Kaieteur News

Legalize hemp and marijuana? DEAR EDITOR, We talk about creating jobs and having Guyanese be self sufficient yet law enforcement is going around arresting ganja growers with an automatic three years for a non-violent crime, an 18year-old was also arrested and a three-year sentence imposed. If this man wasn’t cultivating cannabis he could have possibly been robbing, stealing, perhaps even killing like many criminals. In an industry that generates over 50,000 jobs globally we need to wake up, get out of our 1920s mindset, stop depending on the prospects of oil to be the savior of an already resource rich country and look to implement regulation or perhaps even the legalization of hemp and its sis-

ter product, marijuana. There are dozens of byproducts including clothing, paper, beauty products, hemp oil and seeds which are rich in vitamins A and B and omega fatty acids and other versatile textiles such as rope and building materials, to be had from hemp. We are literally sleeping on a gold mine of “green” materials, which goes in hand with our “going green” initiative. Are we going to wait again for foreign interest and investment within this industry before we consider making a move? We keep wondering why Guyana’s crime rate is up when people are out here hungry, starving, and looking for a way to make ends meet. Many are without re-

sources, connections or a proper education and we keep arresting them for petty crimes instead of addressing real issues such as lack of adequate, skills, resources or education. Cannabis and hemp alike have proven medicinal benefits and healing properties when compared to alcohol which in many cases is the cause of numerous deaths, murders and accidents. You cannot incarcerate the masses, and not provide a plan to create jobs then wonder why the country is in shambles. Legalizing the naturally grown plant won’t have any more adverse affects than the over consumption of an 80 proof bottle of rum would have within Guyana. Stephanie

INDIGENOUS ISSUES IN GUYANA “OUR PEOPLES” DEAR EDITOR, Silence is no longer the answer to the increasing level of disrespect that is being meted out to the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. This public statement is only being made as a desperate effort to bring into the public the increasing level of discontent being felt by the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. We have been trying since our meeting last year to get a follow-up meeting with His Excellency, President David Granger. Imagine, the collective leadership of all the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana cannot get to see the President of Guyana. Instead we are sent from Ministry to Ministry to see other members of the cabinet. We have complied so far, but it seems to be a tactic to keep us from a meeting. It is our view that the Government has no intention or capacity for addressing the issues that affect the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana and because of this position His Excellency is unwilling to meet the Indigenous Leadership. In 2017, the NTC and other indigenous organisations met with His Excellency, President David Granger, to examine the very contentious Lands Commission of Inquiry (LCOI) which came out of the bilateral agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of Guyana to address Amerindian Land Titling. At the meeting the NTC also called on His Excellency to sanction Mr. Keith Scott for marginalizing the already marginalized indigenous Peoples of Guyana in the highest House in the land. To this

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His Excellency committed to review the Hansard and will so be guided. We are still awaiting action on this issue. Having consulted with our indigenous communities for eight months on the LCOI, the NTC met and submitted our recommendations in relation to the LCOI and requested a meeting with His Excellency by mid-March 2018 to which His Excellency had committed. The President has not met with us yet and his office keeps telling us to meet other members of the cabinet. We have since received communications suggesting that before we meet with His Excellency, that we meet with Minister Allicock. We have done that “twice.” After those meetings we have received another communications from His Excellency saying that before we meet with His Excellency, we must meet with Minister Ramjattan. Exactly one day after receipt of that communication stating that we meet with Minister Ramjattan, we received yet another letter directing us to first meet with Minister Hastings-Williams. There are more than 20 more Ministers; does the NTC have to first meet them all? On the issue of mining, the NTC was also to enter an MoU with the Ministry of Natural Resources. To date, it appears it was only a publicity stunt by the MNRE. Minister Trotman has not responded to the issue of the MoU.It is our concern that with the lack of address to these issues and the incoming IT bill, that the Indigenous Peoples could be charged with sedition when these issues are brought out in defense of “Our Rights.” It is

also our view that the GoG is awaiting the change in the NTC. This is to avoid dealing with the issues, because even with a change in the NTC, the issues will still remain, and the Indigenous Peoples will continue to suffer. I draw your attention to the recent events at Mae’s that saw one of our Indigenous sons being denied his Constitutional Right. This, I can say with great affirmation, is of no surprise. Don’t take the token showing by certain staff of the Ministry of the Presidency/ MoIPA as any indication of commitment to getting this resolved. When Mr Keith Scott insults Indigenous Peoples in Parliament and there is no consequence, it starts to paint a very solemn picture. When Ms Nicolette Henry insults almost half the population in Parliament and there is no consequence, the picture becomes clearer. The callousness of some members of this administration has no bounds. Mr Scott and Ms Henry no doubt had set the stage for what is acceptable “Demeaning and insulting other races is acceptable and there will be no consequence, because I did it in Parliament (Contiued on page 6)

Suicide is neither a selfish nor of their death, so they are you’ve stared down that level cruel act time not thinking clearly or logi- of depression, until you’ve DEAR EDITOR, A recent article in the local media stated, “Suicide is one of the most selfish and cruel acts that any human being can commit…”. Nothing is further from the truth. Such a response reveals absolute ignorance about mental health problems. The Caribbean Voice fervently wishes that journalists and columnists would do the research and get the facts before writing about social issues such as suicide since writing from a basis of ignorance is insensitive to suicide victims and survivors and causes more harm no matter how well meaning.. The reality is that suicide is a desperate act by someone who is in intense pain and wants the pain to stop. That is a HUMAN response to extreme pain, not a selfish one. And over 90 percent of the people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the

cally. In effect a normal person cannot apply his/her thinking process to label suicide victims or survivors because a normal person’s thinking would be entirely different.As a suicide survivor stated in an article in Huffington Post, October 12, 2014, “Suicide is a decision made out of desperation, hopelessness, isolation and loneliness. The black hole that is clinical depression is all-consuming. Feeling like a burden to loved ones, feeling like there is no way out, feeling trapped and feeling isolated, are all common among people who suffer from depression.” This statement also makes it clear that suicide is not an act of cruelty to loved ones, but an act that seeks to relieve loved ones of a burden and all that is associated with that burden. The writer of that Huffington Post article, Katie Hurley, also states, “Until

lost your soul to a sea of emptiness and darkness... you don’t get to make those judgments. “You might not understand it, and you are certainly entitled to your own feelings, but making those judgments and spreading that kind of negativity won’t help the next person. In fact, it will only hurt others.” As loved ones of suicide victims, as suicide survivors, as suicide prevention activists, and as clinical psychologists and counselors, various members of The Caribbean Voice know through experience, the realities of suicide and so we beg all and sundry who want to write on or speak about suicide to not do so without knowing the facts, without speaking with suicide survivors and without understanding how mental health issues affect the thinking process. Sincerely The Caribbean Voice

Why this rush to legalise... From page 4 hallucination, paranoia, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The AFC must also understand that marijuana even in milligram quantities or less will cause serious problems. Marijuana users will be free to engage in poly-drug use which can be deadly and destructive. At this time, Guyana is incapable of handling 100% of problems associated with marijuana. And although Guyana's oldest sociologist is stationed at the child care agency, there is a failure to connect how marijuana can rewire the developing brain and thus negatively influence behaviours and hurt the welfare of a minor. Under these circumstances, it would be reckless for the AFC to press ahead with its efforts to decriminalize this drug when our country is in no way ready for this. Education on this substance is necessary to overcome inherent problems with overdosing, tolerance, relapse, withdrawal and addiction but is lacking.

Further profound stress in this country stands to exacerbate these problems. The AFC must also understand that substance abuse is a very stubborn brain disease to fight, particularly under conditions of poverty. The AFC cannot ignore these problems and blindly press ahead with decriminalization. This is reckless. Last but not least, a lax law on marijuana will encourage the reckless use of this substance like alcohol. It will also increase robberies because the craving for this substance is powerful and users will want to reach for this substance in spite that they do not have the funds. Decriminalization will be disastrous. Given this narrative, I am baffled why the marijuana issue is a top priority for the AFC. Guyana has more pressing issues that need to

be addressed and they include suicide, unemployment, corruption, poor health care and crime among a long list of others. Why is marijuana given priority? Where is the logic? This is senseless. If the AFC is seriously interested in reducing the prison population, then it must invest in education. Education is the only effective and reliable way to realize a real reduction in the prison population. And I sincerely hope that the courts will continue to punish those who are in possession of this drug so as to protect lives. Sincerely, Annie Baliram

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LEROY SMITH DOES WRITE FACTUAL ARTICLES! DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to some contents contained in a letter to the editor and which was published in the Kaieteur News on May 20, 2018 under the caption “Why is Motie Dookie being targeted?” Reference was made about a series of articles I wrote in relation to Deputy Superintendent Motie Dookie who once served as the head of the SWAT Unit and was the subject of a whiskey smuggling scandal. The author of that letter boldly calls for me to write factual articles when in the same letter, she made a number of loose statements. It is always unfortunate when journalists are starved for information while trying to report on certain issues but the moment we are able to break that barrier and gather the facts to do follow-up reports, we accused of either targeting people or reporting inaccurately. The conduct of Mr. Dookie while serving the police force was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions and a simple check of his personal file will confirm this.But there is something that Priya Persaud stated in her letter that seemed to have missed the eyes of the public, the Guyana Police Force and particularity its detectives. “Did it occur to anyone that Mr. Withrite placed the nation at a great risk? The revolver which was stolen is currently being used for the numerous robberies that are currently taking place” Priya stated in her letter. She was at the time making reference to the alleged robbery committed on former

head of the SWAT Unit Lonsdale Withrite who was subsequently removed from his post and caused Dookie taking over the supervision of the unit.It is evident that Priya Persaud knows who reportedly robbed Withrite, the real motive behind him being reportedly robbed, the exact robberies that are being perpetrated against citizens with the very gun that was misplaced during that alleged robbery committed on Withrite and where the next robbery using that very firearm would take place. It raises a serious question as to what really happened on the night Withrite was reportedly robbed. Are we to believe that it was a well-orchestrated plan designed to see a particular outcome?Before Priya seeks to lecture me on how to do the job I am qualified to do, she should seek to work along with the police and point them to the criminals whom she obviously knows and who are using the weapon that was issued to Lonsdale Withrite and is “currently being used for the numerous robberies that are currently taking place” I have done countless reports and filed reports on a

number of issues and officers within the Guyana Police since my main area of focus is crime and security. Yet I have never seen Priya Persaud penning a line about the subjects of those articles being targeted or calling for me to write “factual articles” I am the journalist who broke the stories about the Withrite alleged robbery, the Corporal who was busted smuggling an AK-47 out of Eve Leary, the ASP who reportedly assaulted ranks at the TSU, the Deputy Commander who slapped a constable, the Commander who was removed from his division amidst claims of inappropriate behaviour with junior ranks, the disappearance of narcotics from the office of a senior rank’s office and so many others, all of which I did numerous follow-up stories on. But Priya Persaud never considered my work, then, to be lacking facts or persons being targeted. Now with Mr. Dookie, she finds a voice. I guess every cow feels for her own calf. I have a job to do and I will continue doing so without fear, favor and ill-will, wherever the story leads, I WILL FOLLOW. Leroy Smith

