Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL NOT TOO LATE The generation from which the two major parties in Guyana, the People's National Congress (PNC) and the People's Progressive Party(PPP) spring, remembers well the hopes and dreams of a young newly independent nation from Britain's colonial grip. Since the late 1950s and immediately after political independence was achieved in 1966, the dream was for Guyana to not only to have its own flag, national anthem and a place at the international table, but for the nation to be proud, industrious, economically viable, and able to adequately provide for its people's needs. Guyana has always boasted of being a proud nation with glorious achievements in many of its sectors. Sadly, the country has not really achieved economic independence due to the fact that the economy is ailing and good paying jobs are scarce, and far too many people remain mired in poverty and ignorance. Successive governments have found themselves with no choice but to hang on to the coattails of international lenders and donors, and for advice for almost everything. Many are frustrated with the country's seeming incompetence in dealing with its own affairs. This has undoubtedly driven successive governments, including the current administration, to stay off course in the execution of tough measures to reform a primitive judiciary, a backward educational system, an inefficient health care and public service, and to streamline a dysfunctional economy. But that economic growth, when it comes, must not only benefit some, but all the citizens. Guyana has to get to a stage where all its people could have a share of the pie. Henceforth, the government must ensure that prosperity benefits everyone, or else independence would be a farce, meaningless and in name only. Independence would be meaningful only if the government reaffirms some of the core principles from our founding fathers and guides the masses away from poverty, hunger and squalour. Guyanese are today longing for the government to adopt buy local philosophy to move the country to its next stage of development. This would not only make Guyana economically independent, but it would create jobs for farmers and encourage local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the country. But economic independence and social advancement in a society where crime rears its ugly head far too many times, cannot come to pass without community cohesion and unity at every level. Therefore, it is incumbent upon this government to continue the once popular idea of cooperatives and community and neighborhood organizations, so that representative and participatory democracy can benefit people not just at election time, but in their everyday lives. Democratic, well-organized community organizations, citizens associations and cooperatives are pivotal to the development of the country. It is crucial for the government and the opposition to come to their senses and eschew the political tribalism which has dogged this country since independence. Although there has been some progress in this regard, the process must be accelerated. That will help to reduce the cynicism so evident among the youths, many of whom have bitterly called for a unified message and vision from their national and community leaders that this nation has a viable future. Others have tempered this optimism with the knowledge that they have been at this juncture before, where no unified message was forthcoming from the leaders who found it necessary to secure their ambitions and interests ahead of the people's concerns. It is hoped that it is not too late for the government to seize the opportunity, be mature and adopt the philosophy of our founding fathers whose visions for the nation remain viable even though they might not have been perfect.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

The sad and tragic tale of faceless children Dear Editor, Please allow me space in your newspaper to once again bring to you and your readership’s attention the escalating plight of children without faces. –Jason (not his real name) age 15 has been missing since Sunday 21st May, 2017. Life in the city is not easy but then again, life back in the village is any easier. As the public is becoming more educated about child abuse, human trafficking and protective intervention many people all across Guyana and the Caribbean are perhaps reflecting on their own childhood days realising that they too were abused. The abuse whether it was physical, sexual, or emotional would have appeared normal to them as children. Nobody talked about it; abuse was not part of our vocabulary back then. Some children even looked forward to the abuse and internalised it as affection from their abuser. I recalled my early years practicing as a psychotherapist here in Guyana, when I received an overseas call; the caller said that she was in her early forties and had recently migrated to North America. She said had she not travelled abroad her awareness would have went unnoticed. The caller said it had never occurred to her that something was wrong with her 64 years old mother until she had migrated, and can’t help the feelings that she (caller) and her father were living in hell and didn’t know it. The caller cried out, poor daddy! All those years he was so loyal to mommy. She said the feelings were so strong that something was

not right with her mother that she started looking for a therapist in Guyana. She related that she didn’t have to look too far as there was only one listing in the local telephone directory. The caller made an appointment for her mother to come in. Hilda (not her real name) arrived on time for her appointment; she was decked out in her Sunday best. Hilda insisted that nothing was wrong with her, claiming that her daughter was just worried about nothing but since her daughter insisted, she kept her appointment. The first visit went well. Hilda completed paperwork and felt comfortable sharing lite conversation. It was on Hilda’s third visit that she began opening up. About ten years earlier at the age of 54, while watching the Opera Winfrey show on childhood sexual abuse—it was then and there that she (Hilda) made the discovery that what had happened to her was a violation and a crime. In the past ten years her life had gotten worst, feelings of guilt consumed her, and she blamed herself for the abuse but felt trapped because of the deep convicted love that she still carried around for her dead abuser. Hilda said that life has not been easy, and described a feeling of being heavier and heavier with each passing year since watching that Opera Winfrey show. Hilda shared her experience of being sexually abused from the age of nine until her sixteenth birthday. The abuser was a close family member a big man who she fell in love with. “In the earlier years it was

painful when he penetrated me but he was gentle and caring”. Hilda vividly described her abuser as tall, dark, and handsome and he smelled so good to this day she could still recognise the smell of Brut Cologne whenever a gentleman would pass by her wearing it. Hilda said she would go to the window just to see him hoping and skipping down the long dirt walkway dressed in his all white suit, with matching white shoes and hat while whistling. “I would get so excited because he would always have a bag of hot peanuts in his pocket just for me along with his small jar of Vaseline”. “I would look forward to those Saturday and Sunday mornings treats of hot peanuts and breakfast”. She continued, “To this day I love peanuts—that’s the only memory I have of him now”. And when he was done with her, Hilda said he would lift her up and take her into the kitchen and sit her down on a chair or sometime on the table and she would watch him make her the biggest breakfast while he was singing away. I recalled the day when Hilda stood up tall with her back erected and chest up in the air and shook herself off from side to side. Then with a proud smile on her face she said now there I feel light, 50 years of dead weight gone! I sat there in my chair and literary watched a nine year old child go through Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. In a few short months, Hilda blossomed into a woman by meeting all her milestones, shading off decades of co-dependency, trapped in a cage that robbed her of her innocence free at

last! Hilda now had language to verbalise her inner most thoughts and feelings. Hilda said she got married young to the first young man that noticed her and came calling, just to escape the big secret. She described how she compared her ex-husband who truly loved her to that of her childhood abuser; had she known what she knows now—that she was abused as a child, her life would have been different and probably still be married. Hilda reported that her marriage ended because she was detached from her emotions, and did not enjoy sex, she just existed void of any e x p r e s s i o n s o r responsiveness for those close to her including her only child. She explained that her ex-husband did everything in the home including raising their only child. While she just quietly watched on with a smile and after their divorce he continued to care for her—running all her errands and taking her to church on Sundays and to her doctor appointments. But Jason is missing. By the end of three months Hilda was going to the market on her own, calling a taxi for herself, deciding what meals she’ll prepare for the week, attended a prayer group meeting for the first time, and started tending to the plants in the yard again, for the first time on a weekly basis. She also reported that she started going to the beauty salon for the first time instead of her ex-husband buying that boxed hair dye. The housekeeper went from three days a week to one day a week for doing (Continued on page 5)

What is the status of Harry Gill in the House? Dear Editor, I have asked Member of Parliament, Harry Gill to justify himself being an American Citizen while serving in the National Assembly of Guyana. Member of Parliament Mr. Harry Gill has lived over twenty-two years in the United States of America and is now a Naturalised American Citizen; with which I have no problem. However, what I find wrong is that I am a taxpayer and from my salary each month, TAXES are deducted to pay this American citizen a parliamentary salary who is receiving pension and other benefits from the United States of America. Also MP Harry Gill travels the world as a proud American with his American Passport but yet sits in the

Parliament of Guyana as a Guyanese. What justification does MP Harry Gill have? We the TAXED citizens are burdened with each salary and duty free allowance granted MP Harry Gill each month knowing that he is questionably occupying a seat in the National Assembly. The Laws of Guyana clearly state that in order to become a member and serve in the National Assembly one has to give up their foreign citizenship. MP Harry Gill has not done so and will never give up his American Citizenship to serve in the National Assembly. He needs to resign with immediate effect or Government should determine if he should remain in National Assembly. Our past great President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham would have

never tolerated any foreign citizen into our Nation Assembly because that honorable house is for Guyanese statesmen and the same is true in any other country. IT IS TIME for the President of Guyana or the Speaker of the National Assembly to investigate this urgent matter, whereby my hard earn Tax dollars are paying the man Harry Gill, an American Citizen for a seat he is occupying. I close my letter by stating the corruption of the PPP/C may be too deep to get to the bottom of it, however, the case of MP. Harry Gill and the PPP/C should never go on unnoticed. Harry Ajodha APNU+AFC

Tuesday May 30, 2017

SOCIAL COHESION SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM DEAR EDITOR, Henry Jeffrey is entirely correct when he notes that the building of social cohesion in Guyana requires the “the establishment of the appropriate consensus-building governance mechanisms” and, further, without changing the course of governance in Guyana, the policy recommendations in the Draft Strategic Plan for Social Cohesion in Guyana, 2017-2021 would be “mere platitudes” (‘The strategic plan for social cohesion’, SN May 24, 2017). I had publicly articulated a similar position in stating that “without the other aspects of good governance (such as participation of people, and responsiveness and transparency of governing bodies), social cohesion programs cannot get far” (‘Advice on how to proceed with social cohesion’, KN October 13, 2016). I differ from Jeffrey’s position however that additional constitutional reforms are first required to turn platitudes into real achievements. Constitution reform would help but is not a necessary and success-guaranteeing condition. Much of what is required to build social cohesion in Guyana already exists in our law and in international best practices. To see this, one has to both properly conceptualize social cohesion and there-

from analyse where we are and what we have to do. In terms of conceptualization, Bernard’s framework can claim to be the most userfriendly: (i) whether people feel that they belong (or feel isolated); (ii) whether people can participate in decisions that affect them (or are and feel sidelined); (iii) whether people see their government and other public institutions as legitimate (or illegitimate); (iv) whether all groups have fair access to economic resources and opportunities (or are and feel deprived); and (v) whether people feel that their distinctive cultures and identities are recognized (or rejected). So operationalized, the means already exist in Guyana to address even the most challenging of social cohesion issues. We do not first need constitution reform to, for example, put in place effective measures to attend to the fears and concerns of sugar workers with regards the contraction of the sugar industry. Nothing now prevents us from ensuring that sugar workers feel represented, involved and respected. This brings me to a recommendation I had made in a previous letter. If we treat social cohesion policies and mechanisms as add-ons, we may indeed be dealing in plati-

tudes. In Guyana’s political context, almost every decision the government makes will have an impact on social cohesion. What may be required therefore as a standard procedure is the preparation of social cohesion impact assessments (similar in format and intent to an Environmental Impact Assessment) for every major decision at all levels of government. I have only flicked through the Draft Strategic Plan for Social Cohesion in Guyana, so I am not sure to what extent it recognizes that social cohesion is totally dependent on good governance. I am also not sure if the plan recognizes that the country is further along the road in some aspects of social cohesion (example: recognition of different cultures) than in others (example: public participation in decisions that affect them), and what this means for how the plan is shaped. Further, since social cohesion boils down to perception (how people feel), I hope to see in the plan the necessity for both satisfaction and opinion surveys. Lastly, the plan has to recognize that the decisions in all portfolios and levels of government affect social cohesion. Sherwood Lowe

I propose a fund for these workers who are facing unemployment DEAR EDITOR, On March 27, 2017, Caricom Today published an article entitled: “Stakeholders discuss way forward for Region’s sugar industry” (see reference below). I hope to sway the actions of the masses in Guyana who are against the downsizing of the sugar industry. In 2015, Barbados began emphasizing local consumption from the sugar cane they produce. The brand Plantation Reserve was birthed after removal of E.U subsidies. Today, sugar production in Barbados is not as big as it was thirty years ago. Only 8,000 tonnes of sugar were produced in 2016. Nevertheless, some export continues; there is private partnership. In the article referenced above one would read about the cessation of sugar production in Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis. Other independent searches will inform of the reducing sugar production in the largest sugar cane producing nation of the world, Brazil. I would encourage one to google the phase “sugar exporters” and scan through the list which

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pops up. Secondly, there is increasing global interest in health. Doctors emphasize foods with low glycaemic indices (mainly whole wheat and root crops). There is also growing interest in beet, which produces the same type of sugar as sugar cane (sucrose). In the U.K, the beet industry is proving a valuable contributor to employment. Thus, globally, there are steps away from sugar cane. The present administration has announced that only three sugar estates will remain. They have presented a “white paper” regarding the industry which many have voiced their opinion on. As a citizen, I have not seen this paper. I therefore speak on the proposed plan to downsize the industry. I have read most of the arguments for and against this proposed government plan. I add my voice because, in many instances, the arguments have a political rhythm. I invite all to be apoliticial and to consider the following, in addition to the aforementioned. 1.The need for continual field workers. Present sugar

workers are striving in the field so that their own children do not have to. Cane cutting is viewed negatively. How are we going to encourage our children to engage in the industry? Are there plans to make the industry fully machine operated? 2. The need for continual monies from the treasury both for maintenance of these estates and the payment of workers. To what extent can this be sustained? 3.World markets for sugar from sugar cane are decreasing. How can we compete with alternative products? In my opinion, there will always be room for sugar from sugar cane, however, not in terms of export. We can certainly shift production to focus more on domestic use. Thus, we must be wise in plotting the way forward. All knowledgeable in this regard must contribute. Barbados can be our example. I know that this may sound ridiculous but I propose a fund for sugar workers, two tenths of the salaries of all workers being paid above a certain amount. (Continued on page 6)

