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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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
Crime and tourism The New York media was ablaze with reports of a death in the tourist paradise of Anguilla. The circumstances are still hazy weeks later, and the circumstances disputed. But some clarity is emerging. A man is dead, a native Anguillan. The alleged killer, a vacationing investment banker, has been allowed to leave the picturesque island and return with his family to the United States. The locals are furious at the latter development and cry out about injustice. For his part, the American investment banker has insisted that there was aggression and unknown, but malicious intents, by the deceased, endangering his wife and two young daughters. The Anguillan died in the confrontation. The American has committed publicly to returning and clearing any uncertainties relative to what did happen. Apparently, he was convincing enough for Anguillan law enforcement to release him and permit departure. Whether agreed with or not, the entire sequence of events reflects certain longstanding priorities of tourist nations. There is heavy emphasis on maintaining and enhancing reputation, attraction, satisfaction, and continuation of the host country. This is exhibited and achieved through standards, seriousness, and strength. Every need and eventuality are covered: that is why the visitors keep coming. They are catered to, get what they pay for, and feel safe. Those are the keys, and the latter should be the main lesson for Guyana. Crime is a major concern here. Citizens feel shortchanged on safety, with officialdom shorthanded on reliability and record. That is terrible for Guyanese; it would be more terribly unsatisfactory for visitors. All it takes is one incident. There have been those. This country can embark on the best marketing strategy, expensive building programs in the best part of town, and with the best additions and allurements. Not enough. There is the need to reassure tourists through record, reputation, quality. Nobody will go anywhere to end up brutalized or worse yet - dead. Imagine the headlines. The scare stories. The damage. Who wants to buy a lovely building, to make a home, in a seedy, dismal part of town? Seedy and dismal are magnets for a certain kind of citizenry: derelicts, bottom-feeders, criminal classes. Buyers will not come. And if they do, it has to be at a bargain basement price. Buyer’s remorse steps in quickly. The word spreads. Don’t go there. That could be Guyana with its crime problem; a problem destination. Spend money elsewhere. In peace. In true relaxation. Visit the spots, have a drink, take out wallet, walk back and absorb the sights and nights. Do all of this, without a worry in the world. That is not Guyana today. It is longed for, not deliverable yet: crime waves are an inaccuracy. Because waves rise and fall; no such thing here. Tourists are obvious: short pants, skimpy threads; a distinctive casualness, lack of urgency or awareness. Problem. For them. For police. For country. Means they have currency; makes matters more enticing. Take a chance. Score one. That is one too many; Guyana cannot afford. Positive development to consider is increasing criteria for police force recruitment. None could argue with professionalizing. Another problem: who is so desirous? Who is so willing? The Guyana Police Force has signaled that it is. Still coming up short. Not enough bodies. Professionalizing and enhancing requirements are well meaning; there is the law of unintended consequences. Save that it may not be so unintended: look what is there now. Project what could be had by going this route. Quality maybe. Quantity would be foregone, but only if to get people in the door. Build a nucleus, create a calling. Protect. Serve. Respond. Honour. Guyanese cry for it, though they resign themselves. Foreigners and those spending time and money are utterly unforgiving. They complain, they protest. Word gets around. Don’t go there. Avoid at all costs.
HAVE WE BECOME SO HEARTLESS? DEAR EDITOR, Has Guyana become such a heartless society? I ask this question because on Sunday evening, on the bridge linking Church Street to North Road which leads into Orange Walk, I noticed a walker (equipment used to support someone who can’t walk on their own ) partially in the pathway of vehicular traffic. A closer look revealed that there was a human being lying next to the walker. I asked my friend Neville Bissember who was driving whether my eyes were deceiving me or whether in fact someone was lying next to the walker dangerously positioned as to be run over by a passing vehicle. Bissember confirmed that my eyes had not deceived me and in fact there was a human being lying there. He said the
walker had been there since the previous night. By the time our conversation about this situation ended, we had reached “Bam Bam Alley” where we were to sip on a beer or two. However, the picture of this person possibly being run over remained in my head. I told Bissember I could not have a drink with this “picture” haunting my mind and that we should return to see what assistance we could render. We did. As soon as I got out of the car and approached the walker, I heard a female voice say, “Daddy please call an ambulance”. Several people were walking by unconcerned and had probably done so ever since this woman had fallen off her walker, which, unless she was moved and
then returned to fall at the same spot, had to be a period of 24 hours. Even two police on motorcycles passed while we were there awaiting an ambulance and neither even looked in the direction of the walker, let alone the stricken woman. I dialled 911 and got a fairly quick answer. I advised of the situation and requested an ambulance. After giving the location and a description of the problem I was put on hold for about five minutes, only to be told by the 911 operator that I needed to call 912. I then called 912 to request an ambulance. I was asked a series of questions including my name, telephone number and address. I enquired why was this necessary and if I gave my name as Jagdeo Granger, whether
that would be okay. The operator wasn’t amused. So I gave the required information and an ambulance was there in quick order, sirens blasting. Turns out that the woman, seemingly a homeless person, had a severe wound on her leg, which had become infected. The ambulance service personnel did a good job while being advised by the small crowd that had gathered how they should lift or not lift the woman and what should be done with the walker. Many of these same onlookers would have walked pass this stricken woman prior to the ambulance being there, and not even batted an eyelid. Have we become so heartless? Regards Wesley Kirton
A CREDIT BUREAU IS TOO IMPORTANT TO DEVELOPMENT TO BE TAINTED BY INEPTITUDE DEAR EDITOR, I regretfully write to state that the illustrious Credit Bureau of Guyana, licensed to operate in Guyana since 2013 has now fallen into a defunct state. A credit bureau is an organisation that collects credit information from lenders and other entities on a consumer, studies it, and uses it to create comprehensive credit reports and other value added services. Credit Bureaus are critical elements of a country’s financial infrastructure. They increase access to credit; they support responsible lending and reduce credit losses; and they strengthen banking supervision in monitoring systemic risk. However, this Credit Bureau seems to be neglecting their responsibility. I visited the institution to obtain a credit report on myself to take to a moneylender to obtain a loan to pay for a land allocation, which I have to clear within six months. The area that the land is currently located on is a swamp and won’t be developed for another year, but it somehow costs 2.5M. Now the Bank with which I have credit facilities, for the past 3 years has opined that they don’t loan money to buy land unless a transport can be issued, in which case it takes the government just about a year, so they won’t lend. This has forced me to take my request to a private moneylender who has requested I present a credit report to facilitate the transaction. Now if I don’t pay for this land within six months, the allocation will be rescinded, so urgency is key. The Credit Bureau in-
formed me that I have no credit score despite starting my business in 2014/2015 with a loan of $500,000 from IPED, which I cleared within six months. After this, I obtained another loan from IPED for $1.5M and a hire purchase from BM Soat for $2.5M in 2015, which was subsequently bought over by IPED in 2016. After servicing these loans for some time, I transferred all of my credit to Republic Bank Limited in October 2016 in order to benefit from a reduced interest rate offered through the Small Business Bureau for a loan of $2.8M. This loan was paid well until June 2017, when I refinanced for another $500,000, to do some expansion and has been paid down to about $1.5M to date. I also have a credit facility with Unicomer Guyana Inc., which I initiated in February 2018 for approximately $900,000 which is currently down to $210,000 and will be cleared in 3 months. Multimillion dollars, credit facilities and personal spending have enabled me to have a business with assets worth $6M and home furnishings worth $2M, with a current indebtedness of about $1.7M, after starting out with nothing in 2014. I’m certain that anyone reading this would get the impression that I have an excellent credit score to be able to obtain that many loans and to have paid them off and obtained new ones, which have also been reduced significantly due to the good performance of my business and goodwill. But according to the Credit Bureau, I still owe IPED $200,000. There is no data about the completion of my loans at IPED, nothing from my recent credit at RBL
and nothing from Unicomer, nothing that is accurate, correct or up-to-date. This is appalling and preposterous. This institute, which operates at a luxurious building located on prime real estate in Central Georgetown, established six years ago has no current data on me. After some probing, I was told that the various credit institutions have not been submitting the required data for the past few years. When asked why haven’t the Credit Bureau been requesting the information, I was told that the Credit institutions are required to submit them on a monthly basis and they wouldn’t know if any information was not submitted unless an individual like myself files a complaint. It seems to me that the Credit Bureau isn’t doing its work. They are not maintaining the vast and expansive database they’re supposed to be maintaining on all Guyanese residents in order to provide the timely reports they were established to provide. They seem to be just sitting and waiting for a request to come in, after which they go in search of the required information. Now mind you, I put this to the test too. After receiv-
ing my outdated credit report and left the office, the receptionist called and indicated to me that both IPED and RBL were contacted and informed them that the respective loan contracts were closed and that my credit rating is still zero or non-existent. The vapid explanation for this is that you need to have current credit facilities in order to have a credit rating. How irresponsible! First of all, I do have current credit facilities that are well serviced so this should not have been said to me (inaccurate information - another area of ineptitude highlighted). Second of all, even if I didn’t have any current credit facilities, then the past history of good loan servicing should serve to render a good credit rating for me. One should not need to have a current credit facility to have a credit rating! Factors such as job stability, asset accumulation, income level, and most significantly past credit facilities should contribute to someone’s credit rating. “YOU NEED TO HAVE A CURRENT CREDIT FACILITY!” What utter nonsense! I’m asking that these issues be rectified immediately. (Continued on page 5)
Beware, the signs of our time DEAR EDITOR I was amazed to see in a recent TV programme the use of the word “conflictologist” to describe a professional attached to the University of Nairobi. I have lived and worked for many years in Africa when I was peripherally involved in the development programmes of the United Nations but never knew of any professional being referred as a “conflictologist”……. Is this an indication that conflict has become so endemic that its resolution has now been ‘elevated’ to a full-time, permanent profession? Beware, the signs of our time! Nowrang Persaud
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Freddie is playing a dangerous game with this society and our highest unions of the value of to the imposition, which he framework that will hold all to tertiary institution of learning account. utilising the afore-stated pro- did. DEAR EDITOR, There exist grievances between the University of Guyana (UG) and the trade unions (UGSSA and UGWU) who represent workers at this institution. While the matters could only be resolved in an atmosphere of mutual respect, informed by the Labour Laws and procedures in the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA), it must not be lost on the parties involved in the importance of attending to the extant grievances. It is becoming evident from some views in the media, surrounding this matter, gripes are being construed as grievances, playing out in a manner that could do more harm than good to the insti-
tution, those who work there and to those who it ought to serve, i.e. the students. Freddie Kissoon is one such person who is using this conflict to further his gripes with the institution and some personalities within. Industrial Relations is a discipline, guided by laws, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, rules and universally acceptable principles, not how one feels. Trade unionists do not argue for reduction of benefits but for improvement or that same be used as a baseline to secure a better package for the workers. To argue for reduction for another opens the door for similar arguments to be made why
Are we waiting for someone to be seriously maimed or killed? DEAR EDITOR, In March, I wrote to point out that the traffic lights controlling the junction of the Rupert Craig Highway and Sheriff Street were not working. These lights are still not working.
