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Wednesday May 29, 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
Fatalities and families
T
hree bandits are shot dead in Berbice. The tools of their trade were there with them. And so, too, were some of the results of their activities that came about through a reign of terror. Without limiting to the developments in Berbice, a pattern usually follows. It is almost always from the lips of relations of those who fall before the brunt of police counterforce: So much force? It is perplexing and troubling: this questioning by relatives before all without shame, remorse, or humanity. Still, this must be said: there can never be condoning of excessive use of force by the police. Then that is just another form of vigilantism, the most recent episode of which became final in civilian Linden. On the other hand, many times, the departed were neither altar boys nor choirboys. As one example only, there were police shootings following a spate of bank robberies. Several men died. An enraged inner circle almost instantaneously went on the offensive as to this being uncalled for and unjust. That was, until there were some conversations and information sharing that proved to be irrefutable. People retreated for they were confronted with the trail that wreaked a lot of blood and death on innocent civilians engaged in the ordinary commerce of the day, like going to the bank. It was the same story up in the Ancient County. Men pillaged and pummeled the targeted, the vulnerable, the defenseless; on many occasions this took place in the sanctity of their homes. No place was safe; no one was secure. Citizens were brutalized, traumatized, and dehumanized. It would appear that frequently, the final solution as administered by bandits was simply not necessary. Over reaction and overkill, in circumstances of cowering families, and sometimes paltry resistance. Yet cruelties and deaths visited with the unwelcomed intruders of the night. There were many rich hauls. And still nobody knew anything, knew none involved, and had nothing to say that would have helped in the uphill fight against crime. It was as if these characters were model citizens, men with records of a civilized kind, hardworking souls of virtue and good character. It was as if they plundered and took their treasure into vacuums. It was as if bandits robbed at will, reaped the rich harvests of crime, and retreated to count their cash and do nothing else. They just spent endless days counting and recounting their bloody and murderous pickings, until their next mission to terrorize more people for more takings. They never spent nor splurged. They never flashed nor feasted. They never shared. Nobody knew anything until the perpetrators meet their own abrupt, irrecoverable fall in fusillades of bullets. The pathetic laments are quick to come: did they have to be killed? Could they not have been shot in the arm? Or the leg? Or somewhere other than the bigger, broader targets? This is not limited to suddenly visible, newly audible citizens of Guyanese origins. These forlorn questions land in unsympathetic fields: no reception, no traction. They are usually without foundation. For these are all hard men, who had exhibited no restraint, no reluctance to dispatch victims with wanton disregard for life. Those who exemplified, in the worst ways, a patented, chilling ruthlessness are now being asked to be shown mercy. But this does not rise to any consideration or level mercy: recall that there is no place for the use of excessive force. For the cornered are not of the kind, who are content to go quietly into the night. Rather, it is going down with guns blazing. The lives of each and every policeman is precious, even more precious than those who have crossed barbaric lines with death in their hearts. It is that stark. Family cries notwithstanding, sometimes it is that finall.
THE LEGITIMACY OF GUYANESE CREOLE DEAR EDITOR, With reference to the television programme which was done by final year students from the Language and Society II, Berbice Campus which was aired on the 23rd of April 2019 in Georgetown, and on the 14th of May, 2019 on NCN, we are here to advocate for Guyanese Creole to be implemented in the school’s curriculum. Guyanese Creole is our mother tongue and is used to express feelings and is essential for every day’s communication. It is a valid language just like any other languages. Occasionally teachers tend to shun students when they speak Guyanese Creole in the classrooms, especially in the English class. They have a tendency of insisting that the students should speak “properly” which is to speak the Standard English. As such, we as teachers lower students’ selfconfidence when we insist that they should speak properly. These children may never make an attempt again to express how they feel or even to answer a question in class. This can be one of the contributing factors towards the high rate of school dropouts simply because the children cannot speak Standard English. There are numerous ideas discussed in the Television programme to promote the legitimacy of Guyanese Creole as a language. To begin, we need to get away
from the notion that Guyanese Creole is not a language. Although it borrows words from English and other languages, it is still regarded as a bona fide language. All languages borrow lexical items and/or concepts from other languages without becoming any less of a language. For example, from English, French borrows “weekend” and Spanish borrows the concept of “perros calientes”, literally dogs hot for “hot dogs”. Similarly English has borrowed a vast number of words from other languages, such as souvenir (French), dope (Dutch), piano (Italian), yogurt (Turkish) and so forth. Additionally, the linguistic systems of English are quite distinct from those in Guyanese Creole, again establishing that Guyanese Creole is not a ‘broken’ or ‘substandard’ dialect of English – for example, English requires a bound inflectional morpheme [s] to express pluralization, which can be realized as /s/ as in ‘cats’, /z/ as in ‘dogs’, /iz/ as in ‘boxes’, and many other irregular forms; however to express plurality Guyanese Creole employs a free morpheme [dem] as in ‘di daag dem’ (the dogs), or in some instances, plurality is implied via context and not via an overt marker, as in ‘tuu daag’(two dogs). In addition, Guyanese Creole can be considered a language since it has a unique and colourful vocabulary. For example, the English word ‘frog’ is translated in
Guyanese Creole to be ‘krapo’ especially by the older folks. Likewise, the Guyanese Creole word ‘pikni’ is used to refer to ‘child/children.’ These lexical variations should be appreciated and accepted. It should be noted also, as demonstrated in the spellings of the words in Guyanese Creole above, that this language has its unique orthography, distinct from the English system. Guyanese Creole employs a phonemic writing system, where one sound is represented by one symbol. To illustrate, where English has the symbol [c] in words like “cent” or “crib”, the Guyanese Creole writing system would use /s/ and /k/ respectively. Similarly, where the sound /i/ is represented with different symbols in English, as demonstrated in words like igloo, eat, village, badly, and so forth, in Guyanese Creole, all similar sounds are written using the same symbol. Again, the vowel [a] in English, has different sounds in words such as ‘all’, ‘ape’, ‘apple’; which would be represented in the Creole Writing System as separate symbols. Moreover, the several varieties of Guyanese Creole are mutually intelligible to almost all Guyanese, especially the ones residing in Guyana. Therefore, we can safely say that this language creates comradery among Guyanese and is a mark of culture and identity. Further, despite English being Guyana’s official language, Guyanese Creole is
used daily to communicate in our homes, offices and even in schools and places of worship. In most cases, English is only used when it is absolutely necessary. This solidifies the fact that Creolese is indeed a language in its own right, and it is not inferior to English or any other language. However, many people remain ignorant of this linguistic fact. For example: When a child is asked about his or her native language the response is almost always English. Also, when filling in spoken language in the child’s cumulative card at school most teachers used English as the learners’ spoken language. Most importantly, if Guyanese Creole is not accepted as a language, inclusive education cannot be realized completely. Many students do not understand instructions when given in English and have to be instructed using their mother tongue, Guyanese Creole. Moreover, numerous studies, supported by several UNESCO’s conventions and declarations have proved the values of mother-tongue education for general cognitive development. Being educated in your mother-tongue is a basic human right, which should be free from any discrimination or marginalization; thereby allowing students to feel a sense of belonging, while creating a motivating learning environment where students can participate and express (Continued on page 6)
A new constitution or absolute overhaul of the 1980 constitution as the way forward DEAR EDITOR, As Guyana patiently awaits the CCJ ruling on the No Confidence Vote appeal case, I reflect on the countless writings in the various newspapers and other media houses by both legal scholars and other professionals on Guyana’s 1980 Constitution in relation to its contents and amendments and, by extension, their implications leading to constitutional crisis. On such note, I wish to share my view on the subjectmatter, by saying without a shadow of doubt, I would call for a new Constitution by way of referendum, given the fact that the 1980 Constitution never expressed the will of the Guyanese people (or at least not the overwhelming majority of the nation at the time of its installation) which was created in a well-orchestrated
way to suit the political ambitions of the then Prime Minister (self-made Executive President via 1980 Constitution) and his party to clinch on to power by all means through a 1978 fraudulent referendum. This renders the 1980 Constitution a superfluous and superimposed doctrine which undermines the very sanctity of the document which is supposed to be the Supreme Law of the Land. Those foregoing reasons are more than sufficient as t h e basis for which all Guyanese should support the call for a new constitution and completely reject the 1980 Constitution by way of either constitutional overhaul or brand new constitution. Furthermore, the degree of changes made to the 1980 Constitution via the Constitution Reform Commission which was
established in 1999 on the grounds of the Herdmanston Accord (CARICOM intervention) to date has proven to be at the dictates of one political set and not the will of the Guyanese people (again) in whose interests the Constitution should really represent. A new Constitution must be one which is; simple, precise, clear and unquestionable, not vague with its contents in order to limit or prevent the avenue for legal challenges, as seen in the 1980 Constitution, due to the varied interpretations and pronouncements followed by violations which inevitably give rise to continuous litigations to the document. I understand that any further constitutional reforms would be more of a constitutional overhaul, but I question the willingness to start the process and the promise given to the
Guyanese people for such undertakings. However, changes to the 1980 Constitution to me is like someone seeking redemption from his or her ill doings to paint a new picture as a makeover of their personality, but in actuality, death is the only punishment, and as such the Guyana 1980 Constitution should be treated in similar manner. The model for a new constitution should be one derived from an in-depth study of Guyana’s cultural, political, social and economic landscape through a countrywide forum on a people’s participation paper in order to craft a constitution which will best serve the peoples of the land, unlike the 1980 Constitution which gives the House majority unfettered powers like a monarchy class or demigods. Yours faithfully, Paul Ramrattan
Guyanese ‘well-being’ rests on wise investment of the oil and gas windfall as well as the green initiative DEAR EDITOR, In recent decades, we have witnessed a global trend of increasing experiments with green sources of energy in response to cries of impending doom due to global warming. Guyana has been at the forefront championing green energy within the Caribbean and Latin America. Notwithstanding its role as a leading green activist, Guyana is on the verge of extracting oil and gas from under its Atlantic waters. Many commentators have considered the move as defeatist double standard, especially since ‘green economy’ has been receiving less attention, or as we say, ‘put on the back burner’ under the current government. Further, concerns have arisen about to proper use of the anticipated windfall revenues in the hands of a failed government.In a world experiencing unprecedented changes, there is no doubt that from a local perspective, Guyana, and Guyanese stand to derive great financial benefits from the extraction operations. In fact, the economy is likely to benefit from about US$15 billion annually for several years. This sum represents about four times the current annual earnings. However, the trickle down broad based benefits rest on the
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presumption that the windfall gains would be properly managed, invested and distributed. A good example of such failure is the gold and diamond windfall revenues. We have had record high production, with an average annual 19 percent declaration moving up to 33 percent at a time when we also enjoyed the highest prices paid for gold.The price of US$370 per ounce moved up to US$1,700 per ounce due mostly to high demand during the recession; as world commodity prices for goods fell, investors sought stable/solid-value commodity – gold – to invest, which in turn, lead to the high demand. Yet little of the windfall gains trickled down to the populace, to this day. Furthermore, we should be cautious and not lose sight of the possible downside of oil and gas extractions. Besides economic/business cycle boom and bust (or boom and doom), multiple negative impacts can potentially surface/ occur in the coming years. Many commentators have voiced their concerns on the potential dangers of fracking operations, among which are spills, freshwater contamination, flora and fauna destruction and health issues. These concerns are potent.Notwithstanding the glued attention to Exxon’s
operations, Guyanese must pressure the government to refocus on green initiatives in both the short and long term. It would be wise to invest some of the windfall in this sector. Manufacturing, whether on small or large scale, requires reliable and cheap energy which can be sourced from renewable sources, especially hydropower, solar and wind. In essence, our sustainable future rests on renewable sources of energy, which is also beneficial to our health and the reduction of global warming. In a nutshell, while it may be okay to focus attention on the potential gains from oil and gas extractions, we should not forego/slacken our green economy initiatives. We stand to derive huge financial benefits, but are at risk of being in the new red zone should a mishap occur. At the same time, unless we stand guard and oversee the proper management and investment of the windfall cash, we, the populace, may remain poor amidst plenty, while the political circle expands by wolfing our wealth. While welcoming oil and gas revenues, we must also forge ahead with our green initiatives. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh
Are we left to the mercy of unfair and unscrupulous drivers and conductors? DEAR EDITOR, On Friday, 17/05/2019 I was in a Mini Bus travelling from Anna Regina to Charity when another passenger sitting next to me was enquiring from me, the fare from Anna Regina to Charity. Maybe he was travelling that route for the first time, and looking around in the bus there was no fare structure displayed anywhere in the bus as required by law. All that I could have told the man is that I would sometimes pay $200 and at other times the conductor demands $260 – It’s like different bus different price.On that day in question we both paid $260, as demanded by the Conductor, while other persons paid $200 and
were verbally abused by him (the conductor). In the Stabroek News of Thursday 11th April, on page 13, there was a full page advertisement of the approved Fare Structure for various routes and Regions by the Consumers Affairs Department of the Ministry of Business, signed by one Muriel Duke and the President of the United Mini Bus Union, Mr. Eon Andrews. The question is why the fares for mini buses in region 2, Route # 21, were not included, or am I to believe that the commuters in this region are left to the mercy of the unfair and unscrupulous drivers and conductors. Archie W. Cordis
Critiques should be beyond Friendship DEAR EDITOR, Critiques of arguments or one’s position should not be conditioned by friendship. When I disagree with views of friends or relatives, I critique their positions. However, such critiques or responses to published articles must be civil and not personality driven. On this score, I am most disappointed with Mr. Lincoln Lewis’s reproach of Mr. Freddie Kissoon (KN May 26). The tone of Lewis’s riposte undermines the morality of the great labour work done by Lincoln over the years. He should have refrained from personally going after Freddie who is not averse to controversies.