There are unacceptable things occurring in Region 5 DEAR EDITOR, On March 23, 2017, a news story was published with the caption, “APNU/AFC officials implicated in multimillion-dollar fraud”. Two online news media also carried similar headlines where it is alleged that two APNU+AFC Region 5 Councillors were taken into police custody to assist in the investigation of fraud unearthed at the Mahaicony Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS). This was also reported in the Guyana Chronicle on April 22 as part of an article in which a certain councillor denied she had resigned from the PNC following her resignation as a Region 5 RDC Councillor. It is alleged in one situation that one of these two councillors had three cheques fraudulently written in the name of her niece. The cheques were for amounts of $1 million, $500,000 and $200,000. A fourth cheque was believed to be issued to an employee of the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration located at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice The other councillor was also under investigation for allegedly taking $2,108,000 to repair a government owned SUV and a fence he had crashed into at Bath, WCB on May 8, 2016 while driving drunk. He was then charged with driving in a dangerous manner; being an unlicensed driver, and breach of insurance. The money he allegedly misappropriated was used to repair the Agriculture Ministry vehicle and the

businessman’s fence, which were both badly damaged. Following the crash, he was fired by none other than the Hon Moses Nagamootoo. Incidentally, just last Saturday, this councillor was seen at a rum shop drinking, and in possession of a vehicle he was not authorized to drive one belonging to the RDC. Someone alerted the REO, and he was instructed to return the vehicle. This bad boy was neither sanctioned nor asked to apologize to the Council for taking a vehicle without permission. Also, I recently found out that this councillor was put in charge of certain groups of workers at the RDC. He was responsible for supervising those workers who do roadside cleaning. A few days ago, some of those workers were seen cleaning the yard of his private residence. This is using government resources for private use. I wonder if this was done with the approval or knowledge of the REO, Mr. Ovid Morrison. Readers will recall that it was same fellow who reported to the REO that REGION 5 equipment on loan to an NDC, was being misused for private use. This caused high drama at a RDC Statutory Meeting when the Regional Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal called for an investigation, a suggestion that was rejected, which resulted in the walk-out by a defiant REO and APNU+AFC Councillors. But isn’t this the very same offence this councilor accused a NDC Councillor of doing that caused the disruption of the meeting and a de-

mand for an apology from the Regional Chairman? Isn’t this hypocritical? In the absence of information, one is likely to speculate on the rumors abound. A source close to the despicable duo told me that Carol Joseph was desperately trying to borrow money from someone overseas to pay back MARDS. Then I also heard that the case was sent to the DPP. The way I see it, this looks like a deliberate attempt by the government to coverup and protect themselves and their cronies from the embarrassment and humiliation of a public trial. But if this government is really serious about ending corruption, one must ask why aren’t these MARDS fraudsters before SOCU? Is there a double standard here? There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that had it been PPP/C Councillors involved in this fraud, they would have been arrested by SOCU in a dramatic manner with full press coverage, brought before the court and convicted of a felony. But these are members of the PNC/APNU and the AFC, the Administration would not allow them to be charged by SOCU in the same way as they do those associated with the PPP/C. In the interest of justice and the rule of Law, I encourage all independent news outlets to investigate and expose this coverup in the making, for what is good for the goose, is also good for the gander! I also wish to make public a very disturbing (Continued on page 6)

What is the status of Harry Gill in the... From page 4 laundry only. Hilda announced that she will be paying for her therapy sessions from here on with her allowance, had applied for a passport and planned to join her daughter who arranged a babysitting job in her newly soon to be adopted land. A few months later, Hilda called to say thank you as she was preparing to leave these shores. As a seasoned practitioner, I was in a state of SHOCK! This was a scenario buried in one of those text books on my bookshelf and besides that this kind of stuff happens in the first world where treatment is readily available but not here in my beloved Guyana! Hilda represents tens of thousands of women and some men in Guyana and the Caribbean who were not fortunate to bring closure to their inner-childhood pain and are still living in a deep

state of denial about its sordid past but at the same time, not yet ready to confront its promising future. Had I not lived and studied abroad I too would have missed the psycho-sociocultural implications of the lifelong negative effect of sexual abuse as it relates to clinical practice here in Guyana. I started doing the math, this was in 2012 so this stuff was happening back in the 1950’s and 60’s, my immedi-

ate thoughts were many of these folks are still alive walking around with this level of intensified pain, and how many more who cannot afford treatment like Hilda? Now, I can truly discern why the cage bird sings. Ingrid Goodman, BSc., MSW, ABA, CSME Executive Director PATOIS/WOMEN’S REFUGE Community Mental Health Practitioner

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This union has always exploited and fooled sugar workers DEAR EDITOR, It is sad and ironically funny how some people can be selective in conveying historic facts. An operative of the main sugar industry union, in responding to a letter in your newspaper about the union using school children for protest action, stated that the union always stood for the sugar workers’ best interest. My personal experience says otherwise. FACT: Prior to 1992 when the PPP was in opposition (and controlled the union and they still do), this union called numerous strikes for many days, each time followed by arson of the canes. As a result the industry suffered constant and serious irrecoverable losses. Plus GUYSUCO yielded to whatever financial demands the union made. FACT: There was constant sabotage e:g: the power house valves were constantly left open and valuable oils were allowed to flow on the ground, wasting a valuable item. FACT: There was constant theft of valuable machine parts. I personally arrested workers on the location where I worked. FACT: Cane fires were set clandestinely with long candles joined together to make them longer, then dried cane leaves where placed at the bottom, so by the time the big fire started the arsonist was long gone. Wickedly clever! When security personnel hurried to the site to

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Kaieteur News

try and arrest any arsonist, they were at home laughing at us. Shortly after the PPP went into government in 1992, some of these arsonists were bestowed with national honours for exceptional service to the sugar industry.IRONIC! FACT: When the strikes were called the striking union members sent their unemployed family members and friends to work as scabs. So, in reality, there was no financial loss to the strikers or the union, hence the strikes went on for long periods. These long and regular strikes have put a huge financial burden which has a domino effect on the industry, hence the present situation. FACT: The workers were used to destabilize the government of the day because the industry was the backbone of the national economy of those days. The PPP got into office in 1992 by blaming the govt. of the day for destroying the economy then. Now they are trying the same spin without factoring in their destructive role in those crucial times. The sugar workers were and still are duped by this union for political gains. Are these people for real? History is history. The hierarchy of the union, including that letterrespondent knows these facts but conveniently fails to acknowledge them. Gordon Lewis. Adelphi Village, East Canje

Minister is delegating his authority to a foreign entity DEAR EDITOR, In April 2017, TIGI issued a statement (published on April 30, 2017) indicating that after a month it had not received a response from the Minister of Natural Resources to its letter requesting him to share with it (TIGI) the types and particulars of the studies and investigations he has requested as part of the process for evaluating Exxon’s production licence application. TIGI now publicly acknowledges that the Minister replied on May 2, 2017. The Minister’s response has however raised additional questions and even caused some concerns. Apart from making a general request for information, TIGI had in particular asked if, as provided for in the existing legislation, the Minister had requested ExxonMobil to submit an economic feasibility study of its proposed (upstream) operations in the Stabroek Block. Instead of responding directly, the Minister indicated that “the matters raised in your letter are presently being addressed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in conjunction with an international consulting company, Worley Parsons.”

From this response, it would appear that the Minister is attempting to delegate his responsibilities as spelt out in Section 33 (1) of the Petroleum (Production and Exploration) Act of 1986 (and the accompanying Regulations) to the GGMC and to Worley Parsons, a foreign company. It is important for the Minister to realise however that the GGMC would find it difficult to raise serious concerns about ExxonMobil’s proposed development plan should any exist, if the Minister has already made a political commitment to the project. The temporal order of the actions is important for the outcome to be more meaningful than merely the “ticking of boxes.” Furthermore, the services of Worley Parsons were presumably procured under Section 49 of the Procurement Act of 2003 which provides for single sourcing “where services to be procured require that a particular consultant be selected due to the consultant’s unique qualifications.” The Minister must therefore be so impressed with the unparalleled and indisputable reputation of Worley Parsons (and uninterested in

There are unacceptable things occurring in ... From page 5 announcement that was made at a Heads of Department Meeting held on Thursday, May 25 at the RDC Boardroom in Ft. Wellington. At this meeting, it was announced that Staff Nurse/Midwife Sherilyn Marks committed a “serious crime for which she will pay for. This nurse has already suffered at the hands of Carol Joseph, the RHO and the REO for doing nothing wrong. I therefore urge the entire nursing profession to strongly condemn any other action by the Region 5 APNU+AFC people to further victimize Nurse Marks. And I also call upon the Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald Bulkan to do the same. The Region 5 APNU+AFC bigwigs should be reminded that the only persons guilty of

committing a serious crime are those they are trying to protect. Their loyal friend Carol Joseph who used taxpayers’ money to purchase millions of dollars worth of the drug Pethidine, and the doctors who knowingly violated their code of conduct and professional ethics by writing prescriptions for her over a nine-year period. These doctors, including the RHO, Dr Steven Cheefoon, should all be made to explain. And may I add, the REO is not without sin here, for it is highly unlikely that he would not have known of what was taking place. HARRY GILL PPP/C Member of Parliament

building local capacity) that he would entrust responsibility for Guyana’s patrimony to it. This too is unacceptable, not the least because Wo r l e y P a r s o n s w o u l d similarly find it to be bad business to raise serious concerns if any exist, unless the contract it has with the GoG holds it legally liable for any problems with the proposed plan. However, we know little about what Worley Parsons is being asked to do, given the absence of public tender and requests for proposals. The selection of this firm lacked transparency. Indeed, it might even be that Worley Parsons itself is advising on what services must be provided, what studies must be undertaken, and the scope of its undertaking. The Minister concluded his letter by indicating that Government is committed to holding “stakeholder discussions” after the Worley Parsons and the GGMC have submitted their reports. TIGI wishes to remind the Min-

A white elephant is about to be born in Leguan DEAR EDITOR, In an article which appeared in the news media on May 23, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business (MoB) reportedly told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly that a plantain chips factory, now under construction on the Island of Leguan will become operational by June 30. The factory is expected to initially employ a manager and 30 employees none of which have been identified for employment or are available for training and pre-trial runs before manufacturing starts in a m o n t h ’s t i m e , a s w a s stated. The PAC Chairman informed a team from the MoB that farmers from Leguan have been preparing their land holdings to produce plantains for the factory to keep it humming when production starts. Leguan is predominantly a subsistence rice growing region with some

I propose a fund for these... From page 5 The history and way forward for sugar cane production can also be incorporated into our syllabus at the primary level. This will aid in removing the negative connotations attached to field work. Finally, we must encourage our field

ister that the report “Creating Incentives to Avoid Deforestation” by the highly-acclaimed McKinsey and Company was itself the subject of strong criticism by informed stakeholders but that the report having been written and paid for, could not have been readily adjusted to incorporate those concerns. Does the Minister really mean “consultations” or information sessions? The governance framework is key to preventing perverse results such as the well-known resource curse. As Guyana seeks to develop its oil and gas sector, the governance framework needs to be robust and it needs to satisfy minimum requirements of transparency and accountability. The approach taken so far is wanting of both transparency and accountability and this should be addressed to ensure that the touted benefits of oil to Guyana are realised. Troy Thomas TIGI

workers in the development of indispensable practical skills. They must have preference at NIS. No Sugar worker should have to complain about the non-receipt of benefits. We must bestow upon them the respect they deserve. Ayanna Isaacs

cattle rearing undertaken here and there. It has never produced plantains or bananas in commercial quantities and would be unable to do so in the foreseeable future because of the high cost of crop conversion and infrastructure development particularly field layout and adequate drainage and irrigation for plantain cultivation. Further, the Island has no potable water supply, an unreliable electricity supp l y, a n e t w o r k o f p o o r roads and a rickety stelling. Therefore, no manufacturing facility for plantain chips can operate successfully unless the necessary infrastructures are in place as well as the reliable availability and timely supplies of raw materials could be obtained at competitive prices to make the plant fully operational. I is evident that a feasibility study was not carried out on this plantain chip factory on the Island of Leguan as any economic and financial analysis would have indicated that the project was not viable and therefore not worthy of any investment. Thus another “White Elephant” has been born in the checked development Annals of the present Administration. Charles Sohan

Tuesday May 30, 2017

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Senior Customs official ordered BK’s vehicle release Internal meddling at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) led to the highly questionable release of an armourplated Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) over two weeks ago. The matter has angered enforcement officials of Customs and the political opposition. It has raised questions about the integrity of the enforcement arm of the authority. GRA has been largely silent on the matter and no police report has been filed that the vehicle in question had a false number plate. Rather, the tax collection agency has disclosed that a $31M payment has been agreed to with BK International Inc., the contractor to whom the vehicle reportedly belongs. According to GRA’s sources, officials of the Customs Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) were on duty over two weeks ago. In the vicinity of Palm Court, a popular night spot on Main Street, their attention was drawn to a pearl white, 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser, which had PJJ plates. It would have been impossible for a 2014 model to be fitted with a PJJ plate, as those serial numbers were issued more than a decade ago. The officers became suspicious and waited around for a while, but no one came near the vehicle. The officers, according to GRA sources, then went into

Brian Tiwarie Head of Customs enforcement arm, Fitzroy Corlette Palm Court, and asked the deejay to summon the owner of the vehicle. A man came and introduced himself as “a close family member” of Brian Tiwarie, owner of BK International Inc., a prominent contractor for the state. He was unable to explain the number plates or produce the documents. The man reportedly called Tiwarie. The officers also informed their superiors at the Customs Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID). However, before the men could take possession of the vehicle, they were called and told to stand down. They were told that the matter would be dealt with on the following Monday.

According to sources, the officers were perturbed and upset, as not even under former GRA head, Khurshid Sattaur, and former president, Bharrat Jagdeo, had something like this happened. They thought that that was the end of the matter and they felt humiliated. But it appeared it was only the beginning. Kaieteur News was told that on the Monday morning, following the incident, LEID head, Fitzroy Corlette, walked into the office and “in a very intimidating voice” asked who had been “peeking” into BK’s vehicle. One staffer immediately said that it wasn’t him. Another one said that he was only doing his job. Corlette reportedly came out later from his office and informed the staffers that the

An SUV like this was released.

matter had been settled. He reportedly asked if they had heard him “loud and clear”. The issue has rocked the credibility of GRA which has been attempting to rebuild a tarnished image under the new administration. The vehicle had arrived and was released in 2014 to BK without the necessary paperwork at Customs completed. It was never completed.

