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Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday May 24, 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
Education is the pathway to a better life Tupac is not a rapper. He is neither known nor famous. He is now, though, through some spectacular efforts and achievements. He stands as an inspiration to the struggling, the down and out, and the often ignored and scorned. This is his story, as relayed in an online article dated May 22nd in Yahoo’s Lifestyle section. It is worth retelling, if only to motivate young Guyanese students struggling with difficult circumstances; mature adults menaced by life’s harsh challenges; and the elderly on the downside of years that have not been kind. Once again, that timeless adage comes alive: where there is will, there is way. Tupac Mosley is his name; excellence is his game. No! not on the field of sport, but in the competitive corridors of the grandly named Raleigh Egypt High School in Memphis, Tennessee. At the tender age of 17, this young man had to overcome one traumatic adversity after another. That he did is testimony to the unconquerable trajectory of the human spirit, that powerful unbending desire to succeed, to question the fates. In some individuals, there is that unflagging determination, that unyielding will. The Yahoo Lifestyle article title trumpets it before the whole wide world, “Homeless teen becomes class valedictorian, wins 3 million in college scholarships.” Homeless and class valedictorian? That is something special. Homeless and winning 3 million in college scholarships? That is even more overpowering to the senses. How did he? To begin with, one thing has to be made clear: this young man’s rewards are not due to the handouts of others. He earned those rewards through recognition from a multitude of educational quarters for his dedication to succeed, and his single-minded focus on lifting himself up to the heights that beckoned, that could be possible. But only if he did not feel sorry for himself and collapsed on himself, due to his circumstances. The numbers are a part of his saga.Tupac graduated Raleigh Egypt High with an incredible “4.3 GPA (attributed to extra credits from his advanced classes)”, according to Yahoo Lifestyle author Elise Sole. That he did so while his father died just over two years ago in April 2017 is one more remarkable aspect of his story. His father struggled for a long time; that could only have been draining and distracting. His father’s death reduced the family to exist on the mother’s “tight income” alone. In February, the family was unable to meet the rent and evicted. Helping hands and sheltering roofs came from friends first, and then the Christian based not-for-profit body called “For the Kingdom.” Its Executive Director, Torrey Bates, offered a renovated home on his property. Mr. Bates was moved by the awareness of this child, driven to be a man beyond his years and because of his situation, through “often arriving hours early for classes.” And Bates described him as “an exceptional example of resilience.” Young Guyanese can learn. Rise to the challenges. Meanwhile, he had the presence of mind to cast a wide net and apply to fifty universities, with the astonishing result that 44 of those 50 schools of higher learning offered admission and “generous aid.” That was not all in this tale that should bring goosebumps to those Guyanese, who come up poor and short. He was also a recipient of “the prestigious Gates Scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.” The Gates Scholarship is dedicated to funding low income and underprivileged minority students so that they can attend college through allexpenses paid scholarships.As the poor know very well, education is the pathway to a better life. In his valedictorian address, the living Tupac quoting the one gone said, “...for every dark night, there is a brighter day.” For those who believe there is; for those who work hard, it comes through self-belief and the self-empowerment of seizing life and running with it. To splendour and joy.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Is there a surprise awaiting Guyanese on Independence Day 2019? DEAR EDITOR, We are preparing once again to proudly celebrate Independence anniversary 2019 with the inclusion of over 5,000 students participating, and perhaps an equal number of adultattendees bused in from other regions and towns. However, there are some interesting developments and variations from previous years, notably, the flag raising ceremony, which have given rise to speculations in some circles and among critics, commentators and pundits of boom, gloom and doom dispositions. Many have opined that these acts/events may comprise a signal of surprising news for the nation. There is no doubt that we deserve to have pomp celebrations to mark this
event, which come amidst the 10-day carnival parade across the country, and which has seen the entry of international/sensational artistes. It is believed that the current carnival is part and parcel of the government’s politicking aimed at whipping/winning back support at the polls later this year. This is supported by the fact that the ministerial outreach and enticing/gifting mechanisms – cash, Buju Banton tickets and promises - intensified across the country during this period. In fact, the government appears to have spent taxpayers’ money on some 8000 tickets at $5000 each and has been handing them out to youths. This may very well qualify as bribery for votes. Meanwhile, the flag raising ceremony
programmed for 10 am on Sunday, instead of the usual ‘stroke of midnight’ event, promises more than anticipated. There are speculations as to what may be the core of the speech. Some have opined that this may be the President’s special ‘honey and milk promise filled’ appeal to supporters for another chance to lead Guyana for a second term. He might even cast blame on the Opposition for his government’s failure and ask supporters to forgive him for not delivering the ‘good life’ promises over the last four years. However, speculations are high that the core/surprise of the President’s May 26 speech may be to preempt the pending outcome(s) of the CCJ-rulings, or as we would
say, ‘jump the gun’ and prorogue Parliament. This would in effect downplay the Court-rulings as ‘water under the bridge’. If indeed, this were to occur, the government, and GECOM, would have achieved their collective goal of ‘earliest elections date’ at the end of November. Perhaps, this was the main reason for the additional $3 billion passed in the last session of the Parliament. In essence, it has been opined that the 10 am flag raising event, combined with the government’s political/gifting campaign strategies amidst the starstudded carnival activities, may be signs of yet another surprising twist in the road/saga of our political landscape. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh
Freddie Kissoon has an agenda and it is not for the improvement of the university or worker/management relationship DEAR EDITOR, He who asserts must be called on to prove his case. This is a basic principle in the day-to-day practice of trade unionism. Reference is being made to the article in the Freddie Kissoon’s column, “Lincoln Lewis personifies the demise of Guyana” (KN, 23rd May 2019). Kissoon has accused me of breaching time-honoured principles and being involved in cronyism on matters pertaining to trade unionism, the workers’ unions at the University of Guyana (UG) and the appointment of Ivor English as the Guyana Trades Union Congress’ (GTUC) representative on the UG Council. I have since responded to the allegations, advising that his interpretation of the issues is without merit and dangerous. Refer to letter, “Freddie is playing a dangerous game with this society and our highest tertiary institution of learning” (KN 22nd May, 2019). I would have expected him, having heard from me on the matters, as a professed academic with the evidence now before him, to have revisited the issues to either negate what was said or provide evidence to the
contrary. Sadly, this is not an area of scholarship Freddie seems interested in. He is at his best being irrational and deflecting to personality, hoping to mask his deceit. He acts like a bullying dishonest academic. On this grave issue where the welfare of the workers, students and university is at stake, there shall be no facilitating of his Napoleonic syndrome to give rise to the need to appear bigger than he is. We are talking about this nation’s only and highest institution of learning and what it requires to understand its workings, address and defuse matters of conflict affecting it presently. T h e r o l e a n d responsibility of the GTUC’s representative and unions’ representative on the Council is different. Consequently, to aid the public in having an understanding as to what these are such is hereunder stated:1. The GTUC sits on the Council as a Social Partner in keeping with its constitutional role. Ours is to bring a working class perspective as to the direction the institution should be going consistent with its mandate in creating an educated populace ready to meet the challenges/needs
of national development. In this role our representative does not just act as an advocate of those employed at the UG and overtime has agreed and disagreed with other stakeholders on the Council consistent with interest and principles. 2. The university unions have a representative on the Council. That representative sits there as the voice/counsel of organised labour on the campus. Contrary to Kissoon’s peddling of misinformation, English’s appointment on the Council was sanctioned by the GTUC Central Executive Council. It is the principle of the GTUC after initial appointment of a representative, unless the identified person communicates disinterest in continuing, when the life of the new board/council begins he or she shall continue. English gets no special privilege. He, like others who represent the GTUC at such level, is the beneficiary of the Congress’ timehonoured practice. Such practice is informed by the thinking that continuity is important in management and lapses in performance must be eschewed. The non-constituting of
boards, councils, commissions, etc. has been a practice for some time in this society. This is a matter the GTUC is troubled by and has been vocal on, for lapses hinder continuity, effective and efficient management of the people’s business. As recent as 5th March, among a 19-point menu of measures proposed to society, Government and Opposition to improve governance was the, “Establishment & continual function of all constitutional Commissions and Tribunal, and Boards - Where the life of one comes to an end and for any reason a new one has not been constituted the life of the current board, commission or tribunal shall continue, until such time that the appropriate action is taken. Non-appointment of any constitutional body constitutes a violation of the Constitution.” As recent as yesterday (Wednesday), the GTUC leadership, including the President and yours truly, met with the UG unions to listen and address issues of c o n c e r n t o t h e m . We continue to advise that the Collective Labour Agreement guides action in addressing any grievance (Continued on page 6 )
GECOM: A legal enigma DEAR EDITOR, It must now be excruciatingly clear that the Government-nominated members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Chairman, harbour no qualms about exposing their political partisanship and are decidedly determined to execute political directions, even if it results in unconstitutional and irrational actions. GECOM is a creature of the Constitution and is legally tethered to the four corners of that instrument. It has no jurisdiction or power to act outside of its parameters. The plain language of the Constitution, indisputably, establishes that the raison d’être of GECOM is the holding of elections. Every other function devolving upon it is an accessory, to aid and abet it, in discharge this ultimate mandate. The functional responsibilities of GECOM are enumerated in Article 162 of the Constitution. In the discharge of these tasks, the Constitution expressly commands it “to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament…” It is now public knowledge that GECOM was made a party by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to the appeals, recently heard by that Court arising out of the NoConfidence Motion passed in the National Assembly on December 18, 2018. One needs not be a lawyer to conclude that GECOM was joined to those proceedings because the CCJ apprehends that it may make orders and give directions, which will impact upon GECOM, if it rules that Article 106 of the Constitution has been violated, in order to give effect to the intendment of the framers of that Article. The framers of that Article, undoubtedly, intend early elections as one of the consequences of the passage of a No-Confidence Motion. In our constitutional matrix, GECOM is the dominant player in the execution of this intention. Indeed, at the hearing of the appeal, almost every one of the judges expressly alluded to this eventuality. I am fortified in this regard, by the fact that the Court indicated that depending on how it
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rules; a hearing will be facilitated for the lawyers to address the Court on the consequential orders, which are to be made. Ineluctably, these will include specific edicts to GECOM in respect of the holding of elections. On multiple occasions, the judges of the CCJ reiterated not only GECOM’s servitude to the Constitution, but emphasised its undisputed duty to comply with both its letter and spirit. In the High Court, pending before the Chief Justice, are legal proceedings that seek to declare the House-toHouse registration upon which GECOM plans to embark, as unlawful and unconstitutional. GECOM has filed a defence to those proceedings. The court has ordered all parties to submit their legal arguments in writing, within timeframes specified. In the interregnum, GECOM’s legal advisor has rendered a written opinion, which fortunately, has been made public. In this opinion, learned counsel advised that not only is the proposed House-to-House registration unnecessary, but significantly, that it will be violative of the law. It is no coincidence, that this opinion espouses the identical legal premise upon which the challenge in the High Court is predicated. At the end of the day, the law remains the law, irrespective of who reads it, once it is done professionally. Unsurprisingly, this opinion from a professional, was crassly and uninitiatedly deprecated by Commissioner Desmond Trotman, himself unlearned in the law. He further descended to attribute to this lawyer, ulterior and illicit motives. This uncouth and unwarranted attack on a professional for simply discharging her duties but which does not meet a political expectation must be condignly condemned. Commissioner Vincent Alexander followed suit. He accused this legal officer of misrepresenting GECOM’s position to the CCJ. These are professionally grave and reputationally damaging allegations to be made against any professional. I am not privy to the instructions imparted to counsel and will, therefore, refrain from further comment. Hope-
fully, counsel will respond. I have no doubt that her current silence is tied to her continuous employment. We will have to await her dismissal or resignation before a response is forthcoming. This has become the hazardous reality of every professional working with the Government. One only needs to read a letter currently in circulation, which appears to have been inked by self-proclaimed victims of the Attorney General. In a normal democratic society, governed by a Constitution, which is the supreme law and one in which the rule of law prevails, having regard to the circumstances expatiated above, an institution akin to GECOM, would, in deference to the constitution and out of reverence for legal proceedings pending both before the highest Court in the land and the Chief Justice of the country, coupled with the guidance adumbrated by its own legal officer, presumably in whom it reposed confidence to hire and retain in the first place, at a minimum, stay any proposed actions whose legality and constitutionality are the subject of the pending legal proceedings and advice. Not our GECOM. As if to intentionally demonstrate to the judicial arm of the State that it has no regard and respect for, either its processes, or the Constitution, or the law, GECOM is galloping ahead like an unruly horse with house to house registration, in order to execute its political party’s directions. This is not only conduct, which is contumacious of the process of the Courts and the Constitution, but it is clearest illustration, in recent times, of the return of party paramountcy. Against such factual tapestry, how can GECOM enjoy public confidence and public trust in its integrity and independence when it has been so demonstrably partisan and politically toxic? Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law
MANY PEOPLE, I AM SURE, ARE IMPRESSED BY MINISTER BULKAN’S EXPLANATION DEAR EDITOR, As citizens, we ought to be very concerned that a few of our Ministers, Members of Parliament and many Senior Government Officials did not at any given time disclosed in writing their assets and liabilities to the prescribed authority, the Integrity Commission. I read the letter that Mr. Kit Nascimento caused to be in the columns of our Daily Papers and his comments pertaining to this issue, he was right on the money. Mr. Kit Nascimento, the Former Minister of Information is a Senior Public Relations Consultant and every time I hear his name, I always remember the time during which he used to do commentary on the Evening News programme, because he was fair and informative and unbiased. I would also remem-
ber Mr. Tony Vieira and the late Tommy Rhodes in his letter regarding this issue, he was his usual self. On the other hand, I have also taken note of numerous occasions the Commission have been requesting these persons mentioned in my first paragraph, about their onus and responsibilities, names and designations were also mentioned. I have known Mr. Ronald Bulkan since 1967 when he would come to Supenaam during the school holidays in company with his brothers and sisters, he did not write his General Certificate in English O’ Levels as yet, as a very disciplined lad then, and I am certain I can describe him by using the same or similar adjectives now. I read with great degree of interest the letter written by Mr. Bulkan, the Honourable
