Stevens said. James scored at will in the first half and the Cavs built a 26-point lead. Love opened up the floor for James, burying outside jumpers and forcing Boston to leave defenders one-on-one with James. Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder led the Celtics with 21 points each. Isaiah Thomas had 17 points. Coming off a Game 7 victory over Washington on Monday night, Boston missed 11 of its first 14 shots. ’They were the better team tonight. They hit us first. They were more physical,’ Thomas said. ‘We can’t let that happen again.’ Love averaged a quiet 13.8 points in the first two rounds, then broke out against a Boston team that knocked him out of the 2015 playoffs when he became tangled with Kelly Olynyk and dislocated his shoulder. The shoulder was working just fine Wednesday, and he scored in the paint and from the outside. ’We wanted to come in and set the tone and dictate the game. We felt like we did a good job doing that,’ Love said. ‘It wasn’t just me.

Everybody was moving the ball, passing the ball well.’ Things got a little testy in the third quarter when Boston’s Marcus Smart and Cleveland’s Thompson got nose-tonose and had to be separated by referees. Some jawing continued briefly before James stepped in to pull Thompson away. Smart and Thompson were called for a double foul on the play, but got tangled again a few minutes later. This time, Smart fell to the floor during that exchange, drawing a foul on Thompson.The Celtics found some energy after the incident, closing the third quarter on an 11-3 run to pull to 92-75. It didn’t last long, though, as the Cavs quickly got the lead back up to 20. James picked apart every defender that the Celtics threw at him in the first half. He backed down defenders to set up 15-foot fade away jumpers. Other times, he simply took defenders off the dribble or sliced through double-teams on the way to layups. Boston also seemed content to make every switch created by Cleveland screens, leading to some awkward matchups for James in the first half. The Celtics couldn’t get anything working when they had the ball, held to just 35 percent from the field in the first half and 2 for 16 from beyond the arc. Since Game 5 of NBA finals, Cleveland has won a franchise-record 12 straight playoff games. (MailOnline)

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Dominant Williams sees off Konta to reach Rome quarters Venus Williams powered into the Italian Open quarterfinals yesterday with a dominant 6-1 3-6 6-1 victory over fifth seed Johanna Konta. Williams, who had lost her last three encounters with the British number one, showed no signs of nerves as she dictated play from the baseline and broke Konta twice in the first set. Konta recovered to take the second set and level the match but Williams, who won the Rome title in 1999, came back spectacularly with a decisive double break in the third set. The American will meet either defending champion Garbine Muguruza or Germany’s Julia Georges in the quarter-finals. Estonian qualifier Anett Kontaveit, who defeated

world number one Angelique Kerber on Wednesday, continued to build momentum with a 6-1 6-1 victory over 16th-seed Croatian Mirjana LucicBaroni. Sixth-seed Simona Halep marched past Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 4-6 6-0 in the other thirdround clash. The Romanian will face Kontaveit in the quarter-finals. Unseeded Daria Gavrilova stunned Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the final eight of the competition with a 2-6 7-5 6-4 victory. Meanwhile, former world number one Maria Sharapova has been handed a wildcard to the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Birmingham in June, Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association said yesterday.

The five-times grand slam champion, who recently served a 15-month doping ban, learned on Tuesday she would not be given a wildcard into the French Open, with the question over whether Wimbledon will grant her one as yet unanswered. T h e 3 0 - y e a r - o l d ’s comeback has divided opinion, with some fellow players criticizing the decision to award her wildcard entries into WTA claycourt tournaments in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome. The Aegon Classic in Birmingham has now offered Sharapova the chance to fine-tune her grasscourt game after she committed to appear there next year as well. (Reuters)

Diving bans: Football Association approves retrospective action

Middlesbrough’s Gaston Ramirez was shown a yellow card for simulation at Bournemouth - before picking up a second and being sent off

Players who dive in English football will face bans from next season under new Football Association regulations. Under the new rules, passed by the governing body at its annual general meeting yesterday, a panel will review footage each Monday looking for cases of simulation. Any player unanimously found guilty of diving would be given a suspension. The FA also announced it has passed reforms it proposed in March, following criticism over the way it is run. The FA defines the new offence for which players will be punished as “successful deception of a match official”. Only incidents that result in a player winning a penalty or lead to an opponent being sent off - through either a direct red card or two yellow cards - will be punished. The

FA says it will act “where there is clear and overwhelming evidence to suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation, and as a direct result, the offending player’s team has been awarded a penalty and/or an opposing player has been dismissed”. Its panel will consist of one former match official, one ex-manager and one explayer. The announcement follows what the FA said was “a period of consultation with stakeholders over the past few months”. The rule change also required approval from the Premier League, the EFL and the Professional Footballers’ Association. Speaking in December, Burnley manager Sean Dyche said he thought diving would be eradicated from football “in six months” if retrospective bans were introduced.

