Kaieteur News

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Authorities consider Thursday Edition NEWS urging Mahdia residents in flood-prone areas to relocate AIETEUR

May 30, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

- affected persons built too closely to creeks, outfalls

Online readership yesterday 135,656

GCCI preaches local content but fails to question Exxon on its performance Police nab armed bandit who robbed Stabroek vendors

Parliament unveils presidential portraits

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ine past Presidents were honoured yesterday at Parliament, with portraits unveiled on the main stairway of the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Those Presidents are Arthur Chung

(March 17, 1970 – October 6, 1980), Forbes Burnham (October 6, 1980 – August 6, 1985), Desmond Hoyte (August 6, 1985 – January 9, 1992), Cheddi Jagan (January 9, 1992 – 6 March, 1997), Samuel Hinds (March 6, 1997 – December

19, 1997), Janet Jagan (December 19, 1997 – August 11, 1999), Bharrat Jagdeo (August 11, 1999 – December 3, 2011), Donald Ramotar (December 3, 2011 – May 16, 2015), and the current President, David Granger (May 16, 2015 – Present).

- 'Awara' on the run Almost two weeks after…

Cops still to make arrests in female taxi driver's murder ExxonMobil moves to up profits by 140 percent by 2025

Former Presidents Samuel Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar share a moment with President David Granger after the unveiling

SARA probe of oil blocks a waste of time - Chamber President

Cabinet was aware in 2017 that $85M in textbook contracts went to Trini printers - local suppliers had complained

Kaieteur News

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Parliament unveils presidential portraits

Thursday May 30, 2019

Parliament unveils presidential portraits

The 'Gallery of Presidents' (DPI photo)

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 03

GCCI preaches local content but fails to question Exxon on its performance

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) professes to be an advocate for ensuring locals are given priority in the oil sector. On several occasions, it has even called for there to be a policy that ensures Guyanese benefit the most from the industry.

Yet, it has not asked ExxonMobil, a member of the Chamber, about the details of its local content performance to date.

Further to this, it has never asked ExxonMobil for information to ascertain the extent to which its other members are able to access jobs from Exxon and its prime contractors.

This came to the fore yesterday after Kaieteur News posed several questions at a press conference that was held by the Chamber at its office located on Waterloo Street.

Chamber President Nicholas Boyer took several minutes to elaborate on the need for a Local Content Policy and an effective regulatory environment for the sector. Given his personal stance, as well as the Chamber's unwavering position on the issue, Boyer was asked to disclose how many of his members are registered with Exxon's Centre for Local

Business Development on South Road, as well as how many of the Chamber members benefitted from contracts.

This was asked to determine if the Chamber is aware of the extent to which the absence of a policy was affecting its members from accessing jobs in the industry. But Boyer admitted that he does not have this information. He committed however to getting this data at a later date for the media.

Further to this, Boyer was reminded of the criticisms ExxonMobil faced regarding an aspect of its local content report which was made public last year.

The company had listed several utility companies, restaurants, markets and taxi services, as beneficiaries of its local content efforts. Challenged to say if it has asked Exxon or the Energy Department to see if there has been a reporting improvement, Boyer once again, answered in the negative.

The GCCI President said, “We are probably guilty in terms of needing to do more of the research, because lets be fair, Exxon will measure local content on their terms.

If we want to see better reporting, that is on us...I would not blame Exxon. I would blame us...So if our Department of Energy wants to measure local content, we need to

Almost two weeks after…

Cops still to make arrests in female taxi driver's murder

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lmost two weeks after she was strangled and dumped in a trench, police appear to be no closer to identifying taxi driver Jennifer Bipat's killers or finding her car.

A senior police official had stated up to late last week that no suspects had been taken into custody.

Investigators appear to still be unsure whether the 48year-old was the victim of a carjacking.

Bipat, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, reportedly left a Goed Fortin, West Coast Demerara taxi service at around 16.00 hrs on Saturday, May 18, after receiving a call on her cell phone. She reportedly told the dispatcher that she would not be returning to the base for the rest of the night.

Her body was found at around 09.00 hrs the following day in a desolate area in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. Her car, a white Toyota Premio, PXX 4114, was missing.

A post mortem revealed that she had been strangled and struck on the head.

Relatives have appealed to persons with information about Bipat's death and the whereabouts of her car, to contact the police.

Jennifer Bipat

have our definition and metrics in order which we would ask them to use when reporting.”

He added, “The old report is their local spending and I blame the Department of Energy for not doing more. If I were running the department, I would have engaged with the operators, probably created a local content commission, ask for a certain type of reporting, do my own study that I own as the department ...and see where the gaps were...

So I don't fault the operator. It is on us.”

Boyer acknowledged that while ExxonMobil is a Chamber member, and it was not approached on such issues, he will do so going forward. He said that both Exxon and the Energy Department would be written to for discussions on the issue.

He reminded however that ExxonMobil is not obligated to provide the information to the Chamber.

Boyer said that the government has far more latitude on this front, since the deal it signed with the operator specifically calls for

GCCI President, Nicholas Boyer annual local content reports.

In light of the fact that a number of oil companies are now GCCI members, Boyer told Kaieteur News that the Chamber will definitely ensure it calls for transparency and accountability in the new members' operations.

Traffic cop arrested in connection with May 6 road death in B'ce

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he police have arrested one of their own, as investigations continue into the fatal accident that occurred in the wee hours of Monday May 6th on the Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice Public Road.

Twenty-five year-old Keno Akeem Sinclair was the victim.

Kaieteur News understands that a Lance Corporal who is part of the Traffic Department was reportedly taken in for questioning on Tuesday.

The mangled body of Sinclair, who resided at Lot 136 West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, was found on the abovementioned

Dead: Keno Sinclair roadway around 03:45 hrs by passersby.

Sinclair, a labourer, lived with a family friend and died just metres from his place of abode. He was last seen at a wake in the area and was on

his way home when he met his demise.

The police after receiving an anonymous call responded immediately.

It was reported that Sinclair was struck and killed by a Bulk Truck that transports sugar from Albion Estate to the Rose Hall Estate Bulk Terminal. The driver allegedly failed to stop.

Investigators journeyed to the Albion Sugar Estate, Compound on the Corentyne, where motor lorry GLL 481 was seen parked. Upon examining the vehicle, investigators noticed what appeared to be blood on the lorry. The driver was reportedly seen washing (continued on page 12)

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Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

World Cup and the West Indies The countdown will soon be over. The grand stage is set. All the talking is now history. All of the predicting means nothing. Time to get ready. Let the games begin.

England looks invincible. Australia appears formidable.

India seems suddenly vulnerable. What about the West Indies? They could challenge. They have the advantage of sneaking up on those more highly touted in true dark horse fashion.

On paper a little unflattering; in reality more than erratic.

Looks like a real gamble to risk longshot money. Regional citizens have limited options as to which side to cheer for - other than the home side.

Yes, the game has changed; arguably been revolutionised in the span of a handful of decades. Yes, Test cricket is still king of the hill in terms of prestige, nostalgia, history, legends, and that unique ambience that blends sporting prowess with national fervour and regional pride.

But as technology develops, and cricketing advances (some not so much for the better) have narrowed time and space, as well as attention spans, World Cup Cricket has accelerated its own drawing power, as well as refined interest and that peculiar magnetism that is so much part of the game.

It is an ongoing process that seeks to enhance the once fading allure of the sport in the face of a younger generation committed to the instant gratifications of the shorter formats. Give the people what they want. Let there be something for every type of fan, most of whom are on the run. World Cup Cricket it is, and in the western ‘Mecca of cricket’.

The worshippers will be out in multitudes; most of them electronically attuned, and in tune with every six and strike and slap through the covers. And with more than a few menacing bumpers, mesmerising spinners, and unsung and unknown superstars in the waiting. This is factorymade for an already “underdog” West Indies contingent.

It is a contingent that is now starting its slow, laboured ascent to the level of the genuinely feared and the truly illustrious. That can be advantageous.