Minister of Communities, that appeared in the Kaieteur News of Sunday, 19.05.2019 on page 4 and continued on page 7, under the caption “I have discharged the duties of my office with probity and fairness”. I am sure a lot of us would understand and agree with the reason why this gentleman so far, was or is unable to honour his obligation to the Commission, but what about the many, many others. Are we to believe that they are having problems identical to what Mr. Bulkan is experiencing? While it may be both unethical and unprofessional for the bank to confirm or deny the Honourable Minister Mr. Bulkan statement in his letter, many people I am sure are impressed by his explanation. Archie W. Cordis
THE ‘CURSE OF RACE’ REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY DEAR EDITOR, May 26 marks 53 years since the attainment of political independence after some 150 years of British colonial rule. This is a good time to reflect on how far we have progressed as a nation in terms of socio-economic development and race relations. The history of independence is a history of all manners of intrigues and machinations on the part of the British Government to forestall the conferral of independence status to the then colony of British Guiana mainly out of ideological and political considerations. It is
not possible to go into the details of the circumstances that led to the delay by Britain to grant independence to the then colony of British Guiana. Suffice it to say except that independence was finally granted on May 26, 1966 after the Jagan-led PPP was removed from government in the 1964 elections in what the former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson described as a ‘fiddled constitutional arrangement unheard of in the British Commonwealth.’ It is common knowledge that the installation of the PNC-UF coalition govern-
ment in 1964 marked a new chapter in our politics characterised by rigged elections and institutionalised one party de facto rule based on the self-proclaimed principles of party paramountcy. I will posit the view that economically we have not done well especially when seen against the backdrop of an abundance physical and (Continued on page 6)
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A single institution should not be held responsible for the eradication of GBV DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Social Protection is committed to enhancing individual, family and community resilience, through the promotion and development of responsive policies and programmes that offer a supportive environment, for individuals who are at risk of and/or may experience sexual, domestic and gender-based violence (GBV). In 2016, a specialised unit to address the escalating scourge of violence, particularly against women and children in Guyana, was established within the Ministry of Social Protection. This unit, the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit carries a mandate that seeks to protect, promote and preserve the rights, dignity and worth of all Guyanese, by advocating the provision of quality, comprehensive and responsive services to victims of sexual, domestic and gender-based violence and their dependents; and initiating actions that hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviours. The Unit recommends, implements, and monitors policies, programmes and initiatives geared at the prevention, reduction and subsequent elimination of GBV in Guyana. Generally, victim/survivor support services are available to all Guyanese across ethnicities, social classes, sexual orientation, economic backgrounds, and statuses of relationships. Services can range from social assistance
programmes, to justice and policing, health care, legal aid and temporary accommodations. As it relates to the latter – temporary accommodations for victims of sexual and domestic violence are offered as an option to leaving an abusive relationship, while a supportive environment is created to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration to society. Currently, two buildings are earmarked for the establishment of domestic violence shelters in regions 2 and 6; and 2 more are to be earmarked for regions 4 and 10 in 2019. These shelters will provide services to victims of domestic violence and their dependents and persons who were trafficked. All services are presented as options whether or not the victim is desirous of leaving an abusive relationship. The recent cases involving the gruesome deaths of Ms. Zaila Sugrim and Ms. Farida Khayum and the numerous predated ones, have put the entire country and world in a state of pain and grief. Our hearts go out to the surviving families of these women. As a Ministry, we commit to working with the families to address any residual trauma and to aid in the restoration of the family to some level of normalcy. Violence in Guyana seems to have been normalised and accepted in all spheres; and the outcry seems to point to one agency to address this mammoth universal pandemic. The Ministry of Social
Protection holds the position that a single institution should not be held solely responsible for the eradication of GBV. There needs to be shared responsibility for the state in which our society has become. For every time we condoned violence against any person, or failed to report the violence, failed to support individuals experiencing the violence; or perverted the justice process…we have all contributed in some way or the other in failing to protect those who could not do so for themselves. Our goal as a Ministry is not intended to destroy families due to dysfunctions or conflict; but rather work with families to ensure that threats such as violence, inequality, poverty among others, do not deteriorate this unit and infringe on the sustainability of generations to come. Through the Ministry of Social Protection, another mechanism for victim support is the Temporary Assistance Programme for Domestic Violence Survivors. The programme is designed to offset housing related payments when there is, or has been a domestic violence situation. This can include the relocation costs (including moving costs and other travel costs); and the replacement of personal or basic household items (clothing, hygiene items, essential furniture items) left behind, if items are not available from another source. Other areas of support for
Public officials must comply with the law or resign their positions DEAR EDITOR, I am heartened that my letters recently published in the media on the matter of the failure of very senior public persons to report their assets to the Integrity Commission, have resulted in widespread public exposure of the issue. Not surprisingly, so to speak, this matter has arrived at the doorstep of our President. My letters were not written for political purpose. They were written to stir the conscience of those who are elected or appointed to govern over us and remind them of their civic duty to obey the laws which give them the power they presume to exercise. Also, to remind our respective political parties that when they take office they do not suddenly become immune from both enforcing and obeying the law. Emile Mervin (Stabroek News 22nd May) takes a dig at me for not having raised
this matter when the PPP were in office and guilty of the same behaviour. Frankly, I didn’t raise the matter then because I paid less attention to the shortcomings of the government then in office than I do now, as the party in office is the party which I served as a Minister and I hold them to a much higher standard. Mr. Mervin also misses the point of the purpose of my letters, which I set out above. Those in power and authority should not be waiting for the Commission to enforce the law upon them. The Commission, of course, has a duty to enforce the law when it is not obeyed and there is no doubt that the Chairman of the Integrity Commission has been remiss in not doing so. I note that Mr. Nandlall and Bishop Edghill have jumped on the bandwagon for political purpose but they
know full well that their party when in office ignored the law in the same manner as this government in office has ignored the law. I am disappointed that our President has, so far, failed to submit his returns since, no matter the reasons, the example must be set by him, and it is insufficient to say that while it is a policy of the Cabinet to respect the law, the Ministers are allowed to continue to flout it. It has long been public knowledge that the requirements of the Integrity Act are being ignored. The worst of conclusions which the public can come to is that those who refuse to comply have something to hide. I hold firmly to my position that all of the public officials refusing to comply with this law are either directed to comply or resign their positions. Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
victims/survivors include: Provision of job aid/capacity building and skills training via the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) and the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) programmes Residential Care Services at the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme Financial assistance through the Public Assistance and Difficult Circumstances Programme Clinical Intervention (crisis management and case management services) Subsidised Legal Aid Services Search and Rescue Services for Trafficking in Person (TIP) victims Ongoing psycho-social support for survivors of violence post trials. Inter-agency collaboration in the area of continuing education, entrepreneurism and victims’ advocacy support. The Ministry of Social Protection developed a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy and corresponding Implementation Plan and a Costed Strategic Plan for the Empowerment of Women and addressing the Underachievement of Boys. These important instruments will inform the programmes and initiatives undertaken as we advance closer to the 2030 agenda, and more specifically towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. Further, the Ministry continues to work with men and boys, which is also a critical feature towards achieving all the SDGs.
National efforts towards the prevention and eradication of domestic violence in Guyana have also been intensified. The Ministry launched a countrywide radio programme the “Cut-it-Out” Hour on two radio stations, which have a large grassroots following; and wider coverage across the country. For example, areas as far as Orealla & Siparuta, Madhia, Lethem, Aishalton and many areas along the Coast benefit from this programme. The Ministry is constantly engaged in numerous collaborative ventures that result in police officers, public officials, frontline workers, children, men and women being trained in improving their response to GBV – at various levels. International observances such as the 16 Days of Activism against GenderBased Violence campaign, Sexual Assault Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness month activities, are also mediums through which information is disseminated, and a call to action is achieved. Moraicobai, Bartica and Orealla and Siparuta were the recent beneficiaries of the Ministry’s ongoing regional public education and awareness campaign. But this is just a miniscule number of initiatives of the Ministry geared at addressing GBV. The task ahead is no simple and straightforward one to address GBV in Guyana. It is universally recognised that GBV cannot be addressed unaccompanied without the full involvement of all Guyanese. Addressing GBV requires a multiplicity of approaches, at the individual, family, community and societal levels.
Guyanese and members of the Diaspora must be willing to collectively pool efforts and resources, to ensure that victims and potential victims are afforded the support and opportunities, not only to leave abusive and unhealthy relationships, but to make well informed future choices that do not reincarnate previous ones. The need to challenge societal norms that enforce negative stereotypes -making one gender superior or more entitled to the other, is of paramount importance. We must be willing to put aside our differences, whether political, racial or otherwise; and recognise that GBV affects every strata of society and there is an economic and social burden of dependency on our already limited resources. We must be willing to support the work of the Government, NGOs and civil society, and not try to stymie efforts that can achieve inevitable progress. We must recognize that our legislations, though incomplete, are far more advanced than many of our counterparts in the Caribbean. We will endeavour in the not so distant future to revise these important documents to ensure maximum protection and the strategic prevention of this scourge in Guyana. We are confident that our vision to promote an inclusive society, where Guyanese are respected, equipped and empowered and supported to live violence-free lives can be realised; with greater commitment, esteemed leadership we will continue to demonstrate, coordinated collaboration and consistent strategic actions of all stakeholders. Ministry of Social Protection
The ‘curse of race’ remains relevant... From page 5 natural resources available to us. We remain poor even by regional standards and ranks among the poorest country in
the western hemisphere on a per capita income basis. With the recent discovery of oil and gas, our per capita ranking is likely to improve but much will depend on how
Freddie Kissoon has an agenda and it is ... From page 4 with the university management. Freddie Kissoon has an agenda. It is not for the improvement of the university or worker/management relationship. Check his writings on the issues; they are laced with deceit, hatred, personal attacks and pending implosion. Now being out of its limelight, his actions are akin to an animal bitten by rabies. One can only hope sooner rather than later he comes to his senses and reconciles the fact he is no longer in the employ of the university, has no power or locus standing to exert at the Council, over the unions or the students. I await his response for I know this is an opportunity for him to extol himself and distort what I am saying. I am prepared to engage him now for as long as the media permits. Lincoln Lewis
well we manage the sector. Politically, the country remains polarised and efforts to move away from a ‘winner does not take it all’ model of governance to one of shared governance have been largely unsuccessful. We have made some limited progress in terms of constitutional reforms but certainly not enough to address the issue of ethnic insecurity. True enough, we have progressed over t h e d e c a d e s f r o m c o lonial rule to internal selfgovernment and finally to political independence but the ‘curse of race’ as described by former British Colonial Secretary Duncan Sandy’s remains as relevant today as it was in the early 1960’s. Hydar Ally
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
SARA’s probe of oil blocks necessary -TIGI Head calls for agency to seek technical expertise for success
TIGI Head, Dr. Troy Thomas
H
ead of Transpar ency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas, is pleased with the recent disclosure that the award of offshore oil blocks to the likes of ExxonMobil is being probed by the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA). The news of the investigation by SARA was first reported by Bloomberg.com, which quoted the agency’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas, as sayi n g t h a t t h e Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje blocks, all operated by ExxonMobil, will be part of the inquiry, as well as Orinduik block operated by Tullow. The Kaieteur and Canje Blocks were given out by the Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections. Speaking with this news-
SARA Head, Dr. Clive Thomas
paper last night, TIGI’s head said he is supportive of the probe since the circumstances under which the blocks were given out do raise concerns. The TIGI Head said, “...I know former President Donald Ramotar had rebutted arguments about the giveaway of our assets just before elections. But I think a full investigation would serve us well... The award of contracts should be an open process, especially as it relates to oil. I don’t think we can afford for contracts to be done in the dark.” The official added, “At the end of the day, people have a right to know how their resources are being given out. So SARA is doing the right thing in this regard...” The TIGI Head said that
SARA’s investigation should also ascertain what scope there might be for reclaiming any of the offshore assets that were not awarded in a fair manner. He said too, that the anticorruption body should hire all the technical help it needs to ensure this investigation it is pursuing is a success as it is a matter of national interest.
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Tax waivers approved for Repsol, Ratio The National Assembly yesterday approved tax waivers for two oil companies, Repsol Exploracion Guyana S.A. (formerly known as Repsol Exploracion S.A.) and Ratio Guyana Limited, in accordance with the production sharing agreements (PSAs) for the Kanuku and Kaieteur Blocks respectively, offshore Guyana. Those PSAs are dated May 14, 2013 and April 28, 2015, respectively. Article 15 of both Production Sharing Agreements, titled ‘Taxation and Royalty’, lists in their own respects, how those companies should be taxed. Minister Winston Jordan had made orders for both on May 2, 2019. The tax waivers, according to Jordan’s orders, are based on a precedent set out by Section 51 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1986, titled ‘Modification of Tax Laws’.
It states “The Minister assigned responsibility for finance may, by order, which shall be subject to affirmative resolution of the National Assembly, direct that any or all of the written laws mentioned in subsection (2) shall not apply to, or in relation to, a licensee where the licensee has entered into a production sharing agreement with the Government of Guyana.” An amendment was done on May 12, 2016, for the Kanuku Block, after other oil companies bought into it. It provides so that the terms agreed to between the government of Guyana and Repsol would also apply to those companies. According to the website of Total E&P Guyana BV, Repsol (with 35 percent interest) shares the block with Tullow Guyana B.V. (37.5 percent interest) and Total (25 percent). As for the Kaieteur Block, it should be noted that Ratio
Guyana Limited represents a joint venture between ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and Cataleya Energy Limited (formerly Ratio Energy Limited). Ratio Guyana Limited holds 25 percent of the rights on the Kaieteur Block. The other companies on that block are EEPGL, which owns a 35 percent interest; Cataleya, with 25 percent; and Hess Guyana, with 15 percent.