Disappointed about the three or more months without pay DEAR EDITOR, With a heavy heart I am writing this letter. I am a single parent with three children. For the past four months, I have been employed by the Ministry of Legal affairs. When we (the staff) inquire about our salary, we are given an indefinite response. Don’t they have consolidated funds? How do they expect us to get by on a day to day basis with such uncertainty? Before we assumed duty, some of us were working and our bills were being paid. The world doesn’t stop for such uncertainties; bills still have to be paid, our children still have to go to school, food and other miscellaneous expenses still have to be

their fears are unfounded or not, only time will tell! What have we become when our leaders are once again fearful to speak out? Are we in another colonial era? Earlier this year the NTC Executive met to address a variety of issues, most notably our “Land Rights,” mining, and the Amerindian Act. Also at issue was the fact that the plot of land allocated at Sophia to house the NTC’s Secretariat Complex has still not been granted to the NTC - 2 years later, considering that construction has started at a plot parallel to that one originally considered by the NTC. The Indigenous Peoples of Guyana are unhappy, and the brewing discontent manifested itself in calls by some communities for mass mobilization in Georgetown. At that

paid.We cannot tell the social worker or the welfare officer that we don’t have anything to send our children to school.Working three months without pay can be understandable and when those three months are up we are certain about our salary, but not when the three months are up and questions are asked and we aren’t getting any certain answer. It is very unfair because some of us have someone to assist us and some of us don’t. We are trying to earn an honest living and that too is very difficult. The Government needs a better payment system in place. I am very disappointed and frustrated. Yours Respectfully, (Name Withheld)

A Counterproductive Exercise DEAR EDITOR, Readers may have noted with interest, some with dismay, the negative onslaught on systems and procedures said to be obtaining in the Guyana Sugar Corporation. The onslaught continues on the integrity and character of related management personnel, most of whom have sustained the organisation over the decades with a commitment which the current parvenues could not possibly appreciate. For GuySuCo is not a mere industry. Certainly it is well understood by employees of all levels that they work in a his-

Indigenous Issues in Guyana... From page 5 and no one held me accountable, so I cannot and will not hold you accountable.” In discussions with our Indigenous Leaders, there seems little appetite to have disagreement for things that are principled wrong. Out of those discussions, they express fear of further speaking out publically as they witness what became of the Parliamentary Opposition members. They also express fear because they intend on getting into private business after they leave office and they are saying they don’t want to be hassled. Whether

Wednesday May 30, 2018

meeting, we committed to the Indigenous Leaders that it would be premature to just start mobilization without first meeting with His Excellency and asked that we are permitted to meet with him (His Excellency) first and then be guided by those commitments. His Excellency and the Leader of the Opposition are both in receipt of the letter by the NTC committing to mass mobilization if our Rights are not respected. We are yet to see a commitment by His Excellency to meet the Indigenous Leadership - the NTC. I must admit my pessimism of this happening on anything meaningful if not for lip service. Most Respectfully, Lenox Shuman Vice Chair - National Toshaos Council

torically cultural environment, supported by major educational and developmental structures, which interweave into the communities in which the Corporation operates. The relationship between employee and organisation has always been a deep psychological, if not spiritual one – much more than just an industrial connection. So that when both the familiar and uninitiated are bombarded, as in recent times, by a misrepresentation of fundamental organisational facts, little can they appreciate the effects of the mis-portrayal of roles, and indeed of lives of the players involved, and consequently the impact on their families, who must in turn be asking their employed parents and siblings, what it is that you have done, or been doing, wrong. But this scenario of doubt and uncertainty is hardly confined to a domestic space. It in fact transcends departments, organisation unto the perception of prospective

stakeholders for whom a ‘Special’ mechanism has been established to market defunct estates as opportunities for productive investment.In this competitive world, one can hardly afford to underestimate the sensitivity of experienced investors about the socio-economic environments in which they may wish to adventure. So that to advertise the largest and most populous industry in the country as depletive of skills, competencies, morality and character, is to communicate to the enquirer a profound message regarding the extent to which both the salesman and the marketed productives can be trusted. For at this particular juncture the explicit message is, that no trust exists between the pretending ownership and the demotivated captives. Exactly who then wins and who loses?? It has been nothing but a series of fundamentally counterproductive interventions!! E.B. John

The coalition ... From page 4 disrepute in instances. Importantly, as it takes credit for what it calls the fight for democracy, end to authoritarian governance, and attainment of free and fair elections, its members remain deprived at the party level. As a party it is yet to hold an election and have its members elect the leadership, or any general council or congress to hear the input of its membership. Leaders continue to be appointed and there’s no structure in place for mass input from its membership. Politics in Guyana has descended to brutish cunning and double standards. Strong perception that the pursuit for and retaining of political leadership is not that of service to the people but securing a post-retirement community to ensure

public presence and influencing of a self-styled elite cadre and opportunity to use the electorate for privileged access, cannot be ignored. Public Service is waning in political actions, office holders and seekers of it.More is needed from all the politicians beyond calling for actions they are in the driving seat to execute, or running for office because such positions bring inherent power and authority. There is urgent need for politicians holding themselves responsible for bringing about the change the people are clamouring for. They need not forget they identified with these concerns and promised to be the change agent. Underwhelming performance continues to reflect a sad state of affairs. Minette Bacchus.

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Child’s cultural wear rejection …

Amerindian community mounts protest against Mae’s Schools

A section of the protesters outside Mae’s yesterday

Y

esterday members and friends of the Amerindian community staged a protest in front of the privately-owned Mae’s School at Third Avenue, Subryanville. The protest was as a result of a reported action by the school on Friday. Nine-year-old Joshua Chacon was reportedly informed that his cultural wear was inappropriate. It all started when Mae’s sent a letter to Joshua’s mother, suggesting that he wear attire reflective of his culture. In a letter dated May 15, 2018, addressed to Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) and headed “ACTIVITIES FOR MAY”, part one of those activities was “CAREER DAY” - that was Tuesday May 22nd, 2018. It required parents to dress their child to depict a profession of his choice. The second part of that letter was labelled, “INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS” and stated, “in celebration of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, pupils will be allowed to dress in their cultural wear, depicting an ethnic group of their

choice on Friday, May 25, 2018.” Karen Small, Joshua Chacon’s mother, dressed her son in traditional Amerindian attire and took him to school, only to be told that his outfit was inappropriate. Ms Small then took to social media, and expressed her dissatisfaction in a post on Facebook. That was accompanied by a photo of her son with the Amerindian wear that she said the administration at MAE’S found inappropriate. The situation escalated to yesterday’s protest which saw the participation of Mr. Joel Fredricks, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Mr. Mervyn Williams, Ministerial Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous People (who claimed to be there in his personal capacity as an Amerindian) and a number of prominent individuals from the Amerindian community. They all claimed discrimination against Amerindians. In the wake of the protest and three days after the child claimed that he was discriminated against, the school issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. “The child, accompanied

by his mother, came to the school dressed as has been portrayed. The mother was told at the gate that there MAY be an issue with the fact that he was exposed, but he was nevertheless allowed to enter the school as-is,” the statement said. It added that the child was allowed to continue to his class. The statement claimed that the staff could only speculate that there was some “gawking” at the child “who exited the school building and met with his mother, who helped him don a t-shirt already in her possession”. “At no point was any teacher engaged on this issueeither by the child or his mother.” This contradicted a statement by the mother, who said that she approached the head teacher and was told that the child’s dress was inappropriate. Photographs released by the mother showed the child dressed with his upper body exposed. That prompted a clarification by the school. “There is no clear cut national policy that is consistently enforced (Continued on page 25 )

Under fire: Mae’s Schools

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Don’t lower your standards to attract investors - Mexican Regulator S

By Kiana Wilburg trong environmental regulations for the oil and gas sector will not hamper investor confidence. In actuality, companies like ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron, are used to operating in environments that demand compliance with the best safety standards. As such, Guyana’s authorities should not lower their standards in fear of scaring off rich oil companies. This salient piece of advice was recently provided by Executive Director of Agency for Security, Energy and the

Environment (ASEA) of Mexico, Carlos De Regules Ruiz-Funes. In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, the Mexican official said he has noted some of the concerns regarding vague contractual terms for environmental protection. He stated, however, that from his experience, keeping a high standard and ensuring the implementation of best practices will benefit the country in the long run. The Mexican official said,

“If you start having considerations as to the competitiveness of your regulations, then you aren’t doing your job. You will end up lowering your standards to attract investments. It really won’t be good for investment decisions. In a previous life, I was the Vice President of Strategy Planning in PEMEX (Mexico’s National Oil Company). I was responsible for putting together the business plan for 20 years.” Ruiz-Funes continued,

“And one thing we looked at very carefully was the stability of the regulatory framework. We didn’t want it to go down and deregulate all things concerning the environment, because in the same way you deregulate for political or commercial reasons, you over-regulate for the same…Companies like Exxon, Shell, Chevron, they are accustomed to operating in global environments, and regulated environments.” The Executive Director added, “So for Mexico, what we did was understand the best practices in the world, and we put them in the Mexican context. It has worked fairly well. We have a regulatory model with various components to it which have proven to be adequate…” Ruiz-Funes said that prevention is an important aspect of Mexico’s regulatory model. He said that this component allows the ASEA to be proactive. He commented, “You don’t want to react once the accident happens or when the pollution occurs. You want to have environmental and safety management systems in place that are mandatory for the operators and will prevent accidents from occurring.” Reflecting on Guyana’s “clean sheet of paper with oil”, the Mexican official said

Executive Director of ASEA, Carlos De Regules Ruiz-Funes he cannot emphasize enough, the importance of Guyana going with best practices as opposed to thinking it will scare off investors. He reiterated, “They are used to best practices. They need good regulation.” The Mexican official asserted that what scares away serious investors are whimsical political changes to regulations. He said it is therefore important that Guyana’s regulators are free from the influence of the political cycle, and that long

term certainty resides in the regulatory body. There are many examples around the world where the governments of nations ensure that oil companies provide insurance for oil spills. Unfortunately, Guyana is not one of those nations. In the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between the Government of Guyana and USA oil giant, ExxonMobil, there is no provision for insurance to compensate for any adverse effects of an oil spill.