Such bans have been utilised in Scottish football since 2011. The Scottish Football Association compliance officer - Tony McGlennan reviews incidents in matches and determines whether or not notices of complaint should be raised. If a player is deemed to have dived during a game and the match officials did not recognise that at the time, the player will be issued with a disciplinary notice. The player can then either acknowledge guilt and accept the punishment offered by the compliance officer, or appeal. If it is the latter, a hearing is convened with an independent threeman panel - including people from legal and football backgrounds - who consider the case made by the compliance officer and the player before making a ruling.

Kaieteur News

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Friday May 19, 2017

IPL 2017, Qualifier-2, Bengaluru

History with Mumbai, momentum with KKR Head-to-head - Overall: Mumbai have won 15 of the 20 matches between the sides. This season: KKR have lost on both occasions from a position of strength. On a greasy Wankhede outfield, they failed to defend 59 off the last 23 balls after removing the cream of Mumbai’s batting line-up. In their last league game at Eden Gardens, they failed to chase down 25 off the last three overs. The loss cost them a finish in the top two. Big picture - Mumbai Indians shed their tag of slow starts to rack up nine wins in their first eleven matches. They’ve slowed down since, losing three of their last four games. The last two overs, off which they conceded 41, proved costly in the first Qualifer against Rising Pune Supergiant. If there’s one surface where their bowlers can rediscover their mojo, it’s the one at Chinnaswamy. The pitch is unlikely to be

too different from the one that hosted the Eliminator. On Wednesday, spinners were tough to get away, and the pacers largely stuck to cutters and cross-seam deliveries to apply the brakes in the first innings before the rain came down. That could force Mumbai go back to Harbhajan Singh, who has picked up seven wickets in the middle overs, the most among Mumbai bowlers. That could mean leaving out one of Karn Sharma or Krunal Pandya, both of whom take the ball away from the right-handers. If the tackiness of the surface warrants an extra batsman, Krunal is likely to get the nod. Knight Riders have a problem or two in the middle order. A six-over shootout against Sunrisers Hyderabad didn’t quite expose it despite their losing three wickets inside the first two overs. Manish Pandey suffered a

side strain and has been ruled out. With the surface on the slower side, Knight Riders could bring back Kuldeep Yadav, their most successful spinner this season, and leave out either Ishank Jaggi or Suryakumar Yadav. Bengaluru has witnessed plenty of rain over the past week. The forecast for Friday is no different, although the state-of-the art sub-air system is capable of sucking out nearly 10,000 litres of water per minute. With both sides sure to keep an eye on the weather, the toss could b e c o m e v i t a l . The likely XIs - Mumbai Indians: 1 Parthiv Patel (wk), 2 Lendl Simmons, 3 Rohit Sharma (capt), 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Mitchell McClenaghan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Jasprit Bumrah.

WDFA/Stag/Derrick Josiah KO Tiwari Drug Store on board; semis set for May 27

Owner of Tiwari Drug Store, Tularam Tiwari hands over the cheque to WDFA Secretary Adrian Giddings with President Orin Ferrier (2nd left) and VP Christine Schmidt savoring the moment. Long time supporter of footbal l o n t h e We s t Demerara, Tularam Ti w a r i , P r o p r i e t o r o f T i w a r i ’s D r u g S t o r e located at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara has once again thrown his support behind the sport on the West side, this time, the Stag sponsored Derrick Josiah knock-out competition which has reached the semi final stage. Yesterday, the top brass of the association were presented with a cheque for

an undisclosed amount towards the successful staging of the tournament. Accepting on behalf of the body was Secretary Adrian Giddings in the presence of President Orin Ferrier and Vice President, Christine Schmidt. Tiwari in handing over his contribution said that he had known the late Josiah who was also a villager of Uitvlugt for many years and was happy to be able to make a contribution towards the tournament that keeps his