A Credit ... From page 4 I will be returning next week to the Credit Bureau for an accurate and up-to-date credit report. A Credit Bureau is too important to the development of a country’s economy and individuals’ lives to be tainted by such ineptitude. Who knows how many other persons will have to go through this when they need a credit report. It’s like we’re back to where we were when no fancy and expensive credit bureau existed. Frustrated Loan Seeker
In response to my letter, the Stabroek News invited a comment from Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn, Chief Works Officer, who said that these lights would be replaced within a few weeks. It’s now over two months since then. I also referred to the fact that the traffic lights controlling the junction of the Ogle Airport Road and the Railway Embankment Road have been left permanently flashing even at peak traffic hours. Both these situations are extremely dangerous but, it seems, continue to be ignored in spite of Mr. Vaughn’s promises. When, may I ask, will the Ministry of Public Infrastructure have these lights operational or do we have to wait for someone to be seriously maimed or killed? Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
you or the workers being represented should be deprived or are not deserving of better. Day-to-day management of UG is vested in the Vice Chancellor not the Council. If a grievance occurs between the management and the union(s) either party can initiate discussions between the two to have it resolved. Where there has been a failure to resolve same, either party can refer the matter to the Labour Department for conciliatory proceeding to be instituted. Conciliation is used as a process to defuse the situation, by bringing the parties closer together, with a view of resolving the conflict. Should conciliatory proceeding fail, the conciliator declares a deadlock after which the next stage is arbitration. Arbitration will be conducted consistent with the CLA or Labour Laws. As General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), I advised both the management and
cess as a medium to return normalcy to the workplace and their relations. The unions were advised of the futility in seeking to utilise the Council to address the grievances given the Council is not part of the process in resolving the grievances. Engagement with the Council on this matter will merely be one of courtesy. The role of the University Council is to develop, guide and support policies for the management of the institution. The Council has no executive authority or responsibility. This is vested in the Vice Chancellor. When it comes to issues specific to industrial relations practices and principles, the GTUC’s representative on the Council is so guided as to how to proceed. On the recent issue of the imposition of wages/salary by the management, the GTUC’s representative, Mr. Ivor English, was instructed to advise the Council of our opposition
The Cracks in CRIX DEAR EDITOR, I have been a satisfied consumer of CRIX ever since. But somehow, the manufacturers (or the marketers) seemed to have gotten the recent packaging wrong.To repeat the external packaging (design and texture) around the contents inside is clearly superfluous. One does not wish to be bombarded with all that colour before getting to the biscuits, which seem too fragile anyhow, as they crack-up much too easily when trying to release them from an overwrapped and over-coloured package.This is to ask the distributors to review this cracked CRIX, a component of my morning breakfast. Yours faithfully E.B. John
To the specific allegations being made by Freddie in his column that I have subverted time-honoured principles in the appointment of English to the Council, let the record be set straight (KN, 21st May, 2019- “UG: Something about this government I did not disclose”). English was appointed by the GTUC Central Executive Council. There is a long held practice of the GTUC that unless one, who is placed to represent the organisation on any board or council, does not express the desire not to continue, he or she will continue when a new board or council is constituted. English, like others, is a recipient of this principle. In this specific case of UG, the Ministry of Education solicited from the GTUC, via a telephone call, whether or not English will continue as our nominee. I responded in the affirmative. Freddie’s view that English’s presence on the Council is a breach of timehonoured principle is all in his head or part of his mischiefmaking conduct. He will always be at odds with my continuous call to respect time-honoured principles because he has no regard for same when it does not work for him. Issues cannot be resolved or guided by emotions, gut feelings, whether I like or hate you, what you do or if you will be adversely affected by any decision, absent some
Society functions best through civilised approaches (law and order). Kissoon and those who thrive on lawlessness, tension and division, to validate their thinking, the society is bound to implode will obviously be at odds with my vocal steadfastness and could only see same as a “stuck record” or “funeral boredom.” Freddie is playing a dangerous game with this society and our highest tertiary institution of learning. His longstanding gripes with the university and persons are clouding his ability to deal with issues based on merit, rules, laws and universally acceptable principles. In his recklessness, he cares not who he destroys, whose character he tarnishes, which institution he ‘breaks up’, once he gets his way. UG is not without problems, including the present worker/management relationship, but to bring about resolution and improvement require sane and objective approaches. UG workers are being encouraged, in their effort to seek resolution to the present grievances, to apply the principles of industrial relations practices. Such have always served the workers well. Lincoln Lewis
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Kaieteur News
Ministry of Natural Resources reiterates Cabinet’s direction on GFC Task Force DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Natural Resources has taken note of the letters and commentaries regarding the functioning of the task force and wishes to reiterate the Cabinet’s direction on this matter. In view of the national objective of moving towards a ‘green’ economy and the consequent realignment of critical agencies of State, Cabinet has approved a proposal for the restructuring of the Guyana Forestry Commission. Consequently, a Task Force has been established jointly between the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Board of Directors of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to address the reorganising and restructuring of the Forestry Commission.
The Task Force will include the technical and administrative talent and personnel of the MNR, the Board, and the Commission which will examine the structure and functioning of the GFC to make recommendations to the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael G.C Trotman, who in turn, is mandated to present a report to Cabinet. The Task Force’s mandate shall include, but will not be limited to, an examination and evaluation of current job descriptions and performance standards, personnel procedures, conditions of employment and appointment, wages and salary structures and payroll administration. It will further aim at improving the efficient performance and effective management of the commission by
identifying training and development opportunities for staff. The Task Force is expected to submit to the Minister of Natural Resources a work schedule with timelines and a preliminary report that would complete this assignment no later than July 2019. The Convener of the Task Force is the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Project Coordinator (FCPF), Mr. Clayton Hall. The Ministry expects that this addresses misguided remarks about the Task Force having an ulterior and devious political purpose, and clears up any uncertainties and awaits the preliminary report and work schedule. Public Affairs and Communications Unit (PAU) Ministry of Natural Resources
WORKING TOWARDS PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR ALL HUMANITY DEAR EDITOR, On the evening of May 23, Baha’is in Guyana of all ethnic backgrounds, and also millions more around the world in villages cities and towns would celebrate and observe a holy day commemorating the very beginning of the Baha’i Faith — a day known to Baha’is as the Declaration of The Báb. The Bahá’í Faith began with the mission of two divine messengers – The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. The Báb was the Herald, i.e., forerunner, who prepared the way for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh the prophet, founder of the Baha’i Faith. Like John the Baptiste of Christianity who was the forerunner to Christianity and Christ. The Bahá’í era dates from
May 23, 1844, when, in the Persian city of Shiraz, The Báb, i.e., Ali Mohamad, declared His mission. On that occasion, He spoke these words to Mulla Husayn, one of his disciples who was the first person to recognise that mission: “Verily I say, I am The Báb, the Gate of God…This night, this very hour will, in the days to come, be celebrated as one of the greatest and most significant of all festivals.” Following His declaration, The Báb sent Mulla Husayn, one of his disciples, to Teheran, the capital of Iran, to seek out Baha’u’llah, who instantly accepted the Bab’s message and summoned all those around him to do the same. Thus, from the earliest days of the Baha’i Faith, the
Báb and Bahá’u’lláh were united in spirit. One can better understand the meaning of this Baha’i holy day, characterised as this ‘greatest and most significant of all festivals’, if he or she reflects on how since then the world has utterly changed. Baha’is believe that The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh released a creative energy that is transforming everything about human life and society. The Báb (the word Bab means in Persian language gate) wrote, “I am a letter out of that most mighty book and a dew drop from that limitless ocean, and, when He shall appear, My true nature, My mysteries, riddles, and intimations will become evident, and the embryo of this religion shall develop through the grades of its being and ascent, attain to the station of ‘the most comely of forms,’ and become adorned with the robe of ‘blessed be God, the Best of Creators.” Bahá’u’lláh, prophet founder of the Baha’i faith, wrote later in His holy writings “A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause or perceived its motive.” These days since that beginning, a community of approximately ten million is established throughout the world, Baha’is work hand-in-hand with other communities, wellwishers, partners and collaborators to fulfill the promises of The Bab and Baha’u’llah that will see humanity living together in peace and prosp e r i t y . Faithfully yours, Rooplall Dudhnath
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Work will never cease in the quest to improve and transform the education sector DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Education is committed to providing the best learning and teaching environments for the nation’s children and teachers. In this regard, work is continuously being done to ensure that the necessary physical infrastructure is provided and equipped with the required tools in keeping with recognised standards and best practices. This entails but is not limited to refurbishing existing schools and centres, outfitting institutions with the requisite equipment, and, in some instances, constructing new edifices to better serve the needs of the country. Over the last three years, 23 schools were built to better serve the needs of the nation’s children and teachers. In February of this year, the Ministry of Education commissioned science laboratories in Region Five, Mahaica –Berbice and Region Six, East Berbice – Corentyne. In Region Six, science laboratories were commissioned at the following schools: Canje Secondary School, the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School and the Berbice Education Institute. In Region Five, the Woodley Park Secondary school is now equipped with its science laboratory. In that same month, the New Amsterdam Primary School was given 12 desktop computers and accompanying accessories to aid its Information Technology programme. Editor, with these new facilities and equipment, the Ministry of Education is expecting improved perfor-
mances by students in the targeted subject areas, particularly with the prominence given to subjects which fall under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) umbrella. Moreover, the Ministry of Education is cognizant that modern facilities are needed across Guyana in order to improve the quality of education delivered to children and to ensure that children and teachers can function optimally under the right conditions. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education commissioned two new nursery schools in Region Nine, Upper Takatu – Upper Essequibo. These new schools are the Parikwarunau and Arapaima Nursery Schools. Also, the Ministry commissioned in Lethem, the town’s first smart classroom at the Learning Resource Centre. These new facilities are testimonies that the Ministry of Education is serious about bridging the gap that exists between the hinterland and the coastland communities with regards to education. In March of this year, the Kato Secondary School in Region Eight, Potaro – Siparuni was finally commissioned following a number of issues which delayed its completion. During the commissioning exercise, it was noted that the school was built as a response to overcrowding that was taking place at the Paramakatoi Secondary School. Recognising the needs of the community, the Ministry of Education decided that it was of paramount importance
that an additional secondary school in sub-region one was built to serve the education needs of the region. On the note of responding to the needs of communities, the Ministry of Education through the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP) that is funded by the World Bank the construction of new secondary schools have begun. In 2020, the Ministry of Education is expected to commission the Good Hope Secondary School in Region Four, Demerara –Mahaica and the Westminster Secondary School in Region Three, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. These schools will have the capacity to accommodate 800 and 1000 students respectively. The institutions are intended to cater to the education needs of the new housing schemes and their neighbouring communities. Ultimately, the Ministry of Education recognises that an important aspect of improving the quality of education delivered to students is the provision of the required infrastructure so that students can be properly accommodated and exposed to the correct environment. Though it would be excellent to transform all schools and institutions overnight, the Ministry of Education recognises that the necessary changes will take time but its work will never cease as we endeavour to improve and transform the education sector. Kindest regards, Ministry of Education Public Relations Department
THE POLICE FORCE MUST BE LAUDED FOR ITS WORK IN BERBICE DEAR EDITOR, In the past few weeks, the police have come under pressure for what appeared to be a rise in crime. There were a number of murders, albeit domestic, and home invasion, especially in Berbice. It seems never a day went by without news of some horrendous attack. The focus appeared to be in Berbice. A popular businessman, my neighbour at the Harbour Bridge Mall, lost his grandson after he was attacked at Bagotstown. This week started with news that a West Bank mother was killed and her taxi stolen. On Sunday, there was news coming from Berbice that three men, all with criminal records, were killed during a confrontation with po-
lice behind Black Bush Polder, a known farming community.The police recovered a cache of weapons and ammo, cash, bulletproof vests and other items. Berbicians were loud in praise of the police.Mr. Editor, we know that the police are criticised from time to time. However, for the police to track down these men, said to be highly dangerous and well equipped, would speak volumes of increased capacity and strategic crime fighting. They converted intelligence and it appears with cooperation from citizens. The other murders, save for the female taxi driver from West Bank, appears to have been solved. There was an execution on Monday evening in the
East La Penitence area. The police are working. When nothing is happening and there are a few incidents of crime, the police are blamed for what appears to be a spree. The fact is, Mr Editor, the police force has been working hard to improve its image. There will be a few loose ranks. There is no excuse. Crimes are being solved and the police, for their operations in Berbice, must be lauded. They have managed to bring back ease to a community that was being terrorised. There will be pockets of criminals out there. The police force must be encouraged. They must be told too that they have done well from time to time. Cobeer Persaud
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Opposition Commissioners argue ERC report into GECOM’s hiring practices sabotaged Opposition Commissioner, Robeson Benn
The report by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) into the hiring practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been entered into the commission’s record, according to government-aligned commissioner Vincent Alexander, and no decision has been made to take action otherwise, unless it is discussed at another statutory meeting of the commission. But Opposition-aligned Commissioner Robeson Benn argued, during yesterday’s meeting, that the issues which prompted the investigation can’t be concluded on, due to the “non-appearances” of three key persons named by the sub-committee in the report. They are Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; Human Resources Manager, Marcia Crawford; and GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson who, according to the report, failed to produce documents concerning the alleged “shiftiness” of Vishnu Persaud, the person who Myers was chosen over for Deputy Chief Elections Officer. The three persons (Myers, Crawford and
Patterson) reportedly were required to and had promised to make available the necessary information, and the report stated that the failure to cooperate with the investigation couldn’t be anything other than deliberate and willful. “So in effect,” Benn told reporters, “the work of the ERC on this report – the true intent and results which one would have expected – were sabotaged by no other persons than the chairman of the commission, who promised to provide documentation, though he now says he gave instructions that that information should be provided.” Commissioner Sase Gunraj told reporters he found it disappointing that staffers of the commission would so flagrantly disobey an instruction by the chairman to provide documents necessary for the investigation. Benn said that the issues that prompted the investigation can’t stand as resolved, because of these non-appearances, as “these are very important and critical issues in respect of the work of the commission and in respect of how we go forward in our country.”