There are a couple of swashbucklers in the glorious tradition; this is their moment, their proving ground on the big screen of ferocious competition with and against the best.

The West Indies is going to have to bring and deliver the best game it is capable of every session, every day, every match. There will be no give, no free plays, no mercy. The team is going to have to develop a killer instinct, that disemboweling of opponents, take no prisoners, mentality. All of them. All the time.

To continue with the war illustration, opponents will make every effort to ensure that the pitch is scorched, that there will be no ease as in retreat. Do or die. Go for broke.

Can the maroon magicians find the right combination and the proven formula, and sparkle at the right time?

Amidst the battalions of lumbering, swaggering behemoths, they have to rise to the occasion. A lot of hopes rest with them, many dreams, too. Hope and dreams that refuse to forget or let go of the storied days, still touchable, still visible in the glittering floodlights of the mind’s eye.

There is a great anticipatory hush in Bridgetown, Georgetown, and Kingston. No more sticking inseparably (calls of nature and all) for the ancient, pedestrian rhythms of ball by ball, compliments of the old transistor and radio networks. Gone. There are all those screens and in colour, too: the big ones of television; and the pocketsize ones that fit in the palm of the hand. This is the life.

Greenwich Mean Time means some lost man-hours, some lost productivity, some lost vitality and quality. That does not matter, as long as the men in that denser shade of magenta keep moving along, mowing down, and maximising all the way to the top of the world. They can surprise. Believe.

Magic Johnson and the Guyana Gold Board DEAR EDITOR, Magic Johnson of Los Angeles Laker glitter and immortality and the encircled Guyana Gold Board in the same sentence? Could that be possible?

Real?

Relevant? The answers to those questions are: YES! YES! And YES! Though what is articulated before the public today may catch many offguard, it should not shock anyone. Far from it; because it confirms the culture of this country in all of its grave ills, as well as the men with the dirty invisible hands that have enslaved and hurt the welfare of the peoples of this society. And seek to continue to do so.

For comparison, I refer to an article from the New York Post dated May 29 and titled, “Defensive Magic Johnson blasts ESPN’s report headon.” This was Magic’s response to charges that he did wrong during his leadership tenure with the fabled Lakers.

His first challenge was “Do you think (Lakers owner) Jeannie Buss will allow me to abuse employees? If that were the case, she would have called me in…It never happened.”

In the instance of the Gold Board, I ask almost the same question: do Guyanese think that Raphael Trotman, the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources, would allow me to mislead the workers, customers, dealers, and prospective business partners and agents of this vital state entity? To mishandle the sensitive responsibilities associated with this pivotal foreign exchange earner for the

country? To mangle the trust and responsibilities placed in me by him and this government to take this institution to another level?

Magic did not say this, but now I will. He did not say that as a black man (idolised superstar and all), he would have been quickly run out of town if he had done egregious wrong. I am saying that, as a stranger, as an unaffiliated political presence, as a disagreeable voice in government’s ranksand as an Indian man that failure, wrongdoing, and that which is inferred to in the matter of a dealer license would have been more than enough to be rid of me. To his credit, Minister Trotman has, time and again, expressed his distaste and abhorrence for anything related to racial taint or appearances; has insisted that standards and values be introduced and upheld.

There was very little of those before. Perhaps that is why I am there in the first place, and still around. In sum, had I been different, I would not have lasted. And this being troubled, suspicious, allknowing Guyana, my being on the take or make (or dirty process) already would have been part of the fabric of the culture, and rendered the Gold Board (and self) vulnerable and unable to implement hard roiling changes.

So what is the problem with the Guyana Gold Board?

What is the problem with actions being taken there?

Again, I make reference to the words of Magic Johnson. “A lot of Lakers’ employees did not like that I held them accountable,”

Johnson said. Now there is something to ponder, and to bring closer to the crux.

Accountability? In Guyana?

In Magic Johnson’s example, it was employees. In the Gold Board’s situation, it goes farther and further. At different times, constituents of the Gold Board-directors, workers, customers, dealers, miners, and prospects-to quote Magic, “did not like that the board held them accountable.

That accountability extends first and foremost to me. Thus, I first invite and then I challenge anyone and everyone-this government, this opposition, this or that critic, all customers and partners-to hold me by the highest standards and to find me wanting. I dare anyone: respectfully from His Excellency to the Opposition leadership to whomsoever: check, explore, investigate. I will not shelter under privacy or attorney.

Do your damnedest.

For the third time, I continue with Magic Johnson. Listen to him, Guyana: “That’s what my job was... we had to bring about change and get better.” There is a load of dynamite: “to bring about change and get better.”

Editor, at the Gold Board that meant first tightening up on anti-money laundering policies and procedures. And now the key: implementation.

That meant war. To hell with change and being better; nobody wanted that then or now. Who cares about being better for the economic health of this country and the avoidance of dreaded blacklisting. It is the same people who militated then and

retaliated through the “industrial sabotage” of mercury scares. That was the existential crisis manufactured by those partners who work with the Gold Board, but this time to bring it down. To bring it down because of that and reaching out into the forbidden hinterlands to purchase gold. That was then.

Today is about a mining license process and approval.

There is the inferential and the despicably scurrilous making the rounds, because the same agents behind the mercury scare are now influencing and pressuring to question not the integrity of the process, nor the award of a dealer licence.

Hell no! That is a red herring.

Who cares about that? It is about the proposed implementation of sealing of all exports at CJIA, Timehri to tighten up partially on smuggling and other illegal activities. It is about that horrifying change and the equally arresting changes involving documentation and compliance with export shipment demands that drive gold sector people to generate this storm. And to undermine the Gold Board (and country) at this crucial stage.

Editor, I submit that this counteroffensive by those disturbed by this particular change, this specific attempt towards getting better and being better is what has unleashed the furies of hell, through the convenient cover of a dealer license approval.

Relatedly, this week Guyana fields a delegation at the CFATF conference in Trinidad. The requirements are grueling; the country has Continued on page 6

I ask again, why not just abolish the murder charge and remove the death penalty?

DEAR EDITOR, Six years ago, due to certain developments in the field of ‘Administration of Justice’ in this country, I asked, “Why not just abolish the murder charge and remove the death penalty from the books? (KN Feb 102013.)

On that occasion, I was struck by the frequency with which murder was being converted to manslaughter and I repeated an earlier question, which sought to determine the conditions which were needed to be satisfied before the capital offence punishable by death could have been replaced with the lesser count of manslaughter which merely carries a custodial penalty.

(SN. 03-11-2005).

I don’t recall being

provided with an answer, hence fourteen years later, I am compelled to repeat the question after learning via the Kaieteur News of May 26, 2019 that ‘8 killers were awarded or rewarded smaller sentences in return for early guilty pleas’.

The details in the article, which mainly addressed the issue of the sentences reveal that the murders took place between 2008 and 2014 hence one can hardly accept the submission that the guilty pleas were early.

The smaller sentences ranged from 10 to 16 years which we are advised were dependent on the Trial Judge’s consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors but no attempt was made to make known the circumstances, rationale,

principles and standards which informed the decision to convert murder to manslaughter.

I am of the opinion that this is a vexed issue, which may continue to trouble many stakeholders way into the future and should therefore be treated with urgently.

So vexing it is, that it was the subject of the Stabroek News Editorial of January 24th, 2013 under the caption ‘Murder and manslaughter’.

Therein the Editor bemoaned the fact that murder was being frequently converted to manslaughter to the point where the impression was that justice was not being served.

I would encourage anyone and everyone to read and study that editorial for a reasonable understanding of

the magnitude of the issue.

The last paragraph reads as follows: “It is perplexing that someone who has been charged with murder, placed before a magistrate who listens to the evidence and finds that a prima facie case has been made out against him is subsequently allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter. It also sends the signal that somewhere along the way someone dropped the ball. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left with the feeling that they have not obtained justice.”

I don’t think that the noticeable trend is contributing to an improvement of the administration of justice in independent Guyana and that is very, very sad indeed.