Personality-driven attacks take away from legitimate arguments.I, like so many others, have had run-ins with Freddie. But I do not recall any reproaches brought out in the public domain about the kind act (s) performed for (to) him or on his behalf and then criticizing him; ditto other recipients of our generosity and kindness. No one is beyond critique in Freddie’s world, even if you performed acts of kindness to him. He separates friendship and/or acts of kindness from critiques of a person. Lincoln called Freddie an ingrate. Lincoln’s commentary suggests that because he
saved Freddie’s job at UG, Freddie should not critique him. When a kind deed is performed, one must not look for rewards or publicize it to the world. I helped so many people who turned out to be ingrates. But not once have I exposed them publicly. Freddie too, in his daily columns, claimed he performed countless good deeds without looking for rewards. One has to applaud Freddie for his claimed acts of kindness and writings. He has exhibited courage where few others tread. I do not subscribe to many of his views, but I support his freedom to critique. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
The plight of a South Ruimveldt Resident DEAR EDITOR, I would like to highlight a very frustrating situation as a resident living in South Ruimveldt. There are a few cows that are roaming the area every single day. Very late at nights they are seen still roaming the streets. I have no idea who owns these cows, but in almost every street one walks these cows are there. On Saturday last, three of these cows made their way into my yard again and were under the house. I tried to no avail to chase them out, but they lay there reeking of urine
and faeces. They took the liberty of urinating repeatedly and defecating in my yard of which I had to clean. I had to allow my garden to die, because by the time something is springing up, these animals make their way through the yard of the house behind mine at the back, across the alley into my yard, and feast on my plants. This is not the first, second or third time this has happened. I am beyond fed up, because this is a residential community and livestock ought not to be parading around without
supervision. If it’s not cows, it’s goats, it’s sheep. I’m just tired. Can the relevant authorities please look into this? I am not against anyone earning a livelihood, but it cannot be to the disruption of the peace of another person. Frustrated Resident A. Glen
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Bringing the benefits of resource revenues directly to the people DEAR EDITOR, Consider this: by 2025 Guyana will likely be producing one barrel of oil per day per citizen. Ghana currently produces three barrels per citizen per year. By 2025 revenues to the government, just from Liza 1 and 2, are estimated to reach over US$1B. Statistics aside, it is hard to convince a people who have only known grinding poverty in a country that was once the second poorest in the Western hemisphere, that oil is set to transform their fortunes. And even as the realisation of this resource windfall has dawned on some citizens, many have warned how the government will squander its share of revenues and that the people will not benefit directly from the industry. It is difficult to see how the first concern will come about. Previous and current governments have shown a decidedly limited capacity to execute even the existing public sector investment projects, something Finance Minister Winston Jordan has publicly bemoaned. If one takes the example of the new Demerara Bridge, it is clear that even when there is an indisputable need for a major infrastructure project, and that through private public partnerships, funding is available, the government is moving far too slowly. A lot of this is due to an understandable caution to get the big projects right. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport is a cautionary example of how rushing into such large projects without even a basic feasibility study ended up squandering valuable taxpayer revenues on a huge pile of sand and a subpar facility that will very soon be unable to accommodate passenger numbers. So due to the sheer lack of human, institutional and technical capacity to handle major projects, the money from oil will come pouring in, but it will take many years for the people to see the kinds of tangible benefits such as better education, healthcare or public transportation. Far from being squandered, the far more likely danger is that the funds will simply pile up in the Natural Resource Fund, unspent. However there are short term options after First Oil that can make a difference and are quite simple to implement. These include reductions on VAT on a wider range of household necessities and a substantial increase in the income tax threshold, both of which would see more money in the pockets of the working class immediately.
And in the medium term, direct cash transfers to poor households could go a long way in alleviating poverty. Since Professor Clive Thomas raised this topic it has been severely criticised. Much of that criticism has come not from the people it would help, but from the elite and business class, who seem to have insights into how working class people would behave once given a regular monthly stipend. This is based on class prejudice and neo liberal views that poor people are to blame for their poverty. None of it is based on any socioeconomic data. Fortunately, several countries have implemented cash transfer programmes, and while they are not without problems, they have had tangible impacts on the citizens who are a part of them. Studies have shown that those households who receive cash transfers consume greater quantities of protein and produce; their children have higher attendance rates at school and are in better health. In addition, such programmes inject money directly into local economies, since poor people tend to spend a large proportion of such payments, and spend it within their communities. And having the safety net of a reliable monthly income can encourage people to pursue higher education, build homes or open small businesses. In other words to prosper, to dream of a better life. Cash transfers would also have the effect of encouraging all citizens to take a keen interest in the management and regulation of the country’s oil sector. Is the country getting its fair share? Are the oil companies being held to account by the government? So, yes, it is time we start having a thoughtful discussion about cash transfers. There are obstacles to such programmes, such as who will qualify and who won’t. What might be the optimum monthly payment? How might a system be set up that can be efficiently, transparently and cheaply administered? This is where technology can help greatly. But these are all issues, countries that have implemented such programmes have addressed in their efforts to bring the benefits of resource revenues directly to the people. One hopes there is the political will and vision to see that while Guyana might become on paper one of the richest nations in the world, how we care about the poorest among us will be the true test of our country’s greatness. Yours sincerely Albert Russell
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Elections must be seen to be free and fair DEAR EDITOR, It is good to know that the Organization of American States has offered to render assistance to the electoral processes in the impending elections. Guyana has always benefited in the past from electoral assistance from the international community, both in terms of logistical and technical support as well as in the observance of our electoral processes. Given our history of fraudulent elections, especially during the pre-1992 period, it is in the best interest of democracy and democratic governance for our elections to be closely monitored both by overseas and local observer groups. The Electoral Assistance Bureau had in the past played a useful role in the monitoring
of elections in Guyana. I am not sure what the current status of this body is, but I do believe that it has a continuing role to play in the monitoring of elections in Guyana. In fact, more such observer groups should be formed and accredited by the Guyana Elections Commission as the country prepares for General and Regional elections. This will greatly help in terms of confidence building measures and will certainly lend credibility to the electoral processes. It is not enough for observers to monitor elections only on elections day, but long in advance, to ensure that the playing field, as it were, is level, and none of the contesting parties enjoy any undue advantage. Moreover, President David Granger should send a
clear message to all those interested in monitoring the elections, that they would be most welcome to so do. There should be no room for ambiguity on the matter of transparency and fairness. Billions of taxpayers’ dollars are being spent on the holding of elections, and it is only fair that the allocated sums are utilized to deliver credible elections. Elections must not only be free and fair but it must be seen to be free and fair. This is the challenge facing us as we observe yet another milestone in our life as an independent nation. Regrettably, current developments in GECOM do not inspire confidence that elections will be above board. I will be happy to be proven wrong. Hydar Ally
Millions of Baha’is will today observe the passing of Baha’u’llah DEAR EDITOR, Millions of Baha’is of all races and nationality in every country of the world will observe the passing of Baha’u’llah . Early in the morning of May 29, 1892, i.e., eight hours after sunset, in the 75th year of His age, Baha’u’llah, the Founder-Prophet of the Baha’i Faith passed away. All over the world Baha’is will be gathering in the early hours of today, May 29th, to pay their respects with prayers and selected Bahá’í Writings to commemorate the Anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s ascension. It is also one of nine holy days in the Baha’i calendar, where work should be suspended. For almost 40 years Baha’u’llah suffered imprisonment and banishment, originally from
His birthplace in Persia (Iran), to Baghdad, and then to the Ottoman cities of Constantinople, Adrianople, and then finally to the infamous prison city of Akka (Acre, Israel), where He was held in a cold and damp cell. In fact, Baha’u’llah was exiled and imprisoned for His teachings of love and unity towards all mankind. In His own words He stated: “That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of
all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith.” During the last years of His life, Baha’u’llah was held under house arrest in ‘The Mansion of Bahji,’ which is outside the prison walls of Acre (Akka). The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh is located within the precincts of the Mansion of Bahjí, and is considered to be the most sacred and holiest spot on earth for Bahá’ís and their friends. Regards, Rooplall Dudhnath
THE LEGITIMACY OF GUYANESE CREOLE From page 4 themselves freely. The Guyanese Creole language should not be defined by the perception that people have of it but it should be defined by the same factors that classify other languages as languages. As such, Guyanese Creole should not be condemned by the negative perception that it has been assigned, but it should be recognized for its effective use in communication among many other factors which makes it a language. Furthermore, we should have more awareness programs so that all Guyanese can become aware that Guyanese Creole is a language and efforts should be made for teaching its linguistic systems in schools from the Nursery to the Tertiary levels. We must educate the nation as a whole that Guyanese Creole is unique, it is our heritage and tradition. It is who we are as a nation and we should not be ashamed of it, rather we should all embrace it and let it take its rightful place at the top along with English. After all, full bilingualism (being literate in both English and Guyanese Creole) is always superior to monolingualism. We should therefore not ridicule, marginalize or discriminate against others who speak Guyanese Creole. Let us feel free to express ourselves in speech and writing using our mother tongue no matter where we are. As teachers, with the mantle to educate the nation, we challenge you to be proud to speak up, speak Guyanese Creole everywhere! Teacher/Students of ENG3204 (Language and Society II), 2018/19 University of Guyana, Berbice Campus
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Govt. denies more procurement breaches occurred under Coalition -tells Auditor General to provide proof -$4.45B sole sourced to New GPC in early 2015 by PPP/C Government is taking Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, to task over supposed statements he made recently on procurement of state contracts. Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Michael Joseph, in a statement from his office yesterday, said that his attention is drawn to an online article titled, “Breach of Procurement Act more frequent under APNU+AFC Govt.” published on May 21, 2019. According to the article, the Auditor General is reported to have said, “I believe it is more frequent now. There are a lot of sole sourced contracts and every other day you have some issue with breaches of contractual or tender board procedures. Even the recommendations for corrective action, most of them are not being implemented.” According to the Finance Secretary, in the absence of any knowledge of a claim by
Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph Sharma, disassociating himself from the statement, it can only conclude that it was indeed made by him. “I hasten to add that this statement is most astonishing. The goodly Auditor General provides no evidence for his contention nor offers any comparative data to support his claim. What period is he comparing? Four years of the APNU+AFC government with 23 years of the former
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
administration?” According to Joseph, it must be made known that for the period January to May 2015, the last five months of the administration of the People’s Progressive Part/ Civic, some 13 contracts were
single-sourced to New GPC, a company close to that party, to the value of $4.45B. He said that comparatively, under the government in 2015, single-sourced procurement for all agencies was $22.24B.
“In light of just this one example, can any right thinking citizen accept the Auditor General’s position? Here is another fact: The APNU + AFC Government has spent nearly $150M on 45 forensic audits which unearthed gross financial improprieties involving among others; Guyana World Cup Inc., Carifesta, NICIL/Privatization Unit, GPHC-Drug Procurement Operation, Petro Caribe, Atlantic Hotel Inc. (Marriot), all of which occurred under the very watchful eye of this same Auditor General, yet he has made no comment on these improprieties by the former Government?” According to the Finance Secretary, it therefore appears
that the AG is cherry-picking projects, programmes, entities and governments to whom he extends scrutiny. “I wish to remind the Auditor General that the Audit Office of Guyana is the Supreme Audit Institution of Guyana; it is clothed in Article 204 of the Constitution and is designed as an independent and professional body in the government accounting chain and therefore, he is best advised to observe the spirit and letter of the code of ethics and auditing standards of the International Organization of the Supreme Audit Institutions less he be seen to be guilty of bias, subjectivity and political influence.”
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Drafted TIP Act to soon gain attention of legislators A new combating of Trafficking in Persons [TIP] Act to better fight against TIP in Guyana, has been drafted. It will be put forward to legislators for consideration shortly. Coordinator of the Counter Trafficking in Persons [C-TIP] Unit, Ministry of Social Protection, Ms. Tanisha WilliamsCorbin, said the previous Act was passed in 2005. It needed to be reviewed. She explained that the review was done through consultations and a new Act was subsequently drafted. “The initiative falls under a TIP project funded by the
United States Department of States and is implemented by International Organisation for Migration [IOM]. “In collaboration with IOM and the Ministerial Task Force for TIP, consultations were held with stakeholders and the new Act was drafted by consultant Rosemary Benjamin-Noble,” WilliamsCorbin said.Almost three years now the Unit has been collaborating with the IOM. The two partners are currently working on Standard Operating Procedures [SOPs] for responding to TIP in Guyana. The Unit’s Coordinator said the SOPs will help with more
-SOPs for TIP response being prepared effective ways of responding to investigations and prosecutions of TIP cases as well as protection and reintegration of TIP victims. “The Ministry of Social Protection has received the final draft of the investigation and prosecution SOPs. We have since submitted our final comments to the consultant, Ms. Diana Shaw. “Once the document is returned to the Ministry, we will sign on to the SOPs along with our partners,” WilliamsCorbin shared. Shaw, Williams- Corbin added, will also soon review the protection and reintegration SOP which deals with the provision of psychosocial support to
victims of TIP, after which bilateral meetings and validation workshops will be held. The final document is expected by the end of this year.Further, according to the C-TIP Coordinator, her Unit has participated in the recently concluded Regional Thematic Meeting on Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants. This meeting, which was funded by the United States Embassy along with other partners, and organized by IOM, was held between CARICOM countries at the Ramada Princess Hotel. Williams-Corbin said that some salient initiatives, which her Unit can implement to
Coordinator of the C-TIP Unit, Ms. Tanisha Williams-Corbin improve response and prosecute cases of TIP, were noted from the meeting. These include strengthening of regional collaboration in combating TIP, joint surprise inspection frameworks across the region and improving of data sharing across the region. Also, coming out of the meeting, will be a smaller working group that will be looking specifically at responding to the Venezuelan migrant situation with specific focus on exploitation of workers.“The Ministry has already upped its game for responding to TIP cases
involving the influx of Venezuelans. However, through the regional collaboration we will be able to see what the others countries are doing and adapt similar measures. “We will also be able to identify any gaps in our system that we can strengthen and we can also share our best practices with the other countries,” the CTIP Coordinator expounded. The C-TIP Unit has been and continues to provide support for TIP victims and to assist them to return home and be reintegrated into their respective communities.