One of the concerns was that there may be an ethnic bias influencing the hiring practices of GECOM. Due to this concern, opposition commissioners, according to Alexander, were arguing for some sort of “compromise” to be afforded to Vishnu Persaud by, among other things, considering the idea of hiring him to another post. Gunraj stopped short of concurring with that proposal. He said that though he didn’t suggest hiring Persaud to another post, having someone with the experience and training of Persaud would be an asset; one that he believes should be seriously considered if it is still made available to the commission. But Alexander said that he doesn’t see the basis for such a “compromise” because the ERC report was “unequivocal” in the conclusion that there was no evidence of ethnic bias in the recruitment of Myers. Commissioner Gunraj also raised the issue of “non-appearance” by the three individuals listed in the report. He said that such failure to provide information is of particu-
lar importance. Asked whether action would be taken against the Human Resources Officer for not handing over information, Gunraj said it was proposed that the matter be dealt with by the Admin and Finance Sub-committee, a body which deals with Human Resource matters. “Another proposal is that we further discuss this matter at the commission level, first of all, to ascertain the veracity of those positions that are contained in that report and thereafter what steps are to be taken.” Gunraj, for one, has indicated that he holds firm in the view that penalties should be attracted for failure to comply
with the investigation’s undertakings. Even so, no decision has been made in that regard. Gunraj said that, since
much of GECOM’s discussions yesterday were about the appointment of Myers, she was excused from the meeting.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
GECOM Commissioners reiterate concerns over handling of legal matters
G
overnment-ap pointed Commis sioner, Vincent Alexander, is among those who, yesterday, reiterated concerns about the handling of legal matters pertaining to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Commenting on the issues surrounding the release of a legal opinion on GECOM’s voters’ list, which it is said expired on April 30 last, Commissioner Alexander said that it is his view that the advice comes at a bad time, given that the matter is currently under the consideration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Alexander also expressed concern about the manner in which GECOM‘s case before the CCJ is being handled by GECOM’s legal officer. “I have reiterated my concerns about the manner in which the CCJ matter was handled by very same attorney, and the manner in which the legal opinion was given. It comes at a very conspicuous time, when the matter is under deliberation by the CCJ.” Alexander claimed that the fact that GECOM is ac-
tively engaging the Court on a specific matter, the legal advice at this time can be seen as treading on the sub judice rule — a part of the law relating to contempt of court, which governs what public statements can be made about ongoing legal proceedings before, principally, the courts. Speaking to the press, following a statutory meeting at the Commission‘s head office, Commissioner Alexander explained further that although the legal opinion was sought after by Oppositionappointed commissioners, GECOM’s Chairman Justice (ret’d) James Patterson has no recollection of which date he instructed the Legal Officer and Attorney -at-law, Excellence Dazzell, to release the information. “The opinion was purportedly given before and it is the contention of the Legal Officer that the opinion was given to the Commissioner before the list expired on April 30.” However, Alexander noted that the Chairman himself has no recollection of when he told the Legal Officer to release that information to the
Commissioners. In addition, Alexander noted that Dazzell’s management of the case before the CCJ leads to more questions. “The issue is that GECOM had recruited an attorney to represent the Commission and the attorney advised the Legal Officer that we should make our submissions, but she claims that there was a misinterpretation, and she advised the CCJ that we will not make any submission,” Alexander said. GECOM is party to at least two cases before the CCJ. The first case pertains to the legality of its Chairman, who was unilaterally appointed by President David Granger, and the other matter relates to GECOM’s preparedness to hold elections in light of a ‘No Confidence Motion’ brought against the Government. Last week, PPP Commissioner Robeson Benn defended the Legal Officer, stating that she was acting on instruction of Chairman of the Commission, when she circulated information on the expired voters’ list to the Commissioners. Benn said that Dazzell
Government-appointed Commissioner, Vincent Alexander was given the green light to forward the information to all the Commissioners about a month after the advice was prepared. According to Benn, PPPnominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick had requested the information on several occasions, before it was finally released to them. Benn’s comments on the matter came hours after Government-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Desmond Trotman, criticised the legal officer over her actions, calling it deceitful.
GECOM‘s Legal Officer, Excellence Dazzell
Trotman had noted that the Commission had never collectively decided for Dazzell to release the information and called for an investigation into her reason for doing so. However, officials attached to GECOM, including Benn, have dismissed the concerns claiming instead that the legal officer was acting within her authority. Officials attached to GECOM contended that the legal officer, who is responsible for advising GECOM on legal matters related to the
electoral process, would have indicated to the Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, before the list expired, that it needs to be updated, in accordance with her interpretation of the law. Benn noted, too, that the position is not news to the Commissioners, since “everyone is well aware that the list must be updated through the claims and objections and continuous registration periods.” “There was no need for a new list, as long as the active (Continued on page 14 )
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Power can be intoxicating
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” A statement attributed to Lord Acton. This corruption refers not just to unlawful enrichment, but also the corruption of morals and one’s behaviour. But before we rush to condemn those who hold power and whose behaviour is characterised by arrogance, haughtiness, disrespect to others and bearing false witness, let us ask ourselves to what extent we contribute to these character traits in those who hold or possess power? How many of us show too much respect to those with power? How much of us refuse to acknowledge their wrongs and incompetence? How many of us refuse to comment on the fact that
many of them do not have the moral groundings to exercise authority over others? How many of them are square pegs in round holes? Power indeed tends to corrupt. Power brings with it influence, prestige and perquisites. Many of us want such status and therefore we tend to look up to those in power when in fact, we should be holding them, because of their position, to higher and more regular forms of public scrutiny. How many of us do not contribute to those in positions of authority feeling that they are demi-gods? How many of us do not make them feel that they are superior beings and that they have earned the entitlements of their office when we know that
many of them are pretenders who Lady Luck and opportunism has smiled upon? How many of us for selfish reasons feel privileged being around those with power because it makes us look good in front of our friends? How many of us would behave differently if the shoe were on the other foot and we ourselves had the power? How many of us would not want to be in their position so that we too can trample on the rights of others? Power can be intoxicating. Do you know what it does to someone’s psyche to have a position of power, which entitles you to a fancy house, a chauffeur, an expensive vehicle and all the other lawful pre-requisites, which come
DEM BOYS SEH
Don’t believe gunmen does do anything bad When a man got a name like Gun Youth you don’t have to ask wha he does do. Is like if a man name Snake or Snake Eye. If is snake alone, you know he quiet but dangerous. If he name Snake Eye, you know he does stare you down. This week one bandit name One Eye Pappy get kill in Black Bush. Nobody didn’t have to ask why dem call him that. He got one eye and he was 52 years old. So dem boys start to think bout Gun Youth. All de reports seh de man always shooting somebody. He shoot and kill a policeman. At least that is wha some people seh. Then de police seh he shoot and kill a money changer pun High Street. This same man so bad he commit six robberies pun New Year’s Day. Is now de police saying all these things. Dem boys want to know if de police know this man do dem things why dem didn’t pick him up all de time. Is de same thing wid dem men who get kill in Black Bush. All of a sudden people
hearing who and who wanted fuh murder and how much people dem kill. You hear how much robbery dem do, but dem never get ketch. It just show that de police can get you any time. Dem does only play de fool when dem seh so and so wanted. Dem know wheh de person deh. And is nice to hear de words wha de dead man family does talk. In de case of Gun Youth, he sister seh he was a loving fellow. He was loving other people thing. That is why he use to tek dem things by force. De Black Bush Polder people know who and who use to thief. One lady seh she use to talk to de one name Kelly to stop. But she never tell de police he use to do it. Anyhow, when people dead is good words all de time. One man had to get up and peep in a coffin to see if was de same person funeral he come to. Talk half and look out fuh de bad talk to follow.
with a powerful office? How many of us do not enjoy being around persons of authority? There are persons in Guyana who like to be in the company of persons with power, because it makes them feel themselves to be part of a circle of influence. It is egoboosting to be around those who have influence and aut h o r i t y. There is no doubt that it also makes things easier. Persons with power can pull strings and assist. They can grant favours, and this is why they often have such selfish followers. Persons with power can issue an order for someone to jump and when that person asks how high, it can corrupt the mind, because suddenly life is different. Persons who never had power and suddenly experience what it can do, experience a ‘high’ that makes them believe that they are beyond the ordinary. With one phone call, they can cause someone’s freedom to
be snatched. They can destroy people’s lives with one decision. When you have power, you enjoy privileges, which you never contemplated. You are treated special, invited to important functions where you wine and dine. All of this can have an effect on your thinking and, consequently on your behaviour. Persons with power in our society virtually do not have to spend any money. Whatever they want, they can click their fingers and someone will willingly provide in the hope of obtaining a favour later on. It is not as if those with power are not humble. It is just that they have no need any longer to be humbled. Every statement they make, however ignorant, is treated as a containing prophetic wisdom, every stale joke is laughed at; everything you do is justified. Lackeys and boot-lickers are always around to do their bidding. When we therefore seek persons in authority behav-
PAGE 9
ing arrogantly, we should ask ourselves to what extent we encourage such behaviour. You will be surprised by the answer. In most cases, we are the responsible for the very behaviour, which we are quick to condemn. Stop stooping to those in power! Stop buying them drinks and showering them with gifts! Stop inviting them to parties! Stop laughing at their dry jokes! Stop praising their poor taste in clothing! Stop justifying their abhorrent behaviour and indecent public conduct! Stop excusing their poor choice of company! In other words, stop putting them on a pedestal and you see how quickly they will become humble.
PAGE 10
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Crisis at UG: Obama called Kanye West a jackass If there is any human on Planet Earth that would never be coarse in public and always be careful and polite in what he publicly states it is Barack Obama. But when Kanye West went on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony and took the mike from Taylor Swift and denounced her award, Obama referred to West as a jackass. Three years later, Obama repeated this description in an interview with the Atlantic Monthly. When Obama could lose his cool and do such name-calling, then West had to have done something awful. In this c o u n t r y, t h e w o r l d o f politics produces party supporters from both sides of the aisle that make you so angry with them that O b a m a ’s K a n y e We s t remark is relevant in its application to them. Criticism of the APNU+AFC Coalition since its huge increase in salary for
its ministers, weeks after it came to power, has continued unabated. Since 2015, the APNU+AFC leadership has done unpalatable, egregious, undemocratic, shameful things. Its four years has been blighted. Yet there are barefaced people who would defend the government with an asinine reaction – the PPP has done worse. Are these people deserving of the appellation – jackass? What the APNU+AFC Coalition has done that is so depressing is that its four years of power has proven that the PPP does not have a monopoly on bad governance. The APNU+AFC leadership practices bad governance, aspects of which are worse than when the PPP ruled the waves. For the purpose of this column, I will highlight UG’s leadership since 2015. I say unambiguously, the A P N U + A F C
administration should fall on the basis of its encouragement of horrible performance at UG. In my piece yesterday, I wrote; “In a forthcoming column on UG I will do a fantastic chauvinistic act for which all readers, in and out of Guyana, will accuse me of showing off. But I will show off and ask your forgiveness because when you read the context, you will understand why I am boasting.” This article here is the show-off column. I stay in my corner and laugh at what I should not be cynical about – the tragedy of my country. I stand alone in pointing to unsuitable people and there is a torrent of condemnations. The refrain is always predictable – Freddie likes to criticise people. And as time passes, and I am proven right, I remain in my lonely corner and laugh at the mockery this country has become.