With the change in government, a new Board of Directors was named and Godfrey Statia was appointed Commissioner-General last year. However, the entity has continued to face troubling questions. Its Customs chief, Lancelot Wills, was sent on his annual leave recently after revelations that he was granted a duty free (Continued on page 11)

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

101 undocumented employees receiving salaries at Health Ministry Yesterday, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) learnt that the Ministry of Public Health has been paying salaries to 101 staffers for whom the Auditor General (AG)’s office could not find any employment files for over two years. During the PAC session at Parliament Chambers, Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry Collette Adams was asked to explain why after more than two years the files are still not available. Adams said that her ministry has serious issues with

filing due to the copious information that has to be stored. Further, the PS explained that she will continue in her efforts to locate the information the committee is seeking. This explanation did not find favour with committee member Juan Edghill, who wondered if there were serious issues with the human resources department at the ministry and why the files can’t be found. Edghill said it was important that the AG scrutinize this information to ensure that the individuals are properly employed and are a part of the

Ministry’s establishment. Further, he said that the committee should know what salaries these persons are receiving and if they are permanent employees or otherwise. The PAC member said that the officials before the committee at the time were told that they were to appear before the PAC and for the PS to ask for more time to present the requested information is an affront to the committee and a delaying tactic. At this juncture of the questioning, another PAC member, Jermaine Figueira, in an obvious defence of the PS, said that he was satisfied with the answer provided by Ms Adams. “Well I’m not satisfied,” Edghill said, even as Figueira was still on the floor making his point. The Chairperson quickly interjected and ask that there be no cross talking in the chamber. Pauline Sukhai, who was deputizing for Chairman Irfaan Ali who had left earlier, explained to the PS that she

(Adams) knew she was coming to PAC and should have been more prepared. Sukhai said when information is supplied to the PAC in writing, the committee loses the opportunity to probe and get a better feel of the true situation. As the probe continues as to the whereabouts of the 101 files, Edghill said that the Human Resources director should have formed part of the Ministry’s delegation before the PAC. He said that the absence of such an official was not a matter for the PAC, but it was the accounting officer (PS) who has chosen not to have such an official present. Edghill’s contribution on the issue was interrupted after PAC member Figueira said that he should stop his lecturing to the committee and the official. An incensed Edghill asked if he was not allowed to speak and said he was dissatisfied with the constant ‘I will get this information to you later’. The PS then assured the committee that the employment files information will be made available at the earliest possible time. Edghill asked that when the information is being submitted, the ministry should also state how long these persons have been employed at the ministry, their salaries, and if they are permanent staff or contract employees.

Court still to hand down decision in NBS wrongful dismissal case

Former CEO, Maurice Arjoon

Justice Brassington Reynolds

After more than six years in the courts, a decision in the matter involving former Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the New Building Society Limited (NBS), Maurice Arjoon, for wrongful termination is still to be handed down. The matter which was heard before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Georgetown High Court was set for decision several months ago. After a lengthy trial, November 29, 2016 was the date set for the ruling by the court. However it has been almost eight months since that date and no ruling has been given by the Court. Several checks revealed

that the Court is yet to send out notices on a new date for a decision. While the matter remains on the judicial waiting list for decision, the former CEO has been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the widely publicized case. When contacted yesterday, Mr. Arjoon, who is currently ailing, was reluctant to comment. But given the current status of the case, the former Manager nonetheless asserted, “My family and I have endured so much suffering during the past decade hoping for justice. I recently lost my son who was also very traumatized by this matter.”

Tuesday May 30, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

GRA and flexibility The Guyana Revenue Authority is a master of political diversion. Faced with a slew of allegations about its operations, including its policy of flexibility towards the importation of motor vehicles for its senior officers, the GRA is now on the path to breaking what is being alleged to be a ring of corruption in relation to heavy duty equipment and vehicles which were granted temporary importation status from neighbouring states. These actions, however, will not conceal the fact that the GRA has found itself in a

deep mess. It is a mess which has been of its own creation for the past two years. It was a representative of the Board of Directors who one year ago made an announcement of a shake-up within the GRA, involving the unexplained sending home of three persons from the Authority. One person who benefitted from accelerated promotion as a result of that shake-up has himself now being shaken-up by a controversy which has erupted over the importation of a duty free vehicle.

We are told that the GRA Board will eventually say something about this matter, quite a departure from its previous record when it took the high road of placing persons on the breadline without so much as an explanation to those persons. The source of GRA’s woes has been the removal of persons from key positions and the positioning of political appointees, some of whom are long past the retirement age, into those positions. The present debacle which faces the GRA is a case

Dem boys seh ...

Brassington lies ketch up wid ee This is de Holy Month of Ramadan. Ramadan start Saturday gone suh nuff Muslim people fasting. Dem boys nah sure bout Irfaat. He too fat and he got to eat. He does eat like a pig all de time. Dem boys ain’t too sure bout Amna and Shadick. Both of dem like eat, just like a cow. Jagdeo does pretend that he is a Muslim but since you miss he deh in New Thriving gobbling up de poke. When is Diwali he is a Hindu but does eat up de people cow all over de place. When is Christmas he is a Christian and he does eat any and everything

including duick. Brassington, de fat crook and Ash Knee de Shaat scamp, who still missing end up in a desert in Libya. Dem was hungry and thirsty when dem suddenly see an oasis wid wha look an emirate wid a mosque in de middle. Brassington tell Ash Knee let dem pretend to be Muslim otherwise dem wouldn’t get food or drink. I gun call myself Muhammad Gambo. Ash Knee refuse to change his name. “My name is Ash Knee and I will not pretend to be what I am not. When they reach de oasis, de Imam receive dem

and ask dem their names. Brassington seh “My name is Muhammad Gumbo.” But Ash Knee seh he name is Ash Knee. De Imam tun to de helpers and seh please bring some food and water fuh Ash Knee only. Then he tun to de other and seh, “ We l l Muhammad, I hope you are aware we are still in de month of Ramadan.” Brassington fall flat pun he belly. Dem boys seh, no matter de circumstances in life always be faithful. Talk half and tell SOCU to look fuh Ash Knee in one of dem masjid in Libya.

Court still to hand down decision in NBS... From page 8 “I hope I receive justice during my lifetime and not posthumously,” he added, noting that the date for decision was scheduled eight months ago. Chapter 3:13 of Laws of Guyana prescribes that “a judge who presides at the trial of a civil case shall give a written or oral decision and reason for the decision at the conclusion of the hearing of the case or as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing but not later than one hundred and twenty days (approximately four months) from the date of the conclusion of the hearing.” “Failure to give decisions within the time limit, Judges may apply for an extension of time by writing to the Chancellor, within no less than twenty one days before the expiration of the specified time limit”. However, although no date has been fixed for the ruling in the Maurice Arjoon versus NBS matter, Kaieteur News was informed that the case will likely receive some attention in the coming months since Justice Reynolds, who presided over

the civil proceedings, is currently on assignment in Essequibo. Back in 2007, Arjoon was accused of conspiracy to defraud the NBS of $69M. He was charged along with Kissoon Baldeo, 38, of 86 Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara (Assistant Mortgage Manager of NBS) and Kent Vincent of 1247 Canje Pheasant Lane, South Ruimveldt (Operations Manager). They had faced a trial in the Magistrates’ Court. The matter was later dismissed after the main witnesses in the trial stopped attending court. But in 2011, Arjoon of 1-2 La Fleur Road, Eccles, filed a lawsuit in the High Court against the financial institution, noting that he was on the verge of retiring when the charges were instituted and he was dismissed from NBS, losing his pension and other benefits. The former CEO had therefore sued the financial institution for wrongful dismissal and for withholding of Pension. Arjoon had also claimed that he was framed after he

refused to endorse the illegal lending of $2B, in 2006. A report by the Office of the Ombudsman, concluded in November 2014, stated that the police wrongfully charged the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and two of his managers for the $69M fraud at the New Building Society, in 2006. The report recommended that the men be compensated for losing seven years of their lives. That Ombudsman has since died. The matter was taken to the National Assembly where it was laid, but has been at a standstill. Contacted recently for an update on the status, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs noted that the National Assembly is still awaiting the court decision before it can determine a way forward on the issue. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had explained that the Speaker of the House advised that the House should be mindful of the sub judice rule, which states that once a matter is engaging the attention of the court, it could not be ventilated in the Assembly.

of poetic justice. It assumed that the political hacks it appointed would improve the functioning of the system but instead the system has now become rigged of massive corruption. The GRA has so far failed to answer the question as to who within its structure ordered the release of a high end motor vehicle which was held bearing a false number plate. Justice can only be served if the purveyor on an unlawful instruction is brought to book. The outfitting of a vehicle with a false number plate suggests either an attempt at committing a felony or a cover-up of an existing felony. It is an offence under the law punishable by a fine and imprisonment. Any motorist whom the police discovers bearing a false number plate is going to find himself or herself before a magistrate. But it seems as if with the right connections persons can avoid this fate by convincing the GRA to not pursue this angle. Who is it within the GRA who gave the orders for the release of the vehicle? No one expects that the political authorities who are so fond of launching commissions of inquiry into lesser infractions are going to inde-

pendently determine who gave officers of the GRA the lawful instruction to release a vehicle bearing a false number plate. Is it because the person is a politically connected and/or politically protected individual? Now the GRA is going after vehicles brought in from Suriname and Brazil which are believed to have false number plates. The irony of the GRA’s actions is unbelievable. The GRA must come clean. It must indicate why it is that for over two years, it took no action to ensure that the import duties for the vehicle were paid. Or was this another case of the GRA exercising its flexibility?

The GRA must be wished all success in bringing to justice all those who have evaded duties in relation to heavy duty vehicles. But those caught in the net of the present investigations must now surely have a right to demand that they be given some flexibility to settle their matters without criminal charges, just as how those bearing false number plates have been able to do so.

PAGE 10

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The tribe, eugenics and ugly minds in the PPP Can you mentally zone out when you hear on television and read in the newspapers what PPP leaders say? I have friends who embrace this zone out theory. They say when you hear nonsense all the time, you must learn to zone out; don’t ever think you are hearing or reading the nonsense, let your mind go elsewhere. Sounds good! But I cannot zone out when I turn on the television and pick up the newspapers and read the violent asininities, depraved scatology, and morbid vocabu-

lary of PPP leaders who have been in dominant control over this country for months short of twenty three years. Some of these people need to be in jail; we need to clamour for them to be in jail. We must demand the publication of their semi-civilized violations they perpetrated upon this hapless, helpless country for twenty-three years. Can you zone out when you read the statement by the women’s arm of the PPP, Women Progressive Organization? They are celebrating 60 years of existence and have

feverishly denounced what they see as discrimination against women by the current government. They have cited the arrest of and charge against the Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh, as an example of oppression against women by the APNU+AFC coalition. How can you zone out when you see the ugly minds of the PPP leaders on such nasty display? Azeena Baksh is on bail. She wasn’t charged with dangerous driving or assault, but stealing from the public purse. Carol-Ann Munroe spent two years in remand - 18 months of which was in solitary confinement. She was charged for treason, the evidence for which a nursery school student would have thrown out. Mrs. Munroe wrote a heart-breaking letter in Kaieteur News about how the police treated her when they arrived at her home. In her letter of January 31, 2016, Mrs. Munroe described how the police refused her tending to her, small sick children, one of whom had an asthmatic condition. Where was the women’s arm of the PPP

when leaders like Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were mistreating this Guyanese woman? Is it possible that Carol-Ann Munroe was considered less of a human than Azeena Baksh, that was why the WPO never uttered even one word of sympathy? Where was the voice of the WPO when Genevieve Whyte-Nedd was refused confirmation as Chief Education Officer and retired without full benefits? Where was the voice of WPO when Ingrid Griffith performed the functions of Commissioner of Trade and Customs at the GRA for three years, yet Chabillal Ramsarup, a retiree from the army was given that position, a total newcomer to the taxation system? Is it possible in the ant h r o p o l o g i c a l conceptualizations of PPP leaders like the women in the WPO that Azeena Baksh is of a purer DNA than women like Munroe, Whyte-Nedd and Griffith? As one goes through the adumbrations of former leaders in government from the PPP, there is a creeping

crystallization that eugenics are coming to play a huge role in the politics of the entire PPP leadership, whether in its men’s arm, youth arm or women’s arm. Two PPP leaders have introduced the eugenics approach in their condemnations of the APNU+AFC policies - Anil Nandlall and Leslie Ramsammy. I have written twice before on N a n d l a l l ’s p e c u l i a r a p proach to opposition activism, so an elongation need not detain us here, suffice it to say his polemic goes like this – PNC leaders are inherently authoritarian and whenever in power they do bad things; PPP leaders are inherently democratic and whenever they are in power there is progress. Leslie Ramsammy pontificates on the nature of the appointees in the public sector at the moment. He writes letters rejecting these appointees while simultaneously eulogizing the PPP appointees under the Jagdeo/Ramotar era. Simply put, Ramsammy is saying that those PPP public functionaries had a right to their employment; the present

Frederick Kissoon personnel appointed by the Coalition government do not. Behind this denunciation is the argument for eugenics. We must not forget Donald Ramotar. He has two letters a week in the newspapers and is now copying the eugenics perspective of the WPO, Nandlall and Ramsammy. This seems to be the new politics of the PPP. This is the strategy they will use from now, and will take that approach in the 2020 elections. It is dangerous, devilish and diabolical, and the minds that sprout it are ugly. It can only undermine the future of Guyana, oil or no oil. The present crop in the PPP leadership have now openly embraced what is haunting Europe – the embrace of the tribe.

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

Double murder accused to stand trial for killing man during robbery

MURDER ACCUSED: Joshua Meredith

MURDERED: Gregory Garraway

Joshua Meredith, who is facing two murder charges, was yesterday committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown on one of them. Meredith will stand trial before a judge and jury for the murder of 25-year-old Gregory Garraway, who was shot and killed by bandits outside the Wings and Things Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. At the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan found that there was sufficient evidence against M e r e d i t h . According to reports, Garraway, formerly of Charlestown, Georgetown, was shot during a robbery while in the company of his brother. The robbery occurred on October 1, 2016. Garraway was at the time crossing Aubrey Barker Road to make a purchase at a shop.