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Border mining areas in deep trouble as Venez. fuel supplies dry up
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everal parts of the hinterlands areas are complaining bitterly about a fuel shortage with residents and miners alike yesterday calling for Government to intervene. The situation appears to be occurring in the Cuyuni, Region Seven, nearer to the Venezuela border, and in areas of Region One. The situation would be blamed mainly on the problems of supply in Venezuela, from where dealers have been buying. Venezuela itself is facing shortages at its pump stations with dropping production levels affecting supplies to Guyana. Over the years, the supply from Venezuela has especially been helpful in sustaining mining and other activi-
ties in the hinterlands. With that gone now or reduced significantly, the livelihoods of many are under threat, miners complained yesterday. Yesterday, Region One chairman, Brentnol Ashley, in a Facebook plea, disclosed that the gas shortage has developed into a crisis. He said that residents are paying between $8,000 and $10,000 for a five-gallon container in Mabaruma and Moruca, and $12,000 to $15,000 in Matarkai. “…This current situation has caused the transportation fares to hike significantly placing additional burdens on citizens and causing more decay into an already stagnant regional economy…” According to Ashley, he is imploring Government for an intervention geared at pro-
The Eteringbang area, Region 7, which borders with Venezuela is badly affected. (Learie Barclay photo)
viding an urgent solution. He said that taxis have raised fares and school children are paying much more. He noted that fuel dealers and retailers are paying between $60,000 and $80,000 for
DEM BOYS SEH
De boat breakdown and skin up nuff things Guyana and Suriname is like one country. In fact, is like when people crossing from Georgetown to Vreeden-Hoop. Dem boys remember when Guyana and Suriname had a meeting a long time ago and dem decide that people travelling from one country to de next like nutten dem better legalise de thing. De two countries join and paying fuh a ferry crossing suh people can tek dem car and cross. Driving in Suriname is just like driving in Guyana suh drivers don’t have no problem De boat break down and some people send news to Guyana how dozens of dem stranded in Suriname. Dem
boys want to know if de people who stranded don’t wuk or if dem wukking in Suriname. How come so many of dem want to cross back? Wha dem was doing? Was not a holiday. Of course dem boys know that gold does move from Guyana to Suriname. You got to declare it once you deh across de border because if you don’t declare and de Dutch people find it is tek dem gun tek it. It mean that nuff people probably carry gold and dem want to come back home.Some of dem does smuggle chicken. De backtrack was once a free for all. De police deh right at de back track crossing suh when people tun up is arrest dem
does get if dem got any contraband. Of course, if dem get a good cop things alright. As de policeman does tell dem “Hand wash hand mek hand come clean”. Guyana sending a boat to help out but that boat can’t fetch containers and big trucks. That is why dem boys suddenly know how much business does pass between Guyana and Suriname. One man seh is a good thing this ain’t happen when is election time. Anodda one seh is a good thing house to house registration ain’t start. Dem boys wondering how many Surinamese does vote in Guyana elections. Talk half and watch how one boat expose nuff things.
a drum of gasoline. In fact, he said, the regional administration has started to reduce its service because of the fuel shortage. Among other things, the chairman called for an immediate relaxation on the $5,000 tax on every barrel of fuel by the Guyana Revenue Authority. He called on the Guyana Energy Authority to closely monitor the ships that are coming to the Waini area, (Continued on page 29)
Region 1 chairman, Brentnol Ashley
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 29, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Exercise books, personal bank accounts and votes I am convinced in my mind at the deepest level that if people like Nigel Hughes, Mark Benschop, Dr. Troy Thomas of Transparency International, Christopher Ram, David Hinds and others like them, each form their own political party, each one of their parties will get more votes than the AFC if the AFC contests the upcoming election on its own. I am convinced in my mind at the deepest level that Donald Trump will lose the next American presidential contest. Trump fascinated the lower classes with his slogan, “drain the swamp.” They voted for him because he was new to politics and didn’t hobnob with the Washington DC political cabals. Trump will haemorrhage votes from those classes because he made the swamp even thicker. Many of his appointments were billionaires. When the campaign heats up next
year, that slogan will be Trump’s nemesis. You cannot win votes for your re-election if you behave like the previous government you defeated. Voters will say you are no different from the scoundrels we hated and we voted out. That is what happened to the Lib-DEM party when they went into a coalition with the Conservative Party in the UK. Voters saw the centre of left Lib-Dems as the opposite of the right-wing, C o n s e r v a t i v e P a r t y. S o they punished them at the election. Lib-Dem was almost destroyed. If any party anywhere the past one hundred years has learnt nothing about electoral politics it is the APNU+AFC entity. This is a regime that is stupendously mindless. All the leaders of the APNU+AFC should be eternally grateful to this newspaper. It exposed daily
corruption of the Jagdeo/ Ramotar hegemonic state. Those revelations were so incredible that they contributed to the APNU+AFC victory. All the APNU+AFC leaders knew how selfdestructive to the Jagdeo/ Ramotar were corruption scandals. Yet after APNU+AFC won power, they have walked into the same swamps. How do these people hope to be re-elected? Unless they think that the entire electorate of Guyana is stupid. Buying tickets for Buju Banton concerts for poor people will not win you votes. People will take your gifts, lap them up, then laugh at you because they know the gifts were intended to fool them. The story of the exercise books being printed in Trinidad while local companies were pleading for some contracts is straight out of the songbook of the PPP. We read about these
things under Jagdeo and Ramotar and we were disgusted. They are happening under the APNU+AFC. I was never afraid to telegraph my thoughts and I have lived with the consequences. I am telegraphing one of my thoughts today again. I say again because this particular thought was published many times on this page – the APNU+AFC got my vote in 2015. It will not get it again. I am voting for either the Amerindian Party or the FedUP party in Berbice. If the contest comes down to just two contestants – APNU+AFC and the PPP, I will not vote. There isn’t a person on Planet Earth that could convince me that Minister David Patterson was naïve when he allowed the Chinese Government to reimburse him with a cheque into his personal bank account. He had the experience of what took
place during the days and nights of such tales under the PPP. He had to know, as a practising politician what happened at NCN. The general-manager accepted payments into his personal bank account from advertisers. He was removed. At the time when the scandal broke out at NCN, the reaction country-wide was why not NCN’s account, why his? I am not making any accusation against Minister Patterson. But his action is bewildering because the personal account thing just jars the nerves. He did not pay for the trip with his own money. A section of his ministry dealing with maritime issues did. So why not forward one the number of the accounts of his ministry to the Chinese embassy? Under the rule of Jagdeo and Ramotar, not a day went by without some scandal. We are seeing the song play out
Frederick Kissoon since 2015. In the midst of the reporting on the exercise book, there comes the bank book thing with Patterson. What will it be tomorrow? I don’t believe in the history of politics in this country, a political formation has thrown away prodigious goodwill it received from the electoral in so quick a time as the APNU+AFC has done. We are close to a general election. It would have been a more presentable posture for the four ministers who resigned as dual citizens to sit it out. But the APNU+AFC reacted in identical fashion to the PPP. They brought back the four in different clothes.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
Former death row inmates sentenced to 25 years Initially sentenced to death for murdering a man in 2008 at Sand Hills, Berbice, Elmo Benedict and Dave Banwarie, had their sentence commuted to 25 years’ imprisonment following a judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal yesterday. In 2012, Banwarie and Benedict were convicted of the March 1, 2008 murder of Rakesh Rajaram and were both sentenced to death by High Court Judge James Bovell-Drakes. At the time the men were charged, the death penalty was the only punishment under the laws for murder. Following the sentence and conviction, Benedict and Banwarie through their lawyer, Mark Conway, filed an appeal arguing that the trial Judge give the jury no directions on the standard of proof and erred in law for blurring the standard of proof. The convicts further argued that the trial judge erred in law for not directing the jury to consider manslaughter in the absence of provocation and that the trial judge failed to properly address the jury on the defence of provocation. Conway also argued that the
death sentence was too severe in all the circumstances of the case. Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette CummingsEdwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, allowed the appeal, substituting the murder conviction for manslaughter and imposing a term of imprisonment of 25 years with time already spent to be deducted from the sentence. In imposing a sentence, Justice Gregory said that the court was guided by the principles outlined for sentencing by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case of Romeo Dacosta Hall v The Queen. In that case, the CCJ had ruled that full credit should be granted for the time an accused person spent in pretrial custody. Anyway, dealing with the ground of standard of proof, the Court of Appeal said that it had no merit. Justice Gregory who read the judgment said that the court disagreed with the argument because throughout the summing up of that and other issues, the trial judge stressed to the jury that they had to be satisfied
- as Appeal Court substitutes murder conviction for manslaughter beyond reasonable doubt that Banwarie and Benedict committed the crime. According to Justice Gregory, the trial judge urged the jury that if they believed the evidence that Benedict used a weapon to disarm Rajaram who was armed with a gun, then he (Benedict) had every right to defend himself, and should be found not guilty. Relating the facts of the case, Justice Gregory told the court that on the day in question, a young woman who was related to one of the convicts was in a camp with Rajaram. The court was told that the men visited the camp where Benedict admitted to lashing Rajaram with a hose, while Banwarie admitted to “broad siding” him. Rajaram received injuries and was rushed for medical attention by Banwarie and Benedict who made a stretcher for him to lie on. His cause of death was shock and haemorrhage and multiple cuts. The Court of Appeal did not agree that the trial judge erred for not directing the jury to consider
Elmo Benedict (left) and Dave Banwarie manslaughter in the absence of provocation. In fact, Justice Gregory noted that the trial judge did direct the jury to consider under what intention did Benedict beat Rajaram. The appellate judge, however, highlighted that State Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar conceded that the trial judge failed to direct the jury on what to do if they found that Benedict did not beat Rajaram with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Furthermore, the Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred when he urged the jury to not consider the fact that the men rendered assistance to an injured Rajaram. According to Justice Gregory, during summing up, the trial judge told the jury that the crime is the inflicting of injuries, and their (Banwarie and Benedict’s) actions thereafter should not
be considered when arriving at a verdict. Conway had essentially argued that the killing was not intentional, since his clients after realizing that Rajaram was seriously injured, took him to the hospital. The lawyer argued that the learned trial judge failed to ask the jury to consider the lesser offence manslaughter. Nevertheless, Justice Gregory noted that the assistance rendered to the injured man by the men was relevant to the case and should have been put to the jury. Reports indicate that Rajaram, who hailed from Kortbraadt on the East Bank of Berbice, had reportedly fled his home after he was unable to pay an affiliation fee and had racked up hefty arrears. He relocated to Sand Hills where he was employed as a coal miner. He sought refuge
at the home of a family in the area and became involved with a teenage daughter of his host. Rajaram’s involvement with the teenager reportedly angered her parents, since she was already involved with someone else and they ordered him to leave their premises, which he did. However he stayed in the area and constructed a shack not too far from his former host. Some time after it is understood that Rajaram, armed with an improvised shotgun, abducted the girl from her home and took her to a clump of bushes in the area. This furthered angered the girl’s relatives and it was alleged that the woman’s intended partner and a close relative armed themselves with cutlasses and went in search of Rajaram. He was later chopped to death.
Preparations for house to house registration on track …start date still to be decided House to House Registration could start soon. The “wheels are turning” as it relates to preparation, according to Guyana Elections Commissioner, Charles Corbin. After yesterday’s statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Corbin told reporters that the secretariat gave, with their report, “gave a clear indication of where they were, in the process of preparing for House to House registration.” He said that the training of staff to conduct the process was done a while back, and had been discussed during a previous statutory meeting. All the necessary arrangements
have been made to ensure that staff could be made available to conduct the process. “They did indicate that they did have some issues and delays with respect to some procurement which may cause some delay in moving forward. But from what we heard, it would appear as though the wheels are turning. The secretariat is fully geared to move in accordance with the arrangements they have in place.” The current step for the preparation is procurement of a series of materials. On Sunday, Kaieteur News reported that a significant portion of the $3.4B was granted to GECOM recently, by the National Assembly.