memory alive noting that he was also an avid supporter and administrator of the sport. Giddings in turn thanked Tiwari for his contribution. Meanwhile, the semi finals of the competition will be contested on Saturday May 27th at the Den Amstel ground when Pouderoyen will face off with Young Achievers from 18:00hrs to be followed by a match-up between arch rivals Den Amstel and Uitvlugt.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 Sunil Narine, 2 Chris Lynn, 3 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 4 Robin Uthappa, 5 Yusuf Pathan, 6 Ishank Jaggi, 7 Suryakumar Yadav/Kuldeep Yadav, 8 Piyush Chawla, 9 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 10 Umesh Yadav, 11 Trent Boult. Strategy punt - Knight Riders could consider opening the bowling with Sunil Narine. Lendl Simmons, his Trinidad and Tobago team-mate, has fallen to him once previously and has scored just five off the nine balls he has faced. Parthiv Patel has also been unable to break free against the offspinner, scoring 17 off 19. In comparison, Simmons and Parthiv have struck at 143.59 and 146.20 respectively against pace this season. Rohit Sharma has been dismissed by legspinners five times this season. KKR have two wristspinners in their squad: Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav, who can exploit this weakness. (ESPNcricinfo)

Will Mumbai Indians bring back Harbhajan Singh for the knockout clash? © BCCI

Windies stuck at eighth after annual update Dubai, United Arab Emirates, CMC – West Indies remained rooted at eighth in the World Test Rankings released yesterday following the annual update in which series results from 2013-14 are no longer included and outcomes from the 2015-16 series are weighted at 50 per cent. The Jason Holder-led side have gained five points in the period under review and now have a total of 75, trailing sixth-placed Sri Lanka by 16 points and ahead of ninth-placed Bangladesh by six points. West Indies lost their last three Test series against India last year on home soil, followed by Pakistan last year in the United Arab Emirates and the recentlyconcluded series on home soil. Out of the 10 matches, West Indies registered wins in two matches, lost six and drew two. India have retained the No.1 Test ranking, leading South Africa by six points, but only nine points separate third-ranked Australia from

seventh-ranked Sri Lanka. India has moved to 123 points after gaining one point. Second-ranked South Africa however, now have the table-toppers firmly within their sights after vaulting from 109 points to 117 points. This jump means the pre-update gap of 13 points has now been trimmed to just six points. While India and South Africa have made upward

movements, Australia, England and Pakistan have headed in the opposite direction. Australia has retained its third place, but has plummeted from 108 points to 100 points; England has stayed in fourth position, but has slipped to 99 points after conceding two points; while Pakistan have dropped behind New Zealand in sixth place after conceding four points to sit on 93 points.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

George secures second medal at 4th Islamic Solidarity Games Hooper wins High Jump bronze

Natrena Hooper

Winston George

Following up on his silver medal in the 400m final at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday, Police Progressive Club athlete and Policeman, Sergeant Winston George earned a bronze medal yesterday in the 200m. George clocked 20.62s behind Ramil Guliev of Turkey who won the gold with silver going to Salem Eid Yaqoob of Bahrain; a total of 37 athletes were entered in this event. Running braves Athletic Club’s Natrena Hooper copped her nation’s third

medal at these games with bronze in the High Jump with a leap of 1.77m. The event was won by U z b e k i s t a n ’s N a d i y a Dusanova (1.80m) with silver going to Algeria’s Yousra Arar who achieved a similar height to Hooper. 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. The duo is part of a fivemember athletics team currently at the games with a multisport contingent.

GAPF to host fundraising BBQ & Deadlift Competition Bounty Farm Ltd. donates chicken

GAPF PRO Dr. Osmond Mack (left) receives the letter of commitment from Bounty Farm Ltd. Manager Keith Fernandes. By Franklin Wilson The G uyana A mateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF in its continued efforts of being proactive towards raising funds will on Sunday June 4th next hold a bar-b-que and an Open Deadlift competition at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium. According to GAPOF

Organising Secretary/PRO Dr. Osmond Mack Bounty Farm Limited is again on board and has donated chicken towards the fund raising bar-b-que that will be on sale at $1000 each. Mack reminded that bounty Farm would have made a similar donation to the federation for their (Continued on page 32)