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Friday May 24, 2019
GECOM gets $3.4B for elections
-Gov’t stresses action unrelated to imminent CCJ ruling The National Assembly approved $3.4B for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the conduct of General and Regional Elections - $3.3B of that sum was approved for current expenses, while $182M was approved for capital expenses. The approved estimate for GECOM’s current expenses is just $14M short of the amount requested by GECOM. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said, “As you have seen, these elections are very costly. In addition to the 5.37B, now you have an additional $3.4B roughly, bringing the total sum to almost $9B (and counting) for the elections in 2020.” He noted that the supple-
ment is in keeping with a commitment made by the President before the No Confidence Cases even went to Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, had written to the President requesting funding for the conduct of elections. Jordan was keen to note that the granting of those funds to the Commission was because of the Chairman’s request, and not because it expects a certain ruling by the CCJ.“This provision, I want to say today, is not in anticipation of anything that the CCJ may or may not say or decide on,” he told the assembly.Though GECOM is preparing to execute House-
to-House Registration, Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters last Tuesday, that the Commission has not received a report on Houseto-House, which is why a date has not yet been deliberated on. Guyana awaits rulings by the CCJ on a series of cases, which will guide the decisions of the Commission in relation to when elections will be held.While the political opposition hopes for early elections, government has remained steadfast that the Official List of Electors (OLE) must be updated, given its expiry on April 30, and that elections should be held in 2020, as constitutionally mandated under normal circumstances.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
$7.9B in additional funding for Government Government has approved additional funding to tune of $7.9B in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2019, No. 7 of 2019. The political opposition was not present at yesterday’s proceedings. The approved estimates are for several ministries, of which the highest sum was allocated to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. That Ministry was approved $2B for one current project and nine capital projects. The current project is for Rental of Buildings, specifically for the Rental of UN House. For that, the Ministry had been voted a provision of $199.7M in budget 2019, and it has now received $49.5M more. The capital projects for that Ministry in-
clude works on the East Bank – East Coast Demerara road Linkage, East Coast Demerara Highway Improvement, Sea and River Defence Works, rehabilitation for several marine vessels, and several roads and bridges across the country. The Ministry of Communities received $1.49B toward its Sustainable Communities Development initiative, all for capital projects, though it requested $1.638B. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was allocated $700M for its plan to develop house lots. The Hinterland, Coastal and Linden Water Supply systems have been allocated $494M to increase government’s capacity to drill wells without having to hire contractors. The
Ministry’s Urban Sewerage and Water project has been allocated $200M, while the Solid Waste Disposal Programme has gotten $100M to rehabilitate access roads and a bridge at Belle Vue and Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill sites respectively. $800M has been approved for the Ministry of the Presidency to meet payments of judgments awarded to Dipcon, and increased activities such as ministerial outreaches. The government was, in 2015, ordered to pay the Trinidad construction company, a sum in excess of US$2.2 million. It is unclear, however, how much of the approved sum will be used to start payments to Dipcon. Other allocations are $79M for the Ministry of Communities to finance security services especially, $48M for the Guyana Police Force’s transportation works under the Ministry of Public Security, and $4.3M for Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion to purchase and install a telephone system. Further, as requested during the last sitting of the National Assembly, Guyana Elections Commission has gotten $3.4B for the conduct of elections, and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has been approved $25M of the $83M it had requested. The total appropriation was approved from the Consolidated Fund and is for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. It is in accordance with Article 219 of the Constitution and sections 24 and 42 of Fiscal Management and Accountability Act 2003.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Final submission made for Trini in alleged fake kidnapping
A
s the trial of 33year-old Sawak Maraj, a Trinidadian Chemical Engineer, who is accused of faking his own kidnapping continues, police prosecutor Dominic Bess yesterday made his final submissions into the matter. The trial is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. It was alleged that on October 27, last, at Georgetown, Maraj knowingly gave false information to the police, stating that he was kidnapped and that his abductors demanded US$700,000 for his release. It was further alleged that on the same day at Madewini Resort, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with other persons to negoti-
ate to obtain a ransom of US$700,000. The Trinidadian pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on $1M bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on his second court appearance, after spending three weeks on remand. After the submission was laid over by the prosecutor, Magistrate Azore adjourned the matter until June 28, when she will make a decision into the matter. Late last year, the defendant was granted permission to leave the jurisdiction and return to his homeland. He has been showing up in court every time his matter is called. Maraj, who had opted to give an unsworn statement, had told the court, “I am not guilty of these charges. Your worship, at no point did I
agree with anyone to fake my kidnapping. All this time, I still believed that Abraham was a bona fide employee of Exxon, who was at the airport to facilitate as a recipient on Exxon’s behalf,” Maraj noted. He added that he was driven to several locations and that’s when he realized that something was wrong. He told the court that he was taken to a hotel and a cutlass was placed to his throat, and he was threatened. “I became very afraid; I knew no one and I was very confused. I was visibly relieved when the police came shortly after my captors had fled.” According to information, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 28, last, via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. He reportedly left the airport in a taxi
Miner slain after going to woman’s aid A 24-year-old miner was stabbed to death at around 01.30 a.m. yesterday at a shop located at Takutu Landing, Puruni Road, Mazaruni River. Police said that Eric Nurse, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was stabbed in the back by another miner, after he came to the aid of a woman who the suspect was accosting. Kaieteur News understands that Nurse and the 37-year-old suspect were drinking at
the shop, but the other man then went into the living quarters of a woman who works at the establishment.The woman and the miner got into an argument and Nurse then pulled the miner out of the woman’s room. Shortly after, the woman heard a commotion outside, and upon checking, saw Nurse lying motionless on the ground. He had been stabbed in the back. Police said that the suspect has been arrested and the murder weapon retrieved.
and was heading to a hotel on East Bank Demerara when he disappeared. It was a Guyanese who went to the hotel and made reservations for Maraj. Shortly after the engineer left the airport, a photograph of him with someone holding a cutlass to his neck, was sent to his parents and other relatives in Trinidad and Tobago. It is alleged that the ‘kidnappers’ threatened to kill their victim if the demanded ransom was not paid. The engineer’s family immediately made contact with the Guyana Police Force and forwarded the photograph. This newspaper was in-
formed that local ranks were able to track the number that the ‘kidnappers’ used to make contact with Maraj’s relatives. They were also able to trace the location where the call was made. Ranks were immediately mobilized from around Georgetown and sent to the location in a bid to rescue the ‘victim.’ On arrival at the hotel, they took up strategic positions. They were puzzled when they entered the room where the ‘victim’ was being held and found him relaxing on a sofa, drinking a can of fruitjuice. He was not bound nor gagged.
Sawak Maraj
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Ruel Johnson has glossed over Granger’s disturbing, inherent flaws Any academic or political observer who attempts to compare the honesty of David Granger with Presidents Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, and Prime Minister Sam Hinds, will run into formidable polemical waves. In his Stabroek News letter of Tuesday, May 14, Ruel Johnson took oceanic liberties in eulogizing David Granger which cannot be verified by facts. Here is what Johnson wrote; “I believe that what we have in President Granger is what we have not had too often in politics, an intelligent and fundamentally decent leader with a genuine vision for the people of Guyana”. I acknowledge the right of Johnson to possess that opin-
ion, but I hold a contrary one. Honest leaders in Guyanese politics are not a rare sight. I don’t know Johnson’s age, but I am assuming he was a grown up person in Guyana after 1985. Desmond Hoyte was as honest as Granger and was more intelligent, with a more genuine vision than Granger. Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan had tremendous intolerance for corruption and had no interest in having wealth. Sam Hinds was a simple Prime Minister who was not corrupt. I would advise Johnson to do some research on the honesty of these people. When it comes to political flaws, Granger is not above the two Jagans. I will leave out Hinds, because he was not a substantial president. David Granger is as cunning as the Jagans, a negative trait I don’t think Hoyte had much of. I will move off of a comparison between Granger and the other presidents and concentrate
on Granger’s tenure, but some comparative notes are in order. Of the three PNC presidents, Granger is billions of miles behind Burnham and Hoyte. Of the six presidents – Burnham, Hoyte, the two Jagans, Jagdeo and Ramotar – he is last on the list of having his hand on the pulse and an acute sense of awareness of what is taking place in the classroom of power. Of the six presidents listed above, all had prodigious exposure to power realities and the political vagaries of Guyana. Look at the experience of these six presidents before they became president. Unfortunately Granger’s involvement in politics prior to his presidency is almost non-existent. Here now is my analysis of David Granger, the politician. I agree with Johnson that Granger has a vision for Guyana, but I don’t think it is a stunning, transformative vision. I don’t think it is a vi-
sion that is impressive. Secondly, unlike the other six presidents (sorry to go back to a comparison), Granger has a more open embrace of economics that are antithetical to the masses and the poorer classes. I doubt if the pro-capitalist presidencies of Hoyte and Jagdeo had continued, they would have been so crudely neo-liberal as Granger. Thirdly, I am uneasy about the multi-racial credentials of Granger. Like all previous presidents, he plays the race card. Fourthly, I suspect that Granger has a modicum of colonial values that are irrelevant to a country like Guyana. This columnist knows for a fact that he is the sole reason why the amendment to the section on the penalty of the anti-narcotics law with regards to small amounts of marijuana has not been passed. He should have the courage and decency to defend what he believes in public. Fifthly, Granger plays incestuous politics like his two
immediate predecessors. It is one thing to continue to do what your predecessors have done; it is another thing when your choices are banal and mediocre. Granger’s diplomatic appointments have been a disaster for this country. Many other high-level selections were simply wrong and they have hurt Guyana’s human resource expansion. Sixthly, I am confused about his adulation of Burnham, when he emulates none of Burnham’s ideological endeavours, only Burnham’s one-dimensional approach to power. He has converted his private home to accommodate four foundations to perpetuate the legacy of Burnham. But he has abandoned Burnham’s economic directions. I suspect he accepts Burnham’s perspective on power retention. Burnham’s fundamental fault is that he did not accept the plurality of power. Whether it was driven by Machiavellian philosophy or
Frederick Kissoon pragmatic considerations, Burnham did not accept that power must be shaped by the input of what takes place in society, but by its possessor only. My fixed opinion is that Granger wanted a GECOM chairman to do his bidding. In another column, I will look at the possibility of a rigged election under Granger. Finally, I would classify Granger as a president without leadership qualities, who is not the right person to lead oil-rich Guyana. The PNC is divided and denuded and Granger will be chosen. Neither he nor Irfaan Ali should lead this crying nation.
DEM BOYS SEH
Patto mek Independence promise but he ain’t keeping none Independence anniversary coming and people plan nuff sport. Dem have a carnival and it look like de whole of Guyana who move out and live in de States come home. Some buy dem ticket wid credit card which is a good thing and dem come wid a small piece fuh spend. Imagine people who live in dis country all de time can’t get a taxi once it get dark. Dem taxi people know who calling and dem going there because dem know de raise is good. Independence mean a lot to dis country but to most people, it mean a good sport. Burnham did stop naming Independence Day a holiday. Is Papa Cheddi who come
and mek de day a holiday again. Since then people ain’t stop sporting. People even plan more events fuh de holiday. Soulja Bai decide dat now is de time to give people dem National Award. But is Patterson who trying to mess up de holiday. He promise dat he gon commission dem elevators at dem walkway fuh independence. Of course, everybody know dem overpass was to stop people from getting knock down pon de road. Fuh people who can barely walk dem put elevator to help dem cross over. De elevator gon tek dem to de top of de overpass and dem can cross over. When dem meet de odda side, dem gon tek anodda elevator
and go down. Cathy, who marry to Nigel, tell reporters last week dat she gon petition she colleague fuh release de airport plan. Dem boys seh while she at it, she could petition to have Patto commission dem elevators. He did promise to commission de airport since last year. Up to now, it ain’t even commission. It deh and people just using it. Old people does seh how you got to give something to de spirits when you get a new building. Dem boys seh Patto gon get away wid anything dis time because de airport ain’t new. But at least he can release de plan. Talk half and ask fuh de airport plan.
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Black Bush bandits died from shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds
A post mortem examination conducted on the bodies of the three bandits who were killed in the Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder backlands on Sunday, by ranks of ‘B’ Division, has revealed that the trio died from shock and haemorrhage, with Ramnarine ‘Andrew’ Jagmohan and Kelvin ‘Kelly’ Shivgobin receiving multiple gunshot wounds and the third, Sewchand Seelall, a single gunshot injury. The autopsies were conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan at the Port Mourant Hospital yesterday morning. On Sunday, just around 15:30 hrs, ranks lead by Senior Superintendent Wayne DeHearte, who is currently in
charge of No.2 Sub-division (Borlam-Siparuta) made their way to the backlands of Mibicuri South (near the bridge connecting Mibicuri and Johanna) after receiving information that there were three strange persons lurking in the said location. The ranks, as they approached the location were reportedly met with a hail of gunfire from the three men. Gunfire was returned, and the exchange carried on for a little over five minutes. When the shooting ceased, the bloodied bodies of the three men were reportedly found in the swampy area. Four weapons were also discovered lying beside the men, along with three haversacks. While their bodies were
being transported out residents had already gathered at the bridge to catch a glimpse of the individuals who were terrorizing residents in Black Bush Polder and on the Corentyne. The bodies were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital for official pronouncement of death.A search of the haversacks saw the discovery of 263 live rounds of ammunition, over $600,000 in local, TT and EURO currency, several pieces of gold and silver jewellery, and cellphones, among other items. The four firearms included an AR-15 rifle and a revolver. Ballistic test results confirmed that the AR-15 and the revolver were the same guns used in the Albion Z-
Shot Dead: Sewchand Seelall called Pappy One Chinese Supermarket robbery. There were several other robberies committed along the Corentyne prior to their deaths, and it is believed that the now dead trio was among a gang that carried out those attacks. In many of the robberies, victims reported seeing five masked men. It was also reported by this publication that the now dead
Shot Dead: Kelvin Shivgobin aka Kelly men, were persons with criminal records. Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Shivgobin for a double murder at Bushlot Village, Corentyne, Berbice, where the Samaroo brothers were shot and killed during a robbery on their home. Seelall was charged and later released on a robbery under arms charge in 2015.
Shot dead: Ramnarine ‘Andrew’ Jagmohan After his release he lived in Bushlot Village, but moved to Black Bush Polder after the Samaroo brothers were killed. Police sources told Kaieteur News that he may have a part of the gang that murdered the brothers. Jagmohan served time in prison for the murder of Hampshire businessman Devendra ‘Dave’ Deodat, he was killed during a robbery at his home in October 2013.