Commissioner Charles Corbin Before 2015, there were questions raised about the secrecy of procurement practices of GECOM. This time, all eyes will be on GECOM.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
Alexander argues ERC report conclusive The final report on the investigation of employment practices at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the appointment of Roxanne Myers as Deputy Chief Election Officer, may have listed three key persons as “non-appearances”, but it was still unequivocal in its conclusion that there is no evidence of ethnic bias. This is according to coalition-appointed Guyana Elections Commissioner, Vincent Alexander. Commissioner Robeson Benn said, last week, that the issues that prompted the investigation can’t stand as resolved “These are very important and critical issues in respect of the work of the Commission and in respect of how we go forward in our country.” He had raised a concern that the investigation could have been investigated because of the nonappearances of three persons, namely Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; Human Resources Manager, Marcia Crawford; and GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson who, according to the report, failed to produce documents concerning the alleged “shiftiness” of Vishnu Persaud, the person who Myers was chosen over for Deputy Chief Elections Officer. Commissioner Gunraj had also raised the issue of “nonappearance” by the three individuals, last week. Asked whether action would be taken against the Human Resources Officer for not handing over information, Gunraj said it was proposed that the matter be dealt with by the Administrative and Finance Sub-committee, a body which deals with Human
Commissioner Vincent Alexander Resource matters. Alexander said, “Unfortunately, much of the talk [this week] was centered on whether it should go to the sub-committee.” And he thought that was a waste of time. There are some on the commission, he said, who felt that there was no need for it to be directed there. Alexander argued, “Here is the commission at large. Why do we need to refer to a subcommittee when the same set of people who will be at the sub-committee are at the plenary? The plenary is superior to the subcommittee. So, why not discuss it at the plenary which, in any instance, has to be the final place where it is discussed?” Gunraj had indicated that he holds firm in the view that penalties should be attracted for failure to comply with the investigation’s undertakings. However, Alexander said yesterday that there was no talk about instituting disciplinary action against anyone. “There was talk about inquiring to what had
occurred, which may or may not lead to such action. But one could not arrive at such action unless one knew somebody was necessarily guilty of something,” Alexander said. “The PPP commissioners made a request that the ERC investigate GECOM’s employment practices from an ethnic perspective, in relation to Vishnu Persaud. The report unequivocally concluded that there is no evidence of racial or ethnic bias in relation to Vishnu Persaud’s nonemployment. There are other issues that they may have raised but those are peripheral issues. The fundamental issue – the ERC was conclusive and unequivocal about it.” But, even though the ERC report did arrive at a conclusion, it did not report that its findings were conclusive. The report notes that the conclusion was met based on the information presented. It stated that the “unavailability of key personnel did not allow for extensive deliberations to arrive at a more informed conclusion”. Yet, Alexander said that “these people weren’t going to provide evidence. They were going to provide some documents to show what the human resource manual [is] like and things like that.” He said that he doesn’t believe that information would have impacted the report. Commissioner Charles Corbin also held the view that the information the three nonparticipants could have provided were not completely necessary for the investigation. He said, “In terms of the information they said they requested and did not receive, that could not be seen – based on what those things were – as having any impact negatively on their conclusion.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 29, 2019
DNA equipment arrives in Guyana - gunpowder tests to resume, quicker toxicology results expected by Michael Jordan
GFSL Director Delon France
Guyana stands poised to start DNA testing soon. Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) Delon France, revealed that equipment which will allow deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing to be done locally, arrived in Guyana last Friday. It was supplied by Italian firm Q&T S.p.A at a cost of approximately $107M
($US513,000). France said that once the equipment is installed, staff will undergo over two weeks of training here. Some overseas training may also be required. In March, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that there had been some challenges in acquiring the equipment. But he had assured that testing will begin by year-end. The equipment will have
the capacity to conduct tests on eight samples at a time. DNA samples were first collected here and sent overseas in 1993 for the stillunsolved Monica Reece case. DNA samples tested overseas also helped to confirm the identity of Babita Sarjou, whose skeletal remains were found behind her husband’s Lot 51, Seaforth Street residence in May, 2016. Similar samples sent to an
overseas lab also helped confirm the identity of secondary school teacher, Nyozi Goodman whose remains were found at Pattensen, Turkeyen, in 2016. But the prohibitive cost, and the lengthy time they have often had to wait for results, have always presented a challenge to investigators. France had said in a February 2018 interview that it costs Guyana about $1.75M to have just one DNA sample transported and tested overseas. “This includes air fare; someone has to take the samples and also bring them back,” France said. He had estimated that it would cost about US$400,000 to have Guyana’s DNA unit set up. But he predicted that “it would be cheaper in the long run,” for the tests to be done locally. He had cautioned that laws are still to be enacted that will allow investigators to take DNA samples from suspects. Saying that the legal requirements “are going to be a hurdle,” the GFSL Director had noted that laws will have to be amended to empower the police to take evidence from suspects, and all persons in prison. “You (will) sign a form that you gave us consent to take your DNA, and the law will also be in place to back us to allow us to take that DNA sample.” He had also disclosed that a database will be set up to store DNA information of
suspects and felons. “If I go on a crime scene and I swab and get DNA samples, I don’t know whose DNA is there,” France said. “Even if I get a profile, I don’t know whose profile it is. What the US does, is if they arrest someone, say a drunk driver, even for 72 hours, the lab would put it (the individual’s DNA information) in their database. Even if that person is not charged, they still have your DNA.” “The (local) database will also have your photograph, your race, height, and information about where you are living. The law has to make provision for all of this to put into the database.” Having such a database, may even allow investigators to crack some cold cases. And, as has been the case in the US in particular, DNA evidence could also exonerate individuals who were wrongly convicted. But success in cracking old cases and exonerating the innocent will also depend on how well police have been collecting and storing their forensic evidence over the years. From the inception, the GFSL has been training investigators in this area and other forensic-related areas. “One of the things we did before we open, was that we trained over 350 officers. Last week, we trained about 40 persons. “Our training is on evidence collection, storage, Continued on page 15
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
More questions raised over export licence to Adolphus Mining
Rylon Adolphus (left) and television reporter, Travis Chase (Courtesy of Action News) The Guyana Gold Board on Monday defended its approval of an export licence for Adolphus Mining Inc., a company whose principal includes a miner in whose home a large quantity of gold was seized back in 2011. However, although the Board has insisted that the necessary due diligence was carried out, there are continuing questions about the assessment of the entire application. According to well-placed sources yesterday, it appeared that the board did not take into consideration that one of the two directors, Travis Chase, a television reporter, was convicted in a simple larceny case. In fact, during the now infamous Commission of Inquiry into an alleged plot to kill President David Granger, Chase who was a witness, reportedly admitted that he pleaded guilty and paid a “hefty” fine in a simple larceny case involving a camera. It would be pertinent to the application for a gold export licence as directors, under the due diligence process to Gold Board, would have had to submit police clearance statements. It would be unclear if this was done in the case of Chase and whether the Gold
Board took this into consideration. Another considerable factor is that Adolphus Mining would have had to establish a case that it was a credible company with a sound financial track record history. The problem with Adolphus Mining is that it was only formed last January. The company was incorporated by Chase himself who does not have a record in mining. However, the other director, Rylon Adolphus, does have a mining history. An export licence for gold is not an easy thing to acquire. There are strict procedures and with tougher anti-money laundering laws in place now, the application process has to be spot on. Guyana is mindful of these laws which can attract sanctions. There are only about eight or nine gold exporters in Guyana. It is unclear whether other miners had applied for export licences in recent times and what yardstick has been used. The licence to export allows the company to be granted permission also for the opening of a foreign currency account at the commercial banks.
On Monday, the Gold Board, in responding to questions over the licence, said that that matter of a 30pound gold seizure from Adolphus’s Republic Park home in 2011 was settled. Gold Board said that it was not held against the miner when it deliberated and processed the application for the export licence. The granting of the licence last March came to light Monday and immediately raised questions about the due diligence carried out by the Gold Board. In explaining the application for the coveted gold export licence, the Board confirmed that a dealer’s licence was approved for Adolphus Mining, Inc. for 2019. The licence expires at the end of the year. The board disclosed, also, that Chase is a director of said entity. “In the instance of Adolphus Mining, Inc., the GGB management and directorate conducted the required due diligence customary for all existing dealers, and any applicants for the issuance of a dealer’s license.” According to the Gold Board, its management and board were aware of the Continued on page 26
DNA equipment arrives... From page 14 transport and submission of evidence and we also highlight the right packaging for different types of evidence, and what type of evidence can be collected for investigation.” QUICKER TOXICOLOGY TESTS Disclosing other developments, France said that the lab has acquired another gas chromatograph mass spectrometer that will
allow staff to conduct speedier tests for poison and other cases. He had said that the Lab was swamped with toxicology samples. This had resulted in some court cases being stalled, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and some Magistrates had written to the Laboratory about the delays. The Laboratory has also acquired a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which will
allow staff to resume tests for the presence of gunpowder residue. Staff began a one-week training programme yesterday. France had revealed last year that the equipment it acquired from the Guyana Police Force has been inoperable. This has resulted in a hold being placed on a number of murder investigations and court cases in which firearms were used.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 29, 2019
MV Sandaka to work over weekend to collect stranded passengers from Suriname Stranded vehicles and passengers, with the exception of containers, will be able to cross and to and from Suriname this weekend, thanks to emergency measures in place. Scores of Surinamese and Guyanese are stranded both sides with their vehicles, it was reported yesterday. This was after MV Canawaima, which operates on the Corentyne River between Guyana and Suriname, went down over the weekend, leaving the daily service in jeopardy.
According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) yesterday, the management of the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service has since advised that MB Sandaka will be in operation from Friday, 31st May, 2019 to Sunday, 2nd June, 2019. “It will depart Moleson Creek Terminal-Guyana at 09:00hrs (check-in: 06:30hrs to 08:00 hrs ) and depart South Drain-Suriname at 11:30 hrs (Check-in: 08:00 hrs-10:00 hrs) –their respective local times.” The ministry explained
The MB Sandaka
that this window was created to facilitate the return of passengers and vehicles stranded on both sides. “Thereafter, the service will be suspended until further notice.” According to the ministry, the MB Sandaka cannot accommodate the 20 feet and 40 feet containers and trucks with height and width in excess of three meters and 2.7 meters respectively. MV Canawaima encountered serious mechanical issues, forcing it to be shut down. The ferry
which has been in operation for over 15 years has recently experienced short-term shutdowns, but would normally get back up and running within a short period
of time. However, this time around it failed to do so. Both Suriname and the Government of Guyana are responsible for the maintenance of the ferry
service. A release from the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Monday said that the operations have been suspended from yesterday until further notice. The Terminal Manager, Gale Culley-Greene, had stated that the ferry had been experiencing mechanical difficulties for a while now and as such a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired. The vessel is currently docked and a replacement vessel is expected to be sought in the interim. Thousands of Guyanese live in Suriname. The trade between the two countries is a vibrant one to the tune of hundreds of millions annually. The ferry service has been key.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Man to face judge and jury for dousing children mother with acid Alfred De Jonge, called “Nat A Bai”, 36, of Linden, who doused the mother of his children with a corrosive substance back in 2017 has been committed to stand trial in the High Court. The charge is attempt murder. The accused was unrepresented in court on Friday. De Jonge appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. He is accused of, with intent to commit murder, caused grievous bodily harm to Shondell Williamson. On Thursday January 19, 2017 at New Street, New Amsterdam, he doused her with a corrosive substance. The woman, a mother of two was living at the time of the incident in the lower flat of 16 New Street New Amsterdam, Berbice. The two once shared a rocky relationship during their more than eight years together. They lived for a while in
New Amsterdam before relocating to Linden. However due to the constant abuse the woman left and returned to Berbice. On the day in question De Jonge was reportedly stalking the woman. He was dressed like a woman with wig and dress. He was seen sitting on a culvert at the corner of Republic Road and New Street. He reportedly visited the home twice, but the woman was not at home. In the meanwhile he secreted himself in the yard. Around 20:30 hours as Williamson entered her yard she was accosted by the man whom she soon realized was her children father. As she resisted him, he bathed her with the acid. He reportedly shouted, “If I can’t get you, no man will”. He then broke the bottle and ran out of the yard into a waiting car, which sped away. The woman who was severely burnt on her face,
chest and other parts of her body was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The man, after he fled the area, was apprehended in Linden. He was riding a motor cycle in his escape bid when he crashed into a vehicle. He was previously wanted for being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Shondell Williamson was left blind and the acid disfigured her face and upper body. Through the kind complements of the Saving Hands Emergency Aid, Inc. (SHEA) Foundation, Shondell travelled to the United States of America for treatment. She has so far undergone two years of intense medical treatment, including vision correction and reconstructive surgeries. A bone from her rib was used to graft her nose.
Ex-con guilty of murdering Linden bus driver Ex-convict Kerry Cromwell was yesterday found guilty of the March 2016 murder of Linden bus driver, Elvin Lorrimer, who was shot and killed as he stood at the Linden bus park in Georgetown. After some two hours of deliberation, the 12-member jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. Cromwell was remanded to prison until June 20, when he will be sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh. According to reports, Lorrimer was shot by one of two bandits on a motorcycle at the bus park. The 53-yearold man of 184 Carter Road, Kara Kara, Linden was reportedly preparing to make his return trip to Linden, at the time of the incident. Instead, he was shot, and later died at the Georgetown Public Hospital while receiving emergency medical treatment. The convict was represented by Attorney-atLaw Stanley Moore, while the case for the Prosecution was presented by Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed. During the trial, the State called over ten witnesses, including former Police Constable Terry Cummings, who had testified that Cromwell was positively identified by an eyewitness as the shooter. Also testifying was Judah Lorrimer, the son of the dead man. Judah told the court that his father left home for work on the morning of March 21, 2016. He explained that his father was the driver of minibus BSS5739, which he
GUILTY: Kerry Cromwell
MURDERED: Elvin Lorrimer
also owned and would use to ply the route of Georgetown to Linden. He added that later that said day, he received a call from his father who told him something. According to Judah, he then received another call and, as a result of what he was told, he and other family members rushed down to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where they were told that his father was in surgery. He added that on March 24, 2016, he visited the GPHC mortuary where he identified his father’s corpse to a police rank. Police Constable Richard Rodney, who was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station during March 2016, also testified during the trial. Rodney told the court that on March 24, 2016 around 08:30 AM, he visited the GPHC mortuary where Alvin Lorrimer’s relatives identified his body to him.
The police rank added that he then witnessed a postmortem being conducted on the man’s remains by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh. The cause of death, he said, was given as multiple gunshot wounds. Further, Police Constable Kevis Thomas, who is stationed at the Crime Laboratory at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, also testified. Constable Thomas said that, on the evening of March 21, 2016, he was performing duties when a request was made for a police photographer to visit a murder scene at Hadfield Street, Georgetown. As a result of the request, the witness said that he equipped himself with a digital camera and went to the location where he took several photographs of suspected Continued on page 26
Shondell Williamson
TV anchor, wife robbed in E’bo The criminal offense of larceny appears to be on the increase on the Essequibo Coast, following a series of theft that were reported all across the region. Essequibo’s television news anchor, Shawn Marks, and his wife were left traumatized Monday night after they were robbed by two men. Marks, who works at the RCA TV Station, Charity, was attacked around 22:00hrs Monday night, while making their way home. According to Marks, he and his wife were attacked by two men who took away his wife’s purse, containing an undisclosed amount of cash and an iPhone 7 valuing over $250,000. The reporter said that the bandits could be positively identified by his wife and the matter was reported to the Charity Police Station. About 05:30 hrs yesterday morning,
robbers struck again in a separate incident. This time the home of Mr. Rasheed Oullah, Anna Regina Town council Chief constable, was broken into. The man allegedly lost a quantity of cash, a television and jewelry along with other valuables. The man told the media yesterday that his family had earlier secured the house before retiring to bed. When his wife was about to prepare breakfast the following morning, however, she discovered that the front door in lower flat of the home was opened. Missing from the bottom flat was the family’s 40-inch Television Set, which went missing with a transformer, a box with Jewelry, US $250 and $90,000. Also missing were a gold band and three cell phones. The matter was reported to the Anna Regina Police Station and investigations are still ongoing.