Sincerely, Francis Carryl

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

UG unions on the GTUC DEAR EDITOR, Comrade Lincoln Lewis’ dispute with Mr. Freddie Kissoon has brought into the public domain some issues, which the University of Guyana Unions must comment on. We’d appreciate the opportunity to do so via your newspaper. Please find our views set out below.

1. In the recent past, the University of Guyana’s Unions have benefitted from the counsel and support of the GTUC and Comrade Lincoln Lewis in particular. For these, we remain grateful. However, the text of Comrade Lewis’s two letters to the press reveals that unfortunately, the Guyana Trade Union Congress’ General Secretary no longer has a grasp of the situation at the University, or the nature of the struggle in which the University of Guyana Unions are currently involved. We would have been very willing to explain the situation to the General Secretary if he had asked for clarification.

However, he seems content to receive misguided information from other sources.

The Unions are not only engaged in salaries and wages negotiations with the University’s administration. We are also advocating for an institution-wide commitment and adherence to principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. The latter go to the heart of the proper functioning of the institution in a way that goes far beyond ‘gripes’ or ‘grievances.

The University Unions, for instance, have been calling for an audit of the institution since last year. The Audit Office has indicated its intention to conduct a special audit. Though important, we believe however, that more is required. It is no secret that the Unions are vehemently opposed to the policy priorities of the Vice Chancellor and his so-called ‘Cabinet’.

In our recent letter to President David Granger (copied to the Ministers of Education and Finance) we therefore also requested a management audit to evaluate the

effectiveness of the University’s senior management team and identify both the threats and opportunities confronting our institution so that strategies can be developed to both take advantage of the opportunities and mitigate risks. The advice from Comrade Lewis that we need to submit to industrial relations practice and go to the Department of Labour is consequently completely inappropriate: What use is the Chief Labour Officer in facilitating a management audit of the University?

2. The UG Unions’ dissatisfaction with the GTUC’s representative on the UG council is not a recent occurrence. Since 2015, we’ve informally and formally engaged the General Secretary about the positions adopted by the GTUC’s nominee to the University’s Council.

We met formally with Comrade Lewis last year (25th June 2018) to state our concerns about the stances being adopted by the GTUC’s nominee. Given that a new University Council had just been appointed in March 2018, and the GTUC had once again nominated Mr. English to be their nominee, we wished to once again state our concerns. It was clear that Comrade Lewis did not wish to discuss Mr. English’s performance on the UG Council, and the University Unions therefore decided to engage the GTUC Executive through its President, Ms. Coretta McDonald. While our repeated attempts to contact Ms. McDonald were initially unsuccessful, we were finally able to meet with her after submitting a formal letter of complaint on 17th May 2019 that listed some of more shocking instances of Mr. English’s anti-worker stances. That meeting with Ms. McDonald took place on Wednesday 22nd May, and Comrade Lewis and another member of the GTUC’s Executive were present.

We were told that they would try to contact Mr. English and discuss our concerns with him.

3. Notwithstanding our aforementioned Continued on page 6

PAGE 5

No lines but the waiting trend continues to see a doctor DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me to share with you some of the horrible experiences Berbicians must deal with when visiting the New Amsterdam hospital at evenings. A visit to see a family member recently who got ill turned into a “routine nightmare” when they were made to sit and wait for two hours for a doctor to look at them.

Editor, please note that the patient wasn’t in a line. They as well as the other patients were accepted by the nurses on duty and were awaiting a doctor to review them. You would think that currently when so many doctors are being trained and deployed, the only delay would be 5 to 10 minutes for a doctor to hand over to another doctor as they change shifts.

This trend of “waiting for a doctor” to arrive at the New Amsterdam Hospital is outrageously disappointing and many Berbicians echo this sentiment daily. Sadly, no one has addressed this situation. I personally witnessed persons leaving to go to the nearest private hospital for fear that something could go wrong with their loved ones as they are made to sit among the mosquitoes outside under the shed to wait for a doctor. I remember a month ago giving money to a stranger who said she was super

hungry because she was waiting for nearly 3 hours to see a doctor and only came with her taxi fare.

I do not want to believe that the APNU government would condone such inhumane situations where persons are fearful that things may go wrong because they, or their sick family members, are made to sit and wait for a doctor at evenings. I put it that there is someone therefore purposely sabotaging the New Amsterdam hospital’s service to the public. This cannot be a situation that is purposely being overlooked.

I therefore call on the Hon. Minister who I have great respect and admiration for and the Regional Senior Health officials to take a visit to the New Amsterdam Hospital in the evening to witness the nightmares patients and their families endure. Most importantly, I recommend that there should be someone on duty for the public to speak with or vent or get “proper information on delays” like a supervisor on duty. As of now, you sit and wait with the wind.

I thank the Hon. Minister Volda Lawrence in advance and Mr. Stephens for looking into this matter with urgency, we need to restore the trust of the patients visiting the hospital at evenings.

Yours respectfully, Concerned Citizens of Berbice

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Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

How can the Finance Secretary object to the comments made by the Auditor General?

DEAR EDITOR, I read the letter by Michael B. Joseph, Finance Secretary, published by Stabroek News on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, with some astonishment.

Mr. Joseph, according to his letter, took issue with the comments made by Mr. Deodat Sharma, Auditor General, which were reported on by the local media. Mr. Sharma, in his comments, addressed: 1 - the issue of sole sourced contracts in a recent news reports; 2 – the increased breaches of Guyana’s financial laws; and 3 – the non-implementation of recommendations for corrective action to be taken.

First, the reports from the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee in the local media, last year, had one common line – a line repeated when the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee reviewed different government ministries. It was that the recommendations for corrective action were not implemented. How can Mr. Joseph then object to the comments made by Mr. Sharma?

Second, the Audit Reports for 2014 (the last full year of the PPPC government) and the 2016 (the first full year of the APNUAFC Coalition Government) show a clear

Magic Johnson and the...

From page 4 to do more; the warnings are grim.

Meanwhile, at home, there is the covert resistance to measures about to be enforced, and others on the way. The invisible hands of gold commerce wage war through the spotlight on a dealer license for a man. He is not the problem. The Gold Board directorate, management, and their strategies and operations are the problems. And that is why there is this dealer development. Mercury agitation was sponsored last year. And so, too, is this scrutiny on a process that was endeavoured to be undermined just last year with the last dealer. That one took

on racial and political undertones, but away from the public glare. That prospective dealer prevailed.

No one questioned openly any process then.

But today, while using the same criteria and identical standards, another is dissected publicly, and the Gold Board with it. As said before, this is bigger than him.

This is about the visions and obligations of the Gold Board to change and to be better.

This country had better be.

Regardless of who is in power, regardless of who stands in opposition. Regardless of who leads the Gold Board.

Sincerely, GHK Lall Chairman Guyana Gold Board

increase in breaches of Guyana’s financial laws.

The following are only some examples: • Breaches of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act: 2014 – 47; 2016 – 82 • Breaches of the Procurement Act: 2014 – 16; 2016 – 71 • Overpayment on construction contracts: 2014 – 50; 2016 -126 • Misstatement of Appropriation Accounts: 2014 – 1; 2016 – 3 I ask again, how can Mr. Joseph then object to the comments made by Mr. Sharma?

Thirdly, Mr. Sharma complained about an increase in sole sourced contracts and, in response, Mr. Joseph talks about single sourcing. Does Mr. Joseph understand the difference between sole sourced contracts and single sourced contracts? From his letter, it is clear that he either does not understand the difference or he is wilfully trying to mislead Guyanese people by talking about single sourced contracts when the issue is about sole sourced contracts. In any case no right thinking Guyanese can accept Mr. Joseph’s position as a position that is untainted by tainted by bias and political influence.

Also, it is curious that Mr. Joseph went on to talk about the $150 million of taxpayers’ monies that was spent on 45 forensic audits when he ignored that these contracts were given to handpicked companies. Mr. Joseph talks about the audits without talking about the controversial nature of the award of the contracts for the very forensic audits. Mr. Joseph talks about what the audit finds while contradicting what was said

by President David Granger.