I have been a lecturer, union leader and Council member at UG when the PPP was in power. I believe I can judge what UG was like under the PPP administration and what UG has become under the APNU+AFC regime. When Professor Griffith took up the position of Vice Chancellor (VC), I became the only Guyanese in and out of the land to criticise him. I stood alone. I saw his perspective, directions, and policies very early on and I saw the danger and wrote about them. I was the only Guyanese in the world (I warn you I would showoff) to publicly denounce the humongous senior staff layout at one of the w o r l d ’s smallest universities. Today, per capita, UG has the largest senior staff structure in the world, with a vice chancellor and three deputies plus a huge layer right beneath those
placements. Guyana never had an official installation ceremony for a vice chancellor. Griffith had one and when you see the official invitation, each one had to cost about 5,000 dollars to print. A documentary was done on me recently and the interview took place in UG’s library. I was shocked that UG’s library is not airconditioned. Chancellor Nigel Harris took umbrage at my denunciation of Griffith. Harris perhaps never worked a day in Guyana. He gave up the post of chancellor. He has lived all his life outside of Guyana. Today UG is in a crisis, and if one reads the criticism of people like Chris Ram, the unions and others, Freddie Kissoon touched on those identical issues when no other Guyanese dared. The two unions have written a letter this week to the president describing a horrible administration. It was
Frederick Kissoon not penned by Freddie Kissoon. The two unions have written an open statement to its members asking for the removal of both the VC and the Pro-Chancellor, Major General Joe Singh. It was not written by Freddie Kissoon. The two unions have penned a devastating missive to the President of the TUC, Coretta McDonald, asking for the recall of the TUC’s representative on the UG Council, Ivor English, whom the unions contend has betrayed workers’ rights for six years. Freddie Kissoon exposed that situation two years ago. And he was alone in doing so. An apology for showing off.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Diamond youth, 22, arraigned for murder of ‘White Boy’
CHARGED: Kevin Rose Twenty-two year-old Kevin Rose appeared before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged for the murder of 20-year-old Patrick Fraser, called ‘White Boy’. The charge read that on May 9, 2019, at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, Rose, in company of others, murdered Fraser, during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Rose was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Rose was represented by Attorney-at-law Everton Singh-Lammy. The Attorney told the court that the defendant is a labourer who resides as Lot 1058 Nineteenth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank
Patrick Fraser, called ‘White Boy’ Demerara. Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers indicated that the post mortem and ballistic reports are outstanding for the file in relation to the matter being
completed. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded the defendant to prison until June 4, when he will make Continued on page 13
Wednesday May 22, 2019
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
Miner who allegedly chopped boss remanded River, with intent to commit murder, Paul wounded Paul Troy. The unrepresented Paul told the court that he is 34 years old, resides at Lot 18 Zeskendren, Mahaicony East Coast Demerara, and is a
Kenny Paul A heated argument between a boss and his employee has left the employer hospitalised and the worker facing wounding with a charge of intent to commit murder, after he allegedly dealt him several chops about the body. Kenny Paul, the defendant in the matter, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty where the indictable charge was read to him. It is alleged that on May 17, last, at Malibunta Backdam, Mahdia, Potaro
Diamond youth, 22, arraigned... From page 12 his next court appearance. When the matter was called, relatives of Fraser filed into the courtroom calmly. They sat in the seats provided to members of the public and their eyes were affixed to Rose as he was escorted by the police into the prisoner’s dock. When the hearing concluded and the magistrate stepped down from her bench, Fraser’s family members stood a short distance from the prisoner’s dock and continued staring at Rose. They were eventually asked to leave the courtroom so that Rose could be escorted out. According to the police, Fraser, of 518 Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, was shot twice, about 20:30hrs, on the day in question. The incident allegedly took place in a yard at Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Police in an initial investigation had revealed that the victim, while imbibing with friends in the yard, was reportedly shot in the region of his right upper leg and right side ribs, by a person or persons unknown. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Hospital. The victim was buried last Friday.
miner at a dredging operation, which is managed by Troy. Facts of the charge presented by police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, the parties had a misunderstanding.
Paul then picked up a cutlass and dealt the victim several chops to his left arm and a chop to the face, causing severe injuries. Troy was rushed to the Mahdia Regional Hospital and was later transferred to
the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remains a patient. Prosecutor Mansfield objected to bail based on the fact that the victim is still hospitalised and at the time of the hearing there was no
update on his medical status. Magistrate McLennan remanded Paul, and set his next court date for July 16 at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. She also instructed that he is to undergo counselling during that time.
PAGE 14
GECOM Commissioners reiterate concerns... From page 8 list was being updated in accordance with the law. “Trotman and the other Government-appointed Commissioners are against the revised list. They want a new list, which is part of a tactic to delay the elections,” Benn added. In her letter, Dazzell said based on the law, the list must be updated twice per year by adding persons who are now qualified to be registered to that list and those who are no longer qualified to be taken off that list. In her advice, she noted that she does not see the need for a new voters’ list. “The use of the word “revise” suggests that the process is not one where a ‘new’ list is generated, but one where the most recent list is updated or amended,” she said. “I, therefore, advise that procedures be put in place to ensure the revision of the list, otherwise the Commission would be acting in defiance of the law and may prejudice any by-election that may become necessary,” Dazzell said in the letter dated April 11, 2019. Meanwhile, Government Commissioners have been lobbying for house-to-house registration in the lead up to the general elections. Their position is being viewed by the main political opposition, PPP, as a tactic to delay the elections. The issue is a key element of case engaging the attention of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the region’s highest Appeal Court. The CCJ is preparing to hand down its decision on the validity of the December 21, 2018 ‘No-Confidence Motion’ that might necessitate early general elections.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Guyanese dies in NY after motorcycle crashes into sanitation truck
KILLED: Joel Deonarine, 31 A Guyanese man is dead and a close friend is critical after the motorcycle on which they were travelling struck a private sanitation truck in Queens, New York, early yesterday, police said. The dead man has been identified as 31-year-old Joel Deonarine The accident happened
The truck that was involved in the crash. (New York Daily News photo) as Deonarine and Christopher Sansarran, 23, were riding on a 1986 Honda motorcycle together, at a high rate of speed, going
westbound on Liberty Avenue toward 157th Street, according to authorities. The motorcycle struck a private sanitation truck as it was backing up in the vicinity of the location. Police say both men were ejected from the motorcycle, sustaining severe body trauma. EMS took the men to Jamaica Hospital, where Deonarine was pronounced
dead. Sansarran was said to have been stabilised. Officials said the sanitation vehicle remained at the scene. Its operator was not hurt. Deonarine is said to have studied at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, and resided at Rose Hall, East Berbice. He is married and reportedly left Guyana a little more than five years ago.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Unit encourages support for blind and visually impaired students — as Ministry launches week-long blindness awareness activities Maynard explained that the Unit was housed at the St. Rose’s High School for 33 years. During that time, he
Students attached to the Unit singing national songs at the launching ceremony.
Some of the equipment used by the Unit
In order to promote measures that can help blind and visually impaired students become productive citizens, the Ministry of Education through its Unit for the Blind will be spearheading a week of activities. The week of activities was launched on Monday, but it is expected that its impact will be lasting. At least this was the anticipated goal hinted to by Head of the Unit for the Blind, Mr. Haslyn Richards, when he addressed the recent launching ceremony for activities which will coincide with Blind Awareness Month. Blind Awareness Month is observed in May annually. But according to Richards, focus on the Blind and visually impaired students are not limited to this time of year. In fact, he revealed that the Unit is known to offer support to students that are in the mainstream school system throughout the year, so as to ensure they are afforded quality education that can help them realise their respective dreams. However, Richards noted that parents of children who are either blind or visually impaired should give their child a chance to explore. He said that when children explore, they learn new things, even as he counselled those in attendance that
their importance was amplified by Ms. Ashley Gittens, a teacher attached to the Unit. Mr. Roydon Maynard, who shared the history of the Unit, said that the 144 Albert Street building was commissioned on May 7, 2013. Prior to having its own building at Albert Street,
Head of the Unit for the Blind, Haslyn Richards, delivering remarks. children must not be left out of the classroom. He said that they must be encouraged to ask questions, make new friends and participate in activities, which would also help to build their self-esteem. Moreover, he remarked that the launching activity, which also helped to raise awareness about the importance of support for students, is one that was also designed to emphasise that the blind and visually impaired can have normal lives and therefore should be treated as normal people. Some of the items on display at the launch came under various categories including craft, braille, technology, home economics and agricultural science, and
said, it catered to the needs of a number of students up to the CSEC and GCE Advanced Level. As part of the week of activities, there was a prizegiving ceremony yesterday,
and today [Wednesday] the Unit will host a career day, while tomorrow [Thursday], there will be an internal games day for the teachers and students. To end the week of Continued on page 26
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Retrial ordered for alleged Sophia wife killer -as Appeal Court overturns conviction, 83-year sentence Holding that the trial Judge Navindra Singh ought to have given further and better directions on circumstantial evidence to the jury, among other things, the Court of Appeal yesterday overturned a murder conviction and 83-year sentence against Michael Anthony Persaud who was found guilty in 2014 of murdering his 19-year-old wife. In November 2014, Persaud was convicted by a jury of killing his reputed wife, Maduri Padumdeo, called
‘Sharda’. The killing occurred at their Lot 8 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown residence on December 23, 2011. Padumdeo, who was a cane juice vendor, was discovered naked and dead with a piece of cable tied tightly around her neck in their home. Persaud was present at the time the discovery was made; he was found lying in the bed next to her corpse. A post mortem examination conducted on the body of the victim revealed that she died of ligature strangulation. In
its order yesterday, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, setting aside the conviction and sentence. This means that Persaud will face a new trial for the offence at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes. Arguing against the conviction and sentence, Persaud’s lawyer Glen Hanoman had said that the trial judge failed to recuse himself from the trial after there was an interaction between his (the Judge’s wife) and the grandmother of the appellant (Persaud) which resulted in the judge directing
that the grandmother be detained for approximately five hours without conducting a proper inquiry. The lawyer had also argued that there was a material irregularity which resulted in a substantial miscarriage of justice when Justice Singh permitted persons wearing large buttons with the face of the deceased (Padumdeo) to be present in court in view of the jurors during the summing up and verdict. And further, “The Learned Trial Judge erred in law when he refused
MURDERED: Maduri Padumdeo
ACCUSED: Michael Persaud
to accede to the request of the appellant (Persaud) for a sufficiently long adjournment to ensure the attendance of a legal representative of his own choice and erred by personally and unilaterally appointing and assigning counsel without the consent of the appellant.”According to Hanoman, the mathematical formula utilized by the Judge in passing sentence was without legal basis. He failed to take into account established sentencing guidelines and passed a sentence that was inconsistent with the current guidelines.”The sentence was too severe in all the circumstances of the case. The Learned Trial Judge failed to explore the possibility of ordering probation report and to take other relevant factors into consideration.”In allowing
the appeal, Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette CummingsEdwards and two other judges agreed that the trial judge ought to have given further and better directions on circumstantial evidence to the jury. The Court also agreed that the trial judge erred when he failed to adequately deal with the main prosecution witness who “had an interest to serve.”At the announcement of the guilty verdict, Persaud had pleaded his innocence. “Your honour I am innocent of this crime.” While leading his defence, Persaud had told the court that he had no knowledge of the crime. He had said that he loved his wife and would never kill her. However, the State Prosecutor told the court, “Another young woman has tragically lost her life at the hands of a man; a (Continued on page 29)
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Executed ‘Gun Youth’ had killed cop, was wanted for money changer’s murder
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Dead: Collin Hooper, aka ‘Gun Youth’
Murdered money changer, Prince William Alleyne
By the time an unknown gunman ended his life by pumping several bullets into his head on Monday night, Collin Hooper, known as ‘Gun Youth,’ had chalked up a long rap sheet that included the killing of a policeman and a string of armed robberies. Hooper was charged around 2004 for the murder of Police Constable Outridge, who was slain in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels confirmed last night that Hooper eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment, and was freed after serving out his sentence. A police release stated that the East La Penitence Dam resident was also wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Prince William Alleyne on High Street, Georgetown, on April 16, last.
Alleyne, 57, was shot in the head and robbed by two men who escaped on a CG motorcycle. Police also said that Hooper had several robbery charges pending before the courts. He allegedly committed five robberies last New Year’s Day. While the release gave his age as 45, court reports for last January stated that he was 41. Hooper was riddled with bullets at around 20:30hrs on Monday in an alleyway near his home. Police said his body bore several gunshot injuries to the head. Investigators found six spent shells of a small calibre weapon near the body. Residents and passersby recalled hearing several gunshots prior to seeing Hooper ’s body. Eyewitnesses said that from the position of the body, the victim appeared to have been kneeling when he was shot.