A man confronted him and proceeded to relieve him of his gold chain. A scuffle ensued and Garraway was shot in the chest. He then fell to the ground and the gunman made good his escape with the c h a i n . Garraway was hospitalized after the shooting but succumbed to his injuries on October 11, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. In addition, Meredith and Calvin Johnson of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, are on remand for the murder of Paul Rodney. Based on reports, Rodney, 29, was shot dead on November 21, 2016 outside the East Ruimveldt Secondary School. The West Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident was shot seven times about the body during an argument between him and two other men.

Senior Customs official... From page 7 concession on a SUV when he should not have been. There were further alarms raised after it was discovered that attempts were made to cover up the transaction by tampering with the entries. Recently, the Opposition expressed alarm over the two incidents and said that investigations should be done to find out who ordered BK’s vehicle to be released. With regards to Wills’s

vehicle, GRA’s Chairman Rawle Lucas, insisted that the systems at the authority are working. Under the laws, it is a crime to have false number plates on a vehicle. It carries up to $1M in fines, and two years jail. A number of persons have been jailed since the laws were amended in the 2000s. Corruption within Customs has been causing a loss in tax collections of billions of dollars, over the years.

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

Health care impacted by limited regulatory and monitoring capacity The global food, beverage, medical technology and pharmaceutical industries have become powerful. But therein lies a problem for Small Island and Developing States [SIDS], and countries with low lying coastal zones like

Guyana, with limited regulatory and monitoring capacity that cannot effectively impact on the negative effects of the activities of these giants. This disclosure was recently amplified by Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda

Lawrence. According to Lawrence who raised this concern at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, “Our ability to negotiate better solutions for healthy foods and beverages; high quality, effective and

safe medicines, and other medical technologies to stimulate the promotion of health and wellness is miniscule as individual SIDS.” However, the Minister argued that efforts in this regard

could be “more impactful when voiced together here in this Assembly against the gigantic global advertising network.” But Minister Lawrence is confident that the World Health Assembly will address the foregoing challenges even as moves are made to facilitate a clear path to good health and wellbeing. This can be achieved, Lawrence said, by building consensus on the acceleration of the Non Communicable Diseases [NCDs] Goals adopted by the 2014 Review meeting of the Political Declaration of the 2011 UN High level meeting, and WHO Goals and targets, particularly with regard to the marketing of harmful substances. Among the harmful substances that have been negatively impacting health care are tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy fatty, salty and sugary foods and beverages. Limited access to prevention and treatment technologies, including diagnostics, medicines, screening measures and risk factor mitigation have also put a damper on the health system. WHO has long indicated its willingness to advance health cooperation in SIDS. This is in light of the fact that they are described as a distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Countries with small, geographically disparate populations and/or limited health workforces are particularly vulnerable to the burden of disease. Health services available to SIDS also have a vital role to play in sustainable development of the country. The issue of NCDs has been of particular concern. As such, WHO has been working with the larger UN system to address health challenges such as NCDs. According to WHO information, a number of partnerships dedicated to NCDs have been established especially in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. However it was underscored that the partnerships in this regard require whole-of-society, multi-

Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. sectoral and inter-regional approaches to cooperation to improve public health outcomes. In September 2014, WHO contributed to the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States through the multistakeholder partnership dialogue on social development in SIDS, Health and NCDs, youth and women. The work reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to support the efforts of SIDS in health and NCDs. The recent World Health Assembly meeting attended by Minister Lawrence was held under the theme “Building Better Systems for Health in the Age of Sustainable Development.” According to the Public Health Minister, “under this theme, we have the unique opportunity to address some of the most challenging global health issues and decide on appropriate solutions that will ensure that our world is safer, healthier and responsive to all the needs of its inhabitants with dignity.” This notion was emphasized by the Minister as she revealed that “For Guyana the challenges to health are clearly recognized as those related to Non-Communicable Diseases, global health security threats and access by all people to the determinants for good health.”

Tuesday May 30, 2017

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur National Park threatened with pollution from illegal mining On Sunday last, an operation was launched at the Kaieteur National Park by members of the joint services and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) following a discovery by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) earlier this year of four active mines, one mine where activity was uncertain, and eight active camps inside the Park. This was a follow-up activity from a reconnaissance which was conducted by the Guyana Defence Force on May 5, 2017 at the Park which revealed 20 illegal mining camps in the area. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, at one camp there was evidence of water pollution and freshly exposed sand tailings, according to a report from the PAC. In a press statement from the Ministry yesterday, it was said that of the five mines, there had already been issued cease orders by the GGMC in 2014 with reinforcement actions as recent as 2016. However, despite these measures, at least two of the three mines remained active. Commissioner of the PAC,

Denise Fraser was quoted as saying that illegal mining in the area has been taking place for a number of years despite repeated warnings. The statement said that during Sunday’s raid, five camps were searched and the persons found were detained while the dredge owners were nowhere to be found. A total of 21 persons have been held by the Guyana Police Force in connection with illegal mining in the area, the Ministry said. Fraser said that the PAC has maintained contact with the Natural Resources Ministry as well as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to ensure that those detained are taken care of while in custody. According to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman the Kaieteur National Park is a national protected area and it is incumbent on the government to send a strong message to those who want to break the law. He said that only last year the authorities had cause to remove six operators from the area. “Last year, we sent a team

An aerial view of the mining camps in the Kaieteur National Park in and it was during that exercise that we even lost a member of the Guyana Police Force after the boat he was travelling in capsized, and yet we have persons returning to the Park and mining. The Government must, therefore, send a strong message to the individuals because it is a national protected area and part of our national patrimony.” Moreover, Director of the

Department of Environment, Ms Ndibi Schwiers said that the Park is Guyana’s oldest protected area, famed for the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls and its rich bio-diversity. She said that as a result of illegal mining there is indiscriminate cutting of trees which causes the loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation for the wildlife that live in the area.

Corentyne woman dead after beating over dope In a severe case of domestic violence, a mother of three is now dead after her lover mercilessly beat her. She succumbed to the injuries received at the hands of the man she once shared a relationship with up until the time of her death. The dead woman has been identified as Gomattie Ramsingh, 34, of Number 58 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The accused has been identified as Adesh Mulloo of the said village. What she thought was a move to help her lover who is said to be a drug addict, landed her at death’s door, all in the name of love. ”Maybe she loved him mek she keep going back”, one relative opined. Saline Kumar, the dead woman’s aunt said that she received a telephone call that her niece was in the hospital, “we went and see she on the hospital bed, the nurse tell we that she will be transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, when we go they do an xray and then dem tell we that the bone at the back of her neck back break, and that dem go transfer she to Georgetown Hospital”. Kumar recounted that while on her (Gomattie) hospital bed at the Georgetown Public Hospital they inquired from her what had happened, she told them that “he beat she and lash she pon she head, jump pun she stomach, drag she in ah yard and beat she till she get blackout”. According to the distraught woman, her niece related to

her and other relatives that Mulloo bought “dope” and took it home, her sister (Gomattie) reportedly discarded the illegal substance but this angered Mulloo, he then picked up an iron rod and began dealing blows about Gomattie’s head and other parts of her body while dragging her down the stairs of their Number 58 home. ON-CAMERA CONFESSION Before Gomattie Ramsingh succumbed to her injuries she gave an on-camera confession of what took place that day when she was physically abused by her lover. She told relatives “he beat meh fuh money, he ah smoke dope da he ah beat meh fa , he ah cuss meh and meh walk out ah house and something tell meh come back and when meh come back ah deh meh get meh dead”, the woman related before she died. Breathing through a respirator she managed to recount the brutal details, “he knock meh with ah scantling wood and wan piece iron bar and meh start see dark, he beat meh and drag meh pan ah step and he tek ah iron and lash meh in meh head”. It was not long after she died since she could not bear the pain any longer. Her brother, Harrynauth Ramsingh explained that his sister was beaten sometime last week and was kept in her home at Number 58 Village locked away by Mulloo. It is unclear whether she was

An injured Gomattie Ramsingh in hospital before she succumbed abused during that time, but she was only taken to the hospital on Friday, three days after the beating took place. Her injuries began to worsen. The frustrated brother of the dead woman divulged that that a report was made to the police on Friday, the said day they learnt about what had occurred. “We mek the report and they tek statement and they said they will go and arrest him and nothing on to now and only yesterday the boy was at the ball field in the village and how the police can’t arrest he yet?” he argued. The woman reportedly had visible injuries to her back, face, arms and other parts of her body. Kaieteur News understands that Ramsingh had been living with the suspect for over

a year and during that time she was constantly abused by the man who is said to be years younger than her. She was previously in a relationship with an individual for over seventeen years but had struck up a relationship with the accused, she eventually severed her relationship with her previous partner and joined her new lover. She shared three children - ages 16, 14 and 10 - in her previous relationship. The children stayed with their father. Meanwhile, investigators have since taken up the matter seriously after relatives of the dead woman visited the Prime Minister’s Representative’s Office at Port Mourant. Senior ranks were then contacted; police are currently on the hunt for the suspect.

“Specifically, birds and other wildlife that depend on the trees for their food, shelter and other forms of survival perish. Illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park also presents a plethora of problems for downstream communities that depend on the water for drinking and other purposes through pollution of the water and unregulated use of chemicals to extract minerals.” According to the Minis-

try, Section 4 of the Kaieteur National Park Act states that, “It shall not be lawful for any person to enter into, travel or encamp within the park or to build any structure therein, or to hunt, chase, catch, shoot at, kill or otherwise disturb any animal or cut, pluck or gather any of the flora or interfere with or disturb the soil by mining or other operations within the park or to remove anything whatsoever from the park except in accordance with regulations made under this act. (2) Any person acting in contravention of any of the provisions of subsection (1) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of ninetyseven thousand five hundred dollars, and anything taken by such person from the park shall be forfeited.” Further, the 2005 Mining Act was also quoted, whereby it states that no person shall conduct mining and quarrying activities in the specified nature reserves and parks where resource extraction is prohibited, in buffer areas without express approval of the Commission and the notification of parties likely to be affected by the activity.

Find bogus kidney donor and jail her- says father-in-law Chamer Bhooj is 70. He can hardly walk and barely speaks. While he struggles to care for himself, he has to support his wife, 59-year-old Bibi Azmat Deen, who suffered a nervous breakdown and had a stroke. Deen is bedridden and cannot move or speak. She is hardly aware of her surroundings. Bhooj depends on his pension to support himself and his wife. His physical condition does not allow him to cook and leave the house as he would like. As a result, he is forced to buy food daily and would sometimes get a meal from neighbours. Sometimes, the couple has nothing to eat and cannot afford to buy the basic supplies. Despite their condition, their daughter-in-law, Bibi Shabeena Kadir still managed to swindle whatever she could from them. Kadir is the individual who solicited money from two kidney patients having promised to donate one of her kidneys. The money was given to her by the victims for her to do test that she claimed was required before the operation. Yesterday, Bhooj, who resides at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, said that his daughter-in-law has conned “thousands” of people and even robbed him on numerous occasions. The man said that the

Con artist: Bibi Shabeena Kadir woman would visit his home under the pretence of caring for his sick wife, and in the process, would search the house and steal their money. “I would hide my money, but she finds it and takes everything,” the pensioner said. Bhooj, a father of one said that complaining to his son did not make sense, since he supported her in everything she did. “I want them (police) to find her and jail her. She hurt too many people, even me,” the man reflected. The pensioner said that only last week his daughterin-law and son left the country for the United States of America, and he does not believe they will be returning. Meanwhile, a neighbour in the village said that before Kadir left the country, she gave her a few items worth $60,000 and a gold band to (Continued on page 24)

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Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Landscaping & tree trimming. Call: 656-1326 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

WANTED Admin Assistant/Marketing Personnel with atleast 5 CXC passes including English Language & Mathematics. Send resume to gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced hairdressers & nail technicians needed to work in salon at prime location in Georgetown. Call: 628-4388/225-9423 Two Dynamic Individual with communications & sales techniques, computer skill @ KeyFood, Mc Doom location. Wanted driver to sell water, must have lorry. Apply Nimbus Water. Tel: 2317002/ 6220445

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044 48" Samsung TV, 2 full size beds, mattress & base, 2004 Allion, low mileage, lady driven. Call: 642-0243 Sawmill on 1.27 Acres of fenced land, portable mill, moulder, ripsaw, excellent condition, Linden: 673-9401 1 Kenmore fridge (black), double door. Dog pen, steel door. Call: 673-7883

TO LET Newly constructed apartment in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512

Waitress and cook. Call: 6771248 Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646

One 2 bedrooms apartment at Eccles -$55,000 monthly. Call: 648-7004

We need you, Males 18-30 years to work in the Plant Shop/Garden Maintenance in Georgetown. Tel: 648-1821

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

Wanted land to buy anywhere on the West Coast or La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 657-9594

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

Experienced Truck Driver. Call: 227-1717 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

One clerical/office assistant to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-2301/ 225-6239 1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children & home, must know to cook various dishes 38-48yrs. Call: 6001898

Elevator very good condition, price negotiable. Call 231-1284

Solar Panel, USA Made, Size 39X77 300 watts -$65,000. Call: 657-2304 Pure breed Geman Shepherd puppies, 1 black pure, 3 black & tan, 6 weeks old. Call: 6135955/ 626-0953

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. June 6th. The Trade of the Future. Make extra cash, easy! Abdul Electronics. Call: 226-6551/ 225-0391

Garbage trucks drivers, experienced drivers only &labours. Call: 670-7920 Wanted place to rent for restaurant or bar in G/town (no unfinished place). Call: 670-7920

CAR RENTAL

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Experienced Male workers on farm, age 30yrs and older. Call: 231-1408 between 8am1pm Male workers to work at Ice Factory in Rosignol. Call: 6183800 between 8:00am- 2pm One experienced & honest snackette attendant/ salesgirl. Call: 666-3569/ 6984288 between 10:00am6:00pm

LAND FOR SALE

La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Tuschen -$1.2M, $5.5M, Herstelling -$3M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608

VACANCY Professional cosmetologist @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa located @ Grove Market Street, EBD. Call Ms Rashari: 652-5800 Cook, Baker and articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Cal: 6182020

12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443

ACCOUNTANT (Parttime): 2nd/3rd Level ACCA; QuickBooks POS & Accounts. 4hrs on Saturday, every fortnight. Email: spers@msn.com

La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.5M, $1.2M, Farm $3.5M, Uitvlugt -$2.7M, Tuschen:$1.2M, $5M, Herstelling-$3.5M.Call:666-2326

La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen Phase 2, Zeelugt Phase 2. Call: 642-1252 Prime roadside land in Corriverton Berbice, suitbale for any type at business. Call: 626-6245/335-3347 35 Acres located in Port Kaituma. Call: 619-5173 Mon Repos (Richards Ville) 3 lots together 0.152 acres each, 1 lot with building - $5M and 2 vacant lots 2M each. Call: 618-0375

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Recently-built 2-Storey concrete building (1,245 ft2) Parfaite Harmonie $7.9M neg. Contact 231-9690 For details. Recently-constructed 2-Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details.