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Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
Cops nab man who shot off part of motor racer’s ear FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 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
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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
4205 Parfaite Harmonie Tel#619-3258/686-7384 2 bedroom house for rent $35K per month, water & light at 2043 Block (c) Herstelling. #696-1680
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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 VEHICLE FOR SALE One 2014-2015 Honda Vezel Pxx series, good as new. Price $4.7M Neg #689-5103 1 shortbase supercustom minibus for parts. #664-0802 Axio PXX series, reverse camera, fog lamps, owner leaving country. 2010 model $2.2M neg Tel#611-7106 LAND FOR SALE 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 2 acre- V/Hoop WCD. Tel# 621-6918/697-7731
(1) Security and (1) Driver to work in Georgetown. Call #2271717 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 1 Noah or Voxy to Rent for 2 months. #646-8748 Caregiver for elderly female required to cook , clean. Call: 675-6723, recommendation required
From page 15 circumstances surrounding the case of a quantity of gold that was brought before the LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
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Concert at the National Stadium. The victim and a friend were accosted while heading to a car in the “vicinity of Agricola.” Their assailants were armed and they were robbed of jewellery, phones and wallets. Jeffrey said that a confrontation during the robbery resulted in him being shot to the right ear.
More questions raised over export...
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Two well-appointed in Belvoir Court, Bel Air, Georgetown. Tel#592-627-3650/223-0654/ 225-0605
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Building at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Call #6231615
Police have detained an Agricola, East Bank Demerara man who allegedly shot off part of the left ear of motor racer, Kristian Jeffrey. A senior police official confirmed that the suspect was arrested yesterday. He is said to be a suspect in other incidents. Jeffrey was shot and robbed near Agricola shortly after leaving the Buju Banton Carnival
English & Maths Tutor. Contact #223-5273/74
One secretary 28-40 years. One trainee refrigeration/ AC General domestic. 3 Days technician #683-8734/231- work. Must know to cook. Apply with 2 references. 0655 KeyFood McDoom village Customer Service Rep, Two shifts rotated weekly (6am- Accounts Clerk. 3pm & 3pm-11pm), Shell Requirements: CAT/ACCA Station Providence, EBD. Level 2, Quickbooks POS & E m a i l : Accounts proficient, salary Shellramsburg@gmail.com negotiable. (2) Driver/ Salesman. Tel#623-8780 VACANCY FOR FULLTIME HOUSEKEEPER TO WORK Female to help a 3- year old AT AAGMAN boy learn to play musical RESTAURANT, SHERIFF instrument: piano, guitar etc. ST. CALL: 219-0158 Call: 623-1615
then GGB management in 2011. “With regard to the gold from 2011, additional due diligence revealed that: 1) the holder of that gold was the producer, now licensed as a dealer; 2) all reports and ensuing official inquiries, at that time (and by the current board), relative to that gold indicated the miner and his gold holding (were) involved in a private conflict; 3) the gold was weighed at the GGB and full payment was made at market rates prevailing in 2011; and 4) there were neither charges nor court matters nor convictions nor fines nor anything prejudicial levied in relation to that gold.” The Gold Board insisted that issues were all part of the review and approval process by management and the directorate of the GGB in 2018/ 19. “There was nothing
that militated materially against, or that did serve as an effective bar to the issuance of a gold dealer’s licence to Adolphus Mining, Inc. The GGB is concerned that it was not consulted for clarification prior to the release and publication of this news item, which both invades the privacy of the parties named, and casts a number of unfounded aspersions.” With regards to Adolphus, it was reported that just this month, police acting on information searched a vehicle and found a .45 Glock semi-automatic gun and 60 matching rounds. Information provided led the ranks to the home of Adolphus, where a search was initiated. While conducting the search, officers discovered $2.4M and 30 pounds of gold hidden in soap powder buckets.
Ex-con guilty of... From page 25 bloodstains, the body of the deceased, as well as a minibus. The police rank provided the jury with a description of the 21 coloured photographs which were later tendered, admitted, and marked as evidence in the trial. Reports indicate that Cromwell was previously convicted for possession of narcotics and was sentenced to community service. Also, he was one of the inmates who escaped from the Lusignan prison in July 2017. Added to that, he was previously charged with robbery under-arms.
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Kaieteur News
Guyana discusses liberalization of air transport at Korea meet Guyana continues to build on its successful hosting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Meeting which was held in November 2018 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. This month, a delegation from Guyana was invited by the Republic of Korea to participate at the Fourth ICAO Air Transport Symposium and Conference on International Air Transport Cooperation 2019 (IATS-CIAT 2019), held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from May 8 to May 10, 2019. Guyana was again placed in the spotlight of the WorldStage as the head of Guyana’s delegation, Minister Annette Ferguson, was asked by the Republic of Korea to deliver the keynote address at the IATS-CIAT 2019. The ICAO also invited the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, and Director for Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman, to join the panel of experts to make presentations at the event. The three-day event brought together aviation stakeholders from around the world including regulators, airport operators and academia, to discuss ways of enhancing air connectivity and the benefits of a coherent global regulatory regime through the liberalization of international air transport. The Guyanese delegation
Minister Annette Ferguson shares the stage with ICAO’s Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu and Ministers responsible for aviation. delivered presentations and stimulated discussions focused on achieving regulatory convergence, unfair treatment of travellers, compensation and mechanisms for redress, the impact of levies on air transport sustainability, and the implications on air connectivity, and a case for liberalization of air transport for small developing States. Guyana also participated in the third Seminar on Strategic Management of Aviation Policy for High-level
Administrators, which ran simultaneously with IATSCIAT 2019. This seminar focused on the country’s policies and main challenges confronting the industry. The IATS-CIAT 2019 meeting highlighted the importance of States sharing their experiences and best practices on liberalization so as to encourage and assist other States that are yet to fully embrace liberalization in their regulatory approaches. At the end of the event,
Guyana is first among five countries to sign Digital Learning Platform agreement In order to build the technological gap between the coastland and the hinterland regions, Guyana, on the eve of its 53rd Independence anniversary, signed a technical assistance cooperation agreement with the Organisation of American States [OAS] and the Profuturo Foundation. ProFuturo is an education programme launched in 2016 by Telefónica Foundation and “La Caixa” Foundation, which has as its mission to narrow the education gap in the world by providing quality digital education for children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This is in line with Goal Four of the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development agenda on access to equitable and inclusive quality education for all. Five Caribbean countries, among which Guyana is named, were chosen to benefit from the technical assistance. However, it was only Guyana that met the necessary implementation criteria to launch the programme. Moreover, Guyana was eligible to sign an agreement on Friday last [May 24, 2019]. Signing on behalf of Guyana at the OAS headquarters in Washington D. C., United States was Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, along with Mr. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS, and Ms. Sofia Fernandez
de Mesa, General Director of ProFuturo Foundation. Also present at the signing event was Mrs. Lesley Dowridge-Collins, MinisterCounsellor/ Deputy Chief of Mission and Mr. Jason Fields, First Secretary/ Alternate Representative to the OAS. In her remarks, at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Education shared the government of Guyana’s gratitude for the technical assistance being provided by the OAS and Profuturo in the field of digital education. The Minister also acknowledged that to achieve equitable education in countries with topographies like Guyana, ICT becomes very relevant in ensuring that the same quality of education is provided in all areas. Secretary-General Almagro in recognising that Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean region to sign on to the cooperation agreement with Profuturo, expressed his hope that this will serve as the impetus for other Caribbean countries. He also mentioned that the platform will be of benefit to 28 hinterland schools, provide training for 449 teachers and 5,435 hinterland students in primary schools across Guyana. The other Caribbean member states are expected to sign the cooperation agreement soon.
the participants agreed on several issues brought to the fore including the importance of preventing the proliferation of taxes on international air transport and tourism; achieving regional harmonization in the areas of consumer protection and competition regulations; promoting liberalization
among States; and that “safeguards or reassurances” are required in multilateral agreement on the liberalization of market access. Complementing the outcome of the meeting held in November 2018, GCAA is currently developing modern regulations to address all
areas of air travel, following the passage of a new Civil Aviation Act in the National Assembly in December 2018. Further, Guyana has signed on to a new Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) which seeks to liberalize air transport among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
‘Bam Bam’ charged for killing friend A man was yesterday remanded to prison after a murder charge was read to him in which he allegedly stabbed his friend to death after he went to the aid of a woman who claimed that the defendant was in her room. Lexroy Garraway, called ‘Bam Bam’, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which was read to him by the Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It was alleged that he murdered Eric Nurse, called ‘Black Boy’, 24, from Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on May 22, last, at Takatu Landing, Mazaruni River. The defendant told the court that he is a 37-year-old miner from Enterprise, Lower Pomeroon. He went on to say that he was previously charged for wounding and he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for the matter. According to police prosecutor Shellon Daniels, on the day in question the defendant and the victim were drinking at a shop at the location mentioned in the charge.
Charged: Lexroy Garraway
Garraway then allegedly left and went into a room occupied by a female. Upon seeing the defendant in the room, the female raised an alarm. Nurse then reportedly went to her rescue and dragged Garraway out. The woman who ran out of her room during the altercation later went back into her room as a scuffle ensued between the two men outside. She then returned shortly after only to find her saviour lying face down with injuries about his body. He was
picked up and rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Garraway was subsequently arrested and under caution by the police he admitted to inflicting eight to ten stab wounds on the victim. After listening to both sides the magistrate adjourned the matter until June 5, next and transferred the case to the Bartica Magistrate Courts. The defendant was remanded to prison until that time.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 29, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Ministry of Education Tenders Projects to Upgrade Different Sections of Education System The Ministry of Education tendered for a total of five projects and the bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). A number of areas were covered as the ministry is seeking to strengthen the Health and Family Life section, review the Special Needs Policy Framework and to both review and enhance the Continuing Education and Second Chance Programmes respectively. Other notable projects were the Guyana Defence Force Rehabilitation of the Archives Building, Repairs of the Fiberglass Vessels and the Procurement of Two Aluminium Trailers amongst others. Ministry of Education GSDEP – Strengthening of Health and Family Life Education
Review of the Governance and Coordination Mechanism for the Technical and Vocational Training Sub Sector of Guyana
Development of a Natural Hazard Risk Profile for the Education Sector
Consultants for Development and Piloting of a Natural School Safety Programme
Guyana Defence Force Rehabilitation of Archives Building Base Camp Ayanganna (Retender)
Review and Enhancing of the Continuing Education and Second Chance Programmes
Repairs of Fiberglass Vessels
Review of Special Education Needs Policy Framework Procurement of Two new Aluminium Trailers
Region producers hire rum expert to raise global... Border mining areas in deep trouble as Venez....
(From page 3) Renwick, Chief Executive of WIRSPA, “Matt is a well-respected and objective expert in the world of rum and brings to our collaboration a passion for this diverse spirit and an analytical rigour which will help us to expose the great stories and tremendous heritage of our member brands, producers of Authentic Caribbean Rum.” Matt Pietrek said: “I’m honoured to have been entrusted with the role of Community Envoy for WIRSPA and its member brands. Theirs is a heritage rich with tradition and diversity, connected by a common thread of history. It’s a great story
and one which I’m very happy to help tell.” WIRSPA is one of the oldest private sector trade associations in the Caribbean. It represents rum producers in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. Authentic Caribbean Rums, the products produced by the membership of WIRSPA, represent a unique and distinct sector within the drinks industry, supported by common quality standards and rules.
From page 9 Region One, and purchase unmarked fuel, taking it even to Suriname, thereby disrupting the supplies. Ashley said that the Guyana Oil Company should consider sending supplies to the area. GUYOIL should seek to provide an urgent supply to the Region since there is a very limited supply left, he added. While that is happening in Region One, there is another similar situation brewing in the Eteringbang area, which borders Venezuela. A brisk fuel trade had developed over the years in the area, leading to the establishment of an army post. Miners especially in the gold-rich Cuyuni have been depending on Venezuela for supplies. However, scores of miners would now be under threat from the situation. In fact, one miner said, he is forced to pay up to US$240 (almost $49,000) per barrel of fuel when in normal times he would have paid US$120 ($24,000). There are thousands of hinterland residents and scores of miners. Also affected, Kaieteur News was told, would be loggers.
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Wednesday May 29, 2019
Defence makes no case submission in Maryann Daby trial
A
s the trial for 25year-old Maryann Daby draws to a close, yesterday attorney-atlaw Mark Waldron, who is representing the defendant, made a no case submission against the prosecution’s
case. The defendant of Lot 127 D’Aguiar Park, Houston, Georgetown, is accused of pointing a loaded gun at a police officer’s head and pulling the trigger, in an attempt to kill him.
She was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on May 13, 2019, at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, she attempted to discharge a loaded firearm at Police Con-
stable Christopher Kissoon. Daby is also charged for having an unlicensed pistol and six live rounds on the same day and at the same location. She denied all charges read to her. Her trial is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by the Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. Yesterday Superintendent Gary McAllister, the officer who gave conflicting evidence to the court in the matter, finished up testifying in the case after showing up late on the last occasion. In his no case submission, the attorney stated that, the evidence of the superintendent should be dismissed as he gave conflicting evidence to the court. From the evidence that McAllister 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 prosecution’s 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
Maryann Daby
matter to be adjourned so that clarity could be sought and reported to the court. The attorney further gave reference to the statement given by Police Constable John Holder who 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, 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.
Among other points made by the attorney, were that the prosecution has no proper grounds to rely on as it is clear that top ranking officials are interfering with the case. The matter was then adjourned until June 3, 2019 where police prosecutor Richard Harris will reply to the no case submission of the defence. Daby is currently out on $750,000 High Court bail. 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 officer’s head and pulled the trigger.