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From page 15 activities, there will be a trip to Fort Island in the Essequibo River. The week of activities was officially declared open by Principal Education Officer, Ms. Volika Jaikishun, who said that the Ministry of Education has grown to have its own Unit in Georgetown. However, she advised that in all of the administrative regions, the Special Education Needs Unit has centres that can cater to the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired. She encouraged persons to take advantage of the opportunities that are available and to advise others to do the same, since today, there are many stories of persons who are blind or visually impaired living satisfactory lives.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Hymac sold as scrap metal for $35,000 without NDC’s approval
The excavator shortly before it was removed. Officials of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) on the East Coast of Demerara are investigating the sale of excavator by an employee without the necessary procedures being followed. The excavator, despite being stripped over time, belongs to the state and cannot be sold just like that, the officials insisted. However, it appears that is exactly what an official of the
Buxton/Foulis NDC did. The 580C-model Hymac was sold for a mere $35,000 on April 18th, according to the copy of a receipt numbered 100825, which was issued by the NDC in question. The Hymac was sold to one David Hardy. Yesterday, the NDC’s Chairman, Neirpaul Purai, when contacted, admitted that the matter was raised last week, during a statutory meeting of the council. He
said that he was shown a receipt for the purported sale of a piece of equipment and there were queries. The Chairman also said that an investigation has commenced. Kaieteur News was told that the piece of equipment was given by a previous administration about 20 years ago. However, during the crime spree of the early 2000s, the excavator was parked in
A copy of the receipt showing the excavator was sold for. front of a councillor’s home. Thieves stripped parts of it. According to officials, even if state assets are not operational, there is a procedure to be followed for it to be sold. The ministries have to be written and
valuation has to be done before it is advertised for sale. In this case, the instructions were given to an office staffer at the NDC and a receipt was prepared for sale of the excavator. An official of the NDC
reportedly told councillors that she was given the green light by someone in the Ministry of Communities to sell the excavator. The councillors have reportedly been asking around, without much progress.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
New Amsterdam to get new Magistrates’ Court; Smart Health Centre for Diamond/Grove
The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday opened tenders for a range of projects. Notable among them were a new Magistrates’ Court as well as Living Quarters for the Commissioner of Titles being constructed at New Amsterdam, and a Smart Health Centre for Diamond/New Grove Housing Scheme. This comes after the New Amsterdam’s Magistrates had to be relocated a few times due to rehabilitation works and other issues. The Smart Health Centre is under a project that the government is hoping to conclude by 2020, to enable five health care facilities to have safe and green practices and possess infrastructure, which will be able to withstand the effects of climate change and natural disasters. Other projects bid for included the Ministry of Public Telecommunications - Construction of Generator, Transformer and Fuel Tank Basis, Liliendaal, and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority - Consultancy Services for Architectural and Engineering Designs for Head Office Complex and Training Facility. Supreme Court Construction of New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court and Commissioner of Titles Living Quarters
Regional Democratic Council Region 6 Supply and delivery of Materials and Supplies Lot 1- Office Materials and Supplies-Categories A&B Lot 2- Janitorial Cleaning Supplies- Categories A&B Lot 3- Field Materials and Supplies- Categories A&B
Regional Democratic Council Region Four Construction of Smart Health Centre – Diamond/New Grove Housing Scheme Retender of Procurement of Tires
Ministry of Public Telecommunications - NDMA Supply and Delivery of Laptop and Monitors
Ministry of Public Telecommunications Construction of Generator, Transformer and Fuel Tank Basis, Liliendaal
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Consultancy Services for Architectural and Engineering Designs for Head Office Complex and Training Facility
Guyana Revenue Authority - Supply and Delivery of the Desktop Computers
Supply and Delivery of Industrial Document Scanners
Guyana Elections Commission Procurement of Print Production of Educational Materials for House-to-House Registration Exercise
Supply and Delivery of Microsoft Office Software
Guyana Energy Agency - Procurement of Security Services
Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Retrial ordered for alleged... From page 16 man who said that he loved her and was supposed to protect her.� Before handing down sentence, the Justice Singh had told Persaud that he deprived his child of both
parents and had shown no remorse for his actions. Persaud’s original sentence stood at 60 years; 10 years was added for the evidence of premeditation, another 10 years was added for the cruel manner in which the teen met
her demise and six years was added since it was a domestic violence-related crime. However, the judge deducted three years from the sentence for the time Persaud had spent in the prison pending trial, hence the 83-year jail term.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Female prisoners charged after fighting over time Two female prisoners were yesterday made to answer individual charges for assault when they appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Savita Persaud, 33, of Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, and Revlana Smith, 25, of 88 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, were accused of wounding each other on April 29, last, at the East La Penitence Police Station.
Both women pleaded guilty to the offence, however, a not guilty plea was entered on their behalf by the magistrate, given their explanations.According to Smith, she was at the Berbice Prisons at a church service
when she asked Persaud to find out what time the vehicle was coming for them to attend court, and Persaud started calling her names. This led to an altercation between the parties and they ended up before the matron of the prisons where the matter was resolved. Smith further stated that when they arrived at the East La Penitence Police Station, Persaud approached her and they started to fight after Persaud again used obscene language against her. In her explanation to the court, Persaud indicated that she was only trying to defend herself by scratching the other woman’s face, after Smith had attacked her, causing her to receive a black eye. Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail based on the fact that Smith has a previous court matter for attempted murder and multiple court trials which she never turned up for. He further objected to bail based on the nature of the offence and the penalty it attracts. Smith was further remanded, while Persaud was granted bail in the sum of $20,000. Persaud will however remain in jail for her previous matter. They are expected to make their next court appearance on June 24 for trial. In the case of Smith called ‘Ducky’, she was not required to plead to the indictable offence which stated that on March 26, last, at Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, she wounded Renetta Bharrat with intent to commit murder. According to reports, on the day in question, Bharrat, who is a policewoman, went to meet her boyfriend, who is the father of Smith’s son, however, they no longer share a relationship. Upon arrival, Smith reportedly showed up in a taxi, armed with a cutlass, and allegedly
Savita Persaud (in front) and Revlana Smith
started to chop the victim several times about the body before making good her escape. Bharrat was assisted by public-spirited persons to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was admitted. Bharrat’s right index finger was severed about halfway during the ordeal. She received several chops about her body, including a wound to the head.Persaud, meanwhile, was slapped with five charges in relation to trafficking in persons. The first two charges stated that between January 31, 2019 and March 8, 2019, at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, she engaged in trafficking in persons, in that she recruited, transported and harboured two Venezuelans, for the purpose of sexual exploitation. It was further alleged that, during the same period,
Persaud unlawfully withheld the identification cards of two Venezuelan nationals in aid of trafficking in persons. The last charge stated that during the same period, she employed a 17-year-old child to sell liquor at her premises.Persaud’s lawyer is contending that his client rented the Venezuelans - including the 17-year-old - an apartment on her premises. However, the lawyer said, the Venezuelans were unable to pay the rent. Hence, the woman told them to leave. He said they went and reported to the police that they were being held against their will.Moreover, it was reported that the businesswoman employed the Venezuelans to work at her business place as prostitutes, and she confiscated their travel documents.
New criteria for mercury importation by August 1 As the government puts measures in place to reduce the use of mercury in the mining industry, steps are being taken to ensure more stringent standards are in place regarding its importation. The necessary changes are set to come on stream as of August 1, this year. Mercury, also known as quicksilver, and most of its compounds are extremely toxic. Inhalation of its vapour will result in harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Speaking with the Department of Public Information,
Marisica Charles, Technical Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources explained that the approach to be adopted locally is for the issuance of an importation licence to be sanctioned by several agencies.“There is an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) currently in a draft stage between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Pesticide Toxic Chemical Control Board and the Ministry of Natural Resources for a collaborative approach instead of just one or two organisations.” According to Charles, the MoU will build on an already existing partnership.
“It will help us to work closer together, more specifically as it deals with the importation of mercury.” On Monday, the National Working Group met for discussion where they were regarding the Minamata Convention.The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. Local miners have been asking for alternatives to the cheaper mercury. A few of the alternatives involved modern technology and costly equipment upgrades, a fact that miners said will put them out of business.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Jamaican Nelson shines in win, Fowler-Reid...
Jamaican Shimona Nelson (left).
From page 32 finalists, are bottom of the standings with six points. At the Queensland State Netball Centre in Brisbane, Jamaican Romelda Aiken played a supporting role with 20 goals from 28 attempts as hosts Queensland Firebirds went down 61-69 to Giants Netball. Goal attack Gretel Tippett was perfect from her 41 attempts but it was not enough as Firebirds trailed 28-33 at the half, and failed to overtake Giants in the second half. For the winners, goal shooter Caitlin Bassett poured in 50 goals from 57
Wednesday May 22, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're often moved by emotion, Aries. You like situations that make you feel alive. Today your love life may give you just that kind of adventurous feeling. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You're a helpful person, Taurus, yet in your relationships, you often seem to confuse helping with parenting. You tend to do a lot of self-sacrificing. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Everyone needs to be loved, Gemini, but it shouldn't be your only objective in life. It isn't the end of the world if your charms fall flat every once in a while. Today you may be tempted to be a little less charming and seductive with the people around you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) There are days when a little humility can be good for you, Cancer, and this might be one of those days. It's as if the planets are talking to you about sincerity and taking you far away from the trappings of superficiality and popularity. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your fiery willpower can help you move mountains, Leo. But you already know that. When it's combined with your legendary optimism, it's a powerful tool you just can't do without. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today could discourage even the most ardent of passions, Virgo. Even if some people say you're a bit cold, know that there's a veritable volcano burning underneath all that ice.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, you should try to be tolerant of other people's social and political positions. You may have to deal with certain people whose personal plans are jeopardized by events beyond their control. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a day for doubts, for asking those hard questions that you need to answer. If you like to meditate, Scorpio, think about spending a little more time at it today. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) It may seem that you've been accumulating a lot of excess nervous tension and stress, Sagittarius. Unfortunately, you won't be able to count on the people around you to make it any better. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel physical and emotional tension today, Capricorn. Are you taking the time to care for your body? Has someone been putting a lot of pressure on you lately? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) People love to be with you because you have such natural charm, Aquarius. But today you may not feel especially charming or like talking to anyone. You may have a secret inside that's screaming to get out. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your partner may be all over you today! Are you in the mood to listen? Are you interested in some love? Probably not. You may have had a hard day and just feel like some quiet time together. You aren't up to the demands your partner may make on you.
attempts. At Quaycentre in Sydney’s Olympic Park, Trinidadian Samantha Wallace also found herself on the losing end as her New South Wales Swifts crashed to a 57-59 defeat to Sunshine Coast Lightning. The 25-year-old Wallace scored 33 from 36 at goal shooter while Helen Housby supported with 24 from 26 attempts at goal attack, powering Swifts to a 32-21 lead at the half. But Lightning hit back in the second half, especially in the final quarter where they out-scored Swifts 17-12, to grab the result. Ugandan goal shooter Peace Proscovia led the winners with 27 from 29 attempts while Cara Koenen scored 18 from 20.