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Guyana Goldfields imports 17 fuel tankers - drops more local contractors O

n November 18, 2011, Aurora Gold M i n e Incorporated (AGM Inc.) signed a mineral agreement with the Government of Guyana outlining very clearly what is expected by this country and the gold mining investor. According to the section dealing with the “Conduct of

Project Operations”, the company agreed that it shall, to the extent “feasible and acceptable to the company in view of the rates and conditions available and in accordance w i t h g o o d mining practices then in use in the international mining industry, maximize the use of vessels chartered in Guyana and other means of

transport available in Guyana”.The agreement went further, outlining what the Canadian-owned investor should do. “If necessary, the company shall make joint arrangements with Guyanese firms for the transportation of its material needs.” The issue would be pertinent amid the ongoing

DEM BOYS SEH

Goldfields mislead de Chronicle When people get cornered and have nowhere to run, dem does lash out. Guyana Goldfields suddenly accusing de Waterfalls Paper of joining wid a political party to attack dem. This is a company wha come here to invest couple dollar. It sign an agreement to use locals in every sphere. Once they want something and Guyana can provide it then dem must use it. For example, dem must use local trucking; dem must use local aircraft; dem must use local boats. Fun encourage dem de govt give dem huge concessions. Now dem tun back and use de same concession fuh bring in dem own plane, dem won boats and dem own trucks. Dem done kick out all de Guyanese. Guyana got nutten to get. Dem boys believe that dem bring in de plane to fetch out de gold, quietly. Guyana wouldn’t have no way to know how much gold get ship out. Remember Cash Jet. He had de money hide in de nose of de plane. This set of people nah only bring in plane; dem bring two dozen fuel tankers. Everybody know de fuel business. That alone does rake in millions of dollars. Dem boys want to know if dem selling

fuel to odda miners in de region. That is de only reason a company gun bring in two dozen fuel tankers. Dem boys want to know who policing de agreement suh de govt can take action when de time come. And dem boys want to know which political party de newspaper align itself to. After all dem boys want dem own political party and dem would want decent people in it; not crooks but people who would want to protect Guyana’s resources and its wealth from foreign crooks. This is de people who pay little or nutten in taxes. In fact, de amount of taxes they pay is wha some small local company does pay. But when dem boys read de Chronicle headline yesterday, dem nearly fall in a coma. It was misleading, dishonest and very dangerous. De headline seh Goldfields pay $168.7 Billion in taxes in two years. When dem boys ask de Editor-in-Chief wheh he pull that figure from he seh de company send it in a press release. Dem boys seh if you don’t know, that amount of money is more than half de annual budget. Wid that kind of money from one company, Guyana don’t need Exxon. Talk half and wait fuh read more lies from dem foreign investors in de Chronicle .

debate over local content and what Guyana is getting in return for the billions of dollars its gives up annually in duty free concessions and tax holidays to investors. While concessions and tax holidays are normal for attracting investors, the debate is centering on how much Guyana should give up. In the case of the Aurora Gold Mine in Cuyuni, Region Seven, which is operated by AGM Inc., the company reached commercial production in January 2016, becoming the largest gold operations in the country. The company contracted a number of local companies to transport fuel, food supplies, chemicals and a host of other

things. A number of the companies invested heavily in equipment, with a few taking loans. About a year ago, as it started improving its cash situation, the company brought in its own fuel trucks, reportedly more than 15 of them.Today, a number of the local companies are reporting a significant loss of work, with the majority of their equipment now parked. It would not be dissimilar to the stance that the company has taken by bringing in its own plane. Prior to commercial operations, the company had been contracting out significant business to the local aviation operators.

It now has a Twin-Otter which is conducting several daily flights. It contracted the plane from a firm in Canada.Yesterday, with several companies bidding, the Canadian-owned entity also announced that it has c o n t r a c t e d a P e ruvian company, Stracon, to help move the mountains of materials for the underground mining operation it is getting into by the end of this year. According to the 2011 mineral agreement, the company agreed that it shall conduct operations in a workmanlike and responsible manner in accordance with good mining practices, using standards applicable in the (Continued on page 28)

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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Ganja Law: African Guyanese and their political leadership One of the tsunamic arguments against Walter Rodney, by African cultural and political activists and Afro-centric academics, was that he turned his back on the

building of African nationalism in Guyana under Burnham and the PNC, joined with others, particularly an Indian-dominated party, the PPP, to attempt to remove an

overtly African-conscious administration. Countless numbers adhere to that position, but to date only one African rights activist has come out

and publicly stated that Rodney had no right to oppose a Black government. That is Tom Dalgety, who wrote that in a letter in the Stabroek News. There is both a conceptual and practical problem in that argument. Did Rodney have justifications for opposing a Black government just years after Independence? The answer lies in the nature of the leadership, not the colour of it. Burnham was locked in a zero sum battle with an Indian party. The country was divided right in the middle. But what Burnham supporters continue to deny is that in such a scenario, why did Burnham choose to do offensive things that alienated his African Guyanese? I was on a panel discussion on Channel 9 three weeks ago with Vincent Alexander and UG lecturer Charlene Wilkinson. The issue was race in Guyana. After the programme, as we sat chatting next to our cars, I brought up Burnham’s refusal to have Rodney work at UG. Charlene agreed it was a terrible mistake. Vincent just mumbled something about the role of Green. He couldn’t expand; he will not in the future. And someone like President Granger who is an enduring admirer of Burnham will never discuss that fateful, tragic decision in 1974. It was a decision that led Burnham to the point of no return. How could a postcolonial leader be championing the culture and history of African Guyanese, empowering African Guyanese, and he disallowed one of the great souls of African scholarship to work

in his own country? The mistreatment of bauxite workers over the Riley pension money, and their arrest and imprisonment over strike action in 1976, did not help the image of Burnham as an African icon. From the time Rodney was denied the job at UG in 1974, he rallied against a Black government that he said was not a champion of African people. The PNC as the party of Black Guyanese lost power in 1992. Research would find mountains of evidence to support the claim that the PPP administration, most egregiously the phase of Jagdeo’s presidency, sought to demobilize the political economy of African Guyanese. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that African Guyanese saw the post1999 government as hostile to the interests of Black people. The PNC has returned to power, and there is a creeping sense that we are returning to the hypocrisy of the Burnham era in relation to the interests of African Guyanese. One does not need to consult the files of the prison books. About 98 percent of persons jailed for possession of small amounts of marijuana are African Guyanese. About 80 percent of those that have been imprisoned for possession of those small amounts are in the age group 18 – 35. The hypocrisy of the leadership of African Guyanese is becoming morbid with each passing day. And the reticence of African Guyanese about this political abomination is equally morbid. The amendment to the marijuana law was a campaign issue by

Frederick Kissoon the PNC. This columnist spoke at political meetings during the 2015 election rallies, where PNC speakers denounced the harshness of penalties. On the campaign trail in 2015, Joe Harmon and Basil Williams promised changes to the law. Let’s look at the attitude of top leaders of the PNC on the principle of amending the law. First, PNC leader Granger warned that Guyana should be careful in copying what exists in other countries. This strange statement came as he answered questions about the proposed amendment. Basil Williams descended to the chasm of shocking absurdity in exclaiming that to reduce the penalties the government needs to hold a referendum. Williams was a member of the ruling party, the PNC, when the Bill came into effect in 1988. Our everdisappointing journalists need to ask Williams if he recommended that his president and party hold a referendum before the Bill was drafted. Then there is Joe Harmon who, equally shocking as Williams, in justifying the jailing of the poor farmer for eight grams, said the law is the law. Interestingly, these three men are the top guys in the leadership of the party that Black Guyanese support. Part 2 of this column is forthcoming.

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GPL reports Goed Fortuin resident’s clash with disconnection crew A Goed Fortuin resident has reportedly clashed with an electricity disconnection crew, and the police are now examining the possibilities of charges. According to the Guyana Power and Light Limited (GPL), an externally contracted disconnection crew attached to Noel’s Electrical was involved in a physical altercation with one of its customers residing in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara. The crew was at the time conducting disconnection and reconnection services on behalf of the GPL Inc. “The matter involving the disconnection crew has origins in the disconnection crew executing their duties in accordance with standard operating procedures. The account from which the problem stemmed, had an outstanding balance for April’s billing period which remained outstanding as at the May 8, 2018 due date.” Explaining, GPL said that a grace period of 14 days beyond this due date was extended to this customer and a disconnection order subsequently generated on the fifteenth day - May 23, 2018 - and dispatched to the disconnection crew, as no payments were recorded within the grace period.

“On May 23, 2018 the account was disconnected for nonpayment of the April balance. Additionally, during the afternoon of May 23, 2018, a payment was made on the account. The amount tendered liquidated the outstanding balance and the reconnection fee. The account was then subsequently reconnected on May, 25 2018, in keeping with the company’s Customer Service Standards regarding reconnections.” The company made it clear that it does not condone violence in any form against customers, staffers and contractors. “Conflict resolution strategies play an integral role in our service delivery and we will endeavour to better equip our staff and contractors with the tools necessary to avoid incidents such as the one discussed in this release.” According to GPL, an official police report has since been filed at La Grange Police Station on the physical incident involving the disconnection crew and the customer. Both Noel’s Electrical and GPL Inc. are assisting with this investigation.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Businessman gets reduced sentence for causing death of four-year-old The Court of Appeal yesterday reduced a fouryear jail sentence imposed on businessman Tazim Gafoor in November 2014 for the death of four-year-old, Varshanie Seelall. In 2014, Gafoor, of Lot 3940 Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara was sentenced to the aforementioned term of imprisonment after he was found guilty of causing the death of Seelall, when he drove his motor pick-up, GKK 8838, dangerously along the Cotton Tree Public Road, on September 22, 2013. Magistrate Rhondel Weaver, presiding at the Fort Wellington Court, West Coast Berbice, upheld the submissions of Police Prosecutor Corporal, Orin Joseph, who had earlier urged the Court to believe the testimonies of the witnesses, and return a verdict in keeping with the evidence. The Court of Appeal in the ruling yesterday affirmed the conviction, but the sentence which was handed down by Magistrate Weaver was reduced to one year. In his defence in the Magistrates’ Court, Gafoor had contended that a car had emerged from the nearby gas station, and had suddenly swung into his lane. He further explained that another vehicle was parked at the entrance of the Cotton Tree Gas Station, forcing the car to move into his path. However, Police Corporal Joseph said witnesses had

Varshanie Seelall revealed that on September 22, 2013, Gafoor was behind the wheel of the motor pickup as he motored towards Georgetown. The vehicle was travelling at a fast rate of speed, and as the motorist approached Cotton Tree, he lost control and collided with motor car PMM 8599, which was being driven in the opposite direction. In the vehicle, fouryear-old Varshanie Seelall was seated in the rear with her relatives. As a result of the impact, the child received injuries to her head, and had to be taken to the Fort Wellington hospital, from where she was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she remained a patient in the Intensive Care Unit for eight days, before succumbing to the injuries on September 30.