President David Granger in

2016 admitted that the audits did not find “sufficient evidence” to bring criminal charges against former government officials.

Mr. Joseph’s focus on reminding the Auditor General that he must be independent seems clearly misplaced. Given the clear

failings in his own missive, the notion of independence should have been one that he reminded himself of.

In addition to being independent, the Auditor General also has a responsibility to be transparent. For the Auditor General to not respond to the

questions from the local media corps because it puts the current Coalition Government in a bad light would be a dereliction of Mr. Sharma’s duty as Guyana’s Auditor General.

Yours faithfully, Joseph Hamilton, PPP/C MP

UG unions on the GTUC From page 5 engagement with the GTUC, during the Council meeting of Thursday 23rd May, every position adopted by Mr. English on critical issues under deliberation was in opposition to the Unions’. He expressed his support for the Vice-Chancellor being paid in lieu of leave. He also stated his support for the Vice Chancellor gaining a new contract without any evaluation. He advised that there should be a mechanism so that “minor irritants” of staff are dealt with and not come to the Council to “grind” Council down. He also expressed support for the Vice-Chancellor’s spending, stating that he (English) viewed it from a businessman’s perspective.

These views clearly show that Mr. English has an extremely peculiar perspective on the University of Guyana, and the role of the University’s Council. Like Comrade Lewis, he does not grasp that these are fundamental governance principles for which the Unions have been advocating, and moreover what they perceive as ‘minor irritants’ of staff go to the heart of workers’ rights. He does not even appear to understand that the University is experiencing financial difficulties, and that these difficulties are affecting the University’s ability to satisfy its core mandate of educating our students.

4. We note with great interest three points from the General Secretary’s recent letter to the press. The first one states that: “The GTUC sits on the Council as a Social Partner in keeping with its constitutional role. Ours is to bring a working class perspective as to the direction the institution should be going consistent with its mandate in creating an educated populace ready to meet the challenges/needs of national development [our emphasis].” The Unions have written to the TUC and outlined in great detail the multiple instances over many years when Mr. English openly and consistently adopted anti-worker positions. It is ironic that Comrade Lewis persists in his staunch defence of Mr. English whose stance, statements and policy advice contradict the very interests and principles Mr. Lewis notes the TUC ought to represent.

5. The second and third points observe that: “The university unions have a representative on the Council.

That representative sits there as the voice/counsel of organised labour on the campus” and “…our representative does not just act as an advocate of those employed at the UG and overtime has agreed and disagreed with other stakeholders on the Council consistent with interest and principles.” Taken together, these views expressed

suggest that the General Secretary of the GTUC does not consider it necessary for the GTUC’s representative on the Council to act in solidarity with or to protect the rights and interests of the UG faculty and staff. We find this frankly astonishing and a betrayal of the University of Guyana workers by the GTUC - the main umbrella organisation of labour unions in Guyana and the body to which the University Unions (the UGSSA and the UGWU) are affiliated. The UG Unions never had any expectation that the GTUC’s nominee would endorse every position adopted by the Unions – but we did expect that the nominee would not adopt positions that were actively harmful to staff and anti-worker in nature.

However, the harms done to workers do not seem to trouble Mr. English or Comrade Lewis.

6. In light of the preceding, the UG Unions have written to the GTUC to indicate that unless there is some change in the umbrella body’s positions in the next week, we shall be taking steps to disaffiliate from the organization. It would, of course, be a step we undertake with a great deal of regret. However, given the circumstances, we feel we have no other option.

Mr. Bruce Haynes and Dr. Jewel Thomas On behalf of the UGWU & UGSSA Executives

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Cabinet was aware in 2017 that $85M in textbook contracts went to Trini printers - local supplier had complained

President David Granger There is evidence now that since 2017, the award of textbook contracts to overseas printers came with full support of the Cabinet.

According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, in August 2017, the Cabinet of the Coalition Government “noted” the recommendations of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) involving four contracts for printing of textbooks.

In total, the contracts were $101,142,014.

Cabinet, from the documents, “noted” the awarding of two contracts to Trinidads Eniath Printing

Company Limited one for $73.3M and another for $11.4M. The other company that benefitted from the textbook contracts was a local one - A 1 Print Shop. That company received over $16M in work.

This disclosure of Cabinet knowing that printing work for textbooks is going overseas would bolster arguments by local printers that all is not well in their business.

The local printers wants a bigger slice in government contracts, which they say have been reduced significantly in recent years, due to their being handed arbitrarily to the state-owned

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL).

That state company, in turn, has sub-contracted a significant portion of the work to other companies without any clear idea by Guyana whether competitive prices were being paid.

It is now being i n v e s t i g a t e d b y state auditors because of the questionable contracts to overseas companies by GNPL. Local printers have complained bitterly of being sidelined with no tenders advertised for the printing of text and exercise books since 2017. They want government

or the Ministry of Education to insert “domestic” clauses in the tenders which will allow only local printers to bid.

The local printers insist they have capacity and can match prices.

While the Ministry of Education has been forced to turn to overseas publishers with copyright to their books for fresh supplies, there are several local textbooks which can be done right in Guyana.

Over the years, local printers had been getting a bite. That was, until 2017.

It is not chump change that is involved. Rather, this year alone almost $600M has been allocated for

Trevor Bassoo the printing of text and exercise books by Government.

GNPL is under fire as printers are claiming that the state company bypassed them and went to Trinidad Eniath Printery - to order exercise books.

Local printers have insisted that they are being made to submit all kinds of documents and penalized and accused of poor quality work when it is nigh impossible to verify the quality of what is being delivered from overseas.

Over the years, the

ordering of text and exercise books has been under scrutiny, because not only could state auditors not properly verify what was delivered, but there was evidence of poor storage and distribution.

The books are distributed from the nursery to secondary levels to the scores of schools run by government across the country. State auditors, as part of the ongoing probe, were up to last week checking records at the Ministry of Educations Book Distribution Unit.

PAGE 8

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

SARA probe of oil blocks a waste of time - GCCI President

By Kiana Wilburg President of the Georgetown Chambe r o f Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer, is of the firm view that the St a t e A s s e t R e c o v e r y Agency (SARA)s probe of

oil blocks is nothing but a waste of time.

The official made these and other similar remarks at a press conference that was held yesterday at the Chambers Waterloo Street office. There, Kaieteur News

asked Boyer to say if the Chamber is in support of the probe or not.

He was reminded that the investigation by SARA was first reported by Bloomberg.com which quoted the agencys head, Dr. Clive

Thomas, as saying that the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje blocks, all operated by ExxonMobil, will be part of the inquiry, as well as the Orinduik block operated by Tullow. The Kaieteur and Canje Blocks were given out by the Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Considering the aforementioned, Boyer said he believes SARA at this point, is all over the place. He said that if one wants to truly understand how the blocks are supposed to be awarded and regulated, then a policy needs to be developed. Boyer believes that after this is done, it is the place of a Petroleum Commission to review the matter and not SARA. The Chamber President said, “At this point, we are shooting in the dark. SARA is wasting its time...”

Also commenting on the matter yesterday was the GCCIs Chairman of its Petroleum Committee,

GCCI President, Nicholas Boyer Charles Ramson Jr. The Attorney-at-Law emphatically stated that it is improper for SARA to be making preliminary statements on the probe, especially when it is yet to speak to the companies involved. In this regard, Ramson referred to an article that was carried by Kaieteur News this week which quoted ExxonMobils

Chairman of GCCIs Petroleum Committee, Charles Ramson Jr. head of Government Relations, Deedra Moe, who said that the firm was not contacted on the matter.

This is in spite of the fact that the probe started since last year.

Ramson said, “That should be an internal investigation that is reported on until its conclusion. How this thing is unraveling is almost as if you are looking at an episode of Game of Thrones...”