Miner murdered, body dumped in pit latrine -three held Police have detained three suspects in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old miner, whose body was found in a pit latrine near Barama, North West District, on Wednesday. Darwin David, the victim, is believed to have been slain two Fridays ago. According to reports, David was drinking with other miners at a shop when he accused one of the men of attempting to rob him. When
David eventually left, the man he had accused reportedly followed him and stabbed him to death. The killer then dumped the young man’s body in a pit latrine. David’s corpse was found on Wednesday, and police, acting on information, arrested three associates of the slain miner. The men have reportedly provided the police with details about the crime.
U.S. regulator sees approval of Boeing 737 MAX to fly as soon as late June: sources M O N T R E A L / F O RT WORTH, Texas (Reuters) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects to approve Boeing Co’s 737 MAX jet to return to service as soon as late June, representatives of the U.S. air regulator informed members of the United Nations’ aviation agency in a private briefing yesterday, sources told Reuters. The target, if achieved, means U.S. airlines would likely not have to greatly extend costly cancellations of 737 MAX jet s t h e y have already put in place for the peak summer flying season, but the FAA representatives warned that there was no firm timetable to get the planes back in the air. American Airlines Group Inc, Southwest Airlines Co and United Airlines sus-
pended 737 MAX flights into July and August after the FAA grounded Boeing’s best-selling jet in March following two crashes in the space of five months that together killed 346 people. FAA and Boeing officials privately briefed members of the Internat i o n a l C i v i l Av i a t i o n O rg a n i z a t i o n ’s ( I C A O ) governing council in Montreal on the 737 M A X y e s t e r d a y, t h e same day that the FAA’s acting administrator Dan Elwell met with international air regulators for eight hours in Fort Worth, Texas. Laying out a potential schedule for getting the 737 MAX back in the air in the United States goes further than the FAA’s public statements so far. Elwell declined to answer
questions about the private ICAO briefing. “The last thing I want is to put a date out there and then to have anybody, either the FAA, or you or the public drive to the date instead of the end result or the process,” he told Reuters at a briefing with reporters after the Fort Worth meeting, which he called “constructive.” He repeated previous statements that the FAA will not approve the plane for flight until it has completed a safety analysis, with no set timetable. The path to getting the 737 MAX back in the air outside the United States remains even more uncertain. Canada and Europe said on Wednesday they would bring back the grounded aircraft on their own terms, not the FAA’s.
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Cop with conflicting evidence causes delay in Daby trial Superintendent Gary McAllister, the officer who gave conflicting evidence to the court in the matter of businesswoman Maryann Daby, who is accused of attempting to kill a police rank, has yet again caused the matter to be held off. Yesterday when the matter was called in the courtroom of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, the officer was not present in court. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued for him to be present in court to continue giving evidence. However, Superintendent McAllister later on in the day showed up and as such the arrest warrant was recalled by the magistrate. From the evidence that the witness had presented to the court, it appeared that ammunition lodged at the Brickdam Police Station in relation to the case were allegedly switched or misplaced. In his testimony, McAllister said that he brought one evidence bag from Brickdam Police Station marked GM 35AD2018 with one .32 Beretta pistol marked daa535775 with a magazine, along with four live .32 ammunition and two .32 spent shells. Moreover, on another occasion, when the Superintendent showed up to tender the evidence as part of the prosecutions case, he told the court that he uplifted the evidence bag with a magazine, four live rounds, and two .22 spent shells. The variance caused the matter to be adjourned so that clarity could be sought and reported to the court. A few months ago, Police Constable John Holder was charged and released on $300,000 bail for willfully attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to this matter. The constable is the key witness. He was not required to plead to the charge which stated that between August 10 and October 2,
Maryann Daby 2018, at Georgetown, he willfully attempted to pervert the course of justice by deviating from his statement dated May 13, 2018. According to information, during the investigation Holder gave several statements in relation to the matter. Sometime later, he deviated from his statement and told the court that a top ranking officer instructed him to change his statement to support that of his colleague. Daby, 25, of 127 DAguiar Park, Houston, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on May 13, last, at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, she attempted to discharge a loaded firearm at Police Constable Christopher Kissoon. She is currently out on $750,000 bail. It is also alleged that on May 13, last at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, she had a .32 pistol in her
possession when she was not the holder of a firearm licence enforced at the time. It was further alleged that on the same day, she had six live rounds of .32 ammunitions in her possession, when she was not the holder of a firearm licence enforced at the time. She denied the charges after they were read to her. She is being represented by Attorney-at-law Mark Waldron. According to reports, on the day in question, Daby and her friends were at the Georgetown Motor Racing and Sports Club. Constable Kissoon, who was off-duty and was at the Club at the time, reportedly heard what appeared to be gunshots.While checking for the source of the gunfire, he reportedly saw Daby firing rounds into the air. He said that he confronted her. Daby then allegedly pointed a firearm to the officers head and pulled the trigger.
Police probe death of teenage girl run over by car - Reputed husband, 42, in custody Police are investigating the death of a teenage girl who was run over by a car on Wednesday, around 22:30 hrs, on the Railroad Embankment at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. Dead is 18-year-old Kareema Mary Cholmondeley, of Lot 10 BB GEC Scheme Hugh, Ghanie
Park, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. According to the driver of motorcar PJJ 5884, he was proceeding west along the southern side of the railroad, when he noticed a male pushing a bicycle on the same side of the road. He stated that when he was about to pass the man,
he saw someone lying on the roadway, and the distance between the car and the person lying on the road was so short that it was too late to react, and the vehicle ran over the teen. She was picked up in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Georgetown (Continued on page 30)
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Friday May 24, 2019
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Youth Policy being reformed to suit Strengthening anti-corruption institutions will be our aim – PPP General Secretary oil and gas, green state prospects The People Progressive past and ask them why they
The ultimate aim of N a t i o n a l Yo u t h P o l i c y (NYP) is to outline the agenda of the Government, in relation to the priorities for all young people under the age of 35. It represents a stated commitment to improve the situations of young people, in a manner that is empowering, inclusive and sustained. Recently, an addendum was put in place to revise the policy. After parliament approved of the policy in 2015, it was required of the Ministry to review and revise the policy every five years. An addendum is now being put into action. D u r i n g a n i n t erview with Kaieteur News, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, related that the policy is being reviewed and revised to take account of the oil and gas sector, and inclusive of the fact that Guyana is aiming to be a “green state”. According to the Minister, many such changes have sprung up, but the ministry d i d n o t a n t i c i pate the aforementioned, mainly because of the time when the policy was drafted and developed. Thus, he explained that the addendum would capture all of these changes. The reform is cur-
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton rently being complied and revised by Henry Charles, a consultant f r o m Tr i n i d a d a n d To bago. Charles is an International Youth Development Specialist and Strategy Advisor. He is an advocate of transformational approaches to youth development. His research interests are Youth Policy development; Youth Governance and Participation; Professionalization of Youth Development Work; Youth Employment and Youth Leadership using critical consciousness and apprec i a t i v e i n q u i r y theoretical construct. Furthermore, the Social Cohesion ministry plans on going out into
different regions of Guyana to educate p e o p l e , e s p ecially the youths, of the policy and the importance of it to them. The minister did note that that plan of action has not yet commenced because of the changes that they wouldve encountered during the redrafting to the policy, “which takes time.” “There is no doubt about the fact that people need to know what is in the policy, for two reasons; if our actions do not coincide with what is stated in the policy, then stakeholders have a right to insist that we do so. Secondly, if what the policy mandates, we [the ministry], are not in favour of, then we also have the opportunity to make adjustments to it.” When the final drafting o f t h e N a t i o n a l Yo u t h Policy has been completed, it will be presented to the Guyana Youth Council and other stakeholders like USAID, CFIR, UNICEF, and a technical working group that comprises ministerial representatives, fo r p e rusal. Adjustments will be made to the document, and after that is completed, it will be presented to parliament to be scrutinized, and further abridged. Minister Norton could not state a time when all of that would be done, but he did reassure that plans are in progress.
Party /Civic, (PPP/C) is set to up the ante against corruption once the party wins office, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said yesterday. Addressing media operatives during his weekly press conference, held at his Church Street office, the Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary, revealed that the party intends to work on strengthening institutions geared towards fighting corruption. “We are looking at a detailed set of programmes that will strengthen governance institutions to fight corruption” The Opposition Leader noted that the party “…sees the absolute need to not only strengthen but to create new ones to ensure there are swift penalties”. Jagdeo noted, however, that information on the party’s plan to fight corruption will be further revealed in its election manifesto. In addition, Jagdeo noted that the party will be relying heavily on the oil sector for the creation of a promised 50,000 new jobs “For those who think this is an ambitious number, the 50,000 jobs, this is a conservative number, because we believe we can do much better, because of the incentive programmes that we are working on,” Jagdeo added. He said his party is currently working on a package of incentives to support job
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo creation and that will cover all sectors of the economy. Confronted with questions about the allegations of corruption leveled against his own party, Jagdeo called the reports “a myth spread by APNU+AFC Government”. “It was the same APNU+AFC Government which branded the Marriott Hotel as a corrupt project, saying that it has to be sold. Today, that same government has every intention to keep the hotel and has said that it is doing well,”Jagdeo said. “Now that they are in office, they are faced with a situation where they have to prove all that they said about us was true. And this is why I spend some time talking about what they said in the
aren’t doing anything about it.” This is not the first time that the Opposition Leader has exuded confidence that the government “does not have any real dirt on the PPP”. At an earlier press briefing, Jagdeo noted that he is not the least bit afraid of what the release of more forensic reports can do to the image of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during the upcoming campaign for General and Regional Elections. He said, “We have been calling on them to release all of the reports. They can release them. They could have released them yesterday; they can release them today or they can release them tomorrow.” He added, “But even so, with all the reports they could not find the large scale corruption that they talk about. Look at what they charge people for. So I would find it a miraculous thing that they had this big scandal and every day they were just sitting on it, waiting for 2020 (when elections were originally slated to be held,)… it stretches the imagination.” “Whether they are APNU, AFC or PPP, our people are smart, they see a dying, desperate, greedy cabal out there, and so I do not have any worry about these reports, no doubt they will get more repressive.”
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Friday May 24, 2019
CH&PA conducts follow-up visit on squatters at Edinburgh - moving deadline set for today Yesterday the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) did a checkup at the Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara area where persons were squatting on reserved government lands, just to inform them that their deadline is today and they will have to move. Head of the Enforcement Investigative Unit Lester Kitt in an interview said that “During the month of December we heard that persons were invading a particular government land, behind by Edinburgh, opposite the stadium [Leonora Synthetic Track] over the river. On the 23rd January, we visited and had a talk with about 40 persons. One structure was framed and the other wasnt. We talked to them and told them to desist from squatting; they were cutting and burning bush and marking spots. On the 25th January we went back, we saw one (Continued on page 31)
CH&PA official speaking with a former squatter.
A demolished structure
A section of the reserved government lands.
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 24, 2019
Don't rely on oil companies' models during negotiations By Kiana Wilburg
W
hen entering negotiations with oil companies that have a strong personality like ExxonMobil, there are several tactics which governments can employ to avoid being swayed or easily influenced, says Energy and Strategy Advisor, Anthony Paul. During a recent interview with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), Paul emphatically stated that governments must have their own contract models which
- Industry Expert says countries must get their own honour the nation's laws. He warned against reliance on those provided by oil companies. Further to this, the Local Content Expert cautioned that there must be accountability throughout the decision chain for the oil sector, or else it opens a country up to corruption and poor governance. He said, too, that another tactic governments can use to resist being unduly influenced is by fixing fiscal terms in law so as to prevent
Ministers from changing the terms, or to do so only under prescribed conditions and in a transparent manner. In addition, Paul who is currently supporting countries new to extractives industries, said that another effective tactic to get the most of the oil deposit and to prevent optimization of its exploitation from being subject to one company's business strategy, is to require joint ventures. In this regard, the Petroleum Consultant
recalled that in the 1990's, Trinidad had put a bid out for an oil block onshore. Its geology was very attractive; many majors submitted bids, but ExxonMobil emerged the victor. The Industry Expert said that Trinidad, however, imposed Total and Chevron to partner with Exxon, while keeping itself as the operator. Paul said that this was beneficial to the country as it enabled technical competition and a variety of (continued on page 20)
Industry Expert, Anthony Paul
Body in trench‌
Female taxi driver was strangled, suffered blunt trauma to head
Jennifer Bipat
P
olice are still to apprehend the killers of taxi driver Jennifer Bipat, even as a post mortem conducted yesterday provided clues to her demise. Crime Chief Lyndon Alves told Kaieteur News that the 48-year-old was strangled and also suffered blunt trauma to the head. But it appears that investigators have few leads to the identity of her killer. They are also said to be examining various motives, aside from robbery. Bipat, who worked with a Goed Fortuin, West Coast Demerara taxi service, reportedly left her workplace at around 16.00 hrs on Saturday, after receiving a call. She failed to return to her home at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, and relatives reported her missing. Her body was found at around 09.00 hrs on Sunday in a trench in La Parfaite H a r m o n i e , We s t B a n k Demerara. Her vehicle, a Toyota Premio, PXX 4114, was missing.
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Wrong Poonai accused of fraud, Kaieteur News apologises unreservedly
I
t is not often that one finds two men with the same name and both of them being lawyers and are almost the same age. However, that was just the case yesterday. M r. R a j e n d r a N a t h Poonai, an attorney at law of distinguished service was conferred with the award of Senior Counsel on Wednesday. He joined Mr. Robert Ramcharran, Mrs. Carole James-Boston, Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, and Mr. Stephen Fraser. A background check on the name Rajendra Poonai uncovered that a Rajendra Poonai was convicted in Brampton, Ontario for his role in a multi-million mortgage fraud. That information was then affixed to Senior Counsel Poonai. The records would show, however, that the Senior Counsel never practiced law in Canada, so he could not have been convicted in that North American country. In the wake of the publication, the Guyana Bar Council, in a press statement, noted, “The Bar Council of
the Bar Association of Guyana wholly condemns the false, irresponsible and libelous report in Kaieteur News of May 23, 2019 under the headline 'Attorney Convicted of Fraud in Canada Appointed Senior Counsel' which, without any justification whatsoever, attempts to bring Mr. Rajendra Nath Poonai S.C. into disrepute and lower him in the estimation of right-thinking members of society. “Mr. Rajendra Nath Poonai, S.C. was never convicted of any crime and/or disbarred in Canada as alleged nor has he ever practiced law in Canada. “ The offending article was removed from the electronic edition as soon as the error was revealed. No malice was intended. Mr. Poonai was contacted and an apology was duly offered. Kaieteur News unreservedly apologises to Mr. Poonai. It also regrets the embarrassment caused to Mr. Poonai as soon as he was conferred with the highest award in the legal profession.