Albion Estate worker died from drowning While the relatives of Hukumchan Inshanally continue to call for a thorough investigation into the death of their loved one, a post mortem examination done by Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan revealed that he died from drowning. Inshanally, popularly known as “Oil”, 56, of Rose Hall Town was found lifeless and partly decomposed in the Hampshire back-lands canal by estate workers Monday afternoon. His wife had told Kaieteur News that her husband left home Friday morning and promised to return early since he had intentions of assisting her with some planning for a birthday service this coming Friday. However, after time had elapsed she became worried. She sent her son to inquire from the homes of his fellow colleagues if he had left the back-dam at Williamsburg for home but the men allegedly disclosed that they had not
seen Inshanally or worked with him for the entire day. A foreman had confirmed with relatives that he worked that day but after his day’s work was completed and passed, the said Foreman asked Inshanally to chop some remaining bushes and vines while the other workers left for home. It was while he was chopping the vegetation that he disappeared. Relatives are contending that the management of the Albion Estate should be held responsible for his death. According to the wife, the Foreman claimed that her husband chose a different path to cross from his fellow colleagues but she argued that her husband could not swim and would never venture to a direction alone that was visibly inundated with water. She also believes that if he was not told to chop the vines and bush after he had already completed his day’s work, he would have been alive. Meanwhile, a relative of
Died by drowning: Hukumchan Inshanally the dead man told this publication that management and colleagues of Inshanally visited their home yesterday and assisted with items for wake. Workers from the gang in which Inshanally worked also combined financially. They gave the family $60,000 to offset funeral expenses. The management of the estate also promised that a thorough investigation will be done into Inshanally’s death. His funeral is set to take place today.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Tour of Somerville Cycling Series
Romello Crawford wins Cat. 2/3; Horace Burrowes places 6th in Masters 40-99 Guyanese cyclists enjoyed a fair outing at the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series in Somerville New Jersey on Monday last with Romello Crawford winning the Men’s Open Category 2 contest while GCF President Horace Burrowes ended 6th in the Men’s Masters 40-99 Category 1/2/3. Reports out of New Jersey indicate that Crawford completed the 30-mile distance in 49:29:00 sprinting home ahead of the 2nd placed Edwin Morel and 3rd placed, Trent Blackburn. Fellow Guyanese cyclists Lynn Murray ended 21st and Andre Abdool 75th in this category which saw 86 finishers, while 20 Did Not Finish. In the Professional Category 1, a 50-mile contest, a total of seven (7) Guyanese contested with the highest placed out of 75 finishers being Johann Burrowes in 26th
followed by Briton John (32nd), Raynauth Jeffrey (84th), Jermaine Burrowes (58th), Horace Burrowes (61st) and Paul Burrowes, 62nd. The 2016 winner of this category, Scott Savory, was unable to complete the race as he was involved in a crash which resulted in him fracturing his clavicle. A total of 75 cyclists completed this race with 9 not doing so. The winner was Cannor Sallee in 1:38:14. And in the Men’s Masters 40-99 Cat1/ 2/3 for a total of 25 miles, Horace Burrowes placed 6th out of a field of 90 riders. This category was won by Ernest Tautkus in 43:95:00, seven (7) riders did not complete the race. The Tour of Somerville is a New Jersey Tradition since 1940 and is sanctioned by USA Cycling.
World Cup debut giving Cottrell ‘sleepless nights’
Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell. BRISTOL, England, CMC – The prospect of representing West Indies in his first ever World Cup has been giving Sheldon Cottrell “sleepless nights”, the leftarm pacer has admitted. Cottrell said turning out in the May 30 to July 14 showpiece was the fulfillment of childhood dream, and he was fully prepared for the opportunity to compete on the world stage. “My preparation personally has been going well. It’s a gradual build-up for me for the World Cup,” said the 29-year-old who has played 14 One-Day Internationals. “I’m looking forward to the first game. I’m having sleepless nights already but that’s just anxiety on my side. I am ready and the team preparation [has been excellent].” Cottrell has had a
stuttering ODI career ever since his debut four years ago. His first two appearances came on a five-match tour of South Africa, just months before the start of the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. However, he never played again until two years later on the tour of New Zealand. He was selected for the World Cup qualifying campaign in Zimbabwe last March but managed a single match, and played only one other ODI last year. His selection for the World Cup was somewhat fortuitous. A late addition to the West Indies squad as an injury replacement for the five-match series against England in the Caribbean earlier this year, Cottrell made an immediate impact in his first outing, snatching a maiden fivewicket haul to hand the
hosts a pivotal victory in the second ODI in Bridgetown. His overall performance in the series booked his spot to the World Cup, joining the likes of captain Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Oshane Thomas, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite and Kemar Roach in the pace attack. “For any young aspiring cricketers, the World Cup would be a dream for them and it was for me,” the Jamaican said of his selection. “Growing up in Jamaica I couldn’t foresee this coming so being selected [was a dream for me]. I got no handouts, I’ve done well, I’ve been rewarded so it’s just for me to continue my hard work.” He added: “I’m about 90 per cent [happy with my bowling at present]. I am very much hard on myself when it comes on to my bowling. There’s always room for improvement and I mark myself hard so I’m about 90 per cent and I’m hoping I can get to a hundred.” One of the least experienced players in the squad, Cottrell said it was important that he learnt as much as possible from his more seasoned teammates in coming weeks. “We all are still students of the game,” he said. “[We’re] still learning so any information I can get from those experienced guys – most of them who play cricket around the world – any information I can get from them I’ll grasp it. We all are one team so we bounce ideas off each other.” West Indies open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Friday.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Azarenka hands former French Open champion Ostapenko another first-round exit PARIS (Reuters) - Jelena Ostapenko suffered her second successive firstround loss at the French Open since winning the 2017 title as she was beaten by former world number one Victoria Azarenka yesterday. Considering the caliber of her opponent, a 6-4 7-6(4) loss was not as demoralizing as last year’s defeat by Ukraine’s Kateryna Kozlova. But it continued a steep decline for the 21-year-old who also fell in round one at the Australian Open and has managed back-to-back wins just once in 2019. The match statistics made grim reading for Ostapenko with 60 unforced errors to Azarenka’s 19. Two years after she held the world’s media captive after a stunning final victory over Simona Halep, the world number 39 was asked just one English question following her defeat. “I think I didn’t play my best match today. But, of course, the opponent for the first round was, I think, one of the toughest in the draw,” she said. “I think I was rushing too much. Also the conditions were very tough. It was super windy.” While the Latvian looks to arrest the slide, two-times Australian Open champion Azarenka is heading in the right direction having risen back into the top 50 after
Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in action during her first round match against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) giving birth to son Leo in December 2016. “She’s one of the players that you never know what’s coming, and she doesn’t really give a lot of rhythm,” Azarenka said. “For the first round, for me, that’s something very dangerous because it’s important to get into the rhythm, into the tournament. You need to find a way to win, and I felt that today that’s what it was.” Despite all her experience it was the 29-year-old Belarussian who began the match in charitable fashion, opening with two double faults before watching two Ostapenko backhands flash by her. She broke back in the next game but dropped serve for
the third time in a topsy-turvy set to trail 4-3. Ostapenko doublefaulted four times in the next game to hand back the advantage, then twice more at 5-6 to surrender a scrappy opener. She continued to mix flashing winners with unforced errors in the second, leading 4-2 but allowing Azarenka back in. Ostapenko served for the set at 6-5 and led 30-0 only to offer up more free points to her grateful opponent. In the tiebreak Azarenka brought up match point with a thumping forehand winner and another Ostapenko misfire ended the contest. Azarenka, a semi-finalist in 2013, will now face world number one Naomi Osaka in another blockbuster clash.
Osaka survives huge first-round scare
PARIS (Reuters) - World number one and top seed Naomi Osaka flirted with an opening-round exit at the French Open yesterday but recovered from a first-set horror show to beat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 0-6 76(4) 6-1. The 21-year-old Japanese player, aiming for a third successive Grand Slam title, was allowed only nine points in the first set against the world number 90 from Slovakia. She then let a 3-0 lead slip in the second set before twice having to break her opponent’s serve to stay in the match. Once she won the tiebreak, however, her game clicked back into gear and she breezed through the decider. She will be allowed no such lapses in the second round, however, when she faces former world number one Victoria Azarenka.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her first round match against Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann)
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Holder wants ‘fearless’ approach from Windies BRISTOL, England, CMC – West Indies captain Jason Holder has urged his side to play “fearless” cricket during the ICC World Cup starting Thursday, after watching them pile up a mammoth total against New Zealand in their final official warm-up here yesterday. The Caribbean side marched to an imposing 421 thanks to Shai Hope’s 101 and half-centuries from Andre Russell (54) and Evin Lewis (50), innings which laid the foundation for a comfortable 91-run victory at Bristol County Ground. “I’ve got little to no expectation for the group, that’s the method that we want to approach it – no expectation and just to play fearless and enjoyable cricket,” he said looking ahead to his side’s opening game of the World Cup against Pakistan at Nottingham on Friday. “That’s the mindset I want to go in with and that’s the mindset I want the team to go in with – no expectation. [I just want] everyone to go out and just play fearless cricket, express yourself and just play the brand of cricket we play in terms of enjoying it. “Everyday I tell the guys just play with a smile on your faces and enjoy what you’re doing. That’s what I want the guys to do.” Holder, who also led the Windies at the last World Cup staged in Australia and New Zealand four years ago, said in the past enjoyment had not always been a feature of the team’s performances. “I think one of the things that has hampered us sometimes in the past is that we’ve not really enjoyed it to the extent that I think we should be. It’s our living, our job,” he pointed out. “We have put so many smiles on people’s faces back home in the Caribbean and for me, I just want to continue to do that. I think we’re at our best when we play with freedom and a smile.” On Tuesday, West Indies displayed the form which has made them one of the quietly feared teams at the May 30 to July 14 showpiece here. Holder slammed 47 from 32 balls in an important 82-run, seventh wicket stand with Russell while veteran Chris Gayle belted a whirlwind 36 from 22 deliveries in a 59-run, opening stand with Lewis. Shimron Hetmyer (27), Darren Bravo (25) and Carlos Brathwaite (24) all chipped in with cameos to put West Indies past their previous best of 389.
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“That performance should give the entire group a lot of confidence, I thought we batted really well and we kept the momentum going through the innings,” Holder said. “Credit to the way Shai played, I thought Chris was outstanding at the very beginning, getting us off to a good start, and then Andre played a really good knock as well. “We had the foundation up front. I think we hit every target that we set to hit and the beautiful thing is that we had set batters in most of the time and wickets in hand to launch at the very end.” New Zealand failed to come to grips with the demands of the run chase and were all out for 330 in the 48th over. They were slumping at 33 for three in the 10th over after the Windies seamers made crucial strikes, and needed Tom Blundell’s fiery 106 and captain Kane Williamson’s 85 to recover. “I thought the bowlers were outstanding as well. To defend on such a good wicket and a small field it can be difficult and we went both sides of the park last time against South Africa,” Holder noted. “It was good to see the bowlers come back and show
Opener Evin Lewis pulls during his 50 against New Zealand at Bristol on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) a lot more discipline, I thought stepped up the plans we set up and we executed really well.”
Karlovic becomes oldest man to win match at Roland Garros for 45 years PARIS (Reuters) Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 45 years yesterday as he beat Spain’s fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in a firstround duel. Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won 7-6(4) 7-5 67(7) 7-5 in a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 — the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era. He became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, aged 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open. The last player to contest a Grand Slam singles match having turned 40 was American Jimmy Connors at the U.S. Open in 1992. Croatian giant Karlovic fired down 35 aces on his way to a second-round clash against Australian youngster Jordan Thompson. He was the first man in his 40s to compete in a Grand Slam singles match for 27 years, but the evergreen Karlovic made light of his age to outlast left-hander Lopez. “It means a lot. Even though it’s in the record books as the oldest one, at least it’s in the record books, so I like it,” Karlovic said of playing his fellow longsurvivor.
Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic reacts during the match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori. (REUTERS/Edgar Su/file photo) “I was out for almost two months, so I am really happy that I was able to win today.” Karlovic, ranked 94, had decided against playing any claycourt tournaments in the build-up to Roland Garros where he has never gone past the third round. But there was nothing rusty about his serve, not giving Lopez a sniff of a break in the opening two sets. He took the first set on a tiebreak but did not engineer a break point on the Lopez serve until pouncing with his opponent 5-6 down in the second set. Almost inevitably the
third set went to another tiebreak and when Lopez missed a routine volley at 5-5 it handed Karlovic a match point, only for him to be denied by a lucky backhand return that left him floundering at the net. A fifth set loomed when Lopez led 5-2 in the fourth set but Karlovic rattled off five straight games to move through. In a performance of old-school skills he won 65 points at the net. “Right now I’m just happy with any match that I win,” Karlovic said. “Even if it’s against older guys or kids, whatever. I just like to win.”