The Oil Consultant said that the manner in which SARA is handling the issue is dangerous for the investment climate and investor confidence. He said, too, that it is highly improper and totally disturbing.

Overall, GCCI believes that the results of the probe will be a true test of SARAs competence.

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Sole sourcing is a big problem It is not the proper role of senior public servants – whether they are employed on contract or through the Public Service Commission – to engage in questioning the consistency of persons who hold constitutional office.

That is a role which should be left to the politicians.

If the Auditor General, a constitutional office-holder has made comments which the Ministry of Finance feels are inaccurate or do not paint a true picture of the government’s financial practices, the proper thing for the Ministry to do is to answer point by point, the allegations which were made.

If the allegations were general, then the Ministry should request that the specific infractions be made known, so that these can be addressed. But it is not for public servants to question the consistency of the Auditor General during the reign of the former regime.

Public servants must leave the political points to politicians. Ministers can make comments about the consistency of the Audit Office, not public servants.

Whether there is more sole sourcing now than under the PPPC is not a matter for public comment by public servants. That is a matter to

be dealt with by the politicians in the government.

The PNCR has never been shy of criticizing the Auditor General, past or present.

PNCR governments have a long track record of being intolerant to criticisms by the Audit Office. At one time, a former Auditor General was upbraided and told in no uncertain manner that the Audit Office did not have the authority to audit privatization proceeds.

Much of the criticisms leveled against the Audit Office are based on a misunderstanding of its functions. The Audit Office is not an antifraud agency. It is not ex-

Dem boys seh ...

Slackness galore but de Man above don’t sleep Something definitely wrang wid de system. And people didn’t realize that something wrang until dem see a man who had a serious conviction manage to get a police clearance which seh he was as clean as a newborn baby.

This man thief some camera and end up in court. If he did get off or if de man did drop de case one coulda understand.

But de owner of de camera carry through and de man even go to jail. Yet when he go fuh a police clearance de police write pun de thing that nothing is known about this person.

Dem boys wonder if de same thing is wha happen mek some convicted people, drug dealers and even jailbirds getting licence to carry weapons

like guns. Dem boys see some of dem in high company. De only mistake dem don’t mek is to apply fuh an Uncle Sam visa. Whatever does slip by in Guyana don’t slip by wid Uncle Sam. Right now Irfaat hoping he visa don’t expire, because Uncle Sam might have a problem giving him anodda one. He deh before de courts fuh fraud and some odda serious charges. If he get convicted cat eat he dinner. Is 19 charges and dem boys notice that Brassington did file 19 libel suits against de Waterfalls paper.

De man above don’t sleep.

Jagdeo did tell Brassington to file de libel suits. Now de same Jagdeo got to worry bout Irfaat.

Of course de man can change he

name. He can now call heself Mohamed Ali because that is he name. Of course people wouldn’t recognize de name, but he face can’t hide.

Is de slackness in Guyana mek people does give de police wrang name when dem get ketch committing a crime. And some of dem police can’t even check to mek sure that de name dem get is de right name. If de person got a fingerprint then de police does mek a match.

But sometimes funny things does happen. De police charge a man and carry him to court. De prosecutor call out one name but de magistrate did know de person by anodda name. That is how de person real name come out.

pected therefore to detect all instances of fraud or financial irregularities.

As was explained previously, in one of these columns, the role of the Auditor General is to pronounce on the accuracy and thoroughness of the financial statements which are presented to him by the various government ministries and agencies. The main role of the Audit Office is to examine the government’s financial statements to determine whether they fairly reflect the end-of-year financial position of the government, and are free from material misrepresentation.

In the course of the audits, the Audit Office may be caused to make a judgment on whether the right procedures were followed. But the Audit Office does not undertake detailed or minute audits to pick up fraud, even though some fraud may emerge during the course of its audits. If, therefore, there are financial irregularities, then the Audit Office cannot be blamed for their non-detection.

Sole sourcing has become a major problem of the APNU+AFC government. The government is accused of sole sourcing some $600M in phar-

maceuticals from one company.

It did this again with another company to the tune of more than $300M. Kaieteur News last year raised concerns over the sole souring of $367M in pharmaceuticals from a US firm. In 2017, the Private Sector Commission had cause to raise with the IMF, concerns over sole sourcing.

Transparency International (Guyana) Limited came out in strong condemnation of the decision by the government to sole source reagents from a company which it claimed has been blacklisted by the Inter-American Development Bank.

Other bids to the company and another company were eventually put on hold. It was also revealed in the National Assembly that between January 2016 and February 2017, nine out of ten regions did no tendering for drugs and medical supplies.

Complaints have been filed with respect to sole sourcing by the APNU+AFC government. These are in relation to the new bridge to be built across the Demerara River and the government’s sole sourcing of exercise books to Guyana National Printers Limited.

The Auditor General

pointed out that the Cabinet had given approval for contracts with the Guyana Energy Agency for the supply of energy efficiency and sustainable energy systems for government buildings. This also appears to be a case of sole sourcing, similar to the contract which was handed to Guyana National Printers Limited.

A former petroleum advisor to the government has alleged that there was a proposal to sole source the sale of Guyana’s petroleum.

Newspaper reports indicate that the repairs to pumps at Trafalgar, West Coast Berbice, were sole sourced, even though invitations for bids were earlier solicited.

The problem of sole sourcing will not go away by comparing what is being done now with what was done in the past. It will only disappear by sticking rigidly to the rules and being open to criticisms.

PAGE 10

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The quicker we speak up, the more we are likely to save this country In my February 14, 2018 column, ‘How can the UG Vice-Chancellor argue so unscholarly?’, I took the following stance; “Twice I remarked in these pages that it has to be an anomaly that the head of Transparency Institute Guyana is a lecturer at UG, yet both unions at UG have made public statements carried in all the newspapers that there needs to be more transparency in UG’s governance. But that same gentleman voices an opinion on the need for transparent transaction in many institutions but never on UG.” The head of Transpar-

ency Institute, Dr. Troy Thomas replied to the article three days after (February 17) in this newspaper, via letter, under the title, “Mindful of serving UGSSA and TIGI.” In his missive, Thomas explained why he had not spoken out at what takes place at UG. I quote him; “What I believe is overlooked or otherwise considered irrelevant in the argument for my going to the public through the press or television is that there is a conflict of interest into which I risked dragging TIGI…I recently indicated to the unions that especially given the conflict of interest

position in which I find myself, the unions should, if they so desire, send TIGI a letter based on which organisation can determine what it might do to address matters at the University.

Should the unions follow my suggestion, I will recuse myself from relevant discussions at and actions on the part of TIGI.” If I can put my interpretation to Dr. Thomas’s position, though it may not be the correct analysis, he is saying that as head of TIGI and an employee of U G, t h e r e c o u l d b e a charge of conflict of interest, and it could be said that he is using TIGI to bring its weight to bear on disputes at UG. I published my reply to Dr. Thomas the next day (February 18), and this is what I wrote; “I have nothing negative to say about Dr. Thomas’s activism, but just hope that TIGI will at some time investigate questionable governance at UG, and I say to Dr. Thomas, the complaints I get are from

credible, patriotic staff members of long standing. They are simply worrying.”

Well, Dr. Thomas has at last decided to speak out on controversial things taking place at UG. It has been a long wait – February 2018 to May 2019. On Monday, May 20, Dr. Thomas shared a television panel with another UG lecturer, Patrick Ketwaru, from the chemistry department.

Dr. Thomas’s adumbration was critical on the nature of governance at UG. He agreed with the decision that the Vice Chancellor (VC) should take his leave and not be paid in lieu of it. He felt the Council’s decision to let him go on leave, then, through a round-robin process, changed it, was not proper procedure.

Dr. Thomas’s presentation was informative, pointed and factual.

The one area I was literally stunned and shocked at, was when he revealed something that directly impacts on the work Dr. Thomas does – transparency. He told viewers that when the new VC offered

to rent the large building at the junction of Lamaha and Camp Streets for a downtown campus for UG, two of the floors UG would sublet to a commercial bank. Dr. Thomas revealed that investigation couldn’t find details on the bank.