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

Saleswoman with experience @ Christine’s Variety Store @ Lombard Street. Call: 2278529

CAR RENTAL

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 BMW 318I -$2.3M, Never register. Contact# 592 6500402 / 603-1402 1 Mitsubishi 7 1/2 ton Dump Canter, 1 Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter. Never Register!!! Contact#592 6500402/603-1402 Unregistered 1 Passo 2010 Black -$2.1M negotiable, 2 Vitz 2010 Pearl White & Pearl Pink -$2.3M negotiable each. Call: 649-7771/ 690-7155

Lorry Drivers and Salesmen, preferably from East Bank Demerara. Salary Negotiable. 266-4427 Male & female workers: accountants, mechanic to look after drink machine. Call: 3302399 Male with experienced in poultry farming to work on chicken farm in the interior, age 25-45yrs. Call: 680-2702 One hairdresser and nail technician who knows to do everything. Call Melissa: 630-8152 One supervisor (computer literate) two housekeepers to work shift systems at Harmony Inn. Call: 668-0306, 694-7817 One teacher to privately teach a child, salary -$100,000 based on experienced & qualification. Call: 623-1615 Porters, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.

House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543

General Domestics, must able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda. FOR RENT

Aubrey Barker -$21M, Hadfield - $17M, Diamond- $3.5M, Grove, Land of Canaan, Schoonord, Queenstown, Enterprise, Good Hope. Call: 231-7850/ 618-7483

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Property @ the corner of 172 20 Hora St. & Market St. Better Hope, East Coast Dem $12.5M neg. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only.

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

2 Story building with extralarge land in well built $74.5M. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only.

Unregistered: 1 Nissan March 2010, Black with alloy wheels -$2.2M negotiable. Call: 6497771/ 690-7155

Property @ 934 Caneville Grove, E.B.D: flat house, 3 bedrooms (1 self-contained), concrete fence, negotiable. Call Ken: 6823784/Jenel: 604-5627

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501

DATING SERVICE Guyanese Canadian woman seeking husband, contacts must have Valid ID, proof of Address & police clearance. Call: 673-9778

2 – 3 bedrooms bottom flat apartment, fully refurbished -$65,000 monthly with 2 months security. Call: 2201583 between 7am-5pm only. One bedroom apartment, PVC ceiling, tiled floored, corner spot -$40,000, preferably couple. Address: 25 Craig St C/Ville. Call: 223-1332 Rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234 One two bedroom apartment rent located in Diamond New Scheme -$45,000. Call: 2162339, 676-6313

Tuesday May 30, 2017

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Kaieteur News

PAC raises concerns over IAST’s management

Nursing programme standards cannot be compromised - Health Education Director insists …but education system being blamed for producing substandard students

IAST Head, Dr Suresh Narine Several questions were raised concerning the management of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) as it relates to the presence of the head of the Institute, Dr. Suresh Narine in Guyana to perform his duties and the institute’s adherence to financial regulations. This came out from a Public Accounts Committee meeting in the chambers of the National Assembly. At the time, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry o f t h e P r e s i d e n c y, M s Abena Moore was being questioned about an observation made in the 2015 Auditor General report concerning the Rice Cereal Plant at Anna Regina. According to the report, one warrant was received from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (now Ministry of Business) in the sum of $100M for the construction of the plant. The full amount was paid to the IAST in January 2015. The report said that works consisted of construction of a building, bridges, fence and security huts and purchase of office furniture, computers, plant and machinery. Further, at the time of reporting in September

PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali 2016, $79.768M was expended and the difference of $20.232M was verified as being retained in the IAST bank account as a balance on the acquisition of equipment for the factory. Based on audit checks the sum of $7.608M was paid to a supplier in August 2016 as a thirty per cent advance on the supply of equipment for the f a c t o r y. I t w a s r e c o m mended by the Audit Office that the IAST ensures that the equipment is delivered and installed. However, according to Moore, two problems had arisen causing the plant not to be operational as yet. She said that the land has not been transferred and there is a squatter on the land. The land is owned by the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL). Moore said that this is preventing GPL from powering the plant. The PS said that the IAST is waiting on this matter to be resolved before commissioning the plant. PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali explained to Moore that this project was undertaken by IAST along with many other projects. He said that IAST is not a law onto itself and should not be hold-

ing back resources in its account. Ali said that if there was money remaining from the $100M payment then it should have been transferred to the Consolidated Fund at the end of the year. He said that if the $20M is still in the IAST account, then its Head, Dr Narine, should be surcharged. Ali questioned the PS on whether Narine is a fulltime employee of the IAST. According to Moore, to the best of her knowledge, Narine is an employee of the Institute. This was followed by a question from Ali regarding how much time the IAST Head actually spends in Guyana to function properly at the helm of the institute. At this stage, Ali asked the PS to provide the PAC with Narine’s remuneration package at a later date. Further, Ali questioned some of the projects which IAST embarks on that receive government funding - for example, the recycling of tyres. He asked if any of those projects have proven to be commercially viable in reality rather than on paper. However, the PAC was told that studies were done which show that the projects are viable.

Guyanese among six arrested for 750-lb ganja seizure off Florida Florida -(www.wptv.com)A boat carrying 750 pounds (340 kilograms) of marijuana was intercepted off the coast of Boca Raton on Saturday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber, which is based in Miami, stopped a 35-foot sport fisher roughly 11 miles east of Boca Raton, officials said. As the crew came alongside the vessel, they saw a package being thrown over-

board, which was later recovered by a Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale crew. After boarding the boat, the crew found additional 17 bales and three packages aboard, and seized approximately 750 pounds of marijuana. Three Bahamians, two Jamaicans and one Guyanese were aboard the vessel, the Coast Guard said. “This interdiction is a direct success of our focused efforts to defeat these transnational criminal networks,” said Cmdr.

Willie Carmichael, acting chief of enforcement for Seventh Coast Guard District. “Our newest fast response cutters have proven critical in defending our maritime border, which these criminal organizations seek to exploit.” The Coast Guard said it along with other law enforcement agencies constantly patrol the waters between South Florida and the Bahamas to detect, deter and stop illegal smuggling ventures.

“The people who are involved in the training of doctors, lawyers and the other professional categories do not compromise their standards and we cannot compromise ours.” This was the assertion of Mr. Wilton Benn, Director of the Ministry of Public’s Health Education Department. Benn was at the time addressing the quality of students accepted for the nursing programme which has been in the spotlight, following the appalling failure rate at the most recent Professional Nurses State Finals examination. The State Finals were first conducted in December of last year, but it was found that the examination papers were leaked ahead of the administration of the examination, thus compromising the results. The results of the subsequent re-sit of the examination translated to a mere 23 students gaining overall passes of the 179 candidates who participated. The candidates were drawn from all of the country’s schools of nursing including the Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Charles Roza Schools of Nursing and the privately-operated St Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. Many have concluded that the state of affairs has been linked to the quality of students accepted for training. But Benn is adamant that this is no fault of those responsible for Health Education. In fact, he insisted “we take very serious the people who we admit in our programme and we take very seriously our image…” Benn remained unyielding in his stance, even when asked about reported occasions when individuals without the requisite qualifications were accepted to undergo nursing training. One official recently informed this publication that some persons were accepted for training because of their reported “connections”. However Benn stressed, “By and large the deciding factor has to be the minimum level requirements.” He added, “I have personally taken a stance in the past and will continue to do so as far as it relates to making sure that we stick with whatever are the requirements, so that our approach is not compromised by those things.” “If a request is made and persons do not meet the entry requirements, my people

Mr Wilton Benn, Director of Health Education will not accept them, even if that does not please whoever the ‘powers’ might be,” Benn asserted. This publication was reliably informed that efforts were being made to ensure that persons seeking to undertake the Nursing Assistant programme had to have no less than three Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects, inclusive of English Language, while those aspiring to become Professional Nurses were required to have at least five CXC passes, inclusive of Mathematics, English Language and a Science subject. According to Benn, “I can account for my period of stewardship from somewhere around 2011- 2012 and we have consistently paid attention to make sure that our people are capable of matriculation to the University of Guyana, or any other academic institution of higher learning, so it is a fallacy that has been propagated that the students do not possess the minimum qualification.” Benn’s remarks were supported by another senior health functionary who revealed “the Ministry has consistently increased the bar for those seeking to enter the nursing

programme. Other than those entering the Nursing Assistant programme, the majority of students entering the professional nursing programme have between five to eight CXC subjects with good grades...” There have however been reports that the Ministry has been accepting a small number of students without Mathematics from interior locations. But such small areas of compromise have not been responsible for the troubling performances. An official close to the Public Health Ministry told this publication earlier this year, “There is something more troubling that is happening, and it is not just something wrong with the students...this is far reaching.” The official was at the time alluding to the public education system. This notion has been completely embraced by Benn. He pointed out that although efforts are made to enroll individuals of the highest standard in relation to the measure that exists; this measure is the CXC passes that come from the education sector. He moreover underscored, “the education system generally is contributing to some of what we see in the system. If you speak to educators from places like the Cyril Potter College of Education, and even people from the University of Guyana - that is supposed to be the premier learning institution - they will tell you that there seems to be some problems in relation to the preparation of our people.” It was recognized that the challenge that nurses experienced during the re-sit earlier this year was that of higher order reasoning such as explaining and evaluating. Benn moreover shared his observation that “this is happening across the board…it is not in nursing alone that these things are happening. There is clearly some weaknesses to the education system and the students of the schools of nursing represent a microcosm of the society.”

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

Porter remanded for trafficking cocaine

Ronald Howard (left) and Wendell Andrews A 42-year-old porter of Albouystown, was yesterday remanded to prison for allegedly having cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Wendell Andrews appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he denied the allegation which stated that on May 25 at Cross and

Leopold Streets, Georgetown, he had in his possession nine grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Police Inspector Daniels objected to bail being granted to the d e fendant citing the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. Andrews will make his next court appearance on June 19.

Meanwhile, in another matter before the same magistrate, a 49-year-old carpenter denied the allegation which stated that on May 25 at Cross and Leopold Streets, he had in his possession a utensil which is used to smoke cocaine. Howard was released on $30,000 bail and will m a k e h i s next court appearance on June 19.

Mason charged for smuggling cigarettes in boots into prison Forty-one-year-old Gownauth Geer was yesterday fined $60,000 or in default 12 months imprisonment by City Magistrate Judy Latchman after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Geer pleaded guilty to the allegation which stated that on May 25 at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he carried in a prohibited article into the prison. The court heard that on the day in question, Geer, who was doing carpentry work at the prison, smuggled five packs of Bristol cigarettes into the prison for a friend. Police Inspector Daniels told the court that on the day in question around 10:25 hrs, the accused left the prison to

Fined Gownauth Geer purchase materials and upon returning, prison officer Stephens conducted a search on him and found in his left

and right long boots a total of five packs of cigarettes. The court heard that the police were called in, and under caution, Geer admitted that it was a prisoner by the name of ‘Africano’ who gave him the money to purchase the cigarettes. When given a chance to address the court, Geer asked that the court be lenient with him, since both of his parents are sick, and he is a first-time offender. When asked by the magistrate why he put the cigarettes in his boots, the man replied “I put it in the boots because I ain’t really know how the prison system does work. Is the first time I work at the prison. I put it in the boots because my pants pocket been wet.”

Unpreparedness gets GPHC CEO, Financial Director thrown out of PAC

No bail for Trinidadian who allegedly traffic ganja A Trinidadian national was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he denied having narcotics in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Claudius Thomas, 31, of 36 Guy h o c G a r d e n s , Georgetown, denied the charge which alleged that on May 28 at Mandela Avenue, he had in his possession 834 grams of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The unrepresented defendant told the court that he was framed. Thomas said that he came to Guyana to pursue his career as an entertainer and a promoter, and that he was staying with a friend at the abovementioned address.

The defendant told the court that on the day in question he was out and upon his return to the house, he met his roommate who asked him about

(From page 21) give to her daughter aboard. However, when Kadir reached the US, she claimed that she misplaced the items

at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. “I know this woman was a con woman, but I thought she changed. I really thought she

Claudius Thomas

a bag containing ganja that was in the refrigerator, and he stated that the bag did not belong to him since he does not smoke. A few minutes after arriving at the location he was arrested by a party of police officers who conducted a search in the house and found the narcotics. When asked by the magistrate if he was ever convicted before, he told the court that he was jailed in Dominica after pleading guilty to a fraud matter. Police Inspector Daniels was opposed to bail being granted to the defendant citing that no special reasons were provided to the court. The objection was upheld by the magistrate who instructed the defendant to return to court on June 19.

Find bogus kidney donor and jail...

changed and I trusted her,” the neighbour said. The woman explained that some time back, Kadir had told her that she had to undergo an operation and needed the kidney. “I went so far as to tell the woman that I will donate a kidney to her,” the neighbour said. Neighbours in the village described Kadir as a con woman. The police have since launched an investigation.