Torginol Paints 16th Annual... From page 36 Continental Group of Companies, with two outlets in Regent Street, Georgetown as well as Distribution Centers and Dealers across the country. Mr. Ramgolam, on behalf of Mr. M. S. Ally again reiterated Torginol’s 16 year old and continuing commitment to support the Lusignan Golf Club and Golfing in Guyana. In response, Hussain expressed the gratitude of the Club for such continuing and resolute support from Torginol Paints. “Torginol is
the only locally manufactured paint with a special formula to beat the harsh weather conditions in Guyana. Similarly, the top Golfers will strive to win the Torginol Paints trophy and beat tough competition to emerge at the top of the field.” The LGC continues to offer free lessons and equipment, compliments of the Shafura Hussain Foundation and you can learn more by visiting their Facebook page @ lusigngolfclub or calling the club on 220-5660/645-0944.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Jamaican Nelson ExxonMobil Guyana partners with Waramuri shines in win, FowlerVillage to refurbish recreational ground Reid tastes defeat MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – Rising Sunshine Girls star Shimona Nelson continued to make a name for herself in the Suncorp Super Netball Championship, executing brilliantly down the stretch to carry Collingwood Magpies to a 65-47 win over Adelaide Thunderbirds last weekend. Playing at Melbourne Arena, the 20-year-old Nelson scored 52 goals from 57 attempts to lead Magpies, who won their second game of the season to move to 20 points in fourth and take closer aim at third place in the standings. Magpies posted an early 17-11 first quarter lead with goal shooter Nelson shooting 11 from 12, and sustained their pressure in the second quarter to lead 32-23 at the half. Nelson, who scored 14 from 15 attempts in the second quarter, kept up her accuracy in the third quarter with 13 goals from 15 attempts as Magpies outscored Thunderbirds 15-12, to lead 47-35 at the start of the final quarter. Magpies enjoyed a final quarter stroll, out-shooting Thunderbirds 18-12 with
Nelson scoring 14 from 15. Nelson is currently second in the league in scoring with 183 goals, behind Sunshine Girls veteran Jhaniele Fowler-Reid who has 201 goals. For the losers, goal attack Maria Folau scored 30 from 39 attempts while goal attack Sasha Glasgow netted 16 from 21 attempts. Fowler-Reid, meanwhile, was at the forefront for West Coast Fever as they tied 63all with leaders Melbourne Vixens at RAC Arena in Perth, to remain winless in the league in four outings. She scored 51 from 54 attempts and gained support from goal attack Kaylia Stanton with 12 from 16, as Fever and Vixens failed to be separated after they were tied at 32 at half-time. Fever led 18-17 at the end of the first quarter before Vixens hit back in the second quarter to out-score them 1514. For the unbeaten Vixens, Caitlin Thwaites led with 36 goals from 43 attempts while goal attack Tegan Phillip chipped in with 27 from 30 attempts. Fever, last season’s losing (Continued on page 31)
Two teams compete in a game of volleyball after the commissioning ceremony. ExxonMobil Guyana has partnered with the Silver Sands Sports Club in Waramuri Village, Region One to refurbish the recreational ground in the community. The facility was commissioned on Saturday last. President of Silver Sands Sports Club, Rowena
Williams said this has been a dream of several senior citizens of Waramuri. She revealed that the refurbishment was truly a community effort. Meanwhile, Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe and Community Relations Manager, Suzanne
De Abreu represented ExxonMobil Guyana at the event. Delivering brief remarks, Moe indicated that ExxonMobil Guyana is pleased to partner with the sports club on such a useful facility. “It is an opportunity to promote exercise, to promote youth development through
sports… and really an opportunity to gather as family and friends as a larger community, working together and being one,” she continued. ExxonMobil Guyana has made an overall contribution of about GYD$10M over two years to refurbish the sports ground and supply equipment.
Waramuri residents look on as two teams engage in friendly competition.
French prosecutors lay out allegations against... From page 33 Massata Diack and representatives of the IAAF did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Citing witnesses and documents, the prosecutors highlight what they describe as the “extremely complacent” attitude of the IAAF towards the Russian athletics federation, and set out the relations between a number of IAAF and national federation officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices. The Russian athletics federation has been suspended from world competition since November 2015, after WADA published a report containing evidence of widespread, statesponsored doping in Russian athletics. In March, French officials issued international arrest warrants for two former Russian athletics officials as part of their investigation into doping cover-ups. [nL8N216649] Diack, who led the IAAF from 1999-2015, brought
enormous influence to bear on the organisation during that time, including raising the leverage of African athletics federations in decisions over the hosting of international events. According to the prosecutors, Diack and his son, who oversees a sports consulting business called Black Tidings, solicited payments from athletes, either directly or indirectly, totalling 3.45 million euros in exchange for covering up positive doping tests, allowing the athletes to go on competing. The investigations being carried out by French authorities into athletics have already resulted in several arrests and agreement by some of those accused to cooperate. French doctor Gabriel Dolle, the former head of the IAAF’s anti-doping department, has accepted the accusations made against him and asked to receive preferential treatment if he pleads guilty, a deal that is being considered.
Warriors installed as Finals favorite over TBD Bucks-Raptors winner Golden State clinched a spot in a fifth consecutive NBA Finals and sportsbooks installed the Warriors as the favorites against an opponent to be determined from the Eastern Conference. The Bucks and Raptors were set to take to the court last night in Toronto for Game 4 of their seven-game series with Milwaukee holding a 2-1 edge. Bookmakers give the Finals edge to the Warriors, who are -180 against the Bucks according to Sports Book USA. Golden State swept the Portland Trail Blazers with an
overtime series capper Monday night, with Steph Curry delivering a triple-double in his fifth consecutive 30-point effort. The Warriors played the entire series without ailing forward Kevin Durant, who will have plenty of time to rest his injured calf. A Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals would be played May 27, giving Golden State seven full days off while that series plays out. Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be played May 30. (Field Level Media)
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Curry, Green carry Warriors to sweep of Blazers Historic individual performances already assured, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green went after something more important to them Monday night. A rest. Curry and Green capped triple-double performances by combining on the gameclinching hoop in overtime as the Golden State Warriors completed a four-game sweep of the host Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals with a 119117 victory. The win vaults the Warriors into their fifth consecutive NBA Finals. They will await the Eastern Conference winner between Milwaukee and Toronto, with either the Bucks or Raptors holding the home-court advantage in the best-ofseven series that isn’t scheduled to start until May 30. “We’ve been here before. We’ve seen everything,” Curry said of the two-time defending champs. “Yeah, we could have said that Game 5 was our game. But we saw how long that break is going to be, so we took advantage of it.” After winning their 11th consecutive playoff series, Golden State joins the Boston Celtics (1957-66) as the only teams ever to reach five consecutive NBA Finals. “I hope it doesn’t go unnoticed,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of the run.
Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half in game four of the Western conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. (Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports) “Five straight Finals hasn’t been done since the ‘60s, hasn’t been done for a reason. It’s very, very difficult.” Playing without Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins, the Warriors led just 116-115 before Curry spotted Green open for a 3-pointer that pushed the Golden State lead to four with just 39.6 seconds remaining in overtime. Damian Lillard got Portland within 119-117 with still 32.8 seconds to play with a driving hoop, and the Trail
Blazers got the ball back after Curry missed at the other end. However, Lillard had a shot blocked by Green, and after Portland got the ball out of bounds with 3.3 seconds left, Lillard misfired on a desperation 3-pointer, ending the Trail Blazers’ season. “In the end, it’s a sweep, but this was a lot more difficult than it may have appeared,” said Kerr, whose team trailed in all four games, including by 15 or more points in each of the last three. No previous team had ever erased 15-point deficits
in three consecutive playoff wins in NBA history. “We’re happy to move on,” Kerr continued, “and happy to get some rest before we have to play again.” Curry finished with 37 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in his first tripledouble of this postseason. Green chipped in with his fourth triple-double of the first three rounds — 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists — as the Warriors won their sixth straight game overall and their 10th straight playoff game against
Portland. The triple-doubles were the first ever posted by teammates in an NBA playoff game. “We have a bunch of guys committed to winning. We have one goal,” Green said. “Every year, no matter what bumps in the road we hit during the year, we always know where the end zone is.” Thompson had 17 points, and Alfonzo McKinnie and Kevon Looney contributed 12 apiece for the Warriors, who won their 11th straight playoff series. Meyers Leonard poured in a career-best 30 points, Lillard had 28 and CJ McCollum added 26 for the Trail Blazers, who had staved off elimination twice in their previous series against the Denver Nuggets. Zach Collins had 10 points off the bench for Portland, which lost despite outscoring the Warriors 48-36 on 3-pointers. “Hats off to Golden State. They’ve shown how great they are,” Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “We played them three really good games and couldn’t get over the hump. It was more a demonstration of how good they are. They find ways to win.” The Trail Blazers led 6965 at halftime, then for the first time in the last three games were able to build upon it in the third quarter. With McCollum scoring 11
points and Lillard nine, Portland went up by as many as 17 points late in the period at 95-78 on a jumper by Leonard. That hoop capped a 10-0 run. But the Warriors chipped away, first by scoring the last nine points of the third quarter to close within 95-87, and then drawing even at 104-all on a layup by Curry with 4:34 to play. The game was tied at 106 and 111 before the teams went the final 1:48 of regulation without scoring. Each team had a late shot at a regulation win, but Curry traveled before nailing a 3pointer with 10.7 seconds left, and Lillard couldn’t convert a drive in traffic in the final second. “We put ourselves in a position to go to the Finals,” Lillard reminded everyone after the loss. “Every other team in the league wishes they could be in our shoes. We just ran up on a team that has been there the last four years.” The Trail Blazers, who had double-digit leads at halftime in both Game 2 and Game 3, got the better of the first 24 minutes again, with Leonard contributing 25 points to a four-point lead. The 25 points by Leonard already were more than he’d ever scored in a complete game, regular season or postseason. His previous career high was 24 at Oklahoma City in 2015. (Field Level Media)
Former Formula One champion Lauda dead at 70 (Reuters) - Three-times Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, regarded as one of the finest racers of all time and who later became a successful airline entrepreneur, has died at 70 after battling declining health. Austrian Lauda, who was treated in hospital in January for about 10 days while suffering from influenza and had a lung transplant last August, died on Monday night, his family said in a statement. “His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable,” the statement said. “His tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.” Lauda won two world
Niki Lauda poses at the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany, March 20, 2018. (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger) championships in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and a third in 1984 with McLaren. He had a near-fatal crash in 1976 when racing at the Nuerburgring but despite suffering horrific burns, he was soon back in his Ferrari with a modified helmet and went on to claim his second world title. His rivalry with British driver James Hunt, the 1976
champion for McLaren, was intense and became the subject of the acclaimed 2013 film “Rush”. After two less successful years at rival outfit Brabham and then a two-year hiatus, Lauda returned to F1 for another four seasons at McLaren and won the 1984 title by a half-point over team mate
Alain Prost. While taking his first break after Brabham, Lauda set up a charter airline and returned to his aviation business full-time after bowing out of racing. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he grew ‘Lauda Air’ into an international carrier with long-haul flights out of Austria across the globe before it was merged into Austrian Airlines in 2012. Lauda also returned to Formula One in management roles, first with Ferrari in the 1990s and later with Mercedes, where he was appointed non-executive chairman in 2012. He is credited for helping bring five-times F1 champion Lewis Hamilton to the team from McLaren. “His passing leaves a void in Formula One,” Mercedes team principal To t o Wo l ff s a i d i n a statement on Tuesday. “We haven’t just lost a hero who staged the most remarkable comeback ever
seen, but also a man who brought precious clarity and candor to modern Formula One. He will be greatly missed as our voice of common sense. “Our Mercedes team has also lost a guiding light ... Niki was always brutally honest and utterly loyal. “Niki, you are quite simple irreplaceable, there will never be another like you.” Lauda’s death rocked the F1 community days before the Monaco Grand Prix, the jewel in the racing calendar, and
there were warm tributes paid by drivers past and present as well as the two teams he won world titles with. “Your passing leaves an enormous void inside me,” former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo said in a statement. “With you I have lived some of the most beautiful moments of my life, we shared many unforgettable Ferrari victories and we were always bound together by great affection, even when we found each other competing on rival teams.”
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Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
White Tiger Martial Arts Academy hosts Guybisco supports GCOS’ venture first Taekwondo grading for the year 3rd Independence 5K road race
Marketing Coordinator of Guybisco Collis Venture (left) and representatives of the Guyana Committee if Services Bill Rogers (right) and Avril Black (Center). The Guyana Committee of Service (GCOS) that will be hosting the third annual Independence 5K road race this Monday, are continuing to receive much support from the corporate community with Guybisco the latest entity to hop on board. At their Brickdam office, Marketing Coordinator of Guybisco, Collis Venture, handed over the cheque to Guyana Committee of Services representatives Bill Rogers and Avril Black; both GCOS members expressed thanks for the vital sponsorship. The race, which will begin and finish at the National Park, will have over $500,000 in
cash and prizes up for grabs with categories from under-10 to masters. In addition, with a bid to increase the competitiveness of the event, the GCOS has invited seasoned Kenyan athlete, Godffrey Mbihia to participate. Mbihia, who has experience competing in Europe and North America, will be rearing to go, after winning the C To C 5k race in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago last weekend. According to committee member of the GCOS, Leslie Black A.A., Mbihia will be also be holding training sessions with local middle and long distance athletes in
a bid to help them improve their current level. The event that has been sanctioned by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), will begin in the National Park then proceed into Thomas Lands, East into Vlissingen Road before turning left into Carifesta Avenue, Left into Camp Street, left into Thomas Lands then back into the National Park for the finish at the children monuments. In addition to E-Networks, also sponsoring the event are Ministry of the Presidency, Office of the Prime Minister, Guyana Committee of Service and Ken Phillips (Antarctic Maintenance).