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Friday May 19, 2017

Riflemen ready for the ranges again following extensive rehab. of the Timehri Range Fullbore Captain of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Mahendra Persaud has informed that the C a r i b b e a n ’s l e a d i n g marksmen are ready to return to active shooting ahead of the federation’s 150th anniversary in October this year. Active shooting would have been on hold for the past few months as a result of extensive and highly rewarding works and upgrade to the Timehri Rifle Ranges to bring it in line with international standards ahead of what is anticipated to be a huge competition,

come October next. Persaud, who has captained Guyana to many a Caribbean titles over the years – Guyana are the current defending Short and Long Range Caribbean Champions – has disclosed that competing on home turf for the 150th anniversary as host of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships will be an honour. He informed that the likes of Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Dylan Fields, Leo Romalho, Ryan Sampson, Terrance Stuart and others are getting ready to get back in the trigger

Rebuilding the Backstop at the Timehri Rifle Ranges located at Yarrowkabra, Linden Soesdyke Highway.

groove as they get ready to welcome the top nations of the world including Australia, Great Britain and the Caribbean to Guyana. ”We have been hard at work over the past few months adding a different touch to the ranges at Timehri in terms of upgrade which has

been very successful. They works would have been carried out by the shooters themselves in conjunction with the Guyana Defense Force and we are very thankful for their cont8inued support.” Noting that the shooters are now getting into second

gear, Persaud said that the first practice shoot this Sunday will be held at the 300, 600 and 1000 yards ranges on the Eastern half the ranges. ”These are the banks that are almost ready for October. Whilst the ranges are not 100%complete. The team

must commence training now. The GuyanaNRA wishes to express thanks to COS Brigadier Patrick West and the high command of the GDF for their support and assistance during the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Timehri Rifle Ranges.”

Kaieteur News

Friday May 19, 2017

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GBTI continues support for Annual Open The Guyana Bank for Tr a d e a n d I n d u s t r y (GBTI) remained steadfast in its commitment to sponsor its Annual Open Competition which is run by the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA). The Bank’s assurance was given during a Launch that was conducted recently. According to a release from the GTA, the highly anticipated event which is in its 6t h e d i t i o n w i l l commence on June 2 and is expected to attract most o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s t o p players. The release added that it is anticipated to attract the largest contingent of players both seasoned as well as novices. ”Having committed this annual tournament to the GTA during 2010, the Bank still remains the sole

provider of at least two tennis courts on which the GTA can host its only tournament with the full c o m p l e m e n t o f categories”. The two week long tournament will feature 13 categories: Men’s Open Singles and Doubles, Ladies Open Singles and Doubles, Men’s Over 35 Singles and Doubles, Men’s Over 45 Singles and Doubles, Mixed doubles, Junior Boys Open Singles, Junior Girls Open Singles and Novice Medley Singles and Doubles. The Ladies Open Singles draw this year will lose last year ’s finalist Nicola Ramdyhan, who is currently training in Florida, but the Men’s Open draw will benefit from a coinciding visit from top player Daniel Lopes, who is also attending college in Florida.

The format for all categories except novice is best of 3 sets. The novice categories will play one set no advantage. The action gets underway from 17:00hrs every weekday of the competition and from 8:00hrs on weekends. Entrance forms have been distributed via all clubs and the association’s facebook p a g e https://www.facebook.co m/guyanatennisassociat ion. T h e To u r n a m e n t Coordinator can be reached at 642-5672. The Opening Ceremony for the tournament is set for 16:30hrs on Friday June 2 immediately after which first round matches will commence. The general public is invited and all players and officials are expected to be present.

GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager Pamela Binda presents sponsorship cheque to GTA’s Vice President Grace McCalman (left) and Secretary Oswin Coggins.

t r o Sp

GDA Independence International tourney to commence on May 26

GDA President Sheik Yassin (2nd from left) with (from left) Luis Ramirez - Merlano, Sudesh Fitzgerald and Shondell Hyles.

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance Maintenance Company ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal launched launched

Chairman of the NSC Ivan Persaud (second left) and Managing Director of the Company Shanai Gomes (second right) seen with Referee Co-ordinator Wayne Griffith (left), Seraiah Clarke and teams representatives yesterday. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210