Region Three youths benefit from ‘preparedness for world of work’ seminar Young jobseekers from Region Three yesterday benefitted from a capacity building seminar, organised by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Central Recruit and Manpower Agency (CRMA). The workshop, which was held at the regional office instructed participants on proper resume preparation, interview techniques, work ethics, labour laws, and functions of the CRMA and the Board of Industrial Training. Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran in his address noted that it was necessary for job seekers to be prepared, in order to be successful at an interview. “This workshop will take you to another level. If you look at the programme, the exercise that you will participate in, and the various presentations, will give you an opportunity to move from one upstream to another.” Jaikaran also encouraged the participants to take advantage of the many other training opportunities being offered to them and be mindful of those activities which may negatively impact on their lives. West Demerara Chamber of Commerce President, Haleem Khan pointed to the fact that many of his generation were not afforded the same opportunities as the youths today. “So, we want to prepare you for tomorrow’s future. It is important that we empower our youths; give them the necessary tools to succeed,” Khan said. He also urged them to enroll in institutions such as the Leonora Technical Institute to develop the necessary skills to match the labour market.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Kaieteur News

Repsol and Tullow partner for Kanuku block The contract between the Government of Guyana and Repsol Exploración Guyana has been released, along with an addendum. The addendum shows that Repsol will no longer be operating the Kanuku oil block alone. It is now accompanied by Tullow Oil. Tullow will have a 30 percent share while Repsol retains 70 percent. Repsol is an international energy company, present in 37 countries and with activity throughout the energy value chain, including exploration, production, refining, chemicals, retail sales and the development of new energy solutions. Tullow Oil, parent company of Tullow Guyana B.V. is a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company, which has interests in 90 exploration and production licences across 16 countries that are in West Africa, East Africa and ‘New Ventures’, which include Guyana and French Guiana. Repsol has been present in Guyana since 1997. The company’s current activity in Guyana is focused on the Kanuku block, 150 kilometres offshore Guyana.

The company is targeting an oil prospect in the Kanuku block, where it plans to drill the first exploration well in 2019 to determine if hydrocarbons are present. The Ministry of Natural Resources has indicated that the internal and external ESHIA (Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment) process will begin in 2018. Last week, Repsol’s Director Global New Ventures Mikel Erquiaga and a team from the company met with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. At the meeting, Erquiaga reiterated Repsol’s commitment to its Guyana operations and an aggressive programme of activities that would move swiftly from seismic surveys to exploratory drilling. The Repsol-Tullow contract is quite similar to the other oil contracts that the Government of Guyana released. However, it features a sliding scale for the sharing of profit oil. Guyana will initially get a 50 percent share, but will eventually receive 60 percent. Guyana will only receive one percent royalty. The entire contract can be viewed online at www.nre.gov.gy.

Concession provision for foreign workers is an insult to Guyanese - Jagdeo Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

“Abhorrent” and “insulting” are some of the words used by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo to describe the fact that foreigners contracted to work with ExxonMobil will be given duty free concessions. Jagdeo expressed this at a recent press conference. At that forum, the politician said that he can never beat up on the coalition government over its distribution of huge concessions to various companies. However, Jagdeo said that he has a longstanding problem with the giving of concessions to expat workers. He told media workers, “I cannot beat up on this government for giving concessions to big companies. But I am not talking about every worker, that’s different. I have noticed in some contracts the foreigners get concessions too, I find this abhorrent.” Jagdeo noted, “ExxonMobil can bring a driller or someone to drive a tractor, but because he is a foreigner he gets duty free. That should not be part of any agreement. We had it in the Omai Agreement and we started removing it.” Jagdeo said that he would not put his head on the proverbial block, but he is almost certain that no contract signed by him has that provision. “That was a policy decision for all contracts during my time. You cannot bring in a foreman and he gets all these concessions and a Guyanese foreman does not.”

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (far right) with Repsol officials.

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

Guyana Goldfields inks strip-mining contract with Peruvian Company …Joint partners pledge to use local resources for upcoming project In an effort to meet higher waste stripping requirements, Canadian Firm, Guyana Goldfields Inc. recently inked an agreement with STRACON International of Peru. Stripping or strip mining involves the removal of soil and rock followed by the extraction of the exposed mineral. The open pit mining agreement between Guyana Goldfields and STRACON is expected to last through the end of 2021, based on the projections of mine plan which was released to the press on February 20, 2018. According to a statement from Guyana Goldfields yesterday, its new partner STRACON, is a leading world class contractor focused on open pit and underground mining in the Caribbean and Latin America. Guyana Goldfields boasted that STRACON has extensive experience, providing efficient and innovative mining and earthworks services to international mining companies with the highest standards in safety, environment and community relations. STRACON, along with Guyana Goldfields, says it is committed to the employment of local personnel and the utilization of local suppliers of goods

and services. Kaieteur News understands that STRACON participated in a tender process along with other mining contractors for mining of overburden at the Aurora Gold Mine. The press release for the joint venture partners also stated that the mining requirement is to cover a three-and-a-half-year peak in waste mining requirements. This is in excess of Guyana Goldfields’ own mining fleet capacity. The partnership with STRACON will allow Guyana Goldfields to focus on mining of gold-containing ore for processing. STRACON is expected to commence work on July 1, 2018. Following positive results from accelerating selective underground mining, the Peruvian Company has initiated and continues to advance, the bidding process for the contract mining of the initial underground development. A site visit for potential underground contract miners has been completed and STRACON has initiated the movement of the previouslypurchased underground mining equipment to Guyana. The Company is targeting the commencement of underground development in the fourth quarter of 2018.

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is seeking the public’s help in identifying this man who appears to be of Amerindian origin. The man is a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was transferred from the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in a critical condition. “If you have any information on his identity or that of a relative, kindly make immediate contact with the GPHC or the Ministry’s Welfare and Health Department on Tel# 227-5766,” the ministry said yesterday.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

PAHO/WHO issues MMR vaccination advisory ahead of World Cup

T

he Pan American H e a l t h Organization/ World Health Organization [PAHO/WHO] has recommended that all those travelling to the 2018 FIFA World Cup ensure that they´re up-to-date with all their vaccinations, including the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine. The 2018 World Cup will be hosted this year by Russia between June 14 and July 15. According to a statement issued yesterday by the body, the increase in international travel and the mass movement of people during events such as the World Cup increases the risk of transmission of diseases. Such travel could also increase the likelihood of travellers returning to their countries with diseases such

as measles, which is highly contagious and can have grave consequences on the health of unvaccinated populations. “We recommend that people get vaccinated at least 15 days prior to travel,” said Cuauhtémoc Ruiz Matus, Head of the Comprehensive Family Immunization Unit at PAHO, who added, “Those travelling to Russia should make sure that their vaccines are up-to-date, particularly those that protect against measles and rubella.” Last year, the number of new cases of measles in Europe quadrupled, infecting 22,360 people and leading to 36 deaths. In the first three months of 2018, Europe reported more than 18,000 cases of measles. France, Greece, Serbia and Ukraine are the countries with

the highest number of cases. Russia reported more than 600 cases. Around one million people from all over the world are expected to travel to the World Cup. Of the 32 countries that will participate in the World Cup, 28 have reported cases of measles this year. In 2018, as of the last Measles and Rubella Bulletin issued May 19, 11 countries reported 1,194 confirmed cases of measles in the Region of the Americas: Antigua and Barbuda (one case), Argentina (three cases), Brazil (173 cases), Canada (11 cases), Colombia (25 cases), Ecuador (seven cases), Guatemala (one case), Mexico (four cases), Peru (two cases), United States of America (63 cases), and Venezuela (904 cases).

This is higher than the four countries that registered a total of 895 cases for all of 2017: Argentina (three cases), Canada (45 cases), United States of America (120 cases) and Venezuela (727 cases). The region was declared free from endemic rubella in 2015 and measles in 2016. This followed a 22-year effort that included the mass vaccination of 450 million children, adolescents and adults under the age of 40 from all over the continent between 2003 and 2009. However, imported cases and recent outbreaks in some

countries have put these achievements at risk. “Maintaining the elimination of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in the Americas requires a vaccination coverage rate of at least 95 percent, as well as swift action to detect imported cases and break the chain of transmission,” affirmed Ruiz Matus. WHO/PAHO has been issuing warnings about the situation since May 2017, calling on countries to maintain high levels of vaccination coverage,

strengthen surveillance, and urgently put into place measures to respond to suspected cases. During Vaccination Week in the Americas in April, and within the framework of the 2018 World Cup, PAHO u n d e r s c o r e d t h e urgent need to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. As part of Vaccination Week initiatives, 11 countries announced their intentions to strengthen immunization programmes through the vaccination of six million people against measles.

GCCI to focus on Sovereign Wealth Fund at public lecture today

A

s the Georgetown Chamber of Com merce and Industry (GCCI) endeavours to make a significant contribution to the building of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the Chamber will be hosting a public lecture today. Titled, “Sovereign Wealth Fund: What You Need to Know, Why and What Guyana Needs to Do,” the lecture is being delivered by Attorney-at-Law and Oil & Gas Consultant, Charles Ramson Jr. The event, which will also feature a panel discussion segment, is being held at Roraima Duke Lodge, and will begin at 17:00 hrs (5:00pm). GCCI President, Deodat Indar yesterday noted that the Chamber is one of the first bodies that called the design, development and delivery of the first draft of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. “We made this call since early 2017.” Indar said that the Chamber is “delighted that the Government of Guyana has taken significant steps towards the establishment of the fund. The businessman said that GCCI has a keen interest

Attorney Charles Ramson Jr.

GCCI President, Deodat Indar

in ensuring general awareness in the business community about all aspects of the development of an oil industry. “With that in mind, we decided to hold our first presentation on Sovereign Wealth Fund. This fund will play a key role in the safeguarding of our future oil revenues and it is important that

all are informed about it.” Indar said that the Chamber will continue to host public awareness sessions and “we look forward to working with all parties to make sure that Guyana gets the best from its natural resource and that our government will account for and spend the revenue in a responsible manner.”

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Kaieteur News

Eye surgeries resume at Port Mourant hospital after 3 years - backlog of over 2,000 cases After an almost three-year hiatus, the National Ophthalmology Hospital at Port Mourant, East BerbiceCorentyne is once again functioning. Laser cataract surgeries as well as those for normal cataracts are currently being done. Region Six’s Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen, recently made this disclosure to the Department of Public Information in an interview. The operations were affected after a major fire damaged equipment and the building. He noted, however, that the operations have not yet fully resumed, according to a Government statement. He explained, “Work has not picked up to the full pace as we would have liked. We have new equipment and new personnel, so, as we are getting back on stream and being mindful of the loads of the machine, we don’t want to overload the work schedule as yet. However, I do believe within the next 14 days we should be back at full peak.” Stephens noted that as a result of the break in operations, there was a buildup of over 2,000 cases requiring surgery and every effort is being made to clear the backlog first. This is being done even as new cases are coming in. However, each case is assessed and based on the evaluations, priority is given

to the more critical cases. Additionally, to help better boost efficiency, the Guyana Medical Relief Mission made a donation of Ophthalmology equipment, drugs and medical supplies on May 24. Despite the facility being unable to conduct surgeries for the past three years, screening, testing, and other services were still offered. Previously, drugs, equipment and medical supplies were supplied to the facility through the Cuban Government. This ceased after that contract was halted suddenly, the Regional Health Director noted. Efforts to understand why the contract was stopped were unsuccessful. However, recognising the important role the Ophthalmology Centre played to Berbice residents, the Regional Administration and the Government decided to purchase the necessary drugs. They also wrote to the Guyana Medical Relief Mission for assistance and were successful in covering the initial startup through assistance from donor agencies and the regional health budget. The National Ophthalmology Hospital was constructed in July 2009 and has treated thousands of patients from Guyana and the Caribbean. The facility has the capacity to conduct some 10,000 surgeries annually.