French prosecutors lay out allegations against former IAAF chief Diack PARIS (Reuters) - French prosecutors have described a web of corruption once rife in world athletics, including bribes paid to cover up athletes’ positive drugs tests, in an indictment recommending that Lamine Diack, the Senegalese former head of the IAAF, and his son stand trial. The indictment handed to judges by France’s financial prosecutors’ office on Monday accuses Diack and his son Papa Massata of a host of illicit practices over a number of years, including bribe-taking and moneylaundering, with the active involvement of international athletes and their federations. Lamine Diack, 85, who is
under house arrest in France, and Papa Massata Diack, who is in Senegal, have denied wrongdoing. Senegal has refused extradition requests for Papa Massata, a businessman who worked as a marketing consultant for the IAAF. Under French law, the investigating judge now has three months to decide how to proceed with the indictment. Prosecutors began their investigation in 2015, shortly after the IAAF’s ethics commission and the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) uncovered evidence a Russian marathon runner paid 600,000 euros to cover up a positive drug test,
allowing her to compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games. “Under the leadership of its president (Lamine Diack) and over the course of several years of wrongdoing, the IAAF managed to combine corruption with the encouragement of doping,” the prosecutors wrote in the indictment, seen by Reuters. “(Diack’s) actions, which were in complete contradiction with his role, allowed doping athletes from one country to continue to compete and participate in the biggest world competitions in exchange for money,” it said. A lawyer representing Diack, William Bourdon, declined to comment. Papa (Continued on page 32)
Participants who took the Examination on held May 19th. White Tiger Martial Arts Academy hosted its first Taekwondo grading programme for 2019, which was held on 19th May at the New Amsterdam Town Hall. Twenty students participated in this grading, with scores averaging between 70 and 83 percent. Students who participated in the examination were, Chris Hope, Sayyid Rajbali, Jelani Names
Lambert, Andrew Layne, Aiden Kirton, Hemchand Palaniandi, Alyssa Abdulla, Adrian La Rose, Ethan Abdulla, Richard Vandenburg, Christopher Drupali, Jai Gopilall, Aliayah Harry, Alisha Harry, Ali Harry, Michael Dundas, Joshua Singh, Reanna Seeram, Nawaz Yang and Micquiel Wilburgh. The White Tiger Martials Arts Academy will be hosting their first Annual
Enter Exam at Rank
Percentage
Chris Hope 7TH KUP Green Tip 75% Sayyid Rajbali 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 72% Jelani Lambert 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 70% Andrew Layne 6TH KUP Green Belt 76% Aiden Kirton 6TH KUP Green Belt 75% Hemchand Palaniandi 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 76% Alyssa Abdulla 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 78% Adrian La Rose 6TH KUP Green Belt 77% Ethan Abdulla 9TH KUP Yellow Tip 76% Richard Vandenburg 10TH KUP White Belt 80% Christopher Drupali 10TH KUP White Belt 71% Jai Gopilall 10TH KUP White Belt 80% Aliayah Harry 10TH KUP White Belt 72% Alisha Harry 10TH KUP White Belt 72% Ali Harry 10TH KUP White Belt 83% Michael Dundas 10TH KUP White Belt 72% Joshua Singh 10TH KUP White Belt 71% Reanna Seeram 10TH KUP White Belt 71% Nawaz Yang 10TH KUP White Belt 70% Micquiel Wilburgh 10TH KUP White Belt 72%
Mathematics Competition on the 28th July. Other activities for 2019 are aTournament on July 14th and their Day of Sports on August 11th. Founder and Chief Instructor of White Tiger Martial Arts Academy, Marcello Small, wishes to congratulate his students on their performance and encourage them to continue along this path of their life where greatness awaits. Promoted to 6TH KUP Green Belt 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 5TH KUP Blue Tip 7TH KUP Green Tip 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt 8TH KUP Yellow Belt
Rugby: First woman appointed to coach a South African national team CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Laurian Johannes will become the first woman to coach a national rugby team in South Africa following her appointment to take charge of the country’s Under-20 women’s side, South Africa Rugby said yesterday. She will begin next month with two internationals against neighbouring Zimbabwe in Harare. “This is a massive achievement for Laurian and for South African rugby, and we wish her luck in this significant role,” said SA Rugby chief executive officer Jurie Roux. “The fact that Laurian played for the
Springbok women’s team and participated in the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup before learning the ropes of coaching at Western Province makes this achievement even more meaningful. “She has come through the ranks, and I hope she will inspire other former female players to enter into coaching and follow their dreams.” The union announced two other former female internationals in team management roles with ex-captain Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe to be Springbok women’s team manager and Natasha Hofmeester the Under-20 women’s team manager.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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Kaieteur News
RHTYSC Teams donate over $600,000 worth of items to NGOs, Cricket Clubs and Youths
Ms Janice John of Mt. Sinai receives her new cycle. The ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS on Sunday last continued their community development programme by donating over $600,000 worth of items to several Non-Governmental Organisations, Cricket Clubs, Youths and an elderly resident. The teams “Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division” are mandated by the Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to successfully completed a target of 300 activities combined as part of their personal development and to make positive difference in the lives of youths, the less fortunate and elderly. The ten teams with cosponsorship from the National Sports Commission handed over cricket balls to twenty clubs. Among the
Clubs benefitting from the donations were Chesney, Guymine, Mt. Sinai, Upper Corentyne, Whim, Rose Hall Canje, Kildonan, Port Mourant, Mental Hospital, Edinburgh, Young Warriors and Police. The teams also donated six trophies, twelve medals and a bicycle to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association towards the hosting of their 2nd Annual Award Ceremony, while the Rose Hall Town Hindu Temple on special request received a large quantity of trophies and medal towards the hosting of a fundraising Day of Sports. The Edinburgh Cricket Club also received a complete set of cricket stumps and also benefitted from a donation of four special prizes to host a fundraising raffle for the East Bank Berbice based team. Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO and Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster also fulfilled a commitment to a twelve year old cricketer from
Some of the twenty Clubs pose with their Cricket balls. the Edinburgh Club by handing over a complete educational package to assist him in his educational pursuits. Others to benefit included a nurse from the Port Mourant Hospital whose house was recently burnt down. Nurse Claudia Ross recently received a quantity of kitchen utensils, while the team donated a new bicycle to a resident of Mt. Sinai, New Amsterdam, to assist her to get to work after thieves had stolen her old one at her work place. The Berbice Cricket Board also benefitted from a donation of stationery and office equipment. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club was proud of the outstanding work of its cricketers on and off the cricket field. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Foster stated, strongly
believes in making positive difference and in the creed that the more you give, the more blessings you would receive. Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, hailed the Club’s 300 plus cricketers as true representatives of its
brand and urged them to continue the high standard they have set themselves under the Cricket Management Committee of Keith Hicks, Simon Naidu, Tyrone Pottaya and Ravindranauth Kissoonlall. Among the numerous
players of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS involved in the programme were Shemaine Campbelle, Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabiki Gajnabi, Kevin Sinclair and Erva Giddings.
Guyana Wrestling Association concludes three day Camp for youths
Participants who completed the three day Camp.
Fire victim, Nurse Claudia Ross receives her donation from Keith Hicks.
The Guyana Wrestling Association recently concluded its first of a number of Wrestling Camps, which was held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall. The camp was an introduction to wrestling for participants. Over thirty persons took part in this camp ranging from ages four to seventeen. The participants had the opportunity to learn the basics of Wrestling through games which incorporated the basics of the discipline and
some basic moves which kept them engaged, excited and focused. The Camp was an overall success and thanks was expressed to coordinator of the camp Ms. Kerryanne Edwards, Mr. Charles Johnson, Mr. Byron Lindie and Mr. Marcello Small, President of Guyana Wrestling Association. The Association plans to have several other camps over the following months as its plans to introduce in Guyana
Greco Roman, Freestyle, Beach and Women Wrestling also Pankration a sporting event introduced into the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BC. Gratitude is also extended to J’s Supermarket, Banks DIH LTD, J’s Printery, Bob & Sons Variety Store, Chenick & Sons Supermarket, Candy Boss, Mr. Michael Khan, Mr. Jason Rose and Staff of Mayor & Town Council New Amsterdam for their assistance.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Pressure of IPL adequate preparation Barbadian Archer nabs World Cup spot for players: CWI LONDON, CMC – Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer capped off a meteoric rise when he was yesterday selected in England’s final 15man squad for the World Cup starting month end. The 24-year-old, who holds a British passport through his father and only became eligible for selection in March, has played just three One-Day Internationals – all earlier this month – but bowled with pace and movement which convinced selectors of his quality. Chairman of selectors, Ed Smith, said the decision to include Archer had been “straightforward”. “Archer does bring different things to the squad. We saw that in advance and when he has had an opportunity in an England shirt he has shown what he is capable of,” he said. “He’s a special cricketer. He has pace, athleticism, dynamism and he can get you a wicket in any circumstances. There was a broad desire for him to be in the squad.” Archer ’s possible inclusion in the squad had sparked widespread debate in recent weeks. While several former England cricketers like Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff argued for his inclusion, some members of the current England ODI squad had urged caution. Seamer Chris Woakes was quoted as saying it would be “unfair morally” for Archer to be included and a settled member of the squad to miss out. Smith, however, said the selection panel had no such fears about any negative impact arising from Archer’s
inclusion. “Clearly it will not affect team spirit,” he stressed. “We’ve seen Jofra Archer play for England in the last few weeks against Pakistan, we’ve seen the skills and quality he has and seen the team perform with Archer in the squad – the success of the team carried on and I don’t see that changing.” Archer turned his attention to representing England after playing a handful of matches for West Indies Under-19s back in 2013 but then being ignored for the ICC Youth World Cup the following year. Snapped up by Sussex, Archer made an instant impact at the club. In his first full season in 2017, he snatched 61 wickets and scored 638 runs to earn the club’s Player-of-the-Year and Young Player-of-the-Year awards. Lucrative deals in the Australian Big Bash in the Indian Premier League followed, propelling the speedster from literal obscurity into the international spotlight. Archer is now expected to form a lethal new-ball pairing with Mark Wood for the May 30 to July 14 World Cup where England will begin their campaign as the world’s number one ODI side and heavy favourites. He was one of two changes announced yesterday with Hampshire left-arm spinner Liam Dawson included at the expense of Joe Denly. England host South Africa in the tournament’s curtain-raiser at the Oval on May 30.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Cricket West Indies says it does not anticipate any disruption to the squad’s preparation for the ICC World Cup due to the scheduled late arrival of key players from the Indian Premier League. Seven players, led by talismanic vice-captain Chris Gayle, only joined up with the West Indies squad last Saturday for the pretournament camp at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, after completing their IPL stints. This meant that Gayle, along with all-rounders Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite, batsmen Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, along with fast bowler Oshane Thomas, all missed the just-concluded Tri-Nations Series in Ireland – West Indies’ last one-day assignment before the World Cup bowls off May 30. But unlike several other cricket boards which opted to recall its players early from the IPL, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said the Caribbean body believed the high profile Twenty20 tournament served as adequate preparation for the World Cup. “Playing in the IPL and
playing in front of millions of people watching on TV, thousands of people in packed stands in big stadiums, many people will say that in terms of preparing for World Cup – where the eyes of the world are watching you and the stadiums in England from my understanding will have capacity crowds for all games – some people will argue the IPL is better preparation than just sort of warming up or playing games where maybe the context and the pressure isn’t quite the same,” Grave said in a radio interview here. “We also took the view that it was important that rather than disrupt what was happening in Ireland, we would leave that squad with real clarity that they were playing in all the games.” The 15-man World Cup squad gathered in Southampton last weekend to begin their final preparation for the one-day showpiece, which runs until July 14. West Indies will climax the camp with a warm-up match against defending World Cup champions, Australia, before heading to Bristol where they take on South Africa on May 26 and New Zealand two days later, in official warm-ups.
Grave said CWI had factored rest for the IPL players into their planning and had also added the fixture against Australia to the schedule, to ensure these arriving players had sufficient ODI practice in the buildup to the World Cup. “We’ve also said to the players ‘you’ve been in India for almost two months, we’ll let you come back into the Caribbean, come and spend a week with your family and friends and recharge’ because again, the World Cup is no short tournament – it’s not a couple of weeks,” Grave explained. “It’s almost two months in the UK and nine internationals plus these three friendlies that we’ve got so we’re fairly confident. One of the reasons why we lined up the extra warm-up game against Australia was to just ensure that the IPL players themselves had enough match preparation. “Hopefully they will be adequate for our players and hopefully we can sort of manage the workload and make sure everyone is in top nick, in top form when it comes to the first game at Trent Bridge.” There had been concern in certain quarters about the West Indies IPL players being
allowed to arrive just two weeks before the side’s first game against Pakistan on May 31 in Nottingham. Players like Russell and Lewis have now not played a competitive ODI in nearly a year while Brathwaite, who featured in the home series against England in March, played in just two matches in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders. Grave said the decision to allow players to fulfill their IPL contracts was an attempt by CWI “to find the right balance” between national representation and franchise cricket. “When I joined Cricket West Indies there were a number of players who had chosen not to play for West Indies … and [director of cricket] Jimmy Adams and I sat down with the players over probably the first six months of us joining and spent a lot of time listening to them and we agreed we would give players a window to the IPL and a window to CPL,” the Englishman explained. “In terms of us building trust with the group of players, it is really important we stuck to that. New Zealand have taken the same approach and it has worked well for them previously.”