GPHC CEO Allan Johnson (left) and Financial Director Ronald Charles Two officials from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) were yesterday asked to leave the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting after their responses were deemed as inadequate in answering questions related to the organization. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson and the institution’s Finance Director Ronald Charles were being questioned in parliament chambers as to the reason for the hospital not submitting financial statements for 2015 and 2016. In what was a feisty PAC meeting yesterday, Chairman Irfaan Ali said the medical institution was in breach of the Public Corporation Act, which requires that financial statements be submitted six months after the close of the financial period. At this point, CEO Johnson gave a commitment that the 2015 statement will be submitted by the end of September this year. In relation to 2016, Johnson said that as far as he was aware that statement has been submitted. Ali objected to this and informed Johnson that based on the information he has from the Auditor General, no such statement was submit-

ted. The chairman asked that the necessary documentation be provided to confirm that this was indeed done. Ali further enquired from the CEO what action was taken against the responsible officer who should have provided the 2015 statement, since more than a year has elapsed and the statement is still not forthcoming. To Ali’s obvious annoyance, Johnson said that nothing was done, and asked that his Finance Director (Charles) clarify the issue before the PAC. Charles without giving specific details told the committee that “there is a plan in place”. Rhetorically the chairman asked Charles if he is the Finance Director, to which he replied “I should be”. Further, he said that he is the finance director, but not for finance. Ali then turned his attention to the CEO Johnson and enquired how many Finance Directors the corporation has, since Charles was introduced to PAC as the hospital’s Finance Director. Johnson explained that there is another director who was ill and could not attend the session. At this point, PAC member Juan Edghill asked how the hospital received subse-

quent subventions, since there was un-spent money from the two previous years that was not returned to the consolidated fund. Edghill said that he found the responses given by the two officials as inadequate and wasting the PAC’s time and suggested that the inadequate responses and the casual manner in which the matter was being treated could not continue. Edghill said that he suspects that the officials were behaving in such a manner since they were given instructions from higher officials. This suggestion did not sit well with CEO Johnson, who as he was leaving the chamber asked Edghill “who gave me instructions?” Johnson reminded Edghill that he was an adult and was not taking instructions from anyone. Edghill did not find favour with the fact that Johnson was having a dialogue with him as he was leaving the chamber and told the CEO he is rude and should hang his head in shame at what is going on. The GPHC will return to PAC when all the facts have been gathered on the nonsubmission of the financial statements.

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

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Venezuela opposition accuses Goldman Sachs of financing dictatorship (Reuters) The president of Venezuela’s opposition-run Congress on Monday accused Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs of “aiding and abetting the country’s dictatorial regime” following a report that it had bought $2.8 billion in bonds from the cash-strapped country. The Wall Street Journal on Sunday said Goldman paid 31 cents on the dollar for bonds issued by state oil company PDVSA that mature in 2022, or around $865 million, citing five people familiar with the transaction. That comes as two months of opposition protests against President Nicolas Maduro have killed almost 60 people and the collapse of the country’s socialist economy has left millions of people struggling to eat. “Goldman Sachs’ financial lifeline to the regime will serve to strengthen the bru-

tal repression unleashed against the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans peacefully protesting for political change in the country,” wrote Julio Borges in a letter to Goldman Sachs President Lloyd Blankfein. “Given the unconstitutional nature of Nicolas Maduro’s administration, its unwill i n g n e s s t o h o l d democratic elections and its systematic violation of human rights, I am dismayed that Goldman Sachs decided to enter this transaction.” The letter adds that Congress will open an investigation into the transaction and that he will recommend “to any future democratic government of Venezuela not to recognize or pay these bonds.” A Goldman Sachs spokesman said the bank declined to comment. Venezuela’s Information

Ministry, which fields queries on behalf of the Finance Ministry, did not respond to requests for comment. The bonds were not sold directly by Venezuela’s central bank but rather through an intermediary, three finance industry sources, including one from Goldman, told Reuters on Monday. “The intermediaries are in Europe,” said the source at Goldman. With Venezuela’s inefficient state-led economic model struggling under lower oil prices, Maduro’s unpopular government has become ever more dependent on financial deals or asset sales to bring in coveted foreign exchange. Venezuela’s international reserves rose by $749 million on Thursday and Friday, reaching around $10.86 billion. That is still down around 50 percent in the last three years.

North Korea fires Scud-class ballistic missile, Japan protests (Reuters) North Korea fired at least one short-range ballistic missile on Monday that landed in the sea off its east coast, the latest in a fastpaced series of missile tests defying world pressure and threats of more sanctions. The missile was believed to be a Scud-class ballistic missile and flew about 450 km (280 miles), South Korean officials said. North Korea has a large stockpile of the shortrange missiles, originally developed by the Soviet Union. Monday’s launch followed two successful tests of medium-to-long-range missiles in as many weeks by the North, which has been conducting such tests at an unprecedented pace in an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting the

mainland United States. North Korea was likely showing its determination to push ahead in the face of international pressure to rein in its missile program and “to pressure the (South Korean) government to change its policy on the North,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Roh Jae-cheon said. It was the third ballistic missile test launch since South Korea’s liberal President Moon Jae-in took office on May 10 pledging to engage with the reclusive neighbor in dialogue. Moon says sanctions alone have failed to resolve the growing threat from the North’s advancing nuclear and missile program. The missile reached an altitude of 120 km (75 miles), Roh said.

“The assessment is there was at least one missile but we are analyzing the number of missiles,” he said. North Korea, which has conducted dozens of missile tests and tested two nuclear bombs since the beginning of 2016 in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions, says the program is necessary to counter U.S. aggression. The White House said President Donald Trump had been briefed about the launch. The U.S. Pacific Command said it tracked what appeared to be a short-range ballistic missile for six minutes and assessed it did not pose a threat to North America. The United States has said it was looking at discussing with China a new U.N. Security Council resolution and that Beijing, North Korea’s main diplomatic ally and neighbor, realizes time was limited to rein in its weapons program through negotiations. [nL4N1IS196] Trump portrayed the missile test as an affront to China in a morning post on Twitter. “North Korea has shown great disrespect for their neighbor, China, by shooting off yet another ballistic missile...but China is trying hard!” he wrote. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, asked what a military conflict with North Korea might look like if diplomacy failed, warned on Sunday it would be “probably the worst kind of fighting in most people’s lifetimes”.

Tuesday May 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

Opposition criticises PM over name calling, saying it is tantamount to bullying By Linda Straker ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Monday criticised Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell after he used women names to refer to two male NDC candidates. “This goes beyond the politics; it’s an attack on gender; it’s an attack on people whose choice is not in the majority. His words imply they are feminine and this I believe is a form of bullying,” said NDC chairman Vincent Roberts. Addressing a public meeting of his ruling New National Party (NNP) here on Sunday night, Prime Minister Mitchell told supporters that not only is the NDC candidate coming up against him in Northwest, St George’s a child, but he is not even aware of his name.”In Northwest, I don’t like child abuse. I have never abused any children but if a child decides to come and face me in politics, I will have to do what the people want me to do.

The problem I have is, I don’t know what the man’s name is. Some people say his name is Allie Dowden; some people say his name is Arlene Dowden. I don’t know; that is what I hear, I don’t know and some people say the name of the one in Carriacou is Teresa Andrews,” he said. The NDC candidate for Northwest is Allie Dowden while the party candidate for the constituency of Carriacou and Petite M a r t i n i q u e , i s Te v i n Andrews. Roberts said that the NDC is of the opinion that the decision by Prime Minister Mitchell to call two young male opposition politicians by female names is an attack on the people whose sexual orientation are different by science or choice. “Th e r e a r e y o u n g people who from birth have to deal with that challenge and when they hear the leader of the main party, the leader of party in government engaging in such distasteful act this can affect them. These are some of the

very young people who are voters, so they deserve to be respected. “I am very offended and y oung people especially those in the youth arm of NNP need to disassociate themselves from this,” he said. The statement by Prime Minister Mitchell has dominated the social media with Kellon Bubb, a New Yorkbased Grenadian social activist condemning “in the strongest possible terms the homophobic jab Dr Keith Mitchell levelled against the NDC caretaker candidate for Carriacou and Petit Martinique. “Calling the young man a “she” isn’t funny. One can certainly make fun of political opponents without engaging in such…diatribe,” he wrote, noting also that Mitchell was among the longest serving leaders in the Caribbean. General election is constitutionally due here by May 2018, but it is widely expected that Mitchell will announce the date for the poll later this year.

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Kaieteur News

Barcelona name Valverde as coach B A R C E L O N A (Reuters) Barcelona named former Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde yesterday as the successor to Luis Enrique and he will take charge of the La Liga runners-up on a two-year contract. Valverde, who will be officially unveiled on Thursday, played for Barcelona as a forward between 1988 and 1990 under Johan Cruyff and is one of many of the Dutchman’s former pupils to have turned to coaching upon retiring from playing. “He’s very happy very excited, he has the ability, experience and knowledge for the job,” Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu told a news conference.

“He loves youth football and he has the right style to coach this club and knows how the club works. He has a high work rate, he is passionate about football and interested in working with the latest technology.” Valverde, 53, began his coaching career with Athletic Bilbao’s youth set-up and is the Basque club’s longest serving coach, overseeing 308 games over six years in two different spells. As well as qualifying Athletic for Europe in five of his six years with the club, who only pick players from the Basque country, he ended a 31-year wait for a trophy by leading them to the 2015 Spanish Super Cup, beating

Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate. He also coached and played for Barca’s city rivals Espanyol, reaching the 2007 UEFA Cup final while in charge although losing to Sevilla on penalties, and won three Greek league titles and two domestic Cups with Olympiakos Piraeus. Va l v e r d e b r i n g s t w o members of his coaching s t a ff a t A t h l e t i c t o Barcelona, his assistant of 15 years Jon Aspiazu and fitness coach Jose Antonio Pozanco. Luis Enrique rounded off his three-year tenure at Barcelona on Saturday by beating Alaves 3-1 to win the King’s Cup for a third year in a row, the ninth trophy he led the club to.

Tuesday May 23, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Financial gains can be made. Get together with friends and catch up on reading and letter writing. You will be able to catch up on overdue paper work. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Broaden your horizons and look into programs that will teach you awareness and relaxation. Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel. Don't let someone take the credit for a job you did. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. Older members of your family may try to take advantage of you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Relatives will be happy that you dropped by. Older family members will make demands on your time. You may attract attention if you get out socially. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Someone you work with could try to undermine you. Look into making changes to your personal papers and don't neglect those bills that have been piling up. You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be the recipient of false information. Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Be careful not to di-

vulge secret information today. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you work in conjunction with someone else you may find they're trying to steal your thunder. You could expand your circle of friends if you get involved in unusual activities. You could lose a good friend because of it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets. It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may overspend if you travel today; however, the trip will be one to remember. Focus your efforts on your work. To avoid any minor health problems, don't get too stressed. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Real estate investments could be prosperous. Try to include the one you love in your plans today. You may find that relationships are not going as well as you'd like. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. You will be in a high cycle regarding work. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You need to reevaluate your situation. Empty promises will cause confusion. Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring.

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde will be in charge of Barcelona. (Reuters / Stefano RellandiniLivepic) Valverde will be thrown in at the deep end with his first competitive game in charge being against Barca’s arch-rivals and La

Liga champions Real Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at the Nou Camp in August. Before then the team

will go on a pre-season tour of the United States with friendlies against Real, Manchester United and Juventus.

Rabada and Parnell blow England away (from page 28) four off the same bowler. He survived one thumping blow to the helmet - Morris responding to the punishment with a fine bouncer - but it was an assured innings amid the carnage. He was left-stranded when Jake Ball missed an ugly slog-sweep - a nicely disguised slower ball from Maharaj deceiving him - and Steven Finn flicked to midwicket. To the last, England remained committed to attacking. It is entertaining, certainly, but in conditions offering any assistance to bowlers it is not especially bright and perhaps exposes a weakness that other teams in the Champions Trophy might exploit. Perhaps a few days like this are inevitable - and worth withstanding - when teams play like England. But when South Africa suffered a late

RHTY&SC congratulates... (From page 31) programmes/activities in his seven years with the BCB. Foster brings a wealth of knowledge to the GNNL as he has served as Editor of close to 30 publications including Club’s Annual Review Magazine since 2000, Annual Review Magazine of BCB (2007-2014), Youth Information Booklet, History of Rose Hall Town 1970-2016, Anti-Suicide Booklet, BCB 75th Anniversary Magazine among others. He has also hosted over 100 Youth Television programmes on DTV-8 for the RHTY&SC. Each one of us at the RHTY&SC are very proud of him and wishes him great success in his new position, the release concluded.

wobble in their run-chase, losing 3 for 6, it did raise the question as to what might have happened at England adapted their aspirations and managed to set a target of around 240 rather than perishing in pursuit of something in excess of 300. Roland-Jones batted nicely and claimed his maiden international wicket when Amla played on as he at-

tempted a pull. But well though Ball bowled, there was no doubt that England missed the depth their trio of allrounders, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali, offers them. Scores: South Africa 156 for 3 (Amla 55) beat England 153 (Bairstow 51, RolandJones 37*, Rabada 4-39, Maharaj 3-25, Parnell 3-43) by seven wickets.

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

Muguruza downs Schiavone Foster urges Blairmont to reach second round Cricketers to Develop a Culture of hard work and dedication Long Serving Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Hilbert Foster on Thursday last issued an appeal to young cricketers at the Blairmont Cricket Club (BCC) to develop a culture of hard work, dedication and positive attitude if they can, to have a successful cricket career. Foster was at the time giving the feature address at the Blairmont Community Centre Main Hall. Foster told the attentive cricketers that success is only achieved via hard work, sweat and there was no short cut to glory. He stated that players who want to become a good batsmen must concentrate on batting and work hard on correcting faults, while bowlers must spend hours in the nets working on varieties and pace. Players like Basil Butcher, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Alvin Kallicharran all came from poor background but were determined to succeed against all odds and as such worked hard to fulfil their dream of playing cricket at the highest level. Foster spoke widely on the formula that youths should use to be successful in life and they included getting a proper educational

background, saying No to Drugs and Alcohol, respect for parents and those in authority, full faith in the God you serve, avoiding criminal activities, choosing friends wisely and always aiming for the sky despite the challenges you face in life. Foster also urged the Blairmont club to develop a culture of assisting others as no matter how poor you are, there is always someone poorer than you. He also advised the youths that they should avoid friends who encourage them to follow the evil ways of Satan. True friends, he stated, encourages you to fulfil your dreams to serve the God you believe in and to Say NO to Drugs, Crime, Suicide and Alcohol. The RHTY&SC, M.S Secretary/CEO also urged the large gathering of parents to not only support the outstanding work of the Blairmont Club but to always strive to be the best role model to their children. He urged parents not to consume alcohol, curse or use illegal drugs in-front of children and to make sure that they inspire them to fulfil their potential in sports, culture and education. Turning his attention to

Cricket Administrators, the former Chairman of the Berbice Cricket Board’s Special Events Committee pleaded with them to always put the interest of the cricketers first. He stated that administrators are there to serve the cricketers and not to seek personal glory or to benefit from serving youths. Calling on leaders to be more visionary, he noted that cricket administration is not only about organising matches but also to make sure that every young cricketer understands their role as a representative of Berbice, Guyana, the West Indies and their status as a positive role model. He committed the RHTY&SC to continuing playing a major role in Berbice and noted that the Club would always be a friend of Blairmont Cricket. The RHTY&SC during the ceremony donated three trophies, twelve cricket m e d a l s a n d Yo u t h Information booklets and some gifts for the top Blairmont Cricketers under its Cricket Development Programme. The RHTY&SC, M.S in April had also assisted the Blairmont Club with balls, bats and cricket stumps.