Don't rely on oil companies' models during negotiations From page 18 views and approaches between partners, and it yielded the best exploration methods. Further to this, Paul contended that joint ventures (JVs) generally enable governments to put in place an additional layer of control and audit, as each party keeps an eye on the operator. For cost allocation purposes, Paul explained that a JV will always do internal audits on each company's invoices before invoices are submitted to the government; whereas, when there is no JV, the invoice will go straight to the government which often has weaker auditing capacities. The Industry Expert said one must bear in mind that those multinational companies make deals across assets and borders. So, the government may not always have a line of sight of value transfer, the official stated.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
PAGE 21
Govt., GPSU to establish High-Level Committee to improve public service
P
resident David Granger yesterday m o r n i n g , convened a meeting with executive members of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) to discuss the establishment of a HighLevel Committee on the Public Service. The GPSU's side was led by its President Patrick Ya r d e , w h i l e t h e Government's side was headed by President Granger and included the Minister of State, Dawn HastingsWilliams; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Service, Tabitha SaraboHalley; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. P r e s i d e n t G r a n g e r, according to the Ministry of the Presidency, said the meeting was a demonstration of Government's commitment to engage the GPSU in an effort to ensure that workers in the public service can earn a livable wage, enjoy better working conditions and benefit from training. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to have the committee formed by June 1, 2019. It is expected that the committee will meet and address a plethora of issues and formulate a report, which would be taken to Cabinet. “President Granger has, in the past, said the
President David Granger and Ministers of the Government at a meeting yesterday with executive members of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) at the Ministry of the Presidency Government will make all the necessary investments to ensure an efficient and reliable public service is built. According to the President, the Public Service cannot be disassociated from the concept of public trust and must comprise men and women of intelligence, integrity and impartiality if it is to enjoy public trust and to achieve its administrative objectives.” He has also noted that the administration is serious about implementing reforms that will create “a brand new public service”, one which is characterised by fairness, equality, responsiveness, reliability and efficiency, and it is for this reason a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service was launched in 2016. Some recommendations from the COI geared at improving working conditions and other factors which influence the work of public servants, are already being implemented by the Government.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Four indicted for defrauding Guyanese couple in home purchase scheme N e w Yo r k (www.brooklynpaper.com) Brooklyn's top prosecutor has indicted four scammers for allegedly selling a Canarsie home which they did not own. District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the charges on May 22 against Ramjit Jaikaran of Queens, Colin Hill of Queens, Kaso Rampersad of Florida, and Justin Codrington of New Rochelle in relation to the 2017 scheme. Prosecutors allege the four men fraudulently convinced a Guyanese couple to pay $276,000 for the home, located on E. 94th Street in Canarsie. The home was actually registered to Ruth Adelman, who died in 1993 and did not have a will. According to a subsequent
investigation, Jaikaran acted as a real estate agent on behalf of Rampersad, who posed as the heir to the deceased homeowner. Hill, impersonating a lawyer, presented the victims will falsified documents, including a fraudulent deed and birth certificate, purporting to show Rampersad's legal ownership of the property. The victims handed over two bank checks, totalling $276,000, to the con artists, believing they were purchasing the legal rights to the Southern Brooklyn home, according to Gonzalez. Codrington deposited one of the ill-gotten checks to a shell corporation, Gonzalez said, while the other was chased by a company
controlled by Jaikaran's wife. The victims learned that they had been defrauded several months later, when they were sued by Valley Capital Partners, LLC, which had truly purchased the home from the deceased homeowners actual next of kin, according to prosecutors. The four men face a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charges. Each was hit with various charges in the 20count indictment, which included conspiracy, identity theft, and falsifying business records. Codrington is being held on $30,000 bail, while the other three were released without bail, prosecutors said. The four men are due back in court on June 26.
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Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
Local designers/models set to dazzle enthusiasts at
'Guyana Fashion
Showcase'tonight
Friday May 24, 2019
REGGAE SUPER STAR
BUJU BANTON to perform in Guyana on May
25 By Alex Wayne
S
everal local designers and models will get the chance to prove their worth at the upcoming 'Guyana Fashion Showcase' (The Runway Event) At a special press conference held recently at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, overseas based designer, Roger Gary (who sat on the panel), told reporters that the initiative is a fashion and lifestyle venture which will feature both a runway segment and a travel initiative that will see organizers and participant's visiting the Kaieteur Falls. He added that the event will showcase 15 overseas designers and five of Guyana's finest. The local lineup with include, Guyana's Randy Madray, Mwanza Glenn, and others. The foreign lineup will see designers from Jamaica, the Bahamas, USA, Africa and other areas. Some 45 local models will walk the runway this evening when the
event kicks off at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. Famous overseas based Guyanese designer, Michelle Cole-Wagner is a top icon in the planning of the event and was present at the press conference. She noted that the event is promoting Guyana' s ecotourism potential and as such the lavish 60 feet runway will be decorated to reflect same. The event will also feature models and personalities from the international 'Beyonce's Fame' iconic initiative. The overseas models and designers are expected to arrive in Guyana on May 22 and 23, 2019. Tickets are being sold for $4000 and $8000, and can be obtained from Ramada Princess Hotel, Julia's Variety Store on Regent Street, Georgetown. Premium Plus tickets are being sold for USD$80, and allows front row seats and complimentary cocktails.
R
eggae Super star Buju Banton is ready to deliver the performance of a lifetime tomorrow as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival Celebrations. Buju Banton, who’s ‘Long Road to Freedom’ tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country of Jamaica; finally, Guyana is on that list.
Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite countries to perform in the Caribbean, has not performed here for over 12 years, however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highly anticipated concert. The reggae superstar is known for hits such as, ‘untold stories’, wanna be loved’, ‘champion’, ‘deportees’, ‘not an easy road’ and much more.
Entertainment POLICE Stag Beer launches THE
From left in photo are Guyanese designer, Randy Madray, and some of the models that will showcase exquisite pieces at the event
E P
the ultimate
RIDE OUT
Promotion
A
From left in photo are Michelle Cole-Wagner, Co-ordinator/ Organizer; Philbert Giddings; and designer Roger Gary
nsa McAL’s Ambassadors for the beloved Stag Beer are back again with a unique ‘Ride Out’ Promotion that is poised to see citizens winning thousands of dollars, television sets and even a sleek motorcycle. The promotion which kicks off in Georgetown and its environs will also be heading to Berbice, Bartica, Linden and the Essequibo Coast so the chances of not winning are remote. Every area will see a fortnightly draw with a Honda 125CC motorcycle to be won at every drawing in Georgetown. The bike is also up for grabs at the last fortnightly drawing in Berbice, Linden,
Bartica and the Essequibo Coast. Other prizes which are up for grabs at every drawing include: two coolers filled with stag beers, US$200, and one 50 inch television set. To enter, drink the stag beers, save the crowns, enter six of them in an envelope with your name, contact number and address, and place it in the entry box. For Georgetown, the boxes will be at several locations which include: Sweet Point, the Garage, Wings and Things, White Castle Fish shop and Green Paradise. There is no limit to how many times you can enter or win. The drawing dates are May 10 and 24 and June 7 and 21.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
PAGE 25
Auditions for
Imperial House launches Miss Miss Guyana Princess Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant
Pageant
T
set for May 25
WHATZ
he annual Miss Guyana Princess Pageant is here again, but this time, with more hype, more energy, and more excitement. Under the artistic direction of Nandre's Kreations, the pageant is poised to produce yet another fantastic production that caters to the pre teen participants from ages eight to 12 years old. Auditions for applicants will be held on Saturday May 25, 2019 at the Theatre Guild Playhouse from 9:00hrs. After the audition and orientation the girls will presented to the public at a launching ceremony and charity fashion show in The Theatre Guild's Eucalyptus Garden on Sunday July 21, 2019. Proceeds from the fashion launch will go towards displaced Radio Broadcaster Mia Ritchie –Comacho and family who lost their Durban Backland home to a fire in April of this year. Patrons will be treated to collections from local designers and the show promises to create yet another fun, family oriented
afternoon featuring some “tiny tots” models. The Miss Guyana Princess Pageant was designed to provide each participant with the opportunity to promote school, community ,talent and culture and at the same time learn more about the other participants while encouraging networking, integration and promoting social cohesion among our children. The princesses are each given pageant names after Disney Princesses who were characters of strength, poise, beauty and bravery. Traditionally, the role of women in society have been greatly overlooked, however, in these contemporary times, women are empowered and emboldened to take revolutionary action that drives change within our society. The Miss Guyana Princess Pageant is slated for Sunday, August 18th 2019 at the National Cultural Centre with an interesting twist, our princesses will be presenting on outstanding and empowering Guyanese women.
HOTTT
this weekend!!! 704 Sports Bar to host 704 Sports Bar presents the ultimate De-stresser Build Your Bucket every weekend for the ladies Wednesday and Friday The legendary Destiny's Child famously said, “Ladies it ain't easy being independent.” And at 704, the management and staff understand just how hard the ladies work to take care of themselves hence the reason this unique establishment is inviting all ladies to head on over to the 704 bar to indulge in their simply tantalizing Destresser cocktail. The first 30 will get this signature cocktail for free. See you there!!!
Aura Bar and Lounge at Pegasus Hotel pres. club night Saturdays Every Saturday, the Management at Aura will be providing an ambiance filled with quality service, delicious food and great music. Every Saturday should be a party to remember and the Aura is determined to give you that experience. The Lounge will be open from 8pm. Music will be provided by Guyana's most popular DJs. For reservations, you can make contact with management on: 225-2853 or 600-6912.
At the 704 Sports Bar, there will always be an opportunity to evolve your choices. And every Wednesday and Friday, party-goers will get a chance to build their bucket. This interesting concept allows you to pick any combination of six beers to Build Your Bucket (BYB) and get it at a special price. This offer is available from 5pm to 7pm! See you there.
Escape the after work traffic today at Palm Court As the Great Caribbean Singer, Father Fox says, "Who does go to work on a Thursday or even a Friday?" Well, unfortunately, most of us do! But that shouldn't stop you from "ducking" every once in a while when the pressure seems too much and you desire to have a little fun. Every Friday, one of Guyana's number one entertainment spots, Palm Court will be offering a light celebration called "Escape the after work traffic. The event gets started from 4:00pm to 7:00pm so see you there.
It's Heineken Fridays at 704 Sports Bar If you are a die-hard fan of the Heineken brand then 704 Sports Bar is where you need to be this and every Friday. According to management, fans can get six Heinekens for just $2800 between 7pm and 9pm. Be sure to take advantage of this offer guys!
Past queen, Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2016, Aliya Wong poses for a photograph with the pageant organizers
T
he Imperial House is a registered organization working towards creating and implementing social programmes for the advancement of Guyanese youth through pageants and the theatrical arts. Its mandate is to support social investments through youth empowerment, community service, entrepreneurship and the advancement of education. This year, the Organization will launch its flagship project, the “Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant” which will be a social programme for the advancement of education for young women in Guyana. The scholarship will be awarded to the winning delegate after a pageant slated for September 7, 2019 at The National Culture Centre. The award covers tuition/materials /examination fees towards
her academic pursuits. Application forms can be downloaded on The Imperial House's Face book page or purchased at the Medical Choice Pharmacy on Camp Street, two buildings before Burger King, for just one thousand dollars. All interested Teens are asked to submit their applications on or before June 22, 2019 at the aforementioned location. The Management of Imperial House strongly believes that social investments in Guyana's youths will have a positive impact on our country, however, we cannot undertake this project alone and therefore we wish to thank those who have already seen the value of this programme and partnered with us namely, KFC, PGS, Amanvani, 55 Photography and Medical Choice Pharmacy.
Kosmos
The latest Entertainment hotspot that caters for all
K
osmos is the new exciting destination for patrons of all walks of life looking for the ultimate experience. Whether you're craving a chef inspired meal, an afternoon hang spot or a great night out, Kosmos has you covered! There are daily happy hour specials, live band, nightly shows and theme parties combined with ultra modern environment and international line of beverages makes us the only place you will ever want to be. You will always want more at Kosmos. (See schedule for upcoming events at right)
PAGE 26
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Resuscitated ECD Executive PTA to help bolster Region Four performance A number of challenges faced by East Coast Demerara schools are likely to be reduced with the recent resuscitation of an Executive Parent Teacher Association [PTA]. Expressing optimism in this regard was acting Regional Education Officer [REdO], Ms. Tiffany Harvey, who heads the Region Four Department of Education. The recent move to resuscitate the PTA executive body, which included representatives from PTAs across the East Coast corridor, comes as part of the Department’s continued drive to build capacity as efforts are trained towards the development of students. “Among those elected for the executive are the presidents and secretaries from the various schools along the East Coast,” said Harvey. Prior to its resuscitation, the body had a presence on both the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, which helped to aid in the effective execution of issues and concerns facing schools.