Corona futsal tourney Quarter-finalists collect spoils
Torginol Paints 16th Annual Golf Extravaganza set for June 1 Come Saturday June 1, the place to be is Lusignan Golf Club for what promises an exciting day as the LGC hosts the Torginol Paints 16th Annual Golf Tournament. Yesterday at a simple ceremony at the Head Quarters of the Continental Group of Companies located at 9-12 Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana, Stacyann Wong, Confidential Secretary of Torginol Paints, handed over the sponsorship cheque to LGC President Aleem Hussain. The presentation was done in the presence of
Torginol Paints’ Assistant Marketing Managers Robert Singh and Dianne Deoraj and Administrative Assistant Rajesh Ramgolam. Although it seems as if the May/June rains are here, Hussain said that he was delighted that the weather has not affected playing conditions at the LGC, and thanked his Marketing team for their continued support. Ramgolam informed that Torginol Paints, “Pioneers of the Paint Industry” in Guyana, can be found on website: torginolpaints.com and is a member of the (Continued on page 31)
Organiser Troy Mendonca (left) and representatives of the teams that collected their cash according to their group stage finish, yesterday at the National Gymnasium. The cash incentives for the group stage of the Corona Fustal tournament were handed over yesterday at the National Gymnasium. The tournament, which is into its quarter-final stage, rewarded all the group stage participants for their finishing positions with TopBrandz, the company that distributes Corona here, on hand to witness the
event. Giving brief comments, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca contented that, “The tournament has been good so far. All the teams are turning out early and I really want to commend all the players for being on time.” Back circle (Group A), Future Stars (Group B) and Tiger Bay (Group C) each
walked away with $30,000 for topping their respective groups. Sparta Boss (Group A), Bent Street (Group B) and West Front Road (Group C), carted off $20,000 for placing second in the groups, while California Square (Group A), Leopold Street (Group B) and North East La Penitence (Group C) snagged $15,000 for third place.
Beacons (Group A), Mocha (Group B) and Tucville (Group C) got $10,000. Meanwhile, quarter final action, which is set for Monday 27th, will pit Future Stars against West Front Road and Bent Street against California Square. Back Circle take on North East La Penitence and Sparta Boss play Tiger Bay.
Wednesday May 22, 2019
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RHTYSC Cricket Teams host first Tribute to Medical Workers Programme - Four outstanding Police Officers also honoured
Nurses and Medical Staff honoured by the RHTYSC, MS. “Each one of you are a perfect example of a professional health worker and also an outstanding ambassador of Guyana’s Health Sector. The Port Mourant Hospital is now considered one of the best Medical Facility in the country and we at the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS are very proud to honour you under our first Tribute to Public Medical Workers Programme. We are also honoured to recognise the outstanding performances of our Law Enforcement Officers who worked hard every minute of the day to make us feel safe in our homes. The Guyana Police Force should be very proud of our four awardees who are all role model Law Enforcement Officers.” Those were the words of RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster as the ten cricket teams of the Club hosted the first edition of the Tribute to Public Medical Workers Programme and the sixth edition of Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers Programme. The teams honoured sixteen outstanding medical personnel from the Port Mourant Public Hospital. They included four Doctors, ten Nurses and two Cleaners. Among those honoured were Dr. Devendra Radhay, Dr. Lachan Sultan, Dr. Melissa Singh, Elizabeth Samaroo, Jacqueline Spencer, Mary Lyte, Venisa Persaud, Claudia Ross, Shaundelle Laundry and Rhonda Ferreira. Foster stated that the idea of honouring the medical personnel came to him after he was a patient at the Port Mourant Hospital for a week. Noting that he was one of those uncomfortable with the public
health care system because of negative media coverage, Foster stated he witnesses first the hand hard work, kindness, dedication and professionalism of the staff of the hospital under the leadership of Doctor in Charge Devendra Radhay and Head Nurse Jacqueline Spencer. He urged the Medical Staff to uphold their high standard and to continue to treat every patient at the Port Mourant Public Hospital with the same committment and compassion as they did to him. Foster also urged members of the media to visit the Medical Institution and report on the outstanding work of its Management and Staff along with the remarkable progress being made in its medical care. He announced that the programme would be held annually for staff of the hospital. The main objectives of the Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers are to identify and honour outstanding policemen and women, while providing positive role models for others to emulate. The Guyana Police Force, Foster stated, like the Public Health Sector, receives a lot of negative reports but there are many unsung heroes who worked hard and honestly to protect the nation. The four awardees selected by the ‘B’ Division of the Force were Inspector Michael Newland, Woman Corporal Racquel Mars, Lance Corporal 20619 Garfield Edwards and Lance Corporal 20639 Leon Crandon. Foster praised the Officers and urged them to keep working hard. Each of the Medical Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers received a trophy, medal, framed certificate and a special gift.
The four outstanding Law Enforcement Officers.
The three doctors honoured at the presentation.
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Wednesday May 22, 2019
Kaieteur News
Saint Pius Sports Complex win NSC Al Sport Circle Tennis tourney Saint Pius Sports Complex Circle Tennis Club (SPSCCTC) won the National Sports Commission - AL Sport & Tour Promotions - Guyana Circle Tennis Association 53rd Independence Celebration of ‘Our National Game of Circle Tennis’ tournament played at the Culture Centre Tarmac. Saint Pius won all their games in the round robin segment, defeating Region 3, 6 and Banks United Circle Tennis Club. Region 6 Visionary Youth Club made 129-3, Donald Gibson 52 (6s - 8). Saint Pius SCCTC hit off the required runs with Shane 42 and Seyon Thomas 21. Saint Pius SCCTC scored 212-2, Orin Parris 79 not out (6s - 10), Keith Brandt 31, Phillip Fraser 29 & Abiola Shepherd 27. Banks CTC 132-4; M. Mc Lennon 38, Marlon Griffith 19. Saint Pius SCCTC, 204; Orin Paris run out on 99 (6s 12), Shane Allicock 40, Mario Haywood 28, Samantha Porter 11. Region 3 Flying Stars United Force 138 - 6, David Durant 50, (6s-5), Dexter Reevers 30, Keith O’Brien 15. Region 3 Flying Stars United Force 191-2, Travis Drakes out for 110 (6s-16), Donald Gibson 21. Region 6 Visionary Youth Club 189-1, Marvin Durant 74 (6-11), Dexter Reevers 21, S Bacchus 18. Banks United CTC 73-3, Roanna Charles 10. Region 3, Flying Stars United Force 761, David Durant 36 (6s -6). Region 6 Visionary Youth Club 141-1, Donald Gibson 38, Travis Drakes 24, Luious Mattelhozer 20. Banks United CTC 146-6, Troy Mc Rae 43, Jewel Layne 12. The Spirit of the Tournament award went to Region 6. Player of the Tournament was 13 years old Kareena Nalim of Region 3. Director of Sport
The St Pius team receives the winner’s trophy from Director of Sport Christopher Jones.
Action in the match between Region 6 and champs St Pius. Christopher Jones was present to witness the NSC Sponsored first circle tennis programme for the year and also interacted with the players and spectators. In his remarks to the players at the
presentation ceremony, Mr. Jones said he was very impressed at the turn out to witness Our National Game of Circle Tennis which he deems a true family sport and happy to know the sport is still in
Guyana. “I want to thank all the teams that participated in the competition.” He also praised the Officials and Organiser for a well run event. Mr. Jones also promised that the NSC will continue to
support Circle Tennis and the players and teams can look forward for yet another bigger event. Meanwhile, the Sports Officer with responsibility for Circle Tennis in the NSC, would like to thank the
Guyana Circle Tennis Association, The Management and Staff of the National Culture Centre, and all the teams for making their first event for 2019 a wonderful one.
Unruffled Archer up for World Cup challenge LONDON, CMC – Newly-minted England fast bowler, Jofra Archer, believes he is well prepared for the challenges of the ICC World Cup despite his lack of experience in One-Day Internationals. The Barbadian, who qualifies for England through his British father, was yesterday named in the Lions’ final 15-man World Cup squad after playing a mere three ODIs earlier this month. Archer, however, has had a couple of season in
both the Indian Premier League and the Australian Big Bash and believes the demands of franchise cricket has served him well. “I think I’m ready. I’ve played a lot of cricket outside of 50-over so I know how to deal with pressure – crowds. I think I am ready,” he told Sky Sports. “Obviously because of that cricket I wasn’t able to play much List A for Sussex but you don’t forget how to bowl really. I think you get more opportunities to bowl than in T20, you get another
six extra overs to take more wickets.” Archer snapped up 11 wickets in as many matches for Rajasthan Royals to follow up on an impressive debut IPL season when he took 15 wickets in 10 outings. And having bowled against some of the world’s best batsmen in the IPL, Archer said he would bring that knowledge into the World Cup. “I think I have bigger advantage over some of the other guys in our team,” he
explained. “We play them (opposing batsmen) twice in the IPL and you know their weaknesses, you know their strengths, you know if they can’t run between the wickets – you get an extra bit of inside information.” Archer, who became eligible for selection in March after the England and Wales Cricket Board reduced its residency period from seven years to three, had been ignored in the preliminary World Cup squad. However, he impressed
with his pace in subsequent matches against Ireland and Pakistan, forcing left-arm seamer David Willey out of the final squad for the showpiece which bowls off May 30. The 24-year-old Archer, who played for West Indies Under-19s in the past but had long expressed his desire to represent England, said he was thrilled with his selection. “I got a call from Ed Smith (convenor of selectors) yesterday (Monday) maybe
about six o’clock,” he recalled. “I was actually driving at the time and I just felt the phone vibrate and I answered it without looking at it. It is really, really exciting to be part of a big summer of English cricket.” He added: “I had put it in my head that I had to wait seven years. Back in December they obviously changed it a little bit but I was always prepared to wait however long it would have taken.”
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Archery Guyana will be represented at the Hyundai World Archery Championships 2019
Devin Persaud (right) and Wayne DeAbreu will be representing Guyana in the Netherlands event. Archery Guyana has announced that two of its members, Messrs. Wayne DeAbreu and Devin Persaud will be representing Guyana at the Hyundai World Archery Championships 2019 from June 9-16 in the Netherlands. This tournament in the N e t h e r l a n d s o ff e r s a n alternate pathway for Guyana to qualify for the
Olympics in Archery. A r c h e r M r. D e v i n Persaud has confirmed both h i s a n d Wa y n e ’s commitment to a rigorous training schedule to ensure tournament fitness and readiness. The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana wishes our two country-men all the best in the Netherlands a release from the body stated.
Annual End of School Year Primary School Windball Cricket continues
T
he 22nd Annual End of School Ye a r P r i m a r y School Windball Cricket tournament continued at the National Gymnasium with schools from East Bank Demerara area. In recent results – Boys Diamond Primary 55-5, P. Dass 31; Randy Tiwari 3-18 for Craig Primary who replied with 58-1; Ronaldo Singh 26, Teon Cummings 25. New Diamond Primary 85-3, Ricky Ramotar 24,
Raphel Peresaud 23; Saint Anne’s Primary, 83-4, Renan Fernandes 36, Brandon Narine 22. Rementon Baptiste 2-26 and Raphael Persaud 2-38. Girls - Craig Primary 58; Tenisha Evans 34; Lisa Andrews 2-11, Realma Kanhai 2-13. Defending champs New Diamond 851, R Kanhai 62, Akealah Buttlers 12. Meanwhile, the Upper East Bank Schools will be in action to at the Airport Ground from 9:30am.
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Barbadian Archer nabs World Cup spot
West Indies vice-captain Chris Gayle.
England’s Barbadian fast bowler Jofra Archer.
Pressure of IPL adequate preparation for players: CWI
Torginol Paints 16th Annual Golf Extravaganza set for June 1
(From L-R) Robert Singh, Dianne Deoraj, Stacyann Wong & Rajesh Ramgolam represented Torginol Paint. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.