John Trim! Blazing a trail as Berbice’s 1st Test Player By Sean Devers John Trim was born on January 25, 1915 in Corentyne, Berbice in British Guiana and was the first Test player from Guyana’s Ancient County. A fast bowler, Trim was a big, strong individual who the paved the way for the other players from this county to gain selection at the highest level after making his Test Debut on home soil against England in 1948 in the third Test of the five-match series. The 33-year-old Trim took the last two wickets to finish with 2-6 from 10 overs and followed it up with 1-38 in the second innings as England were forced to follow-on giving West Indies a sevenwicket victory. Trim had stacked a strong claim for Test selection by taking nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings when British Guiana played the MCC X1 in a tour game played at Bourda two weeks before the Test in British Guiana. In those days it was very hard for a ‘Country Boy’ to play Test cricket and his selection must have been a
great motivator for the hundreds of Berbicans, many of whom worked on the Sugar Cane plantations, that they too could one day be rewarded for their cricketing talent with a Test call-up. In 1947 India and Pakistan split because of religious rivalry. Attempts to come up with a compromise constitution favorable to both Muslims and Hindus failed resulting in the separation (years later in 1971, Pakistan was further divided and Bangladesh was formed). The Indentured System was first introduced in the Caribbean in 1838 when the first batch of Indians arrived on these shores. So visiting India was a big thing for the decedents of Indentured Laborers when in 1948, West Indies embarked on their inaugural tour to the subcontinent. Since their inauguration to Test cricket in 1928, West Indies had only played against England and Australia and the tour to India was an exciting experience for Trim who grew up in Corentyne, which had a predominantly Indian
population. Born on January 25, 1915 in Skeldon, Upper Corentyne, Trim had to wait until the fourth Test to get his second Test Cap. This was after Clyde Walcott, Gerry Gomez, Everton Weeks and who, like Trim, was from British Guiana, Robert Christiani, all scored tons in the opening Test in Delhi. This was the first time this was ever done in a Test match involving West Indies and was later repeated in 1983 (vs India) and 2005 (vs S/Africa) by the lads from the Caribbean. Christiani died at 84. Trim, who died relatively young when he passed away at the New Amsterdam hospital on November 12, 1960 at age 45, made an auspicious entry to Test cricket in India with 4-48 from 27 overs and followed it up with 3-28 from 17 overs in the second innings as West Indies celebrated their first ever Test victory on Indian soil. They won the 5-Test series 1-nil. The Berbician took three more wickets in the final Test to end with 10 wickets from his first two matches at the highest level and was said to be popular with Indian fans,
John Trim in 1953 in part because he knew some Hindi. Trim played for the Fort Canje Mental Hospital before joining the Port Mourant, which later added Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Soloman, Alvin Kallicharran and Mahendra Nagamootoo to its list of Test players. After missing the first three Tests in 1951/52 fivematch series to Australia, the bustling pacer captured his only five-wicket haul in the fourth Test at Melbourne which commenced on Old Year ’s day of 1952. He captured 5-34. The Australia series was to be his last as he
finished his Test career with 18 wickets and 21 runs from four Tests at an average of 16.16. In a 34-match First-Class career which began for Berbice in 1942, Trim took 96 wickets including four 5wicket hauls and a best of 780. He first played for his country in 1944 when he played against Trinidad & Tobago. He dominated club cricket in Berbice playing for Fort Canje Mental Hospital alongside colleagues such as Rex Ramnarace (Sr), Cyril Plummer and John Nestor. Trim missed the historical tour to England in 1950 when West Indies won at Lords for the first time but toured Australia and New Zealand in 1951-52, where he played in the fourth Test in Melbourne only. Though he had his best innings haul of 5-34 Australia scraped home by one wicket. But by this time he was approaching his 37th birthday and was not selected for any further Tests. Trim died on November 12, 1960 in New Amsterdam at age 45 years 292 days and was inducted into the Berbice Cricket Board Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Milerock trounce Victoria Kings to bring curtains down on season Fruta Conquerors are back to back champions
Upper Demerara’s Milerock Football Club secured their second win in the final match of the season Delon Lanferman - Den on Monday after last when Amstel Football Club the curtains came down on Season 4 of the Guyana in the final points standings. Football Federation (GFF) Meanwhile, Fruta Elite League at the federation Conquerors successfully Training Facility, Providence, defended their title and did so East Bank Demerara. in fine style by being the only A Denzil Fordyce brace, team to play unbeaten. The one either side of play, laid Tucville based boys were the the platform for Milerock to most offensive team, lashing notch their second win in 9 in 43 goals whilst also having outings as they wrapped up an almost airtight defence the game, 3-1. Fordyce hit the letting in the least amount of network in the 17th and 47th goals, 5 to end with a plus 38 minutes after which Victoria goal difference. Kings, who ended in the The only accolade that penultimate position on the would have evaded the points table, pulled one back champs would have been the through a Kemroy Alfred Highest Goal Scorer which 56th minute goal. went to Delon Lanferman of But even as the Kings, Den Amstel who ended with representing the East a goal per match, netting on 9 Demerara FA, harboured occasions. thoughts of drawing level, Nicholas McArthur and Milerock restored their two Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ goal cushion thanks to a Josh Richardson of Fruta Parvattan 85th minute effort. Conquerors scored 8 times The win saw Milerock apiece; their club-mate Ryan holding down the 8th place ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett ended in the points table just ahead with 7 the same as Western Tigers’ Randolph Wagner. of Victoria Kings. The GFF yesterday Another Conquerors player, informed that Victoria Kings Eon Alleyne accounted for 6 forfeited match three of their goals. Unlike previous seasons, season as a result of playing an ineligible player. The this season was reduced to decision meant that they just one round of rivalry {Victoria Kings} suffered a 3- between the 10-partcipating 0 loss and also had to lose clubs owing to time three points which is reflected constraints according to GFF Elite League 2018 / 2019 Points Table Final # Team GP W D L 1 Fruta Conquerors 9 9 0 0 2 Western Tigers 9 6 2 1 3 Den Amstel 9 5 2 2 4 Guy. Defence Force 9 4 2 3 5 Buxton United 9 3 2 4 6 Santos 9 3 1 5 7 Guyana Police Force 9 2 2 5 8 Milerock 9 2 3 4 9 Victoria Kings 9 2 1 6 10 Ann’s Grove United 9 1 1 7
Rev. Ian Alves GFF Director of Competitions Director of Competitions of the GFF, Rev. Ian Alves who summed up the season in an invited comment: “We saw newcomers Santos Football Club and the Guyana Police Force Football Club managing to play their way into the sixth and seventh positions respectively, thereby forcing three of the previous league clubs to the bottom of the table. Worthy of significant note is the fact that the defending champions Fruta Conquerors Football Club played undefeated throughout the league, a feat which is unprecedented in the history of the league. The Elite League Clubs might now just be enjoying a short break with the likelihood of having to be on the pitch again for a nationwide tournament, more information would be disclosed in the coming weeks.” Alves also stated that with the availability of the GFF National Training Center all-weather turf, the quality of football would have been enhanced which certainly lends to more exciting football in the new season. GF 43 21 23 14 9 11 7 8 12 2
GA 5 9 13 10 11 19 12 16 30 26
GD +38 +12 +10 +4 -2 -8 -5 -8 -18 -24
Pts 27 20 17 14 11 10 8 6 4 1
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Windies thrash NZ to enter World Cup opener on high BRISTOL, England, CMC – Shai Hope struck another classy hundred while Andre Russell and Evin Lewis lashed halfcenturies as West Indies flexed their muscle to brush aside New Zealand by 91 runs in their final official warm-up match, and find precious momentum ahead of their World Cup opener against Pakistan on Friday. Sent in at Bristol County Ground yesterday, West Indies amassed a mammoth 421 off 49.2 overs, with Hope stroking a better than run-aball 101, Russell blasting a 25ball 54 and Lewis gathering exactly 50 off 54 balls at the top of the order. There were several cameos along the way as captain Jason Holder smashed 47 from 32 balls, veteran Chris Gayle carved out 36 from 22 deliveries while rookie Shimron Hetmyer gathered 27 from 24 balls. For West Indies, the performance was much needed especially after their batsmen never quite got going in an unofficial warm-up against Australia in Southampton last week, and rain then allowed just 76 balls in their first official warm-up against South Africa last Sunday. Though the warm-up matches are not accorded ODI status by the ICC, the total surpassed the Windies ODI best of 389 made against England earlier this year in the Caribbean. In reply, New Zealand perished for 330 in the 48th over but got a magnificent counter-attacking 106 off 89 balls from wicketkeeper To m B l u n d e l l . C a p t a i n Kane Williamson stroked 85 from 64 deliveries but the target was always well beyond the Black Caps especially after they found themselves stumbling at 33 for three in the 10th over. Seamer Carlos Brathwaite proved expensive but was the best bowler with three for 75 from his nine overs while left-arm spinner Fabian Allen supported with two for 47. We s t I n d i e s w e r e propelled early by Gayle who inspired a 59-run opening stand off 44 balls with Lewis. The veteran left-hander looked imperious in belting four fours and three sixes in his first innings since arriving in England, before chipping left-arm seamer Trent Boult (4-50) to mid-
off in the eighth over. Hope, who struck nine fours and four sixes in a typically polished innings lasting 86 balls, then added 84 for the second wicket with Lewis and a further 48 for the third wicket with Darren Bravo (25). The in-form righthander reached his halfcentury from just 39 balls in the 20th over and required a further 45 deliveries to reach his third triple figure score in his last seven outings in the 36th over. Lewis had counted six fours and a six in reaching his second straight halfcentury when he pulled seamer Jimmy Neesham to deep square in the 18th over, and Bravo followed in the 24th over, run out by Henry Nicholls’ direct hit from cover after a mix up with Hope over a single. We s t I n d i e s w e r e i n command at 202 for three at the end of the 25th over but then suffered a slump which saw them lose three wickets for 51 runs in quick time. The left-handed Hetmyer struck three fours and a six before picking out deep square leg with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner in the 31st over and Hope finally departed in the 36th over, mis-timing a drive at Boult to mid-off. When Nicholas Pooran was run out in the 38th over for nine, West Indies were 285 for six but Russell and Holder put on a sizzling
82 for the seventh wicket to put their side back in control. Russell bludgeoned seven fours and three sixes in reaching his fifty off 23 balls while Holder counted three fours and sixes, helping West Indies to gather 115 runs from the last 56 deliveries of the innings. Facing a difficult run chase, New Zealand’s task became even more complicated when Martin Guptill (5) skied left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell to Bravo on the leg-side in the fifth over and Nicholls (15) sliced seamer Kemar Roach to Holder at mid-off in the seventh over. When Ross Taylor (2) gloved a lifter from speedster Oshane Thomas to Bravo in the gully in the 10th over, New Zealand looked like falling cheaply but Blundell and Williamson saved face with a 120-run fourth wicket stand. Blundell punched eight fours and five sixes, also posting 69 for the fifth wicket with Neesham (20), before falling in the 41st over. Scores: WEST INDIES 421 off 49.2 overs (Shai Hope 101, Andre Russell 54, Evin Lewis 50, Jason Holder 47, Chris Gayle 36, Shimron Hetmyer 27, Darren Bravo 25; Trent Boult 4-50, Matt Henry 2107). NEW ZEALAND 330 off 47.2 overs (Tom Blundell 106, Kane Williamson 85, Ish Sodhi 39; Carlos Brathwaite 3-75, Fabian Allen 2-47).
Shai Hope acknowledges the crowd after making a century. (Getty Images)
Wednesday May 29, 2019
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Fixtures for the 2019 Hero CPL announced and tickets on sale The Hero Caribbean Premier League available for sale online for this year’s fixtures for the 2019 season have been tournament. This includes group games in announced as the best cricketing talent from Trinidad and Jamaica. These are available across the Caribbean and from around the at www.cplt20.com. Damien O’Donohoe, the Hero CPL’s CEO, world are set to be part of the Biggest Party in is excited about the upcoming season. “We Sport. The 34-match season starts later this year, are delighted with how Hero CPL continues with the opening match happening on 4 to grow. Last season we saw more than 200 million September and the final on 12 October 2019. So far, games are confirmed in Barbados, viewers watch the tournament and Hero CPL Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis and also made a huge impact on the economies of the countries we visited. We are certain that Trinidad & Tobago. The first match will see last year’s winners, this year we will see those numbers grow once Trinbago Knight Riders, take on St Kitts & again.” Speaking about the announcement of the Nevis Patriots, while the Guyana Amazon Warriors will get underway against St Lucia tournament fixtures Hero CPL’s COO, Pete Stars. Fans will have to wait until game 27 for Russell said: “It is very pleasing to get the a repeat of last year’s final with the Knight fixture list agreed for this year. It is always a challenge and we would like to thank Riders taking on the Amazon Warriors. To coincide with the release of the everyone involved in helping to pull this all schedule, CPL has made selected tickets together.” Hero CPL 2019 Fixtures Wednesday 4 Sep Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Trinidad Thursday 5 Sep Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Stars, TBC Friday 6 Sep Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs, Trinidad Saturday 7 Sep Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, TBC Sunday 8 Sep Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Stars, Trinidad Sunday 8 Sep Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents, TBC Tuesday 10 Sep St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts Wednesday 11 Sep St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents, St. Kitts Thursday 12 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Stars, Jamaica Friday 13 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders, Jamaica Saturday 14 Sep St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts Sunday 15 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Sunday 15 Sep St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Stars, St Kitts Tuesday 17 Sep St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Kitts Wednesday 18 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Thursday 19 Sep Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Jamaica Friday 20 Sep St Lucia Stars v Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Saturday 21 Sep St. Lucia Stars v Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Lucia Sunday 22 Sep Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Monday 23 Sep Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados Tuesday 24 Sep St Lucia Stars v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Wednesday 25 Sep St Lucia Stars v Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Thursday 26 Sep Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders, Barbados Friday 27 Sep St Lucia Stars v Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Saturday 28 Sep Barbados Tridents v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Barbados Sunday 29 Sep Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Stars, Barbados Monday 30 Sep Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinidad Wednesday 2 Oct Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents, Trinidad Thursday 3 Oct Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs, TBC Friday 4 Oct Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders, TBC PLAYOFFS Sunday 6 Oct Eliminator – 3rd v 4th, TBC Sunday 6 Oct Qualifier 1 –1st v 2nd, TBC FINALS Tuesday 8 Oct Semi-final (Qualifier 2) -Winner Eliminator v Loser Qualifier 1, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Saturday 12 Oct Final – Winner Qualifier 1 v Winner Semi-final (Qualifier 2), Brian Lara Cricket Academy Trinidad
McNeil/Cameron Independence Track and Field Meet
Skeete and Payton lead MHS to bragging rights win over Multi
Multi teacher at right receiving the smart tv from Shawn McNeil. On a rain affected day Deshanna Skeete with 30 points and Russell Payton who gained 28 points turned in outstanding performances to lead Mackenzie High School to a 324-238 win over arch rivals Christianburg Wismar Secondary Multi’ School when the two secondary giants met in the first ever Team McNeil/ Cameron Independence Day track and field Clash at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground last Sunday, in what promises to be an annual bragging rights meet. The two schools undoubtedly the top at track and field over the years, came to head where both schools were handed appearance fees of $100,000 and a smart television, while the top performers were handed trophies and medals. At the end of the day’s activities
Mackenzie High left with the right to brag for at least the next year. Among those who witnessed the clash were former athletes from Mackenzie High Michael Goodluck and for the ‘Multi’ School Sandra Baird, who reminisced on their years at the two educational institutions who both received $100,000 and a 50" smart television. Apart from Skeete and Payton the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School’s Shaqua Tyrell with 28 points and Tristan Clarke with up 25 points were the next best performers at the meet. Regional Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford and AAG President Aubrey Hutson were among those who witnessed the day’s activities.
Mackenzie High School... Winners of the championship.