That was three years ago.

Thomas was TIGI president then. Whether he worked at UG or not, he had a moral obligation to speak about the opaque nature of the bank. But better late than never.

Here now is the value of that television present a t i o n b y D r. T h o m a s .

Days after, the UG council had a special meeting to decide on leave without pay for the VC and to deliberate on the VC’s contract renewal.

The Council agreed the VC must take his leave and his contract renewal will be determined by an evaluation of his three-year tenure that just ended.

The question is; was it possible that Dr. Thomas, the well-known TIGI personality in Guyana, may

Frederick Kissoon have influenced the council’s attitude based on his elaborations and critiques on that television panel?

We can’t answer that, but it also could be possible. My point is, when people with prominence like Dr. Thomas publicly denounce wrongdoing, it has a bearing on what policy-makers do. Organisations like TIGI, the Bar Association, the unions, the NGOs, civil society, could get authorities to rescind their autocratic decisions though exposures.

I don’t know why it took Dr. Thomas so long to delineate what he outlined on television on Monday, May 20, but he should be admired and respected for his courage. I salute him!

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

Region 10 RDC working to restore erosion-affected Wisroc road Major damage to a main access road at Wisroc, Wismar has been linked to erosion and, according to information, coming from the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] of Region 10, some $6M will be required to effect emergency repairs.

Yesterday Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, supported by the Region’s engineers, received the bill of quantities for undertaking the emergency works.

The Regional Chairman disclosed that these works will involve restoration of the road and efforts to address the erosion problem. He said that the cost to effectively address the works is pegged

at $6M. He however disclosed that the Region currently has $3M in hand and would be seeking to source the remaining $3M needed to complete the project.

According to the Chairman, there are a number of erosion issues that continue to threaten the region. He said that he and his Council will continue to do whatever they can to ensure that the residents’ safety remains intact.

Morian said that the erosion problem is one that was brought on by the long dry spell which considerably affected the region’s sandy soil, thereby causing the damage to the road.

The situation is one which, Morian said, is being monitored closely by Council. “The region had experienced a long dry spell, and you know with the sandy soil that we have, it would result in a number of erosion-related issues. However, the Council continues to monitor this closely, and we are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary, so as to ensure the well-being and safety of residents,” Morian said.

He noted that the dry spell has further left many communities exposed to erosion, which, he said, can result in great danger to even more of the region.

Even as he reassured that

the RDC is cognisant of what is happening, the Regional Chairman disclosed that all measures are being put in place to remedy the prevailing problems.

“We at the RDC are working overtime to deal with these issues simultaneously, as we recognise the pending dangers that residents can encounter if they go unchecked,” he said, Morian disclosed that he will be reaching out to a number of other ministries and agencies with the view of maintaining the safety of residents and their property, which, he stressed, is his paramount responsibility.

The Regional Chairman, who has been passionately addressing a number of these issues over time, pointed out that the road at Wisroc would be reconstructed, noting further that water control management would also be done.

According to Morian, the Council’s aim is to return the affected communities to normalcy.

“As the Regional Chair-

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian man of this region, with an aggressive and committed Council, I can assure residents that we will continue to

aggressively pursue a number of avenues, so as to bring resolution to the issues that confront us,” he asserted.

Traffic cop arrested in connection...

From page 3 the lorry.

The driver, a 40 year-old of Don Robin Village, East Coast Berbice, was arrested.

He was taken back to the scene and reportedly told police investigators that he was not aware that he had struck someone.

As investigations continued, the police got word from eyewitnesses that the man was reportedly struck by one of two speeding four-wheel drive vehicles that were racing on the road. The vehicles reportedly belong to a popular businessman.

Police also reportedly re-

covered CCTV footage.

Reports are that after one of the vehicles struck the man, it was moved and lodged at the home of the Police Lance Corporal for safe keeping until the matter “cooled down”.

The police hierarchy got wind of the matter and the policeman was taken in for questioning.

The Criminal Investigation Department has since taken over the investigation of the matter. The vehicles have been lodged and all connected parties are also being questioned.

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 13

Challenge to legality of house-to-house registration

Lawyers asked to lay over submissions P

roceedings filed challenging the legality and constitutionality of houseto-house registration, scheduled to be conducted from next month by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), are ongoing before Chief Justice Roxane George at the High Court in G e o rg e t o w n .

Recently, lawyers in the case were asked to lay over submissions on certain legal issues pinpointed by Justice George.

The matter comes up for another hearing on Wednesday, June 26. Last month, private citizen and pensioner Bibi Zeenatoum, who resides at East Street,

Georgetown filed court action against Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and GECOM, which seeks to halt the holding of house-to-house registration which could last for months.

The pensioner is being represented by Attorneys-atlaw Mohabir Anil Nandlall, M a r c i a N a d i r- S h a r m a , Manoj Narayan, Sasha Mahadeo-Narayan and Rajendra Jaigobin. In a Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by her lawyers, Zeenatoum says that she is advised that there is no law which requires GECOM to conduct house-to-house registration for the purposes of creating a new National Register of

Registrants for elections purposes.

Rather, she says, the respondents – GECOM and its CEO – are mandated by law to engage in continuous registration with a baseline of the year 2001 and must follow the criteria established by the law and their own practice.

According to her, “I am advised by my Attorneys-atlaw and do verily believe that there are no laws that require proof of residency in Guyana as being an element of qualification for registration to the National Register of Registrants.”

She said, “I am advised by my Attorneys-at-law and do verily believe that I am a registered elector in Guyana

Indonesian Ambassador presents credentials Indonesia's Ambassador to Guyana, Julang Pujianto (left) converses with President Granger

P

resident David Granger was presented with the credentials of Ambassador of Indonesia to Guyana, Julang Pujianto, yesterday at the Credentials Room of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Pujianto, in his presentation to the President, related that Guyana's diplomatic relations with Indonesia have been developing well.

“Valuable and noble efforts have been taken by my predecessors to establish closer ties between our two countries,” he said.

“I wish to assure Your Excellency that I will do my utmost to further promote and strengthen the cordial relations already existing between the two countries. It is my duty as Ambassador of

Indonesia to promote the bilateral relation between the two countries aimed at achieving the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of the two nations.”

In accepting Pujianto's credentials, President Granger congratulated the ambassador on his appointment, and asked that he relate his best wishes to President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, for his personal well-being and for prosperity for the people of the Indonesian Republic.

“Excellency, as you said, Guyana and Indonesia, this year, celebrate the 20th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations on 27th August, 1999.

The cordial ties we enjoy are founded on mutual noninterference in each other's

internal affairs, mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

Guyana is eager to work at the multilateral and bilateral levels to ensure p e a c e a n d s e c u r i t y, internationally, the President said.

He recalled that Indonesia hosted the AsianAfrican Conference in the city of Bandung in April 1955, and lauded its role as a key player in the establishment of the Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in (continued on page 20)

and during the Respondents' proposed house-to-house registration exercise, I will be excluded and will cease to be a registered elector and will be denied the opportunity and right to vote in any upcoming elections in Guyana.”

Among other things, Zeenatoum is asking for a declaration that the proposed house-to-house registration exercise to be embarked upon by the respondents in or about June 2019, to create a new National Register of Registrants from which will be extracted a new Official List of Electors, shall be unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, null, void and of no effect.

She also wants a

declaration that the proposed exercise will exclude existing qualified registrants currently on the National Register of Registrants and on the Official List of Electors, shall be unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, null, void and of no effect. Further, she is asking for a Conservatory Order restraining the respondents by themselves, their servants and their agents from embarking upon Houseto-House Registration scheduled to commence in June 2019, or any date thereafter.

Nandlall, a former Attorney General under the PPP regime, had explained that the proceedings are filed to protect the constitutional

rights of thousands of registered electors to vote at the next elections from all sides of the political divide.