Amerindian community... From page 7 on what is acceptable in terms of exposure for BOTH boys and girls when representing our very diverse culture, especially in this climate where gender equality is being promoted, and specifically in a school environment.” Mrs. Small claims her son was in tears not long after entering the school. He said that he hated how he looked. She said that by the end of the school session the boy had stripped every piece of Amerindian attire from his body. NTC Chairman Fredricks said, “We are a quiet people and we respect the other nations or races. Something like this happening here, I am not seeing what the government is saying about social cohesion. “Is this social cohesion, for a big school like Mae’s to do something like this? Since then to now, no one is coming out and saying let’s make a public apology to the family, to the child. Mervyn Williams also voiced his displeasure with the development, “It was very unfortunate that an institution like this school that is supposed to be propagating and preserving the culture of different races, would do something like this; we have many ethnic groups in Guyana, and it would actually blatantly discriminate against a brother from a particular group. “I think it’s very unfortunate, and I think this should not be allowed, I think the Ministry of Education should do something to ensure this doesn’t happen again, not only to our indigenous brothers and sisters, but to any other ethnic group.” Mae’s said yesterday, that it will never engage in any discriminatory behaviour. The school said that it is very supportive of social cohesion, hence the willingness to host Culture Day.

The National Ophthalmology Hospital, Port Mourant, East Berbice, Corentyne.

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

Kaieteur News

Antigua police investigate death of Guyanese man FOR RENT

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Antigua (Antigua Observer) - The suspected suicide of a St. Johnston Village man has left his devastated family members questioning what could have driven 47-year-old Godfrey Henry to hang himself. Monday morning at approximately 1:45, Henry’s now-grieving sister found him hanging from a curtain tied to the roof of his gallery. Renia Henry told Observer Media that she peered through the window and saw her older brother hanging. “I ran to knock on my mother’s bedroom door. Then, I ran to the back room to get my son, and he and my son’s child’s mother cut him down,” the sibling said. Cheryl Henry, the mother of the deceased, added that her son came home at approximately 11 p.m. on Sunday and was uncontrollably loud, so she asked him to quiet down. “He asked his cousin to borrow her [charger], but he knows she takes it to work…he was cursing, and I told him not to come in. He pushed in the door. Then, I

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DEAD: Godfrey Henry didn’t hear any more noise or talking, so I thought he had gone somewhere to sleep it off, like what he usually does. After about 15 minutes without noise, my daughter came pounding on the door,” she said. That’s when she got the news of the hanging. The police were summoned to the home and the Guyana-born man, who had been residing in Antigua since 2004, was later pronounced dead. Henry’s death has also left his aunt in his homeland devastated by the news. According to family members, the St. Johnston Village man worked as a garbage collector for Rawlins Enterprise, which is contracted by the National Solid Waste Management Authority. Henry leaves to mourn four children, 28-year-old Tony McCallum, who resides in Guyana; Delroy Henry, 25; Scion Henry, 20; and his only daughter, 17-year-old Schion Henry. The deceased also had four grandchildren. “When he not drunk, he is so quiet, nobody knows he is there. He gets a little carried away when he has in his alcohol, but, he was a very kind person,” one of Henry’s nieces said. Renia added that her last interaction with her brother was on Saturday evening when she gave him a plate of food. The deceased migrated here 14 years ago with his wife and resided at Cassada Gardens #2 until they broke up in 2007, and he moved in with his mother. Lawmen said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the unnatural death.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Medical students enlightened about key elements to a good practice “Prepare for a paradigm shift in clinical medicine.” These were the words of advice offered by Trinidadian Medical Professor, Dr. Vijay Narynsingh, as he delivered a stirring presentation at the recent Medical Conference held by the Texila American University for its medical students. In his informed deliberations, Dr. Narynsingh explained to the students, “Here in pre-clinical [studies] you are embedded in books, in library, in reading and writing, but when you go to the clinics the hospital is your new library, the ward is your book, and each patient is a page in that book that has something to teach you.” He also pointed out to the medical students that even as they advance their medical knowledge, they must embrace the notion that each patient they will be required to see is unique. “You can’t say well I saw a hemorrhoidectomy patient yesterday and so if there is another hemorrhoidectomy [case] today I don’t need to see that patient...that’s not true. Every single one is different, don’t miss a single case,” counselled Dr. Narynsingh. A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure to remove haemorrhoids, that is, swollen veins in or around the anus. Hemorrhoids are known to cause symptoms including bleeding, pain, itching, burning and irritation. But according to Dr. Narynsingh, “if you see the same condition 15 times, that is 15 times better than seeing it once. So each patient you must pay individual attention to, and if you haven’t seen patients, then you haven’t read the book; if you haven’t seen patients then you cannot be a clinician...you cannot be a good doctor if you haven’t seen patients,” Dr. Narynsingh asserted. As he enlightened the medical students of the immense benefits they are expected to gain from their exposure to patients, he underscored that “the attitude of caring is an important thing. I find more and more, people are very mechanical about

Professor Vijay Narynsingh

their patients. ‘Oh this is a case of thyrotoxicosis [an excess of thyroid hormone in the body]; it is not a patient who has a family, whose family’s life is disrupted because she has thyrotoxicosis, who has to journey so far [and] whose earnings are affected’. We must look beyond just the clinical scenario and start to understand people,” cautioned Dr. Narynsingh. According to him too, “if we cultivate attitudes of caring, when something adverse happens to the patient, we suffer pain, we have feelings and from that we learn too.” He, moreover, stressed the importance of “knowing” when practising medicine. “Information doesn’t fly into your head like flies or insects; information is something you actively seek, study, learn, repeat and know. It doesn’t just come to you, and people expect that learning is a passive exercise, but learning is an aggressive exercise, more aggressive than going to the gym because it is 24 hours a day...learning is a continuous exercise; it is for the rest of your life.” Added to this, Dr. Narynsingh shared that there are some things that must be inculcated if medical practitioners are to give themselves the best practicing opportunity. He alluded to the importance of following-up with patients, since there is always a lesson to be learnt from each case. The learning process is imperative, he said, since “you are going to make more wrong diagnoses initially than you will make right ones, and that’s a good thing. Certainly I like making wrong diagnoses, because I learn more from making a wrong diagnosis, because it pains me and I have to go back over the history, I go back over the x-rays, I go back over the results...and I learn.”

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Study to examine feasibility of Hope Canal water for drinking purposes Guyana has been awarded US $1.3M to assist in the upgrade of its water sector. The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank yesterday approved the loan to the Government, which will be used to provide consultancy services for a National Water Policy, provide designs and estimates for the construction of water treatment plants and the upgrade of related infrastructure. CDB’s Project Director Daniel Best said Guyana has been seeking to enhance the management of its water resources, as well as increase the availability and access of water to communities. “We expect that these funds will be used to provide technically viable solutions for the improvement of water supply to approximately 68,000 people who live along the coast as well as in the hinterland regions.” In laying the groundwork,

CDB’s Project Director, Daniel Best consultants will also conduct a study to determine the feasibility of using water from the Hope Canal for potable water purposes and develop recommendations for institutional strengthening. The Hope Canal is the waterway constructed a few years ago from the East

Demerara Water Conservancy as alternative drainage to the Atlantic Ocean. According to the CDB, many residents and businesses along the coast experience low water pressure frequently. The projected impacts of climate change are also expected to result in more frequent dry periods, as well as more intense rainfall. The plans for new infrastructure will incorporate climate resilient designs, the CDB noted. This project’s initial phase is expected to be completed within 18 months. The regional lending institution said the project is consistent with its strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development within its Borrowing Member Countries, as well as the bank’s corporate priorities of strengthening and modernising social and economic infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Aurora phases out local fuel... From page 9 international gold mining industry.This is what it agreed to under the section “Conduct of Project Operations”- “In Guyana, the company s h a l l u s e a l l reasonable efforts to give preference, to maximum extent compatible with efficient operations and good mining practices using standards applicable in the international mining industry, to products and services produced and offered in Guyana, provided these are

offered at competitive terms and conditi o n s . ” T h e company also agreed that within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of operations, it shall submit a report to the Government setting forth the relative percentages of foreignsourced and Guyanesesourced goods and services used by the company; measures taken to enhance the role of Guyanesesourced goods and services in the project and measures to be implemented so as to

improve such performance. The report will have to show the performance of the company in connection with its contribution to the economic development of Guyana over the years. “The company shall constantly use all reasonable efforts to improve such performance,” the mineral agreement said. In recent years, with little attention paid to agreements with investors, there have been criticisms about the adherence.

Wednesday May 30, 2018

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28 companies bid to fence New Opportunity Corps As is usually done on Tuesdays, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened several bids. Among the first, the Ministry of Social Protection received 28 for the construction of a perimeter fence at the New Opportunity Corps.

The Ministry of Social Protection received bids for the provision of Security Services.

The Ministry of Public Security received bids for consultancy to conduct a comprehensive study on citizen security in indigenous communities.

The Ministry of the Presidency received bids for the procurement of three (3) new vehicles.

The National Communications Network (NCN) received bids for electrical re-wiring of NCN’s office building at the head office.

For the procurement of two (2) Rib Craft and one (1) Boat Trailer for the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Security received six bids.

For the rehabilitation of the New Opportunity Corps, the Ministry of Social Protection received 20 bids.

The Ministry of Communities received bids for the rehabilitation of East Ruimveldt Market sanitary block, constable’s office, revenue office and construction of fence.

>>>> To be continued <<<<

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

ICC Cricket Committee backs stricter sanctions for ball-tampering (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council’s Cricket Committee backed stricter punishments for balltampering but decided not to do away with the toss in test cricket during a two-day meeting which concluded in Mumbai yesterday. The Cricket Committee was joined by ex-England captain Mike Gatting and David Boon, former Australia batsman and now a member of the elite panel of match referees, to discuss the players’ code of conduct. The committee has recommended giving greater authority and support to match officials, creating a ‘Code of Respect’ and allow-

ing the match referees to downgrade or upgrade a level of offence or sanction. “We had an excellent discussion around the issue of player behaviour and I’d like to thank Mike Gatting and David Boon for joining us and making valuable contributions,” ICC Cricket Committee chairman Anil Kumble said in a statement. “The group felt that excessive personal abuse and ball tampering were serious offences in the game and that should be reflected in the way in which they are dealt with. “There was also strong support for giving the match officials more authority and subsequently greater support around their decision

making.”The announcement follows the ball-tampering incident that occurred during the third test in Cape Town, which resulted in Cricket Australia banning sacked Australia captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. There were also discussions to scrap the timehonoured tradition of a coin toss prior to test matches but the committee did not recommend such a move, calling the ritual an “integral part of the narrative”. However, the committee has urged member nations to continue to focus on delivering pitches that provide a fair contest between bat and ball.