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in action during her first round match against Italy’s Francesca Schiavone. (Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes) PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Returning to the stage of her greatest triumph inspired defending champion Garbine Muguruza to down 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone 6-2 6-4 in the first round of the French Open yesterday. The fourth seed, who had been woefully out of form in the run-up to Roland Garros, never looked in danger of joining Russian Anastasia Myskina as the only reigning women’s champion to lose in the opening round of the claycourt grand slam. The Spaniard outclassed the skilful Italian with her poise and power in muggy conditions. There were several topnotch rallies and Schiavone pulled a few tricks from her bag, threatening in the second set. However, she made too many unforced errors to sustain any form of challenge. “I was so excited to play

here against another champion. Francesca is a legend,” Muguruza said. She credited her win to staying composed throughout. “You need to be focused. You need to be calm. Perhaps the public thinks that, okay, she won last year (so this match should be easy), but you need to avoid being (distracted) with these thoughts,” she told a news conference. “I could have had anyone as an opponent today, but I need to win my own battles, my own fights.” Muguruza raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set and just when Schiavone was starting to work around her opponent’s power as she reduced the arrears to 3-2, the match was interrupted for 10 minutes as a spectator was attended to by firstaiders. The Spaniard won 19 of 20 points after play resumed

and led 2-0 in the second set. T h a t i s w h e n Schiavone’s game fell into place. She broke back and had two break chances in the sixth game, which Muguruza saw off confidently. The champion then broke decisively for 5-4. Schiavone saved three match points but volleyed wide on the fourth. Muguruza next faces Estonian Anett Kontaveit, one of the in-form players on clay this season who beat the Spaniard in the second round in Stuttgart. “It’s a tough draw. It’s going to be a tough game. She’s enjoying a very good season on clay. She has an aggressive game too,” the 23-year-old said. “So I’m going to start by enjoying my win today, and then I’ll wonder about the approach for the next game, which will be tough.”

Tiger Woods arrested in Florida on DUI charge: reports

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over donation to BCC President Shabeer Baksh

(Reuters) Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in South Florida yesterday morning on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to media reports. Woods, who is second on the all-time list with 14 major titles, was taken into custody at about 3 a.m. (0700 GMT) near his Jupiter Island home and released hours later on his own recognizance, NBC affiliate WPTV reported. Woods’s representatives did not respond immediately

to Reuters when asked to confirm the reports. Woods, who is currently sidelined from competition after having his fourth back surgery in April, said last week that he felt better than he had in years and had no plans to retire from competitive golf. “Presently, I’m not looking ahead,” Woods, 41, wrote on his website. “I can’t twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-

term goals.” This is not the first time Woods has made headlines away from the golf course. His private life unravelled in late 2009 over allegations about affairs with several women and ultimately led to the end of his marriage. Those allegations followed a bizarre early morning car accident outside his Florida home that rapidly ballooned into a fully-fledged sex scandal which turned his previously unblemished life and career upside down.

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Spain arrests 14 on suspicion of making, Paire first victim as selling performance-enhancing drugs Nadal starts bid for (Reuters) Spanish police The haul of 3 million The police operation India. raided 25 homes, warehouses and gymnasiums and arrested 14 people accused of belonging to a network manufacturing and trafficking performance-enhancing drugs, the interior ministry said yesterday.

doses of 120 different substances, including anabolic steroids and hormones, and active and inert drug-making ingredients and equipment, was one of the largest in Europe, the ministry said.

took place in Alicante, Valencia, Valladolid and Malaga and began in October 2016 after police detected a wholesale distribution network of manufactured drugs and ingredients originating main ly in C h in a an d

During the raids, large amounts of base ingredients and drug-making equipment were uncovered, suggesting at least part of the network was responsible for the manufacturing of homemade drugs, the ministry said.

10th French Open

BFA / J’s Golden Arrow U20 Tourney

Hopetown United Rangers and Paradise Invaders notch full points

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his first round match against France’s Benoit Paire. (Reuters / Christian Hartmann)

Cleon France and Clevon Henry - Orealla Falcons. Hopetown United Rangers and Paradise Invaders are the latest teams to record victories when the Berbice Football Association (BFA) / J’s Golden Arrow Under-20 tournament continued on Saturday night last at the Scott’s School ground, New A m s t e r d a m . Hopetown were able to keep their composure and stave off a spirited fight from Orella Falcons to win the match 3-2 after initially taking a 2-0 lead. The opening match saw Paradise Invaders mauling Young S t r i k e r s 5 - 0 .

It was Hopetown United Rangers which drew first blood following a wellplaced shot from the edge of the 18 yards box by Matthew Doris in the 34th minute much to the delight of their supporters. It was further celebration for the Hopetown fans and players when a Matthew Doris doubled the lead four minutes after going ahead. However, Orealla halved the deficit through Cleon Henry’s 40th minute strike just before the halfway mark. In the second half, Orealla continued where they left off in the first half

Matthew Doris and Wesley Greenidge - Hopetown Rangers. by taking the attack to the Hopetown team and it brought the required results when the equaliser came through a Clevon France goal from the penalty mark, when the ball was handled in the box by a defender. Both teams kept the pressure on each other, thereafter Hopetown, which would have ended the clash in a joyful mood. Wesley Greenidge’s 70th minute goal made all the difference as it quelled the momentum that Orealla team built, the match ended 3-2 in favour of Hopetown.

Paradise Invaders made light work of Young Strikers by blowing them away, 5-0, all being scored in the first half. Keon Joseph in 2nd minute, an own goal in the 12th minute, Shaqueel De Harte with a brace in the 23rd and 29th minute and Shaqueel Small’s 34th minute effort accounted for Paradise’s goals. Meanwhile, matches will continue on Friday at the same venue when New Amsterdam United face Young Strikers at 19:00hrs the main clash bring together Cougars and Orealla Falcons.

PARIS (Reuters) Rafa Nadal responded to his billing by French Open tournament director Guy Forget as the greatest claycourter in history by brushing aside Benoit Paire 6-1 6-4 6-1 yesterday, launching his bid for a 10th title on the Paris clay. Relegated to Court Suzanne Lenglen while defending champion Novak Djokovic was swatting aside Spain’s Marcel Granollers on the main Philippe Chatrier showcourt, Nadal was imperious as he steamed through the first set in under half an hour. The heaviest of favorites for what would be his 15th grand slam title, he looked every inch the all-time number one Forget had urged a packed crowd to welcome him as before the players stepped on court. Both before the match and in courtside comments following his win, Nadal described Paire as a dangerous opponent, and the Frenchman played with more freedom in a closer second set as the Spaniard

lost his edge. Trading baseline rallies, they exchanged breaks to leave Paire leading 4-3. He had two break points in the following game that he failed to covert, the moment at which he indicated the momentum shifted. “I got two balls, one when I missed my return, and then if it was 5-3 I thought I could finish the set and perhaps I could kind of liberate myself,” he told a news conference. “ ...(So) it’s a bit frustrating to end a game like that. Channeling the confidence built up during a 17-match winning streak in taking claycourt titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, Nadal then pulled clear as Paire suffered a reaction to taking energy tablets. The Spaniard won nine of the last 10 games to close out the match in just under two hours, doing precious little to alter the prevailing view that the Roland Garros throne is his to lose.

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

Rabada and Parnell blow England away ESPNcricinfo - South Africa will go into the Champions Trophy with confidence partially restored after inflicting a crushing seven-wicket defeat upon England at Lord’s. While England had already secured the threematch series with victory in the first two matches, the emphatic manner in which

South Africa wrapped up this win over the pre-tournament bookies’ favourites with 21.1 overs unused will have renewed their belief that, at full strength, they have the team that can win the trophy. The result here was all but assured within the first half hour of the match. Exploiting a hint of assistance from the

conditions and more than a hint from the batsmen, they reduced England to 20 for 6 after 30 deliveries. It was the first time in the history of ODI cricket that a side has lost six wickets in the first five overs. While Jonny Bairstow led something of a recovery, England’s final total of 153 was never likely to prove

sufficient against the No. 1ranked ODI side. Hashim Amla made sure of the win with yet another halfcentury, becoming the quickest man (in terms of innings played) to 7000 ODI runs in history. England’s limited-overs resurgence has been built upon a fearless approach with the bat. And, in

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Underdog teams announcing their presence on big stage - action resumes next Tuesday at the same venue Albouystown created the biggest upset on Night 3 of the inaugural Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal To u r n a m e n t w h i c h continued on Sunday, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The South ward-based team registered a 3-1 triumph over the highlytouted Back Circle unit to announce themselves as serious contenders for the top prize. Also declaring their arrival on the big stage was Future Stars, a subsidiary of Broad Street Bullies, who beat their masters by a 2-0 margin. Another result that underlined the coming out of underdog teams was the 1-1 draw between favourites Sparta Boss and Agricola Champion Boys. The Sparta Boss versus Agricola Champion Boys clash was a fiercely contested encounter that saw the most feared team in the format escape with a draw

A player from Plaisance (orange bib) is closely watched by Bent Street’s Okanie Fraser.

against a team that has consistently showed no fear for them. It took a sixth minute strike from Devon Millington to salvage a tie after Agricola had taken the lead one minute earlier through Lloyd Matthews. In another game that could have serious

implications was the match between Albouystown and Back Circle. The gritty Albouystown unit was led to victory through a brace from the nippy Roy Cassou, who netted goals in the 12th and 16th minutes, while Lennox Cort added the other in the 18th minute. Jermaine Beckles’ 15th minute strike was the lone response for Back Circle. Future Stars 2-0 victory over Broad Street Bullies was the highlight of the night. Keron Solomon and Akeemo Anthony put the result beyond doubt after netting goals in the 17th and 18th minutes respectively. Bent Street, one of the pre-tournament favourites cruised past Plaisance 6-3. Konata Manning fired a pair in the 11th and 16th minutes, while Job Caesar duplicated his effort with a double in fifth and 18th minutes, Sheldon Profitt and Travis Lyken added a goal apiece in the fourth and 15th minutes. For Plaisance, Kester Greene netted in the 12th and

17th minute, while Warren Gilkes added the other in the third minute. In other results, Tucville and Sophia battled to a 1-1 draw with Shem Porter third minute strike handing Sophia the lead, before Dennis Edwards equalised for Tucville in the seventh minute. Tiger Bay and North Ruimveldt encounter failed to produce a goal. Play in the group stage continues on June 6th, at the same venue with another six fixtures. Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers in each pool and the best two third place finishers will advance to the quarterfinals. The other playing dates are June 8th, 13th, 15th and 17th. The winning team will receive $500,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be given $50,000.

conditions offering little assistance to bowlers, it has served them well. Going into this game, they had won their previous eight ODIs and scored more than 300 on all but one of the most recent 11 occasions when they batted first. But in conditions like these - with a slightly green surface, the Lord’s slope and an overcast morning offering just a touch of help to the seamers - that commitment to attack can be exploited. And with Kagiso Rabada maintaining a perfect, probing line and length and gaining just a touch of away movement down the Lord’s slope, England’s apparent compulsion to drive and a failure to adapt to the conditions proved their undoing. Three of England’s top seven, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid, fell as they committed to big drives at deliveries from Rabada. All three were undone by just a touch of movement - there was no faulting the surface - as the ball left them down the slope. The South Africa slip cordon, not at its most reliable in the series so far, made no mistake. Wayne Parnell lost nothing by comparison to Rabada. The left-arm seamer found a couple of beauties to account for Joe Root playing across a full ball that

swung back into him - and Eoin Morgan, with one that demanded a stroke and left the batsman just enough to take a tentatively offered edge. Ironically, it seems that England are at their most fragile in English conditions. At 20 for 6 there seemed a real possibility that England’s record low score in a completed ODI innings 86 made against Australia in Manchester in 2001 - was in danger. But Bairstow, currently seen as surplus to requirements in England’s strongest ODI side, led a partial recovery in a stand of 62 in 14 overs for the seventh-wicket with David Willey. Bairstow, who slammed a career-best 174 in a List A match at the start of this month, restated his case to the England selectors with a third half-century in his last four ODI innings, uppercutting Morkel for one of his boundaries and cutting several more. But when Willey drove to extra-cover and Bairstow was stumped, skipping down the pitch and being beaten by a delivery from Keshav Maharaj that gripped just a little, it was left to Toby Roland-Jones, on debut, to lift England above 150. His innings included a pulled six off Chris Morris - the only six of the England innings and a gorgeous on-drive for (Continued on page 25)

Caesar upsets Perry in 200m showdown Guyana’s first CARIFTA Games 100m gold medalist, Compton Caesar made it clear that his performance in Curacao weeks ago was no fluke when he outran his senior counterpart, Rupert Perry in the 200m to complete a sprint double last weekend. Perry is the current national senior champion, but the junior Caesar was not deterred by that fact when an overseas-based group in association with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosted an Independence Track and Field Meet at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora. Caesar registered 21.42 seconds ahead of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF), Rupert Perry, who had to also settle for second the day before in the 100m. Caesar ran 10.47 seconds in the 100m to win that race.