Nandlall said, “The nation is well acquainted with the political duplicity and electoral trickery and artifice of the PNC. Quite apart from their inglorious record of rigging elections in 1996, they supported a legislation in the National Assembly to make an ID card a valid requirement to vote but when they lost the 1997 elections, they challenged those elections on the ground that the very requirement of that ID card was unconstitutional and unlawful, causing those elections to be vitiated.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday May 30, 2019

Government mulls IDB support to develop communities hosting Venezuela migrants

M

inister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix yesterday morning said he is considering a proposal of financial support from the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) to enhance the services available in communities where Venezuelan migrants have settled.

Minister Felix was at the time leading the MultiAgency Coordinating Committee on Venezuelan migration to Guyana, in a meeting with the IDB, which was held in the boardroom of the Department of Citizenship.

He noted that the

Government has been trying its utmost to host Venezuelan migrants, which has put some strain on its resources.

“As a nation we have budgeted for our people in the host communities, but now we have to take care of those who come…. What we have decided is that there are some migrants with no fixed place of abode [and] there are those migrants for whom we should find some place safe from pushback [opposition from host communities] and so we have found a section of [Barima-Waini], Region One and we are trying to make an assessment of the requirements to house some

IDB Migration Specialist, Ms. Alison Elias (at right) gestures as she makes a point during a meeting with Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix (fourth from left) and other participants sections of the Venezuelans there,” Minister Felix said.

IDB Public Management – Sector Specialist, Mr. Jason Wilks said that the IDB is focused on funding migration-related investments, which will not only provide direct aid to Venezuelans, but develop host communities.

He asserted too that once the community is developed, the quality of life should be better for all inhabitants.

“If we've got a Guyanese vulnerable community, with development gaps because the school is not good

enough, we can improve that school for the Guyanese … provided that the education policy is in place it will b e n e f i t Ve n e z u e l a n migrants too,” Wilks said.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, I D B Migration Specialist, Ms. Alison Elias said the IDB is focusing on access to identification; access to basic services and access to social services and economic opportunities as thematic areas under which countries may qualify for loans and grants.

She also noted that the IDB is focused on nine countries that have been receiving a large influx of Venezuelan migrants.

Those countries are Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Chile, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Guyana. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Resident Representative, Ms. Sylvie Fouet also attended the meeting.

There are reportedly over 6,000 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana.

Drunk lorry driver faces jail time after man killed in C'tyne accident

A

49-year-old lorry driver of Number 5 2 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, Berbice, was yesterday remanded to prison after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol during an accident that killed Narinedat Lowhar, 71, of Lot 23 Number 47 Village.

Rayward Singh appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Magistrate's Court to answer his charge.

Sentencing was reserved for Pleaded guilty: June 19th, and Singh was subsequently remanded.

Rayward Singh According to the facts of the case, at about 18:40 hrs on Tuesday, on the Number 47 Village public road, motor lorry GPP 2369 driven by Singh, attempted to overtake motor jeep, PJJ 25, driven by Lowhar.

The lorry collided with the jeep when Lowhar was attempting to negotiate a turn.

The left front of the lorry struck the right side of the Jeep. Both Singh and Lowhar were proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at the time of the accident.

As a result of the impact, the driver of the jeep sustained head injuries. He was taken to Skeldon Hospital in an unconscious condition where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and transferred to New Amsterdam Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention.

A post mortem is scheduled for tomorrow at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary.

Dead: Narinedat Lowhar

The mangled jeep

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 15

Ghanaian President to visit June 11-12

President Granger and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, in Cuba earlier this year

P

resident David Granger has announced that the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo will be visiting Guyana on June 11-12. He made this announcement at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The President had met with Akufo-Addo at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference last year and again this year,

during his visit to Cuba.

He said that the Ghanaian President accepted his invitation to visit Guyana.

“We are confident that this will result in practical measures aimed at enhancing relations and cooperation between our two states.”

“Guyana, in this regard, extends a warm welcome to the visiting high-level

Ambassador of Ghana to Guyana, Abena Busia, presents her credentials to the Head of State delegation and private sector delegation from Ghana.

We anticipate that this visit will lay a solid foundation for cooperation between our states.” Granger said.

The two nations expect to explore avenues of cooperation as it relates to a series of fields, including agriculture, culture, energy, environment, investment, petroleum production,

private sector cooperation, tourism, and transportation, according to President Granger.

The President also said that a shared issue between Guyana and Ghana is the threat of climate change.

“We look forward to sharing experiences in building climate resilient economic sectors.”

President Granger was yesterday presented with the

credentials of the ambassador of Ghana to Guyana, Abena Busia.

In his acceptance, he said that this year is a propitious time for deepening cooperation, given that it represents 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two states.

He said that Guyana and Ghana are bonded by ties of “blood, history and common interests”, as Guyana had

joined in “heralding” Ghana's independence in 1957.

Granger told Busia, “Excellency, I am pleased to accept your letters of credence accrediting you as High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

I congratulate you on your appointment and I welcome you to Guyana.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday May 30, 2019

ExxonMobil moves to up profits by 140 percent by 2025

Y

a h o o ExxonMobil is progressing growth plans to substantially increase earnings and cash flow potential while researching technology breakthroughs to reduce emissions, Chairman and CEO Darren Woods told shareholders during the company's annual meeting yesterday.

“We are committed to sharing the company's success with our shareholders,” said Woods.

“Higher earnings and increased cash flow from our investments are a good means to accomplish this.

We are equally committed to helping society reduce global emissions while

supporting growth and prosperity for communities around the world – effectively addressing the dual challenge.”

ExxonMobil expects to increase annual earnings potential by more than 140 percent and double potential annual cash flow from operations by 2025 from 2017 adjusted earnings, assuming a 2017 oil price of $60 per barrel adjusted for inflation and based on 2017 margins.

During the meeting, Woods highlighted progress on major upstream projects that are expected to help increase production to about 5 million oil-equivalent barrels per day by 2025.

Those projects include

plans to increase production in the Permian Basin to 1 million oil-equivalent barrels per day by 2024. In Guyana, ExxonMobil recently announced the 13th discovery on the Stabroek block, adding to the previously estimated 5.5 billion barrels of discovered recoverable resource.

Guyana's first oil production is on track for early next year – just five years after discovery.

In Brazil, the company has acquired 2.3 million net acres in one of the world's most promising exploration plays and is finalizing development plans for the Carcara resource, which will begin production by 2024.

In Mozambique,

ExxonMobil secured offtake commitments for the Rovuma LNG project as it progresses toward a final investment decision. And in Papua New Guinea, the company is planning a threetrain liquefied natural gas expansion as it continues to explore for gas in the country's Highlands region.

In its downstream and chemical businesses, ExxonMobil is on track to more than double earnings potential from 2017 adjusted results by 2025, assuming constant 2017 margins, with investments that capitalize on proprietary technology.

“A great example is the new hydrocracker at our Rotterdam refinery which started up late last year,” said

Woods. “Using technology we developed, we are now upgrading low-value product streams directly into higher-value base stocks and distillates – a first for our industry.”

Wo o d s h i g h l i g h t e d ExxonMobil's continuing efforts to address society's dual challenge of providing affordable energy necessary for economic growth while reducing environmental impacts.

Last year, ExxonMobil participated in a Vatican-led climate dialogue, joined the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative and advocated for policies such as a carbon tax and strong methane regulations.

Woods said the company continues its work on potential technology breakthroughs – including next-generation biofuels for transportation, carbon capture for power generation and new industrial processes to reduce energy use – to provide reliable, affordable and lower-emission energy at the necessary scale to have a global impact.

“The world needs additional solutions,” he said. “That's where we think we can add significant value – leveraging ExxonMobil's experience in the global

energy system and our strong foundation in research and development.”

The company recently committed to spend up to $100 million over 10 years on research with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and National E n e r g y Te c h n o l o g y Laboratory to bring loweremissions technologies to commercial scale.

“The agreement adds to our work with more than 80 universities around the world and with five energy centers – at MIT, Princeton, Stanford, the University of Texas and two national universities in Singapore,” said Woods.