Wednesday May 30, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There is power in your words today, and a great deal of emotional self-confidence, Aries. Things may be moving quite rapidly, but you certainly have the strength and swiftness of mind to keep up. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This is a good day for you to get out of the dirt and into the air in order to gain a fresh, new perspective on a situation, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't twiddle your thumbs today waiting for someone else to make the first move, Gemini. There is apt to be a burning restlessness inside you that's anxious to get things done.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't let things bother you, Libra. Have confidence that you're on the right track. Your strong will and erratic habits will prove quite effective on a day like today SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Find a wide-open field to frolic in today, Scorpio. Pick (or buy) some wildflowers and put them in a vase on your kitchen table. Small things can bring a great deal of sunshine and hope SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Tap into the electrifying energy of the day that encourages social interactions and activities, Sagittarius.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Keep yourself open to all the possibilities that the day brings, Cancer. You'll be surprised at the incredible opportunities that come your way

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Picking up a hitchhiker on the side of the road may at first seem quite risky, Capricorn, but could actually prove to be a rewarding and enriching experience. Dispel the myth of the "dangerous stranger," in which there is always fear of something

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Make sure there is an equal amount of give and take in your day, Leo. Sometimes when you love someone, you just want to keep giving

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Take off to the stars today, and keep your mind and heart open to all the possibilities that can come when you have faith in yourself and the work you do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be at a point in which you just want to stop and rest, Virgo. This is the time to do so. You deserve a break, so take this day and have fun. Be social with large groups of people

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The masculine and feminine sides of your personality should be working together well today, Pisces. The key is to keep the energy moving. Try not to stagnate on any one issue.

Nadal fights... From page 34 6-3 7-5 7-6(4) on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Cilic, who reached the quarter-finals last year, struck 47 winners to seal the victory in two hours and 13 minutes. World number three Garbine Muguruza recorded a convincing 7-6(0) 6-2 victory over Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in a battle of former French Open champions. Canadian teenage sensation Denis Shapovalov hit 32 winners to collect his first main draw win at Roland Garros, defeating John Millman of Australia 7-5 6-4 6-2. British number one Kyle Edmund booked a place in the second round with a 6-2 6-4 63 victory over Australian’s Alex de Minaur. And world number seven Caroline Garcia produced a stellar display to beat China’s Duan Yingying 6-1 6-0 in 58 minutes. Garcia became the fourth Frenchwoman into this year’s Roland Garros second round.

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Warriors sink ice-cold Rockets, head back to Finals Behind another extraordinary third quarter from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors erased a 15point deficit and claimed Game 7 of the Western Conference finals with a 101-92 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday at Toyota Center in Houston. Curry scored 14 of his 27 points in the third period as the Warriors secured their fourth consecutive berth in the NBA Finals. “This is a situation we’ve never been in before ... to win a Game 7 on the road, keep our composure for the whole series,” Curry said postgame on TNT. “All those hurdles and obstacles, we got over them, so it’s an unbelievable feeling, man. Winning a championship is hard, so this is a testament to that.” The championship series begins on Thursday in Oakland, Calif., with the Cleveland Cavaliers representing the Eastern Conference. The same two teams met in the previous three Finals, with Golden State winning the title in 2015 and 2017 and Cleveland emerging as the champ in 2016. Golden State, after trailing by 11 points at the intermission, outscored the Rockets 33-15 in the third period. The Warriors posted a plus-68 scoring margin in the third quarters for the series. “The second half was unbelievable,” Curry said. “This atmosphere is crazy.” The Rockets fashioned

Coach Steve Kerr speaks to one of his star players, Stephen Curry, during Monday’s Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Playoff. their halftime lead on effort, both defensively and on the glass, but when their offense collapsed in the third quarter, their verve dissipated. Houston shot 24 percent (6 of 25) in the third and while missing all 14 of its 3-point attempts. Curry, meanwhile, finished the frame 5 of 6 from the floor while draining 4 of 5 from beyond the arc as the Warriors shot their way to the lead.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said, “I’m proud of our guys for the way they held together after almost coming completely unglued in the first half. But that second half was something, a lot of amazing shot-making from some talented players. And I don’t know what the hell else was going on out there, but we did fight and we got it going in

the second half.” The Rockets missed 27 consecutive 3-point attempts — an NBA playoff record — before PJ Tucker drilled a corner trey with 6:28 left that cut the deficit to 10 points. Houston went 7 of 44 from deep, 15.9 percent, while Golden State made 16 of 39 3-point attempts, 41 percent. Kevin Durant totaled 34 points, five rebounds, and

five assists for the Warriors, and Klay Thompson chipped in 19 points despite early foul trouble. Curry also produced nine boards, 10 assists and four steals.James Harden posted 32 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals for the Rockets, who again were without guard Chris Paul (right hamstring strain). Rockets guard Eric Gordon, who scored 23 points, said of the impact of Paul’s absence, “It sucks because you know you could win this series if we just had one more playmaker. If we had Chris, if he was out there, we’d have been playing on Thursday. It’s just tough.” Harden had a different viewpoint. “We don’t even think about that,” Harden said of playing without Paul. “We had an opportunity tonight and last game without Chris. Obviously, he’s a big part of why we’re here, but we had opportunities, especially in that first half both games.” Harden opened the game 4 of 5 from the floor but finished 12 of 29 for the game. Gordon shot 2 of 12 from 3point range, slightly better than Harden’s 2 of 13. While Clint Capela (20 points, nine rebounds) and Tucker (14 points, 12 rebounds) delivered on the interior, the Rockets were undone by their ineffective perimeter options. Trevor Ariza finished 0 of 12, including 0 of 9 on 3-point tries, while

Gerald Green made just 1 of 7 shots.Harden, who gave the Rockets a 48-33 lead with a transition dunk at the 4:54 mark of the second quarter, fed Capela for an alley-oop layup for a 61-55 lead with 5:38 left in the third. The Warriors followed with a 17-2 run that included five 3-pointers, four from Curry, whose finger-roll with 3:29 left in the period was the lone basket from inside the arc during the decisive run. “First of all, they’ve done that all year against everybody,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said of the Warriors’ third-quarter surge. “That’s what their trademark is; we know it and it’s not like it’s a secret. Just seems like they came out a little more determined than we were in the beginning. The juice was flowing on their side. When they get it going, it’s tough to turn them off.” Durant praised the Rockets, who fell short in the playoffs after posting a leaguehigh 65 wins in the regular season.“Much respect to the Houston Rockets for bringing the best out of us and making this an incredible series and pushing us to the brink,” Durant said. “You’ve got to give respect to them and the great season that they had. But I’m glad that we’re going back (to the Finals) and I’m excited that we’ve got this opportunity. I look forward to taking advantage of it.” (Field Level Media)

Nadal fights off gutsy Bolelli in Digicel and Cricket West Indies Roland Garros opener end sponsorship agreement PARIS (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal resisted a spirited show of aggressive groundstroke hitting by lucky loser Simone Bolelli as he launched his campaign for an eleventh crown on the terre battue of Roland Garros with 6-4 6-3 7-6(9) victory. Resuming the match yesterday after a thunderstorm ended the previous night’s play early in the third set, Nadal was forced to an entertaining tiebreak to wrap up a hard-fought French Open first round encounter. Bolelli resumed play as he had ended the night before: sending down missiles at Nadal from his baseline, seeking to prise open the Spaniard’s defences. Audacious backhand passing shots on the Nadal first serve and delightfully disguised drop shots brought frequent loud gasps from the crowd. Speaking after the match, Nadal said he should have been more aggressive in re-

sponse to the Bolelli attack. “It was difficult today to play so aggressive, being in the first round and against a player who really came on court and decided to play that strong,” Nadal told reporters. Even so, he maintained the calm and poise of a French Open champion who entered the tournament with a 79-2 win-loss record at Roland Garros, retrieving seeminglyimpossible balls and letting rip with his own exquisite passing shots. He survived four set points against him in the tiebreak, coming back from a 3-6 deficit, before finally triumphing. Bolelli was fearless from the outset, with nothing to lose. Nadal, after all, had won his tenth French Open title in 2017 without dropping a single set and has been in imperious form, arriving in Paris with a 19-1 win-loss record on clay this year. The world number one

grinded out Monday’s first set 6-4 but the Italian kept coming, at times hitting the ball harder and flatter than Nadal to lead by a break in the second before Nadal fought back to take a two-set lead. Still Bolelli was not yet done, returning to the court on Tuesday with an early third set break in the bag and hitting ferociously at the Nadal baseline. Yet he was unable to break through and squandered four set points. Even in defeat, Bolelli said he would be leaving Paris happy. “It gives me a lot of confidence, I played a really good tennis,” the Italian told a postmatch news conference. “I think maybe I deserved the third set. But Rafa is like this, you have to go after every point, pushing and pushing.” In other action: Third seed Marin Cilic backed his aggressive style of play to beat Australia’s James Duckworth (Continued on page 33)

ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA - Digicel has reached an agreement to end to its sponsorship relationship with Cricket West Indies one year early following a successful 13-year partnership. Dominic Warne, Director of Commercial, Marketing and Communications for Cricket West Indies, commented; “On behalf of everyone at Cricket West Indies, I would like to thank Digicel for their fantastic support over the past 13 years. It has been a great and successful partnership for both Cricket West Indies and Digicel. We are now primed to take on a number

of new initiatives as part of our recently announced strategic plan to make cricket the heartbeat of the C a r i b b e a n . We h o p e t o make an announcement on our new long-term Principal Partner soon.” Digicel Group CFO,

Raymond Leclercq, comments; “Over the years, we have been very successful in forging sponsorship partnerships with the things we know our customers love most. This approach has helped us to grow the Digicel brand to be the number one brand in the region and to make a lasting impression on our customers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket West Indies for 13 years of amazing partnership and for the opportunity and privilege of helping to bring the fun, thrill and excitement of the game of cricket to a wider audience and in new and engaging ways. We wish Cricket West Indies all the best for the future and will be cheering the teams on from the stands as passionate fans of the game of cricket in the Caribbean.”

Wednesday May 30, 2018

16th NAPF North American Powerlifting C/ships

Space Gym helps power Carlos Petterson Space Gym has continued its tradition of supporting its members who have made the cut at the national level, tangibly. The latest athlete to benefit is national powerlifting sensation Carlos Petterson who will be competing at the 16th NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships set for Mexico City, Mexico from August 2-4, 2018. Gym Manager of Space Gym, Mr. Lucas Matos yesterday handed over a cheque to Petterson to assist with expenses towards the August sojourn. Matos said that since opening its doors over two years ago, Space Gym has sought to encourage its members including national athletes to always aim for the skies. He noted that this encouragement is not only in words but also tangibly. â&#x20AC;?We know how tough it can be in terms of raising funds to take care of your airfare meals and accommodation when travelling let along ensuring that your training routine is second to none to be in tip top competition

shape. It is with this in mind that Space Gym seeks to our members to ensure that they are well prepared physically and otherwise for the task at hand.â&#x20AC;? Matos sated that they would continue to reach out and assist as best they could since they see it as a major responsibility. Petterson, who competes in the 93kg category, in expressing gratitude to Matos and Space Gym for their support said that he is aiming to break the Squat World Record which stands at 303kgs as well as the Deadlift record in Mexico. Just recently, the 24 yearold strongman set an Equipped Deadlift record at the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Intermediate Championships of 320kg; he also set a new Total record. He is also the reigning Pan American Junior Deadlift and Total record holder; Commonwealth Deadlift record holder as well as the South American Squat, Deadlift and Total record holder.