However, the body became defunct some five years ago, noted Harvey, who said that she embraced the resuscitation move ever since she assumed the position of REdO. The PTA body, which Harvey recognised as one having significant benefits to the school system, was resuscitated last Friday after elections were held in the Department’s boardroom at Triumph, East Coast Demerara. Harvey said that the schools involved have all expressed excitement over the initiative, even as she shared her firm belief that it will help in creating and crafting a culture where every stakeholder feels inclusive in what is taking place. She said, too, that the PTA body would be able to inculcate various methods and systems, thus supporting the respective schools in enhancing its environment for all to learn. Harvey said that although there were discussions of resuscitating the body earlier, it was only recently, after
Ms Tiffany Harvey, Acting Regional Education Officer [Third from right in front row], in the company of the newly-elected PTA executive. frank and open discussions with several of the schools, that a decision was made to forge ahead with the initiative. She said that 76 schools
along the East Coast were invited to participate in the resuscitation and holding of elections. However, despite the fact that some executives of a few schools were absent, the turnout was heartening, as it was clear that the various schools wanted to support and endorsed. The REdO said that she is happy that parents and other stakeholders are realising that education requires the support and participation of all, if educators are going to succeed at effectively and efficiently educating the nation’s children. “Too many times it is felt that the teachers can do everything or they [teachers] should do everything, when in fact teaching requires more than just a teacher standing in front of a classroom. The PTA plays an integral role in the process, and we have found that at schools where there is a vibrant and successful PTA, then the students are performing very well, because it means that all
stakeholders are playing a part in the process,” the acting REdO said. Having been elected, the PTA body, she explained, will serve for a two-year period. According to Harvey, too, her department has already committed to providing any needed support to ensure that the body works with efficacy. She noted too that she is also very happy that all the schools involved have reinforced their support. Even as she boasted of the latest development in the Education Department, Harvey shared her expectation that it will help foster a conducive environment which will further propel education within the region. Harvey also disclosed that plans are in the making for another executive body for the East Bank Demerara corridor as soon as next week. “We also intend to do some courses and some refreshers so that they can better understand their roles
and functions,” REdO Harvey said. She further noted that her intention for both the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara is that they would remain very active, as she foresees the executive bodies playing a crucial role in advancing education within the region. She went on to disclose that once the East Bank executive is elected, there will be another election to choose a regional PTA body which will represent the entire region. She stressed too that a number of stakeholders would be invited to forge relationships with her department as they seek to advance the work and objectives of the Department. “We want to engage the police, we want to engage the hospital, we want to engage as many stakeholders as possible, to enhance the delivery of education in Region Four, and I firmly believe that with the PTA (Continued on page 30)
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
E’bo youths speak out against mental illness The Pan American Health Organization [PAHO] in 2017 recognised suicide and other mental illnesses, to be the leading cause of death amongst young Guyanese. On Wednesday, last, youths on the Essequibo Coast had an opportunity to speak out against Mental Illnesses as they participated in a Prepare Speech Competition, entitled, ‘Mental Health Matters.’ The competition was organized and coordinated by the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture YouthandSport,incommemoration ofYouthWeek 2019. Eight learning institutions participated in the event, which was hosted at the Essequibo Technical Institute [ETI]. Participating were students from Charity Secondary, 8th of May Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary, Abrams Zuil Secondary, Anna Regina Secondary and the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI). Principal of ETI, Mr. Rawle Pearce said during his introductory speech, that “poor mental health will negatively impact the social and psychological construct of our country”. The principal added that, “Mental health issues must be tackled head-on by all parties, including Government, private individuals, nongovernmental organizations [NGOs] and religious organizations, if we were to eradicate the devastating effect of mental health”. Representative of the Ministry of the Presidency, Youth Department, Ms. Adeti De Jesus said that the focus this year in observance of National Youth Week, is predominantly on Men-
Students who came out in support of their respective schools
tal Health and youth Empowerment. She said that Youth Week 2019 commenced with a rally, concert and exhibition in Region Six. The Speech Presentation in Region Two, she said, was a continuation of what was started in region six. “Region two was selected, because the World Health Organization [WHO] 2018 reports recorded that most of the incidents with regards to the suicide rate were from Region Two. Twenty four of every one hundred per-
sons who died, died as a result of suicide. This is a disturbing reality that we must address; this is a critical issue.” At the end of the Competition, Anna Regina Secondary was rewarded with a trophy and an electronic tablet, for having the best female presenter. Johanna Cecelia Secondary received a similar prize for having the best male presenter. Essequibo Technical Institute collected a prize for having the overall best presenter.
Outstanding participants with their prizes
PAGE 27
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
GRA had informed lawyer that Hummer would be disposed of
A
Hummer that was at the centre of a probe was seized last year and disposed of by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) after the alleged owner was unable to prove linkages. The Hummer had moved from being registered by the Ministry of Health to now be in the control of the army. It appeared that the GRA refused the settlement because the owner’s name did not surface in the registration. Writing attorney-at-law, Sase Gunraj, on June 4, 2018, GRA’s Head of Law Enforcement, Fitzroy Corlette, said that the Hummer with registration number PWW 1458 was seized for being utilized contrary to the purpose for which tax exemptions were granted. GRA said that the investigation conducted revealed, among other things, that the said motor vehicle was not registered to the lawyer’s client. “In light of the foregoing, GRA cannot accept any settlement from your client with regards to this motor vehicle. As a result, the motor vehicle will be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.” According to recently released photos, the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), is now using an army number plate, DFB 1001. “When it is seized, it belongs to the government,” a GRA official explained this week. In late February last year, GRA officials seized the vehicle. A non-governmental organization (NGO) came under the spotlight as a result. According to Govern-
The registration indicating that the Hummer was in the name of the Ministry of Health ment officials, the 2007 HU3 model Hummer landed here about four years ago. It was owned by a US-based Guyanese. The vehicle came here from Suriname and was used for a while by the man. However, the New York businessman was about to take the vehicle back when he was told that it could be registered here, without the nec-
essary taxes and duties being waived. The businessman reportedly signed it over to an NGO named Hope For The Nation Foundation. The vehicle was registered, as PWW 1458, in April 2017. In January 2018, it was reported that the businessman became suspicious when he came to Guyana and was not
The seized Hummer SUV with the army number plates.
allowed to use the SUV. It was only then that he shockingly learnt that the vehicle was registered to the Ministry of Health. The Hope For The Nation Foundation has reportedly been donating medical and other supplies to Guyana. The matter was recently reported to the Guyana Revenue Authority which immediately sprang into action.
PAGE 30
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Resuscitated ECD Executive...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC. CALL NICK 627-3206, 630-1600 Bookland Gardens is the new outdoor place for social/special events. On facebook. Email: booklandguyana@gmail.com #680-7354 Bedrooms and shopping in Central Georgetown. Email: caribamercare2014@gmail.com. Tel#226-2409/223-4159/6442388/687-5448 Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Tel#227-8748/6224970 16 Pike Street, Kitty. Georgetown Professional Repair Service: Computers, Tv’s (LCD & LED), Cellphones & Other Electronics.Ph#629-6470/ 696-2843.Email :akinscott@outlook.com LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M $3M $2.7M Herstelling $4M $5.5M Providence Eccles $6.5M Farm $5M. Parfaite ten year up $2.5M Call: 666-2326 V/Hoop WCD. 48ft x 1300ft. Call: 609-5672 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M Dairy $1.8M Schnoord $3.6M #651-1969/611-7223 Farm (East Bank) Main road $5.5M Prime location for business. Tel#648-1635
FOR SALE Porcelain tiles. Huge reduction. 12x12, 12x24, 10x14, 24x24, 716 & 3/8 thickness.Tel 695-4785/643-1000/265-3541. 1 (250) Gen set power by NT55.Cummings.Contact#2690603/609-2350/644-1190. Plants on sale @ Bookland Gardens : Foxtail, Manilla Palms 1 to 4 ft tall, plus ornamental plants. Call: 6301925 Grease rag $200 per lb #6819130/266-2700 1 Honda 450 Atv bike, 1 Cat 215 excavator, 1 Cat 428 back hoe, 1 Mack mixer truck 8 cuyds Tel#275-0367/683-7225 1 Double steel wheel roller, 1 pnuematic 9 wheel roller, 2- tar kettles, small &large. 215-excavator spares, 1-3304 Cat Di engine Tel#275-0367/683-7225
FOR RENT
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
DemBake @ Land of Canaan is seeking distributors & experienced drivers & sales agents. Email CV: admin@demerarabakery.com / 266-5848
One (2) bedroom apt for rent @ Colligen, One (3) Bedroom Apt for rent @ Diamond. Tel#602-2563/609-4365
Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.
One four bedroom concrete cottage unfurnished for rent located at Continental Park, Peter ’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. Tel No. #233-5808
Miners (Pit workers) to work in Konawaruk location. Call: 618-2020
Building at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Call #6231615
Taxation Personnel: 3 yrs experience.Minimum qualification C AT / Diploma in Accountancy. Send application to bs.vacany @gmail.com.
(1) Spacious (3) bedroom upper flat apartment, (1) master bedroom, Bent St between Camp & George $100,000 monthly. Tel#6097826 or 218-1688 Two well-appointed in Belvoir Court, Bel Air, Georgetown. Tel#592-627-3650/223-0654/ 225-0605
Lab coats, Apron & caps, fruit juices. Call: 227-7850
2 - 6 Ton Ice Plant with holding room turnkey operation with spares, Lot V1,V2 Houston Estate EBD. Used imported glass showcase L 72'’ x H 39'’ x W 24'’$30,000 each. Tel#625-1514 Used imported metal supermarket shelves, Height 6ft x Length 4ft x 8 Shelves $30,000 each. Tel#625-1514 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052. Roxanne Burnham $20M, South Gardens $10M, $35M (100x100), Norton St $18M, Alberttown $35M, Diamond $14M #231-2199/618-7483 Transported Property in Regent St, between Wellington & Camp St. Tel#655-3332 Opposite Guyoil Gas Station
CAR RENTAL DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. Contact 616-5419, 265-7075
TM 4x4 winch #681-9130/2662700
Sales clerk to work at A&S General Store and Gaulin Supermarket. Contact barry@adamantiumholdings.com or Tel#654-7162
Precept Officer/Driver. Call: 623-5255 Family to work on a farm on the East Bank Dem, Providence. Shivana #6536770 (1) Security and (1) Driver to work in Georgetown. Call #2271717 Caregiver for elderly female required to cook , clean. Call: 675-6723, recommendation required
English & Maths Tutor. Contact #223-5273/74
Experienced Driver. Phone #231-6256/608-3839
General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook. Apply with 2 references. KeyFood McDoom village
Urgently need one land to buy in Herstelling #648-1635
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Montrose Primary being elected the Treasurer and David Chung of Hope Secondary, the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. The Committee members are Endar Singh of Annandale Primary; Wanda Bacchus of New Friendship Nursery; Elwin Orford of LBI Secondary; Winfred Collins of Presidents College and Ricky Joseph of Golden Grove Secondary.
Police probe death of...
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From page 26 body on board, we can get it done,” Harvey asserted. Those elected to serve are Charles Greaves of St Pius Primary, President; Deonarine Dutt of LBI Primary, Vice President, and elected to serve as Secretary is June Roberts of Buxton Secondary with Owen Goeridge of
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From page 13 Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The teenager s 42-yearold reputed husband told the police in a statement that he and his now deceased wife were having an argument when she threw herself onto the roadway moments before the car ran over her. Both the husband and the driver are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation. According to the police, the driver passed a breathalyzer test.
Friday May 24, 2019
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Philippine ambassador presents credentials to President Granger
Energy Department hands over oil spill response gear to CDC
Marichu Mauro is now accredited as the non-resident Ambassador of The Philippines to Guyana President David Granger accepted the credentials of the Ambassador of The Philippines to Guyana, Marichu Mauro, on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency. The envoy told the President that she is excited to work on enhancing over a decade of diplomatic relations between the two countries. She indicated interests by the country she represents, to invest in Guyanas sugar and energy sectors, noting that she is impressed by the countrys hydroelectric technology. Mauro said that there are over 100 Philippine citizens working in Guyana, including doctors, nurses and engineers, and thanked the government of Guyana for its hospitality.
She gave honourable mention to Maniram Prashad, the Honorary Consul of Guyana to the Philippines, and extended the well wishes of the Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, for President Grangers health. The President related that Guyana has benefitted from The Philippines in the areas of education forestry and health, and that he hopes to see more cooperation with regards to agriculture, commerce and fisheries. “Guyana and the Philippines have founded their relations on the bases of mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each others internal affairs, cooperation for mutual
CH&PA conducts... Fom page 16 structure continued to go up, and while some of the people stop the cutting of bush, others continued. We went back on numerous occasions, and served notices on each occasion to stop, we went back seven times and on the seventh time the demolition was done.” All of the visits were done from January 23rd and after. Eight structures were demolished and two left being occupied because they had children. They were told by the CH&PA authorities that they had up to Monday last to demolish and relocate. On Monday they reported to the CH&PA seeking a further extension of time, which was granted and that new deadline is today, and if they have not relocated, further demolition will be done. However, Mr Kitt said that there were some persons within the group that rebuilt their structures and said they werent moving until CH&PA found lands for them to live on. They were advised to file
applications and start the procedure to be awarded house lots. To date, the CH&PA has no idea exactly where the persons were previously located before they started to squat there, but they are looking at the possibility that they couldnt have come from too far away. When asked about emergency provisions made for the displacement of the squatters, he replied in the negative. Since they were constantly behind them to stop what they were doing, their only option is to apply to CH&PA, and a few of them have indicated that their names are already in the system, while a few others were willing to apply. On the previous times that visits were conducted, not many persons were actually living there, the majority were just erecting these structures. When authorities asked them why they came there, the squatters replied that they saw other persons occupying lands, so they basically joined the bandwagon to get a piece to live on as well.
benefit, respect for treaties and international law, and the maintenance of regional peace and security,” the President told Ambassador Mauro. “Guyana welcomes the opportunity to develop our bilateral and multilateral relations further, and anticipates the strengthening of our relations during your tenure as non-resident Ambassador.” Ambassador Mauro started out in this line of work at the Economic Diplomacy Unit of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in 1996. She has served in many capacities, including those in which she worked on relations between her country and Bahrain, the Middle East, Africa, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, the European Union, Brazil, Colombia, Suriname, and Venezuela.
The oil spill resources being handed over at the CDC s Timehri facility. The Ministry of the Presidencys Department of Energy on Wednesday morning handed over a quantity of oil spill response equipment to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the lead agency tasked with creating a National Oil Spill Response Contingency Plan. The CDC is mandated to prepare key public and private stakeholders with a detailed understanding of the plan and to acquaint them with policy and procedures to be implemented as part of a national oil spill response. Four containers of oil spill resources were handed over to Warrant Officer Carlton Semple at the CDCs Alternate Emergency Operations Centre at Timehri. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Petroleum Geologist in the Department of Energy, Marissa Foster said the Government purchased the equipment primarily for training purposes, to boost the capacity of key stakeholder agencies. “[The CDC] as the agency responsible for
oil spill response and preparedness, it will assist them in building capacity among the agencies who are tasked with responding, like the fire service and the Coast Guard, the EPA, so [the resources] will be beneficial for training exercises and in the event that we may need to respond to small spills… in the future,” she said. Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig had said that the Commission plans to utilise the resources to ensure that all key agencies are equipped to deal with any adverse effects of the oil sector. “It is our intention to take these and hand it over to the necessary agencies tasked with oil spill response. We are also trying to procure other materials and very soon, the CDC would be meeting with key agencies to see what are some of the resources that they require because we are not just buying materials; we are buying what is most needed,” he asserted.