Tyrell Peters clocked 10.72 seconds for third. Meanwhile, the upsets continued when Linden’s Onasha Rogers outran prodigy, Kenisha Phillips in the 200m in 24.48 seconds. Phillips clocked 24.70 seconds. Another CARIFTA Games gold medalist, Chantoba Bright won the triple and long jump events with 12.18m and 5.96m respectively. Daniel Williams won the Boys’ 16-17 200m in 22.10 seconds and 100m in 10.80 seconds. Both occasions, he finished ahead of Jermaine King. In addition, Alita Moore was absolute class in the sprints, winning her events in a dominant manner. Anfernee Headecker overwhelmed his competition in the men’s 1500m, finishing in 4:06.50, and ahead of Matthew McKenzie (4:15.08).

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Djokovic makes winning French Open start on Agassi’s watch PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Defending champion Novak Djokovic made a winning French Open start under new coach Andre Agassi yesterday, cruising past Spain’s Marcel Granollers 63 6-4 6-2 in the first round. The 12-times grand slam champion parted company with his entire coaching team earlier this month after a string of disappointing

results before inviting American great Agassi to work with him during the French Open. Agassi, however, will only stay for the first week of the tournament due to prior obligations, Djokovic said. The 30-year-old Serbian, without a tour title since J a n u a r y, f o u n d l i t t l e resistance from Granollers, grabbing two breaks early on

in the first set as he chased the 77th-ranked Spaniard around the court. “It was different for me being here this time because being defending champion gave me a lot of relief,” Djokovic told reporters. “I wanted to start off well, engage all engines in the right way which I have done.” With Agassi, sporting a

Shariff stays in charge as Whichy Poo takes feature event at KMTC Horse Race meet

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes the hand of Spain’s Marcel Granollers as he celebrates winning his first round match. (Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes) black t-shirt and sunglasses, quietly sitting in the stands along with the Serb’s entourage, it was a similar story early in the second set with the world number two returning everything Granollers tried to throw at him. He again went 4-1 up before a wobble saw him fail to convert eight set points at 5-3. “A set up and 4-1 up, when I had him on the ropes I just played very bad games,” he said. “That’s the only thing that wasn’t great for me.”

Representatives of the Shariff stable are all smiles as they collect their winnings for Whichy Poo’s victory in the feature event. T h e S h a r i ff S t a b l e showed their opponents who is boss as Witchy Poo ridden By Colin Ross and trained by Zahir Shariff took the feature G3 and lower event when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) held their Independence horserace meet last Sunday at their Bush Lot, Corentyne racetrack. Running in second was T and T of the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Stable. Other

winners on the day saw the race for animals classified J and lower with less than $100,000 earnings being won by the De Rocket from Irish Baby and Red Region. The first race of the day for L and lower horses with less than $50,000 earnings was taken by Born to Dance from the Nurse stable as it won from Dirt man, Lucky Lucky and Something Special. Race two for J and lower

animals saw Party Time from the Demotes stable winning from Red Region. Race three for horses’ classified K saw Born to Dance of the Nurse Stable returning to take the double as it defeated Irish Baby, Confusion and Big Man in town. Race five for I 3 and lower with the 3yrs old Guyana bred horses resulted in Ground Gal upsetting the field to win from Puppy Tail.

Djokovic, though, kept his cool to earn the second set and capitalized on the Spaniard’s accumulating mistakes in the third set to seal victory on his first match point. With eight-times grand slam champion Agassi making a fast exit from the stands at the conclusion of the match, Djokovic heaped praise on his new coach. “It is an incredible honor and good luck to have him with me on the team,” Djokovic said. “Every day is special with him. I am learning something every

day.” He said Agassi, who started working with Djokovic only days ago, would leave at the end of the week. “I will try to use the time with him as best as I can. Plenty of information, plenty of things to process. I think this is exactly what I needed at this moment, a person like him who understands the reactions as a tennis player and a person.” “I changed everyone (coaches). But I will not change my wife. My wife never.”

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Tuesday May 30, 2017

GCB’s Hand-in-Hand Inter-County U-19 cricket

First round washed out yesterday

After a few days of the sunny weather, heavy early morning showers yesterday washed out the first round of the Guyana Cricket Board’s GCB Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Company 50-over Under-19 cricket tournament at Eve Leary and Everest. The abandonment resulted in each team having to settle for two points each. Defending Champions Demerara were set to play the National U-17 at Eve Leary, while Berbice were

scheduled to oppose Essequibo at Everest. The games, scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs, but after a second shower around noon the matches were called off just after 13:15hrs despite a brief period of sunshine as the covers remained on the pitch all day. Tomorrow Demerara battle Berbice at the Providence in the feature match from 09:30hrs, while Essequibo take on the National U-17s at Eve Leary before the final preliminary round is played on Thursday with Demerara coming up against Essequibo at Providence and Berbice going head to head with the National U-17s at Everest. The two teams with the most points will contest the final on Friday at the

B’ce face off with Dem tomorrow at Providence in feature game

The covers remained on the Eve Leary pitch all day yesterday. National Stadium before the Three-Day format bowls off on June 6 with Essequibo facing Demerara at Lusignan on the East Coast of

Demerara and Berbice playing the National U-17s at Providence in the first round. This year’s Regional U-

19 competition will be played in St Kitts from July 21 to August 28, while the National U-17 team is involved in this tournament

as preparation for the Regional U-17 tournament in Trinidad & Tobago from July 8-18. (Sean Devers)

AAG names 50 athletes for South American Junior Championships

Daniel Williams The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) yesterday released a team of 50 athletes that will represent Guyana at this weekend’s South American Junior Championships that will be held at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora. CARIFTA Games gold medalists, Compton Caesar, ClaudriceMcKoy, Chantoba Bright, and silver medalist Anfernee Headecker, as well as the other athletes, who represented Guyana at the C A R I F TA G a m e s i n Curacao are all a part of the team. The list contains 21 female and 29 male athletes. “This will be the biggest team that will represent Guyana at any meet, we have never had a team of 50 athletes represent Guyana on any occasion,” Manager

Compton Caesar Cornel Rose said at a press briefing yesterday afternoon. The athletes were reportedly encamped for four weekends under several Coaches and based on those preparations, the management of the team expect the athletes to keep some medals at home when they come up against athletes from the South American countries on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, when asked about athletes being housed at the National Gymnasium during the training encampment after a News Room photograph of the athletes sleeping on the bleachers was circulated on social media, AAG President, Aubrey Hutson indicated that housing the athletes there was the best they could have done.

“Yes the ideal thing may have been to put them up at the Marriott [Hotel], but we have to understand that it’s one financial pie that we have to share, and how we distribute those finances is that in some areas we’re going to have to make cut backs, in some areas we will be able to do better than what was previously done,” Hutson said. “I have never had complaints about the Gymnasium being not suitable. Matter of fact I’ve never heard the athletes complain that it was too hot. We try to do the best that we can under the present circumstances for the development of this sport and hence the Gymnasium was chosen. It wasn’t the ideal place of choice, but based on the prevailing circumstances I think it was

Claudrice McKoy the best that we could have done,” he added. Guyana will be competing in all of the events with the exception of the female hurdles, steeplechase, heptathlon and hammer throw, which are events that Guyana does not conventionally participate in. However, the Land of Many Waters was able to source athletes to represent in the male steeplechase, hurdles, decathlon and hammer throw. The full team is as follows: Girls: Kenisha Phillips (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Onasha Rogers (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Avon Samuels (400m, 4x400m, 4x100m), Collia Rowe (400m, 4x400m), Joanna Archer (800m), Claudrice McKoy (1500m), Serena Williams (1500m), Leyanna

Chantoba Bright Charles (3000m), Kezra Murray (3000m), Delecia Harper (5000m), Tatyana Blair (high jump), Shontel Browne (high jump), Chantoba Bright (long jump, triple jump), Ruth Sanmoogan (long jump, triple jump), Mian McPherson (Shot put, discus), Kimbily Hilliman (Javelin), Jamecia Scott (Discus), Cassie Small (relay), Tonya Rawlins, Tiffauna Garnett, Tandika Haynes (relay) Boys:Compton Caesar (100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m), Tyrell Peters (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Anfernee Headecker (800m, 1500m, 4x400m), Daniel Williams (400m, 4x400m, high jump), Laurindo Prince (400m, 4x400m), Terrence Fraser (400m hurdles), Hosea Glen (400m hurdles), Samuel Lynch (800m,

4x400m), Ruel Chester (1500m), Ronaldo Wishart (3000m, steeplechase), Nigel Gonsalves (3000m, steeplechase), Matthew McKenzie (5000m), Rondell Newton (5000m), Rickie Williams (10000m), Joshua Wi l l i a m s ( 1 0 0 0 0 m ) , To r t q u e B o y c e ( h i g h jump), Tremaine Browne (long jump, triple jump), Anthony Williams (long jump, triple jump), Ronaldo Greene (triple jump), Jermaine Simmons (shot put, discus), Timothy Sealey (shot put, javelin), Tremaine Beckles (javelin, discus), Jonathan Garnett (relay), Jermaine King (relay), Ryan Bramble (relay), Stayong Wilson (relay), Dennies Roberts ( d e c a t h l o n ) , Te v i n Nicholson (race walk), Jonathan Copeland (hammer throw).

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 30, 2017

PAGE 35

Mike’s Pharmacy, Nauth Motor Spares, Trophy Stall softball

Wellman Masters, Trophy Stall Angels, 4 R Lioness, Sunrisers Masters triumph We l l m a n M a s t e r s , Trophy Stall Angels, 4R Lioness and Sunrisers Masters registered victories when the Mike’s Pharmacy, Nauth Motor Spares and Tr o p h y S t a l l s o f t b a l l tournament commenced on Sunday. At the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda, Wellman Masters defeated Tropical Spring by 121 runs. Batting first, Wellman Masters rattled up 221-3 off their allotted 20 overs. Wayne Jones struck 62, while Lloyd Ruplall made 59, Jagdesh Persaud 38, Greg De Franca 24 and Latchman Kallicharran 19. Tr o p i c a l S p r i n g w e r e bowled out for 100 in 17.3 overs in reply. T. Emmanuel made 26, B. Muller and S. Budhu 13 each. Sheldon Perch had 3-15 and Mike Singh 3-16. At Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast, Sunrisers Masters beat Parika Defenders by two runs. Sunrisers Masters took first strike and made

Wayne Jones 186-6. Richard Patterson scored 78, while Naresh Naim got 47. Beesham Singh had 3-22. Parika Defenders threatened before they were bowled out for 184 in 19.4 overs. Kabesh Persaud made 32 and Devanand Kanan 26; Seepersaud Sukhu captured 3-24 and Seepaul Deon 2-28. In the female segment at Bourda, Trophy Stall Angels overcame Mike’s

Hema Singh

Lloyd Ruplall Wellwoman by 33 runs. Batting first, Trophy Stall Angels scored 124-6. Hema Singh stroked 51, while Alicia Allen made 26; Haseena Mohamed had 316. Mike’s Wellwoman were bowled out for 91 in reply. Zola Telford got 25 and Latoya Smith 13; Allen snared 3-12, Sherika Campbell 2-12 and

Tremayne Smartt 2-15. 4 R Lioness got the better of Blue Divas by nine wickets. Blue Divas took first turn in the middle and managed 88 all out in 11.2 overs. Gailaan Stanford made 19 and Cindy Chinkoo 17. Lisa Gilkes had 1-20. 4 R Lioness responded with 99-1 in 9.4 overs. Akaze Thomspon slammed 44 not

Fitness Express support for Campbell to compete at Sports World Classic in T&T

Jamie McDonald (left) hands over the sponsorship package to Emmerson Campbell. G u y a n a ’s l e a d i n g supplement and fitness products supplier, Fitness Express has once again thrown its support behind 2016 CAC silver medalist and two-time national Men’s Physique Champion, Emmerson Campbell.

Manager/Owner of the Sheriff and John Streets entity, Jamie McDonald presented a sponsorship package to Campbell yesterday to help offset some of his expenses as he gears up to dominate the stage at the Sports World Classic in

Trinidad on June 24. Campbell, one of the Region’s leading musclemen, thanked McDonald for his continued act of benevolence and promised to return to the 592 from the 868 with hardware.

Besides Campbell, four other local athletes, Alisha Fortune, Caerus Cipriani, Ya n n i c k G r i m e s a n d Rashleigh Bentick are scheduled to compete at the Classic which attracts gladiators from Central America and the Caribbean.

out, while Abigail Scott and Aleema Arokium made 20 each. Meanwhile, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association has extended sympathy to the family of late umpire Daniel Richmond. A release from the GFSCA stated that, “It is with heartfelt disbelief that we learnt of the passing umpire Richmond. Mr.

Sheldon Perch Richmond has been with us for a number of years; he was a humble individual that will be missed very much. We sympathise with his family and pray that God gives them the strength to cope. We also hope that with a little more vigilance with the issuance of drivers’ licenses things could get safer on the roads.”

RHTY&SC congratulates Club Secretary/CEO on Appointment as GNNL Director The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S would like to congratulate Mr. Hilbert Foster, our long serving Secretary/CEO on his appointment as a Director of the Guyana National Newspaper Ltd (GNNL). We are very proud of him and wishes him the best in his new position, a release from the club’s Public Relations Officer, Anil Ramnarine, stated. It continued, He has served with distinction over the last eighteen years as Secretary/CEO of our Club a n d h a s a l m o s t singlehandedly spearheaded the transition of the RHTY&SC into Guyana’s leading youth and sports Club. We are quite confident that his visionary leadership and proactive thinking would be a major asset in serving Guyana on a different stage. Over the years he has provided inspirational leadership not only at the RHTY&SC but at the Lower Corentyne

Hilbert Foster Secondary School restoration Committee, ST. Francis Roman Catholic Church Youth Club, ST. Francis Community Developers and the Berbice Cricket Board. At the RHTY&SC he has successfully completed over 7500 programmes/activities under a wide range of subheadings while at the BCB as Chairman of the Special Events Committee he spearheaded close to 200 (Continued on page 25)

t r o Sp Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Underdog teams announcing their presence on big stage - action resumes next Tuesday at the same venue

Part of the action between Tucville and Sophia on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium.

BFA / J’s Golden Arrow U20 Tourney

Hopetown United Rangers and Paradise Invaders notch full points

Shaqueel Small, Keron Joseph and Shaqueel De Harte - Paradise Invaders.

Caesar upsets Perry in 200m showdown

Compton Caesar eases across the finish line ahead of Rupert Perry Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

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