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association hosts first ever Award Ceremony....

From page 37 Winter would also be recognised and honoured by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Primary and Secondary Schools who participated in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association organised tournaments would be honoured, while the sponsors would receive Certificates of Appreciation. Executive of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Sydney Jackman is expected to present a comprehensive report on the work of the sub-association, while President of the Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster has been invited to be the Guest Speaker, Foster is also expected to hand over cricket balls to clubs along with educational posters. The Berbice Cricket Board President during his Face the Clubs Meeting had committed himself and Board to organising cricket at the 20/20, 40-Overs level and Double Wicket levels in the Sub-Association, while he had also informed the Clubs that the Berbice Cricket Board would organise County-wide Tournaments at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Second Division and First Division levels. Foster had also promised that the Berbice Cricket Board and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS would support the hosting of the Award Ceremony, while special emphasis would be placed on coaching. The Berbice Cricket Board has already acquired sponsorship for all of the promised Cricket Tournaments, while the Coaching Programmes would start from this weekend.

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Sawh Volt Inc softball set for La Grange on June 10 La Grange School ground will come alive on June 10 when the Sawh Volt 7-a-side softball cricket competition is

being stage. The competition which is being organised by Greg Singh and Imran Hamid will

see the winning team taking home a trophy and $100,000 and runner up a trophy and $30,000.

The tournament was set to be played on Sunday last but has been re-scheduled due to the inclement weather.

Entrance fee is $10,000. The man-of-the-match in the final, the player that take the best catch, best bowler and best batsman in the tournament, bowler that takes the most wickets in an over, most sixes by a batman in an innings, best bowling figure and batman with the highest individual score will all be re-

warded. The first 10 teams will be accepted and among them set to battle for supremacy are Speedboat, Farm XI, Canal, Young Warriors, MetenMeer-Zorg, Leonora and Success All stars. Action will get under way at 10:00hrs. Teams can contact Hamid on 6225843.

RHTY&SC congratulates six members on National Female Team Selection The Patron, Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS is extending congratulation the six Club Members who were selected recently to play for Guyana in the upcoming Cricket West Indies Female Cricket Tournament, a release from the club informed. The six players that would represent Guyana in Jamaica from the 8th June are Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, Shabika Gajnabi, Plaffiana Millington and Shaneta Grimmond. Two of our members Dian Prahalad and Sherica Campbelle were also named as standby. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS is very proud of all of our members and wishes them all the best in Jamaica. We are confident that the Guyana Team would do well i n t h e To u r n a m e n t a n d make our country proud. Special congratulations are also extended to Shemaine Campbelle on her appointment to the Captaincy of the Guyana Female Team. Shemaine is a National Leader and is known as a Leader who leads by example on the cricket field. The selection of the six Club Members is a fitting reward to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS as we are the only Cricket Club to invest in female cricket in Guyana. The Rose Hall Town Metro Female Cricket Team was established in 2009

and over the last decade has produced numerous players for Berbice, G u y a n a a n d t h e We s t Indies. Campbelle and Gajnabi are currently at the West Indies Training Camp while Erva Giddings has also played at the International level. 2018 has been a remarkable year for us at the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sorts Club as to date we have produce three National Under-15, four for the National Female Under-19 and now, six in the Senior Team. Clinton Pestano and Assad Fudadin have represented Guyana and Jamaica respectively at the Senior level. With Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Keith Simpson being outstanding performers at the Under-19 level, we are confident of more National Players in 2018. Jonathan Rampersaud, one of our National Under-15 players has also been called up to a We s t I n d i e s Tr a i n i n g Camp. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS would like to salute all of our players and publicly acknowledged the contributions of our official cricket sponsors, who on a yearly basis invest into the development of our youths. We share our successes with Metro Office Supplies, King Solomon Logistics, Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Peps D.D.L, Scotia Bank and Gizmos & Gadgets.

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New mum Serena back in the BCB and RHTY&SC, MS to host Joseph Grand Slam groove in Paris “Reds” Perreira for historic visit in July PARIS (Reuters) - Even the Parisian stormclouds cleared for Serena Williams yesterday, as the new mother’s baby steps back to Grand Slam tennis became a stride into the second round of the French Open. Krystina Pliskova, who shared the Wimbledon winners’ stage with Serena back in 2010 — the Czech was junior champion as Serena won the real thing that year, played her part across the net on center court, but there was only one star. Dressed in a skintight, allin-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest to its 7-6(4) 6-4 conclusion. “Two years has been a really long time,” she told the crowd in French, referring to her last match on clay. “I am just so happy to have won a match here... thank you all.” The last time the American had appeared in a Grand Slam tournament was at the Australian Open in 2017, when she won it while pregnant with daughter Alexis Olympia. This time there was a little rust to shake off — she only gave birth in September — and she didn’t quite move as when at her best. But all the same Serena was too strong, too good, simply too Serena for her world 70-ranked opponent. It was a match-up that, in some respects, made a mockery of statistics. The American started the match ranked 9,999th in the race to the annual seasonender. Pliskova sits 52nd. But in the data that counts, Serena is a giant of the tennis court. Her haul of 23 Grand Slam singles crowns beats Steffi Graf’s total by one, and is just one shy of Margaret Court’s record 24. Coming into this tourna-

Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Czech Republic’s Kristyna Pliskova. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) ment her career prize money stood at more than $84 million. That she is currently ranked 451 in the WTA rankings is an irrelevance more pertinent is that she finished 2017 ranked 22, having played only two events all year. In every category, Serena’s achievements dwarf her opponent’s, bar one — Pliskova holds the WTA record for aces in a single match: 31 at the 2016 Australian Open. She cracked 15 past Serena on Court Philippe Chatrier, but even then saw 13 fly past her as the American gave as good as she got. “I don’t know how many aces there were,” Serena smiled courtside after the match. “But I think money

goes to charity, so donate! “I think we raised some real money,” she laughed before making her way to the exit, stopping for selfies and to sign autographs for an appreciative French crowd. Next up for the three-times champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty. It won’t be an encounter Barty will relish. She could be considered the most unlucky of seeds in a Grand Slam, for there can never have been a more dangerous floater in the draw.French Open organizers stick rigidly to the WTA rankings, so would not seed Serena. That is already beginning to look like a mistake Wimbledon — which allows itself some ‘wriggle-room’ — would be wise to avoid repeating.

The Berbice Cricket Board is leaving no stone unturned as it forges ahead with plans to push cricket to its highest level in the Ancient County. The Board with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS would be hosting outstanding Sports Administrator and International Cricket Commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira for a historic three days visit from the 18th to 22nd July, 2018. Planning for the visit is currently underway with former Berbice Cricket Board Secretary, Oscar Ramjeet also playing a major role in acquiring sponsorship. President of the Board, Hilbert Foster stated that one of the major problems affecting cricket in the county is the lack of a proper Management Structure in most clubs, the lack of understanding of duties by Management and how to transform vision into action. Berbice Cricket, he noted would only return to the legendary days of the past when clubs are properly organised and managed. The main objective of hosting the St. Lucia based International Commentator is to use his vast experience and Management Skills to start the process of strengthening the Management of the Berbice Cricket Board and close to 80 cricket

Reds Perreira clubs in Berbice. Foster is of the view that once the Management Structure is sort out, then everything would fall into place. Perreira is expected to arrive in Guyana on the 18th July and would stay at the St. Francis Guest House for the duration of the visit. The four day programme would include a Courtesy call on the Regional Chairmen and Mayors in Berbice, meeting with the Berbice Cricket Board Executives and Committee Members, forum with all Berbice Junior cricketers, Television Call-in Programme and an all day Stakeholder Meeting with all Clubs, Umpires Association and Cricket Stakeholders. A Fund Raising Dinner for the Berbice Cricket

Board is also expected to be hosted. Funds raised would be used for further cricket development in Berbice. The Berbice Cricket Board President lauded the assistance of former Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board, Oscar Ramjeet. The United States based Attorney-atLaw is assisting Foster to raise the necessary sponsorship for the historic visit. Overseas based Guyanese interested in playing a part in the restoration of Berbice Cricket can get in contact with the Berbice Cricket Board President on 337-4562 or Angela Haniff on 333-2375. All Cricket Clubs in Berbice are hereby informed that they would be required to send two representatives to the Stakeholders Seminar/ Conference on Saturday 21st July, 2018, while First Division Clubs would have four delegates. All Berbice Junior and Senior Players, Umpires and Berbice Cricket Board Executives are also asked to take note. Meanwhile, the Berbice Cricket Board is planning to publish a 40 pages Youth Cricketer Information Booklet. The Booklet would be published by September, 2018, and would be given to every youth cricketer in the county.

Pooranmall and Jiaram take Top Honours at Independence Draughts

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association hosts first ever Award Ceremony History would be created on the 10th June, 2018, when the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association holds the first ever Award Ceremony for Cricketers in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association. The hosting of the Award Ceremony would be the fulfillment of a promise made to Clubs by President of the Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster during a Face the Club Meeting in April. The Award Ceremony would

be held at the popular Taj Mahal Hotel and would receive sponsorship from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and the Berbice Cricket Board. Among the Awards to be shared would be Under-15 Player of the Year, Under-17 Player of the Year, Under-19 Player of the Year, School of the Year and Cricketer of the Year. The Awardees would receive trophies and medals, while the Cricketer of the Year

would carry home a bicycle. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association would also create history when it unveils the Upper Corentyne Cricket Hall of Fame to honour Players who have represented Guyana and have since retired. They include Sydney Jackman, Imran Jafarally and Maxwell Georgeson. Ex Berbice Players including Bhim George, Kawal Prashad and Esmond (Continued on page 35)

From right: Ulric Brathwaite, Khemraj Pooranmall, Jiaram and Steve Bacchus. The National Draughts Association ran off its Independence tournament last Sunday at the National Gymnasium. The game was played on the International 100 square Boards and as predicted; Khemraj Pooranmall and Jiaram took top honours over the rest of players. Pooranmall with seven points was declared the winner, while Jiaram, with a close six points took the second place.

Three other players Steve Bacchus, Navin Megbarran and Ulric Brathwaite all ended on four points each. A tie breaker saw Steve Bacchus defeated Navin Megbarran and Ulric Brathwaite to take the third place, while Ulric Brathwaite settled for the fourth position. The game was sponsored by Brans Security Service. Trophies were presented to the top four players.