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Warriors’ Durant, Cousins unlikely for start of Finals
Kevin Durant. Harry How/Getty
Reuters - The Golden State Warriors said yesterday it is unlikely forward Kevin Durant will be ready for the start of the NBA Finals, but they are hopeful he can return during the series. The Finals begin on May 31, pitting the two-time defending champion Warriors against either Milwaukee or Toronto. The Bucks and Raptors are tied 2-2 in the best-ofseven Eastern Conference finals entering last night’s game in Milwaukee. Sidelined with a right calf strain, Durant has not been cleared to begin on-court activities but continues to make good progress with his rehabilitation, according to the team. “At this point, it is unlikely that he will play at
Friday May 24 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should be feeling especially passionate today, Aries, so don't be surprised if you can't get sex and romance out of your mind.. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Long-buried emotions from the past, some of them pleasant and some in need of release, could well up from your subconscious today, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some exciting social events or group activities could take place in your neighborhood today, Gemini. You'll definitely want to attend. You may go with some close friends or a romantic partner. CANCER(June21–July22) Your business and financial interests definitely get a big boost today, Cancer, perhaps through contacts with friends. Career matters are skyrocketing and your financial future looks promising. Keep up the good work. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Love and romance are apt to be your primary focus today, Leo. If you're currently romantically involved, expect a wonderfully intense evening with your special someone. If you aren't involved, don't be surprised if someone new and exciting comes into your life VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today dreams, visions, and intuitive insights enrich your innovative side and interactions with others. Don't hesitate to put your ideas into motion, Virgo, even if they seem a bit too ambitious.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A neighbor or relative you haven't spoken to for a while might suggest attending a social event together, Libra. Make the time, as it could open up doors for you that you wouldn't normally expect. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, your working life and income are likely to be enhanced today through the influence of people who live in distant states or foreign countries. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Romance is front and center today, Sagittarius, as you're probably feeling especially passionate. This is a great day to plan an intimate evening with a lover. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You're likely to be feeling especially romantic today, Capricorn. If you're currently involved, plan an intimate evening at home with your lover. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might find that your social life takes a definite turn for the better. You could receive more than one invitation to parties or group activities PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Business and money matters may seem too good to be true, Pisces. Success and good fortune in these departments are for you today. If you've been trying to get a break in a creative or artistic field, it may finally manifest.
the beginning of the 2019 NBA Finals, but it’s hopeful that he could return at some point during the series,” the team said. A two-time Finals MVP, Durant sat out Golden State’s close-out Game 6 win against the Houston Rockets on May 10 and missed all four games of the Western Conference finals sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors also provided an update about center DeMarcus Cousins, who hasn’t played since the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers because of a torn left quadriceps muscle. Cousins practiced with the team Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury on April 16. “It’s anticipated that he will play at some point during the 2019 NBA Finals, but the exact date is to be determined and depends on his progress,” the team said. The Warriors will provide an update for both players again next Wednesday.
Virat Kohli hails Jofra... From page 34 the X-factor because he has all the skillsets and he’s very different from anyone else. He can generate a lot of pace which can be intimidating and you don’t really expect that from his run-up. He’s just a great athlete and I’m sure the England team will be delighted to have him and he will be exciting to watch at the World Cup. I personally will be watching his bowling because whatever I’ve seen of him he is really impressive.”
Eight matches on... From page 36 Under-14 categories. Today, President’s College will play Tutorial High in the first fixture in the Under-14 category at 15:30hrs followed by three more girls matches. Tomorrow, play tips off at 14:30hrs with St. Stanislaus College and Bladen Hall looking for their first win in the U-14 category. The feature
game will see Plaisance Secondary and Chase Academy matching skills in the Under-18 category from 17:00hrs. The fixtures from today to June 1 for the tournamnet, sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, the National Sports Commission, Banks DIH and ExxonMobil, are below.
Nadal primed for another... From page 33 Corretja told Reuters. “(It was) like ‘ok, I haven’t won as many tournaments as before during the claycourt season but I’m still the toughest guy to beat’, and for his self-confidence and his rhythm and his movement it was very important that he played Rome and he won... “And it’s better that he won in Rome rather than win in Monte Carlo. It’s perfect timing, I think he has reached a crescendo
in Rome.” The 17-times Grand Slam champion certainly never doubted himself once he returned to full fitness. “The most important thing is I feel that I’m playing well and feeling healthy and with the energy I need,” he said. “If that happens, experience tells me I’m going to fight for titles sooner or later. The main thing for me was recover my level, then the results should be there if that happens.”
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Nadal primed for another French Hamilton fastest for mourning Mercedes in Monaco Open charge after Rome crescendo Barcelona (Reuters) Rafael Nadal has hit form at the perfect time heading into the French Open after a slow start, by his standards, to the claycourt season caused some to doubt his chances of continuing his vice-like grip on the tournament. Nadal has made a habit of cleaning up at the warm-up tournaments to Roland Garros, but semi-final defeats in Madrid, Barcelona and Monte Carlo led to a sense that his dominance on clay might be receding. Yet with the prospect of a record-extending 12th title appearing far from certain, the Spaniard showed rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated with an outstanding 6-0 4-6 6-1 victory over Novak Djokovic to win the Italian Open. Few would now bet against him continuing his dominance on the surface in Paris, where he has only dropped one set since 2016. Nadal’s rivals will have to hope the King of Clay is shorn of peak fitness. He had only recently recovered from the knee injury which caused him to
Rafael Nadal retire from Indian Wells, when he lost to Fabio Fognini in straight sets in Monte Carlo, which he described as one of his worst ever displays on clay. He was in rusty form at the Barcelona Open and fell to another straight sets defeat to Dominic Thiem, who he crushed in the 2018 French Open final, and was beaten by Stefanos Tsitsipas when hampered by a stomach bug at the Madrid Open. He was back to his
imperious best in Italy, avenging his defeat to Tsitsipas before whitewashing world number one Djokovic in the opening set for the first time on his way to a first title of the season which is unlikely to be the last. “I don’t think Rafa needed to win in Rome to prove that he is the toughest guy to beat on clay, but it was a statement for the opponents,” Eurosport tennis expert Alex (Continued on page 32)
Athletes ask doping agency to take marijuana off banned list Reuters - More than 150 current and former athletes signed a letter sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency, asking the organization to remove marijuana from its list of prohibited substances. Boxer Mike Tyson, retired football players Jake Plummer and Ricky Williams, and cyclist Floyd Landis are among the athletes who submitted the letter through Athletes for CARE. The nonprofit organization advocates for research into using cannabis to treat a variety of health issues. “Athletes for CARE is proud to have such a strong network of respected athletes campaigning for the removal of cannabis from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited substance list,” Anna Symonds, a rugby player and Athletes for CARE representative, said in a statement. “We’re also calling on fans to show their support online via our Change.org petition.” WADA sets drug policy for Olympic sports. The letter specifically asks for THC, the main active ingredient of cannabis, to be removed from the list.
Former boxer Mike Tyson looks on during the third round match at Roland Garros, Paris, France between Serena Williams of the U.S. and Germany’s Julia Goerges. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes “We have found an improved quality of life through cannabis and natural cannabinoids, including significant therapeutic and wellness benefits, and these positives should be freely available to all other athletes,” the letter reads. The release of the letter comes two days after recently
retired NFL defensive end Chris Long said in a radio interview that he used marijuana throughout his career. “Listen, if not for that, I’m not as capable of coping with the stressors of day-to-day NFL life,” Long said. “A lot of guys get a lot of pain management out of it.”
Monaco (Reuters) Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest for mourning Mercedes in both Monaco Grand Prix practice sessions yesterday. The Briton, excused media duties following the death of Mercedes’ nonexecutive chairman and triple world champion Niki Lauda, lapped the treacherous street circuit with a quickest time of one minute 11.118 seconds in the afternoon on soft tyres. The five-times world champion, seven points clear of team mate Valtteri Bottas at the top of the standings after five races, had set the pace on a dry morning with a time of 1:12.106. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was second fastest in the first session, just 0.059 slower than Hamilton, but sat out much of the afternoon with a suspected water leak. Bottas ended the day in second place and 0.081 off the pace in a familiar Mercedes one-two. “It’s the dream for every driver to come to Monaco and have a car that you can exploit and utilize your abilities with,” Hamilton said in a team review of the day. “We’ve made some small tweaks over the two sessions and during the sessions as well, but I’ve been quite happy with the set-up.” Between them, Hamilton and Bottas have won every race this year with five successive one-twos — the best ever start to a season — and are favorites for a sixth on Sunday. Charles Leclerc, hoping to become the first Monegasque to stand on his home podium since Louis Chiron in 1950, was fourth
May 12, 2019 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates with his team after victory REUTERS/Jon Nazca. fastest for Ferrari in the first session with four-times champion team mate Sebastian Vettel fifth. HAMILTON’S PACE Vettel moved up to third in the later session, 0.763 off Hamilton’s pace, and just ahead of Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly while Leclerc dropped to 10th. “Talking about our performance, we are struggling a bit, we are lacking some pace compared to our main rivals,” Vettel said. “We are still not happy with how the tyres work. I think we have a bit of work ahead of us.” Leclerc said he had felt comfortable in the morning but was held up by traffic later on. Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all carried tributes to Lauda on their cars with Mercedes team members also wearing black armbands. Vettel wore a helmet modeled on one of Lauda’s, with the Austrian’s name on.
Two of Lauda’s three titles were won with the Italian team. Both sessions were free of crashes, although there were the inevitable near-misses on a tight and twisty circuit where cars skim the metal barriers and brush the unforgiving walls. Gasly had a close escape at the exit to the first swimming pool chicane early on while Robert Kubica spun his Williams at the exit to Casino Square but came to a halt without serious damage. McLaren had a difficult first session with Carlos Sainz failing to set a lap time and Lando Norris only 15th, but recovered to 13th and 12th later on. Last year’s winner Daniel Ricciardo, who has since moved from Red Bull to Renault, ended the day in 17th place and just behind German team mate Nico Hulkenberg. Williams were last and about four seconds off the pace.
Lewis Hamilton finished fastest in the opening practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Virat Kohli hails Jofra Archer’s ‘X-factor’
Jofra Archer celebrates the wicket of Fakhar Zaman AFP Vi r a t K o h l i , I n d i a ’s captain, says it is a great compliment to have been name-checked by Jofra Archer as the wicket that E n g l a n d ’s n e w e s t f a s t bowling recruit most wants to claim in the forthcoming World Cup, and believes that he has an “X Factor” that justifies his fasttracking into England’s 15man squad for the tournament. However, Kohli also suggested that the batting line-up that has lifted England to No.1 in the world rankings is “obsessed” with becoming the first team to post 500 runs in a single ODI innings, and warned that they would struggle to play their full-throttle expansive game when the pressure ramps up at the sharp end of the tournament. Sitting next to England’s captain, Eoin Morgan, at the World Cup captains press conference in East London, Kohli took his chance to fire the first shots in the psychological battle between the two teams that most pundits believe are the likeliest to contest the World Cup final at Lord’s on July 14. I n d i a ’s c a p t a i n h a s recent experience of World Cup glory, having played a role in the 2011 victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai, whereas England have never won the tournament in 11 events dating back to 1975, and have not won a knock-out match since reaching the final in 1992. And while England’s batsmen were in ominous form going into this year’s event, having become the first ODI side in history to put up 340-plus totals in
four consecutive matches, en route to a 4-0 win over Pakistan, Kohli hinted that life would not be quite as simple for Morgan’s bigh i t t e r s w h e n t h e r e ’s a trophy at stake, as they discovered in 2017 when losing to Pakistan in a lowscoring Champions Trophy semi-final in Cardiff. “They [England] seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else,” Kohli said. “They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs. “It could be pretty highscoring, but 260/270 is going to be as difficult to get as chasing 370, 380 in a World Cup.” The World Cup’s history bears out Kohli’s warning. Only twice has a total more than 300 been posted from the semi-finals stage onwards although it was Australia who twice achieved the feat against India, in the final in 2003 (359 for 2) and the semifinal in Sydney in 2015 (328 for 7). “I don’t see too much high-scoring in the later half of the tournament,” Kohli added. “Some teams might get on a roll, but you’ll see 250 defended as well as because of the kind of pressure that comes with it. “When you get closer to the knockout phases, that is going to bring greater pressure and noone is going to go gungho from ball one. Generally teams will find a way, but I see pressure playing a massive role.” For that reason, England may well be grateful for the added firepower that Archer adds to their bowling ranks, in the wake of a quietly impressive first bow in
Ten captains, one trophy, let the games begin IDI via Getty Images. international cricket against Ireland and Pakistan earlier this month. Speaking on Sky Sports in the wake of his naming in the final 15, Archer had said that he wanted to get Kohli’s wicket above all others - not least because, in their four IPL clashes to date, his Rajasthan Royals team-mate Shreyas Gopal had bagged the big one before he could get him in his sights. “I’d quite like to get Virat out, because I wasn’t able to get him in the IPL because I think a leggie [Gopal] got him in every game he played,” he said. “Did he say that?” asked Kohli at the captain’s event. “That’s news to me, news to Morgs as well. I don’t really focus on these things. “I take a lot of pride in performing well for the team and making a big impact on each game I play so, if Jofra said that, it’s a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowler. It is high praise coming from a player of Kohli’s calibre, who will go into the World Cup as the No.1 ranked batsman in both Test and ODI cricket, following a stellar run of form that has included nine 50-over hundreds since the start of 2018. And though their headto-heads at the IPL have been limited, Kohli has seen enough of Archer’s talents with the white ball to know what he will offer to England’s bowling attack. “The way he has come through at the IPL over the last couple of years, I have
seen him and he’s played all round the world and done well, so there’s a good reason
why he’s been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World
Cup. “I think he’s going to be (Continued on page 32)
Giannis, Harden are unanimous All-NBA first-team picks
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) defends during game four of the Eastern conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Reuters - Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Houston guard James Harden were unanimous selections to the 2018-19 All-NBA first team, released yesterday. The two MVP finalists were named on all 100 ballots. It marks the first first-team selection for Antetokounmpo and the fifth in the past six seasons for Harden. Golden State guard Stephen Curry (91 first-team votes), Oklahoma City forward Paul George (71) and
Denver center Nikola Jokic (59) joined them on the first team. It was the third first-team honor for Curry and first for George and Jokic. The All-NBA second team features Philadelphia center Joel Embiid (40 first-team votes), Golden State forward Kevin Durant (29), Portland guard Damian Lillard (eight), Toronto forward Kawhi Leonard and Boston guard Kyrie Irving. Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook and Utah
center Rudy Gobert each received one first-team vote. Joining them on the All-NBA third team are Detroit forward Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Charlotte guard Kemba Walker. This is the 15th All-NBA selection for James, matching the NBA record shared by Kobe Bryant, Kareem AbdulJabbar and Tim Duncan. It is his first time on the third team, following 12 selections to the first team and two to the second team.