Spanish Soccer players, officials held on suspicion of match-fixing MADRID (Reuters) Spanish police arrested several first- and seconddivision soccer players and officials yesterday on suspicion of forming a match-fixing group to profit from betting on games, the police said. Operation Oikos involved nine raids across the country and an expected 11 arrests, the police said in a statement. La Liga, Spanish football’s governing body, said it had contacted the authorities about a possible illegal scheme and had worked with them on the
operation. “Among those to be detained are both active and retired players from the first division, players active in the second division and presidents and directors of a club,” the police said. “The investigation has established that those under investigation came to arrangements with different players to ‘fix’ at least three games in the first, second and third divisions,” they said in the statement. A lawyer for the club Huesca, recently demoted from the top-tier La Liga,
confirmed that various people at the club had been detained on a warrant issued by a local court in the northeastern town. A spokesman for La Liga said the police action followed a complaint it had made over a May 2018 match. The police said that in the case of one second-division match, more than 14 times the usual amount of money was bet on a game in that league. It did not specify which teams were involved in the game. National daily El Pais reported that the investigation began after
Huesca’s 1-0 defeat to Nastic at the end of their 2017-18 season in the Segunda, or second division. Huesca had already won promotion to La Liga at the time of the match. The lawyer for Huesca did not directly name those detained. But El Pais reported that they included club president Agustin Lasaosa as well as the head of the club’s medical department. “We haven’t been able to speak to the president yet. However he will be able to give opportune explanations in due course,” the club lawyer, Pedro Camarero, told
reporters at Huesca’s stadium. “Internally within the club we are not worried and are at the disposal of whatever the courts request of us. For now, we do not know how things will develop,” he said. Huesca recently finished second-last in La Liga and will be back in Segunda next
season. “We want to thank the National Police for the extraordinary work done to dismantle what appears to be an organized criminal group dedicated to obtaining economic benefits through the predetermination of football matches,” the La Liga spokesman said.
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Wellman Masters and Ogle triumph Wellman Masters and Ogle registered victories when the New Airport bar hosted a softball festival on Sunday last at Ogle Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara. In the opening fixture, Wellman Masters defeated Regal Masters by 17 runs. Batting first, Wellman Masters managed 129-8 off their allocation of 20 overs. Openers Mahase Chunilall and Greg De Franca added 42 for the opening stand to get their team off to a fine start before De Franca departed for 32 which included two fours and three sixes. Chunilall followed shortly after for 38 which contained two fours and one six. Steady bowling from Regal Masters then restricted the scoring fairly; Sheldon Perch chipped in with 18 as Danny Thomas claimed 2-15 and Troy Kippins 2-24. Opener Unnis Yusuf was caught off Perch for five as Regal Masters lost their first wicket with the score on 14; however Eon Abel and David Harper steadied the chase somewhat with a second wicket stand of 37. Harper hit one four before was dismissed for 23 while Abel slammed two fours and four sixes in a top score of 53. Following their departure, Wellman Masters pegged
back the scoring with steady bowling as Regal Masters were limited to 112-7. Kippins contributed 13 as Nandram Samlall claimed 217, Wayne Jones 2-19 and Lakeram Singh, who bowled the last over off which 18 were required, had 1-1. Ogle beat Success Masters by five wickets off the last ball. Success Masters batted first and scored 104 in 15 overs. Unnis Yusuf hit two fours and three sixes in a top score of 32, while Rafman Ally made 22 with three fours and one six and Zameer Hassan 13. Anil Rambarran snared 319, while Wallack Joseph and Chanderpaul Rampersaud had two wickets each. Ogle responded with 108-5 in 15 overs. Michael Deonarine led with 28, Rampersaud made 18 not out, while Joseph, who struck the last ball of the innings to the long-on boundary when one was needed, finished unbeaten on 17. Troy Ramsaywack and Khemchand Dindyal assisted with 17 and 16 respectively. Yusuf and Danny Thomas took two wickets each. Rayon Pooran of New Airport bar expressed gratitude to the teams for participating and congratulated the winners. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Eon Abel
Mahase Chunilall
Greg De Franca
Unnis Yusuf
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Visionary Youth Club claims feature Circle Tennis game
Minister Dr George Norton and President Guyana Circle Tennis Association Trevor Fraser with the Visionary Youth Club team. Region #3 Circle Tennis team Visionary Youth Club won the feature match in the one day Our National Game of Circle Tennis programme last weekend. They defeated Houston All Star in a match played at the Hype Park Community Centre Parika. Houston batted first and scored 203-4 off 50 delivers, Nicholas Ramlall hitting 86 not out (6s -9), Sheldon Christopher 45, Janell Christopher and Shaizah Joseph 18 runs apiece.
Visionary Youth Club’s turn in the circle did give their supporters who were screaming and shouting a classical display by reaching the target off the last ball 204 -5, with Travis Drakes out for 116 (6s - 17), Uron Armstrong 20, Christopher Forrester 15. Other match played as part of our effort to revived the National Game saw Saint Pius 172-4, Shane Allicock 45, Philip Fraser 33. Visionary Youth Club 90-2, T. Drakes 20, Nicholas Forestor 17.
Flying Stars United Force of Region 6, 131-3, David Duncan 39, Marvin Durant 25. Houston All Star 136-3, N. Ramlall 35 and Shawn Grey 23. Houston All Star 109-3, Shawn Grey 25, Ryan Ramlall 25, Yanick Williams 23. Saint Pius 116-2, Abiola Shepherd 30, Keith Brant 27. Region 6 Flying Stars United Force, 107 - 9, Philip Kesney 14, D Durant, Marvin Durant 12 each. Region #3 Circle Tennis Visionary Youth Club 112 - 4, Travis Drakes 73
(6s - 8). Saint Pius 179 - 2, Orin Paris 62 (6s-7) Burkley Josiah 31 Omar Jones 29. Region 6 Flying Stars United Force 1411, Sharland Laundry 57 not out (6s-5) and S Bacchus 16. Promising female, Elmini Ross, Best male player Travis Drakes both of Region 3 team. Officer with responsibility for Circle Tennis in Guyana and the Ministry A. Munroe coordinated the days programme.
Supporters and players rush on to the field in celebration.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
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RHTYSC, MS honours outstanding Teachers, Students and Retired Educators “Since its formation in 1990 by three times Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the St. Francis Community Developers, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has always promoted the importance of education as all of us strongly believe that it is the foundation of a successful career. Teachers are the ones who nurture our brains with information, who guide us on the road to success and who along with our parents are our first positive role models. We are proud to honour you today for your outstanding contribution to the development of minds and as long as the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS exists, we would continue to do so.” Those were the words of long standing Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, MS as he spoke at the presentation Ceremony of the Club’s Annual Tribute to Outstanding Teachers/ Students Award and Tribute to Retired Teachers Programme at the St. Francis Training Centre. The ten cricket teams of the Club hosted the 15th Edition of the Tribute to Outstanding Teachers/ Students Award and 6th Edition of Tribute to Retired Teachers. Eight Teachers and Students were honoured for outstanding performances in 2018. The Awardees were selected by the administration of their respective schools based on performances in the classroom, attendance rate, relationship with peers and role model status. The schools involved were Lower Corentyne Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive, Rose Hall Town Nursery, Rose Hall Town Primary, Belvedere Primary and Port Mourant Primary.
The Teachers/Students of the Year pose with Region 6, Educational Officer Ms. B. La Cruz. Among those honoured were Reaz Beepat, Kalyan Etwaroo of Port Mourant Secondary School, Ayesha Vanier, Pauline Flatts of Rose Hall Town Primary, Shalenee Seepersaud and Aaliyah Ahamad of Belvedere Primary, Renatta Lynch Mayor and Kester Jeffrey of Rose Hall Town N u r s e r y, Seecharrn Rampersaud and Aliyah Henry of Lower Corentyne Secondary, Travita Ram Kirpaul and Reyah Khemraj of J. C. Chandisingh S e c o n d a r y, Samlall Rabindranauth and Analisa Yu n u s o f C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive High School. The four retired teachers with a combined 125 years of service to Guyana’s Educational Sector were Jean
Herman, Kim Sampson, Jacqueline Jonas and Clement Edwards. Foster stated that too many Guyanese Educators retire without being acknowledged for their outstanding contributions toward the development of our country.
The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary praised the Teachers and Students of the Year for their hard work in 2018. He urged the attentive students to remain focused and pledged the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club
Ms, assistance in any way possible. The Club and its ten cricket teams would shortly be announcing an expansion of their Say No/Say Yes Programme with sponsorship from an overseas based Company, currently working in Guyana.
Each of the Outstanding Teachers and Retired Educators received a trophy, medal, framed certificate and special gifts. The eight Students of the Year carried home trophy, medal and collection of educational material.
WDFA/Trophy Stall U11 League
Den Amstel and Eagles are latest winners Den Amstel and Eagles FC are the latest winners in the West Demerara Football Association Under-11 League which is sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and taking place at the Den Amstel Ground, West Coast Demerara. The home team defeated Pouderoyen 2-0 on account of a Godwin Todd double in the 25th and 40th minutes. Eagles flew past Uitvlugt Warriors 2-1, thanks to a Shakeel King brace in the 20th and 33rd minutes. Uitvlugt got their goal from Aaron Sampson. Action will continue on Saturday with two more matches.
The four Retired Teachers pose with Educational Officer Ms. B. La Cruz.
PAGE 40
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
Patrick Prashad, Ian Gouveia, Troy Cadogan are winners in Joe Solomon Golf Classic
Some of the winners and players in the day’s game stand with Joe Solomon. From left: Maurice Solomon, Kurt Clements, Hemraj Kissoon, Joe Solomon, Robert Hanoman, Troy Cadogan (partly hidden), Monnaf Arjune, Aleem Hussain, Chatterpaul Deo, ’Pur’ Persaud and Daniel Bates. Under fine weather - now associated with the presence of Pope Emmanuel - despite the generally rainy season, and with the grounds in excellent condition, having fast greens, negligible soggy areas and a tremendous sense of great camaraderie and nostalgic pleasure for Joe Solomon, Hemraj Kissoon, Robert Hanoman, Maurice Solomon and Mike Gayadin, some 40 golfers teed-off excitedly at 9:00 a.m. on Monday last, with Patrick Prashad, Ian Gouveia and Troy Cadogan closing off play with top honors in their Flights. Prizes were awarded to 1st and
2nd in each Flight, of handicap 0 – 7, 8 – 10, and 11 – 14, since the tournament was played as a 9-hole medal play tournament, to allow Guest of honour Joe Solomon to play out the tournament! In the 0 -7 Flight, the top 6 places were won by Patrick Prashad (32/5) – 1st; Monnaf Arjune (33/5) 2nd; followed by Mike Gayadin (34/8); Mike Mangal (36/5); Aleem Hussain (37/5); and Lakram Ramsundar (39/ 7). Aleem Hussain also won the Nearest The Pin prize. In the 8 – 11 Flight, winners were Ian Gouveia (32/8) – 1st; Patanjilee ‘Pur’ Persaud (35/8) – 2nd; followed by Mahindranauth Tiwari (37/8);
Shanella Webster-London (39/8); and Hilbert Shields (43/8). In the 12 – 14 Flight, winners were Troy Cadogan (second successive win) (31/13) – 1st; Kurt Clements (of Exxon) (32/14); followed by Daniel Bates (of Exxon) (34/12); Maurice Solomon (36/12); Robert Hanoman (36/14); Pope Emmanuel (39/13); and Guest of Honour – Joe Solomon (41/14). Exxon players continue to do well, being in the winners Row the 3rd week straight. Of special note, which augurs well for female involvement in the game, was the presence of the two local and two Exxon female players,
Shanella Webster-London, Eureka Giddings, Kari Ehmling and Errin Mitchell. Regular local player Dr Joaan Deo regretted that she was unavailable for play. Minister Ronald Bulkan, who is a member of the LGC, was on hand to support the honouring of Joe Solomon. Also of note was a congratulatory message delivered by former Club President Hemraj Kissoon, who in addition to recognizing and praising Joe Solomon for his achievements in cricket, pointed out that it was Joe who contributed significantly to his successful tenure as President of the Golf Club. Moreover, he was
delighted that the current progress and development of the Club under the Presidency of Aleem Hussain surpasses anything he or any other President had done. Former President Jerome Khan indicated that he considered it a pleasure to be present in support of Joe Solomon, and he also gives his support to the Club’s development. The LGC is willing to offer assistance to individuals, clubs or schools interested in learning the game of Golf. The Club can provide free coaching from Mon-Sun between 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Kindly call 668-7419 or 220-5660 for further information.
Lennox Braithwaite to Captain WIFBSC Team to 150th Imperial Meeting Sigmund Douglas appointed Adjutant
Flashback! West Indies competitors in the World Long Range Fullbore Championships in Ohio, USA, August 2015. Following a fair debut at the World Shooting Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA in August 2015, the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) has named a strong 10-member team that will represent the Caribbean at the 150th Imperial Meeting of the National Rifle Association (United Kingdom) in Bisley, this July. Whilst many West Indian
marksmen and women have been competing at the Imperial Meeting over the years, President of the WIFBSC, Major (ret’d) D. John. Nelson JP of Jamaica has indicated that the Caribbean would be fielding a strong team at this historical competition. The Guyanese duo of Lennox Braithwaite and USA based Sigmund Douglas have been named
Captain and Adjutant (Manager) respectively based on a missive sent to CEO of the National Rifle Association (United Kingdom), Mr. Andrew Mercer. Two marksmen, Anderson Perry and Rev. Olsen Daniels both of Antigua and Barbuda would be making their debuts in England, while the other members of the team are GuyanaNRA Vice Captain
Dyland Fields, Jon Fraser (USA based Guyanese), Norris Gomez (Trinidad and Tobago), Caroline Gomez (Trinidad and Tobago), Justine Lall (Trinidad and Tobago) and Chalky White (UK based, St. Kitts & Nevis). Individually, each team member would be pursuing their own sponsorship with Braithwaite already securing full sponsorship
compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc. through Managing Director, Mr. Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson. Team West Indies would be seeking sponsorship according to Braithwaite and Douglas to procure Team Jackets. The 150th Imperial Meeting of the National Rifle Association (United Kingdom) in Bisley is set for July 17-28, next.