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Kaieteur News

Four Jaguars players in CWI President’s X1

Keon Joseph

Sri Lanka begins their fifth tour to the West Indies with a three-day warm-up game against a CWI President’s X1 from today at Brian Lara ground in South Trinidad. Four players who represented four-times defending champions Guyana Jaguars in CPL Four-Day First-Class tournament have been included in the 13-man squad for today’s match. Left-handed All-Rounder 27-year-old Bajan Raymond

Reifer who played his only Test against New Zealand last December in the last Test match the Windies played and left-handed batsman 29 yearold Vishal Singh who played the last of his three Tests against Pakistan in May last year in Dominica, both have Test experience. The 24-year-old Chanderpaul Hemraj who made his First-Class debut as an 18-year-old in Trinidad and 26-year-old pacer Keon Joseph are the other Guyana

players in the side which will be led by Nevisian Kieran Powell, one of seven players with Test experience in the squad. The last time Sri Lanka toured the West Indies was in 2008 when they beat West Indies by 121 runs in the inaugural Test match at Providence before losing the second Test in the two-Test series in Trinidad. The first Test in the 3-Test series starts on June 10 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. President’s X1 Sqaud: Kieran Powell (Captain), Sunil Ambris, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Miguel Cummins, Jahmar Hamilton, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Vishual Singh, Jomel Warrican . Team Management Unit: Floyd Reifer (Head Coach), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach), Orlando Griffith (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator), Khevyn Williams (Physiotherapist), Dinesh Mahabir (Analyst), Mushtaq Ahmed (Bowling Coach).

S/Lanka begins C’bean tour today with 3-Day game in T&T

Chanderpaul Hemraj

Richard Pybus will accompany the Unit in his capacity

as High Performance Director. (Sean Devers)

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Forty Pre Level One Coaches complete successful Brian Ramphal/BCB Coaching Programme

The successful participants pose with their certificates.

T

he Ancient County of Berbice would now benefit from the services of Pre Level One Coaches, who on Saturday last successfully completed the Berbice Cricket Board organised Brian Ramphal Coaching Programme. The Coaches who are now in a better position to assist their fellow club members, are better equipped to write the West Indies Cricket Board Level I Coaching Certificate Programme if they so desire. The Brian Ramphal Coaching Programme started last with 45 potential coaches and ended with 40 of them receiving their Berbice Cricket Board Certificate of Participation. The highly successful two days programme was supervised by Level III Cricket Coach Winston Smith and fellow coaches Andre Percival, Tremayne Smartt and Balram Samaroo. President of the Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster at the Closing Ceremony congratulated the forty Pre Level One Coaches for successfully completing the programme and expressed confidence that the county would benefit greatly from the investment made by the Berbice Cricket Board and Brian Ramphal. The Berbice Cricket Board, Foster stated would be investing heavily into training of new coaches, youth cricketers and also

unearth new cricketing talents. He pleaded with the coaches to put into practise what they have learnt and to co n tin u e s eek in g n ew information about cricket. He expressed confidence that the standard of Berbice Cricket would rise as the new coaches would be able to work along with their colleagues at the different levels. The Berbice Cricket Board President expressed disappointment that many players were playing with numerous technical problems and is a sad reflection of the past coaching system in the county. He committed the Berbice Cricket Board to leading Berbice into a modern phase where adequate coaches would be available for training and stated that it is his objective to have a qualified coach in every first division club is the first phrase and later on in every club in Berbice. A l l C a p t a i n s , Vi c e Captains and Managers would also have to attend these clinics as it is very important for them to be fully informed about the game. The progressive Berbice Cricket Board President expressed his delight at the passion, interest and discipline that the participants displayed during the two day seminars and noted that the Berbice

Cricket Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment was worth every dollar used. Special thanks were extended to overseas based Guyanese Brian Ramphal who sponsored the historic Coaching Programme. Ramphal in April 2018, donated $1M to the Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Developmental Programme which is being used for a series of programmes including Educational Posters, Annual Magazine, Aw a r d C e r e m o n y, t h e Coaching Seminar and a Double wicket Competition for First Division Teams. Head Tutor, Level III Coach Winston Smith hailed the Seminar as ground breaking and praised the Berbice Cricket Board for investing heavily into Cricket Development. Smith, urged the Pre Level I Coaches to make themselves available to assist others. The head Coach stated that all the participants were willing to learn and most i m p o r t a n t l y, w o r k e d together as a unit. The two day Seminar included coaching on batting, bowling, fielding, catches, wicketkeeping and running between the wickets. Participants were placed into groups for discussions and to showcase what they have learnt to each other. Among those graduating at the simple presentation ceremony were Albert Budhoo, Philbert Wilburgh,

Best Participant Philbert Wilburgh received his Award from Winston Smith. Neil Rudder, Erva Giddings, Katana Mentore, Winston Rose, Ameer Rahaman, Sylvina Autar, Shamal Angl, Loyydel Lewis, Adrian Sukhwa, Simon Naidu, Raju Singh, Devendra Ramkishun, Joshua Harrichand, Ryan Joe, Surendra Kissoonlall,

Gudakesh Motie and Kandasammy Surujnarine. Junior National Players Kevin Sinclair, Alex Algoo, Kevin Umroa, Javes Karim and Kevlon Anderson were also involved in the Seminar. Philbert Wilburgh of the Police Cricket Club was chosen by the Coaching

panel as the best Coach and received a trophy and medal. Ten of the coaches would be selected by the Berbice Cricket Board to write the West Indies Cricket Board Level One Course, with the Berbice Cricket Board President committing to assisting financially.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 30, 2018

Successful hosting of Caribbean women’s qualifier Lady Jags fail to get past first round for the first time in nine years Group E tainted by power outage

Guyana’s female Footballer of the year Tiandi Smith (19) and Sydney Cummings (4) battle Bajan Deshae Darrell (9) for the ball in a nil all draw. (Sean Devers photo)

Following last year’s successful hosting of the CONCACAF under-17 girls World Cup qualifiers group D, the ruling regional football body had no regrets in granting the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) another opportunity to host another group of qualifiers in 2018, this time, the just concluded Caribbean women’s qualifier group E. The qualifiers which featured Guyana’s senior women’s team, the ‘Lady Jags’, were held at the National Track and Field Facility (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara from May 23rd to 27th and they were smoothly hosted by the GFF with the exception of an unfortunate generator failure which resulted in the floodlights shutting down before the final and decisive match on Sunday the 27th which the local side had to win against Barbados. The power outage occurred just a few moments before Guyana’s national anthem concluded and it is baffling to comprehend how in an international match such an embarrassing thing happened. A disappointing day for the management of the NTFC which hosted the National Schools’ Track and Field Championships, South America Junior

Championships (both for the first time) along with under1 7 g i r l s ; Wo r l d C u p qualifiers; all hiccup free last year. After being delayed by almost an hour, both sides had to hastily get warm for kickoff which was blown shortly after the power issue was fixed. In the end the game was drawn 0-0 which resulted in the Jags finishing second in the group and not advancing from the first round of qualifiers for the first time since 2009. It is also mind-boggling when trying to figure out why the Lady Jaguars, who looked the best team in the qualifiers, played the way they did in the final match. Was it the haste in getting ready after the final match or was it the pressure of knowing that they had to win the final game to advance? Insanity has been described as doing something the same way repeatedly and expecting a different result; and the Guyanese who played a formation with three at the back, from the initial stages to the end of the match had bombarded Barbados with seemingly mindless, long, air-through balls which were safely negotiated by the Bajans. Barbados, unable to qualify with only three

points from two games, entered the final match of the qualifiers as the team with the second weakest defence after conceding three goals from their two previous games, while the Jags attack were the most potent, after netting a total of eight times but they were unable to find the back of the net after deviating from building up plays to the long-ball tactic. “To me the biggest disappointment, the biggest reason for the loss was our inability to dot the ‘I’ and cross the ‘T’ in the final third. Sometimes the stage is big, and the lights are bright, and you don’t get to deliver your biggest performance in those types of moments. I don’t think we played our best game, and that’s the biggest disappointment, but I think we need these experiences in order to be able to move forward,” head coach of the Lady Jags, Dr. Ivan Joseph explained to the media, following the draw against Barbados. Guyana finished the group second with five points, while Bermuda topped with seven points to advance to the next round of qualification where they will be pitted with Jamaica, Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Antigua and Cuba, which will run from August 25th to September 2nd.

ARMS overcome EISS to win E’BO final

Badesh Parsotam, Tamesh Lall and Sheldon Charles. Anna Regina Multilateral School overcame Essequibo Islands Secondary School of Wakenaam by 50 runs to win the final of the Essequibo zone of the Guyana Cricket Board inter schools cricket competition.

Batting first, Anna Regina Multilateral posted 75 without loss with Tamesh Lall scoring 38 not out and Sheldon Charles 31. Essequibo Islands Secondary responded with 25-5; Badesh Parsotam claimed 2-2 and Lance Roberts 1-14.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 30, 2018

PAGE 41

Team Guyana in 2015 CBC, the 2018 squad when selected are fancied to go all the way for championship glory (www.caribbeanbasketball.com photo).

GABF awaits Government funding as CBC Championships’ tip off loom closer The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) will be fielding two teams, Male and Female, in the 2018 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships which will be held in Paramaribo, Suriname from June 17th to 30th. This tournament will also serve as the International Basketball F e d e r a t i o n ’s ( F I B A ) Americup Caribbean prequalifiers, so there will be a lot at stake including a first senior men’s title for the Guyanese. Head of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, is very confident of Guyana men not only moving on to the FIBA Americup next round of qualifications but winning the CBC Championships in Guyana’s neighbouring and fellow CARICOM affiliate, Suriname, when the tournament concludes in exactly one month’s time. However, the women’s chances of glory are slim but the tournament is being used to help advance the development of the r e s u s c i t a t e d w o m e n ’s programme locally. The GABF who are currently funding the costs for accommodation, meals and travel out-of-pocket had requested funding of a total of $10million in early May from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Ministry of the Presidency but are yet to receive a formal response from the either of the government agencies.

Nigel Hinds

Currently, a total of thirteen players, comprising five women and eight men from Linden, Kwakwani and Berbice are currently staying at the Windjammer, Rima and Kanuku Suites hotels in Georgetown as they undergo daily training sessions at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) at 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs respectively for selection on Guyana’s National female and male teams. This, according to the GABF boos, is costing the federation approximately $100,000 each day. Hinds explained that the requested government funding will help cover those expenses in addition to the purchase of overseas based players tickets, the registration fee of both male and female teams in the tournament which will amount to approximately $2million, stipend etc. It was noted that the National Sports Commission (NSC) will provide transportation for the players and officials to the Ferry harbour. The Guyanese women are in Group B with Suriname, Barbados and Dominican Republic. While Group A includes: Bahamas, Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Guyanese men are in Group A with Suriname, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while Group B comprises of Barbados, Bermuda, Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti and Montserrat.

rt o p S Four Jaguars players New mum Serena back in the P. 38 in CWI President’s X1 Grand Slam groove in Paris P. 37

S/Lanka begins C’bean tour today with 3-Day game in T&T

Raymond Reifer

Vishal Singh Serena Williams reaches for a return at the French Open yesterday. (Getty Images)

Warriors sink ice-cold P. 34 Space Gym helps Rockets, head back to Finals power Carlos Petterson 16th NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships

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Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past James Harden (13) during the Western conference final of the NBA Playoffs. (Troy Taormina USA Today Sports)

Space Gym Manager Lucas Matos (left) hands over cheque to Carlos Petterson at Space Gym yesterday.

GABF awaits Government Digicel and Cricket West Indies funding as CBC C/ships’ end sponsorship agreement tip off loom closer P. 41

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