Friday May 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Who will win the World Cup? The captains have their say ESPNcricinfo - Aaron Finch (Australia): It’s a good question, I think, England have been in great form over the last couple of years and along with India, they’ve probably been the standout performers. So you’d have to say England are definitely the favourites. I think it’s important that some of our guys have got that World Cup experience and having, I think, six players who have been a part of a winning World Cup will hold us in good stead going forward, hopefully. But it’s a different tournament and, once you get out and start playing, the pressure takes over. So it’ll be a great tournament. Eoin Morgan (England): I’ve no idea. I don’t think there’s anybody that’s head and shoulders above everybody else. In a 10-team World Cup, the ten best teams in the world, it’s going to be an extraordinarily competitive tournament. And I think there will be some quality cricket played. We’re really looking forward to playing. Of course being at home will be a factor. It’s called home advantage for a reason. We get to spend a lot of time in our own beds, we’ll see a lot of our families, and get to prepare like we have done for a number of years now. But England’s a great place to come and play cricket, if you ask any of these guys or any of their players, they love coming here and playing. Virat Kohli (India): We’ve had both our warm-up games televised already so there’s much pressure on the team wherever we play. The way I look at it, there’s always
going to be a huge fan-base for us anywhere we play in the world. But I have to agree with Aaron, I think England is probably - in their conditions - the most strong side in this tournament, but I also agree with Morgs, that all ten teams are so well balanced and so strong, and the fact that this is a tournament where we have to play everyone once, makes it all the more challenging. I think that’s going to be the best thing about this tournament, I see this as probably one of the most competitive World Cups that people are going to see. Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan): As Morgan and Kohli said, all the teams are really balanced, and all are good teams, so I wish them all the very best and I think people will watch great cricket here. Definitely if you’ve seen the past results of Pakistan teams in England - I’m talking about the 1992 Test series, or the 1999 World Cup or 2017 [Champions Trophy] Pakistan has been very good in England. So we are very confident, in’shallah, we will do very well. Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka): We have played good cricket and have good experience [of playing] in England as well, so we will try to do well, and do our best. We came early to get some confidence in the conditions, we are in good shape and will do our best. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): There are a few guys who were in the last World Cup, which is great, so there is some experience there. But naturally, with four years
in between tournaments, there are a lot of new players as well. I guess there’s been a lot of talk around rankings, favourites, underdogs, but I think the thing that stands out is how balanced all the teams are and, when it comes to the day, anything can happen, which makes the way for a really exciting competition. Faf du Plessis (South Africa): If you look at international cricket right around the circuit, you’ll see very close competitive series home and away. It’s not just more home teams that are dominating. So, like the other captains are saying, I think all of us are really excited to try this new tournament, with everyone playing everyone once. I think it’s a great tournament. Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh): We have a great team mix, probably as good as we have ever had. We have some young players coming through and we are very excited about them. Jason Holder (West Indies): To play every side is great for us. We worked hard with the qualifiers to get here, that means it is the top 10 in the world, we want to play them all and give ourselves a shot. The team that wins will definitely deserve it. Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan): We have peace in Afghanistan now and cricket is a huge part of that. We are very happy and hopefully that can help us produce good performances. We’re excited to be here in front of the crowds. It’s the top ten teams in the world and we are proud to be representing Afghanistan.
Ronaldo enjoying life in the fast lane, greets Hamilton in Monaco ahead of Grand Prix Mailonline - Cristiano Ronaldo has visited Lewis Hamilton as the Mercedes man gets set for the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. Ronaldo, who celebrated winning Serie A with Juventus last weekend, posed for a picture with the five-time world champion in the paddock. Hamilton is seven points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the 2019 standings going into this weekend’s race. Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s squad for the UEFA Nations League earlier yesterday. Portugal will play Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on June 5. If they win, they meet the winner of England v Holland in the final. All Cristiano Ronaldo (right) met Lewis Hamilton games are to be held in Portugal. on a visit to the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Kaieteur News
Third Annual Independence 5K Road Race - Kenyan Mbihia arrives The Guyana Committee of Service (GCOS) in collaboration with the Rising Stars Athletics Club (RSAC) will be hosting the Third Annual Independence 5K road race on Monday next, beginning and finishing at the National Park. Over $800,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs with categories from Under-10 to Masters. In a bid to increase the competitiveness of the event, the GCOS has invited seasoned Kenyan athlete, Godffrey Mbihia to participate in the event and yesterday, the athlete who is very keen to take on the locals arrived in Guyana. Mbihia, who has experience competing in Europe and North America, was in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago where he won the C to C 5K race last weekend. During a press brief yesterday afternoon at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Shivnarine Chanderpaul Drive, Mbihia along with representatives of the GCOS were on hand to give the media updates on the event. Mbihia shared in his unique Kenyan accent that, “I have been running the entire Caribbean but I have never been here. I am happy to be here, I did well in the C to C Marathon in Trinidad so I am happy and confident. In sports anything can happen but I am always positive. I am here to win but only the best will win.” According to GCOS Committee Member, Leslie Black A.A., Mbihia
GCOS members from left, Clive Atwell, Linden Jones, Godffrey Mbihia (center), Collis Venture of Guybisco and Leslie Black. will also be holding training sessions with local middle and long distance athletes in a bid to help them improve their current level. The event, sanctioned by the
Amateur Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), will begin in the National Park, proceed into Thomas Lands, East into Vlissengen Road before turning left into Carifesta
Ryan Crawford One Day Horse Race Meet to be contested on Sunday
Avenue, left into Camp Street, left into Thomas Lands into the National Park for the finish at the Children’s Monument. The event is sponsored by E-
Networks, Ministry of the Presidency, Office of the Prime Minister, Guyana Committee of Service, Guybisco and Ken Phillips (Antartic Maintenance).
YBG/NSBF Georgetown/ECD Regionals
Eight matches on this weekend Youth Basketball Guyana’s National Schools’ Basketball Festival, currently being played in the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Regional Zone continues today and tomorrow with four matches daily following a break from play this week. This weekend’s play at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will be predominantly in the Girls’ Development and (Continued on page 32)
Action at the Mocha Arcadia Turf Club earlier this year. Some of the top thoroughbreds in the country will collide this Sunday when the Ryan Crawford Turf Club host a one-day Horse Race Meet at Allness Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Six races are carded for the day with over two-million dollars in cash and prizes up for the taking.
According to the organisers, the feature event will be for J Class and Lower horses, other attractive events on the card would be for Three year-old Guyana bred horses. Most of the nation’s leading J-Class horses and Three year-olds are expected to be in action. Among them
would be, First Prince, Red Jet, Byron Osona, Ebony Prince, The Rock, Oryan, Flo Joe, Silver Charm, Lucky Lucky, Up Front and Massapetta Doctor. Galloping time is 13:00hrs and persons wishing to have more information can make contact with Mr. J. Crawford on Tel # 678 5342.
Fixtures – May 24 - June 1 Friday, May 24 Category Match Up Time U14 President’s College vs Tutorial High15:30hrs Girls’ D St. Stanislaus vs Tutorial High 16:20hrs Girls’ D Bladen Hall vs Queen’s College 17:10hrs Girls’ D Marian Academy vs Plaisance Secondary 18:00hrs Saturday, May 25 U14 St. Stanislaus vs Bladen Hall 14:30hrs U14 St. Rose’s High vs Marian Academy 15:20hrs U14 Bishops’ High vs Tutorial High 16:10hrs U18 Plaisance Secondary vs Chase Academy 17:00hrs Friday, May 31 U14 President’s College vs YBG Cluster 15:30hrs Girls, D Bladen Hall vs St. Stanislaus 16:20hrs Girls’ D Plaisance Secondary vs Queen’s College 17:10hrs Girls’ D Marian Academy vs Tutorial High 18:00hrs Saturday, June 1 U14 Bladen Hall vs Marian Academy 14:30hrs U14 St. Rose’s High vs St. Stanislaus 15:20hrs U14 YBG Cluster vs Tutorial High 16:10hrs U18 Queen’s College vs Plaisance Secondary 17:00hrs
Venue Cash “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
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US Chapter of Guyana Ex-Athletic and Friends group calls on First Lady
Members of the Guyana Ex-Athletic and Friends Incorporation (GEFI), United States Chapter pictured with First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, yesterday morning received a courtesy call from members of the Guyana ExAthletic and Friends Incorporation (GEFI), United States Chapter. The group was accompanied by Coordinator of the I n d e p e n d e n c e Championship and Road
Race, Assistant Superintendent, Sheryl Hermonstine. The GEFI is the coordinating body of the Guyana Independence 5K and 10K Road Races which will be held on Sunday, May 26 at the Guyana National Sports Complex (GNSC), Carifesta Avenue from 06:00hrs.
Achievers crush # 5 by innings and 88 runs Achievers defeated host Number Five by an innings and 88 runs when play in the We s t B e r b i c e C r i c k e t Association/Anil Lalsa Construction two-day tournament continued on Saturday last. No Five, in reply to Achievers’ first innings score of 390-9 declared were bowled out for 99 with Amernauth Seegobin scoring 35, Raffle Estraido 18 and Carlston Nurse 13. Bowling for Achiever’s, Krishendat Ramoo grabbed 5-52 from 13 overs while Kevin Sinclair claimed 3-23. Enjoying a lead of 291, Achievers enforced the follow-on and Number Five responded with 203 all out. Raffle Estraido struck 11 fours and two sixes in a top score of 73 while Ramoo returned to take 6-36 and Sinclair 2-54. Earlier, Shamar Angel top scored for Achiever’s with 137 while Ramoo made 105. In another fixture played previously, Number Five batted first and piled up 335 all out against Bath. Arthley Bailey notched up his second century of the competition,
Krishendat Ramoo 120 (7x4 8x6) while Kenjie Sedock made 43, E. Fraser 43, Erwin Johnson 32 and Carlston Nurse 30. Kapel Armogun bagged 5-72 while D. Seecharran took 2-47. Bath were 93-3 in reply with Armogun on 42 when rain intervened and play was subsequently called off at 16:30hrs. The match between Bath and Paradise was abandoned due to rain. The competition continues tomorrow with Achiever ’s playing D’ Edward at Bush Lot and Number Five hosting Paradise. On Monday, Achievers will take on Bath.
Members of the Guyana Ex-Athletic and Friends Incorporation (GEFI), United States Chapter in discussion with First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 24, 2019
Minister Norton meets US-Sports group ahead of Independence Games
M
inister of S o c i a l Cohesion, Dr. G e o r g e Norton yesterday met with members of the Guyana ExAthletes and Friends Association to discuss the execution of three massive track events during the Independence weekend. The meeting, which was held at Minister Norton’s Main Street, Georgetown Office, comprised, three of t h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s f i v e Executive Members namely, Burgette Williams-Forde, Deborah Quamina and Noel Campbell. The other two members of the association are Kenrick Smith and Veronica Franklin-Simon. Also attending the meeting was Inspector Amanda Hermonstine of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). The weekend of activities, which is being hosted in partnership with the AAG, will kick off with a ‘One-Mile’ race scheduled for tomorrow from 06:00hrs. This event will see children of the Plaisance/Sparendaam area racing through the streets of the two villages. Children below the age of eight are expected to participate in a 400m run, while those from 9 to 18years-old will be eligible for the one-mile race. From 17:00hrs tomorrow there will be the hosting of the 5K/10K race, which will
begin at the GNS Ground on Carifesta Avenue to the University of Guyana turn, and then back to the starting point. On Sunday evening, Independence Day, athletes will meet at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium on the West Coast Demerara for a grand relay festival. Minister Norton was informed that a total of sixteen events are planned for the relay programme. Ms. Williams-Forde, a former athlete, commended Minister Norton and the Department of Sport for the developments taking place in the sector. “Simple things like those parades to welcome home our athletes competing at the Junior Carifta Games go a very far way in not only inspiring young talent, but also support for them as well,” Williams-Forde said. Dr. Norton, who also holds responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, lauded the group for its efforts in providing Guyana’s young athletes with more avenues for competition. “The government cannot do it alone, so I am very happy to see that the Diaspora recognises the importance of sports and is willing to throw their support behind it,” Dr. Norton said. Mr. Campbell who was among the first set of athletes competing at the Carifta Games, noted that while the
Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton displaying the shirt presented to him.
Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton poses with members of Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Association. association consists of former national athletes of Guyana, it has the support of many persons. “We have many overseas based Guyanese who are not even athletes, but they understand the benefits of sports and want to support it,” Campbell said. In addition to hosting the games, the association will also be distributing in excess of 60 pairs of spiked running shoes. Following the engagement, Minister Norton was presented with a customized shirt to wear, should he attend the events.
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Who will win the World Cup? The captains have their say
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Jason Holder and Gulbadin Naib and the prize they’ll be fighting for © IDI via Getty Images
CWI President meets Guyana Cricket Stakeholders
President of CWI Ricky Skerritt meeting with the Guyana Cricket Stakeholders group last evening at the Pegasus Hotel, Skerritt is 3rd right and Roger Harper, 3rd left. More details in tomorrow’s edition.
GFF/KFC U-20 Minister Norton meets US-Sports Independence KO Cup Georgetown FA kicks off group ahead of Independence Games tomorrow, East Demarara continues 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.