“In addition, we partner with private sector companies that have unique capabilities critical to potential breakthroughs, such as Synthetic Genomics on algae biofuels.”

During the meeting, shareholders re-elected ExxonMobil's board of directors, supported the company's executive compensation program, r a t i f i e d PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors and supported board recommendations on seven shareholder-led proposals.

Police nab armed bandit who robbed Stabroek vendors - ‘Awara' on the run

The .38 revolver that was seized (Guyana Police Force photo)

M

inutes after three vendors w e r e reportedly accosted and relieved of cash and other items outside of the Stabroek Market by two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun, police ranks under the command of a corporal, who were patrolling the said area, responded and after a brief pursuit, apprehended one of the suspects with an unlicensed .38 revolver with four matching rounds.

The robbery occurred about 02:10hrs on Wednesday last.

According to police, stringent efforts are being made to apprehend the other suspect who managed to elude the lawmen; he has been identified and goes by the alias 'Awara'.

Police said that an increased and concentrated police presence in and around the Stabroek Market block recently, has so far resulted in a decrease in reported incidents of crime.

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 17

Authorities consider urging Mahdia residents in flood-prone areas to relocate - affected persons built too closely to creeks, outfalls

R

egional authorities of the PotaroSiparuni area, Region 8, are considering the removal of residents who reside close to creeks in flood-prone areas in the region.

According to a government statement yesterday, Mahdia's Mayor, David Adams said that the recent seasonal flash flooding that affected low lying parts of Mahdia has once again highlighted the need for regularisation of properties in affected areas.

He said that the regional council will advise those who reside in the flood-prone areas to relocate.

areas.”

He explained that looking ahead, a regularisation plan for the construction of homes will prevent the recurrence of homeowners being affected by the seasonal flash floods.

The Chief Citizen, on behalf of the Mahdia residents, expressed gratitude to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for its quick response “and sending in relief supplies to persons who were affected.”

He also acknowledged that Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, visited the town

A resident demonstrating the height of flood waters, on May 25, after two days of flash floods

A pickup crossing a submerged bridge in Mahdia “We will talk to them; encourage them to move from the affected area. We will work, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, to have an area identified to which we can relocate them.”

He admitted that the decisions to move may not be easy. Mayor Adams informed that relocation from the affected areas is a decision that will be made by the residents, “some of them [have been] attached to there for a long t i m e . We ' r e g o i n g t o encourage them to make a move and occupy other

A homestead next to an overflowing creek in Mahdia

with an engineering team, to conduct a first-hand assessment of the situation, on May 25.

Rains, which intensified on May 23, caused flash flooding in the region and resulted in several homes and businesses being under as much as four feet of water in some low-lying areas of Mahdia.

Many of those affected were adjacent to creeks and waterways, which criss-cross the town.

One person was found (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday May 30, 2019

Private Sector moves to meet Ramjattan, Top Cop on crime situation - sees room for enhanced intelligence gathering

T

he Governance and Security Committee of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met yesterday to address what it said is the “increasing and widespread public concern over the manifestly frightening and disturbing incidents of violent crime across the country”.

“The Committee decided to request a joint meeting with the Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan) and Commissioner of Police (Leslie James) on the

matter.” PSC comprises a number of top companies, involved in the financial, manufacturing and services section.

The commission said it acknowledges the most recent success of the police in confronting violent crime in Berbice, where three bandits were killed after being tracked to the backdam.

PSC said it recognises the continuing efforts of the police to meet this growing challenge threatening the safety and wellbeing of every citizen.

“The Commission believes that much more can and should be done to meet this challenge. The Commission is deeply concerned that insufficient progress is being made with r e g a r d s t o t h e

implementation of Security Sector Reform. The Commission believes that there is considerable room for enhancement in intelligence gathering and analysis than is currently in place.”

The Commission also said it is convinced of the need for significantly greater human and financial resources being placed at the disposal of the police force.

“The Commission believes that there is a much

greater need for public confidence and trust in the Police Force. The Commission looks forward to a strong and uncompromising standard of leadership in our security forces.”

Carnegie to introduce housekeeping, elderly care courses

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Vice Principal of Carnegie School of Home Economics, Myrna Lee, observing some of the cuisine on display at a Tea Party held at the High Commissioner's residence.

T

he Carnegie School of Home Economics has been recognised for its years of quality service within the food industry.

On Tuesday, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn hosted a tea party at his residence where students of the school displayed several delightful dishes.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information, Vice Principal

of the school, Mryna Lee highlighted that the institution has come a long way and has improved its standards in the area of food and nutrition.

“We work to bring out the best in each dish, it is not just a school for cooking, but our students are taught the fundamentals of Home Economics also.

P r e s e n t l y, w e a r e working to introduce two major competency-based

programmes, which will cover housekeeping and care for the elderly,” she pointed out.

T h e Vi c e P r i n c i p a l boasted that the institute has been in existence for more than 86 years, with high credibility concerning its s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y, a n d commendation from a number of government entities and private sector organisations.

The British High

Commissioner praised the school for providing satisfactory service at his place of residence, with students mastering proposed British cuisine.

“We all know of the highend dining spots and give respectable credit to the cuisine, but the Carnegie School of Home Economics belongs to Guyana and its people, and I want to say what they put out is pure talent and skills.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 19

Tatiana Daniels stars as Friendship Secondary wins Independence Elocution Competition

T

atiana Daniels of Friendship Secondary wowed the judges and a large number of students as she did all that was necessary to ensure that her school walked away the champion at the 2019 Region Four Department of Education's Independence Elocution Competition.

The competition, which saw a number of secondary schools competing, was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic [RDC] Tr i u m p h , E a s t C o a s t Demerara. Among those gracing the event were teachers from the various secondary schools and Regional Literacy

Mission Secondary all going after each other on the topic of Drug Abuse. However, it was Jonathan Bagot who claimed the win for LBI Secondary School. The second round which addressed the issue of bullyism in school went to Golden Grove Secondary, thanks to Nacia St Kitts. She competed against students representing Ann's Grove Secondary, Beterverwagting S e c o n d a r y, B u x t o n Secondary and Plaisance Secondary.

The third and final round saw all the students giving of their best as they sought to outdo each other on the topic of suicide. The round saw students of Annandale Secondary, Bladen Hall

Winners Row! From left: Coordinator of the competition, Melina Matthews; Nacia St Kitts, Tatiana Daniels, Acting REdO Tiffany Harvey, Jonathan Bagot and Regional Literacy Coordinator, Barbara Richards, pose for a photo after yesterday's competition.

Overall winner, Tatiana Daniels of Friendship Secondary, receiving her champion's trophy from Acting Regional Education Officer, Tiffany Harvey

Coordinator, Ms Barbara Richards The primary objective of the competition was to increase public speaking among students and strengthen their ability to engage in effective speaking.

The competition was coordinated by Ms. Melina Mathews, a teacher at Annandale Primary School, who told the students that the competition was geared towards playing a pivotal role in the further development of education within the region.

She urged the students to embrace such initiatives as it is geared towards strengthening their communication skills.

The competition was divided into three rounds addressing different topics.

The students who came from all 17 secondary schools in Region Four were praised for their excellent performances.

Although it was Friendship Secondary carting off the champion's trophy, the students all represented their schools fiercely. Round one saw Dora Secondary, LBI S e c o n d a r y, L a n c a s t e r, Soesdyke and St Cuthbert's

Multilateral, Diamond S e c o n d a r y, P r e s i d e n t s College, Hope Secondary, Friendship Secondary and Covent Garden Secondary.

However in the end, it was Friendship Secondary's Tatiana Daniels who won the judges' nod as the overall winner of the competition.

Competition Coordinator Matthews disclosed that the competition saw the students being judged in the area of introduction, knowledge, presentation and conclusion, which also looked at effective summary.

Acting Regional Education Office [REdO], Tiffany Harvey, in her address to the students expressed appreciation to the schools for what, she said, was their unified support to the competition. Even as she took noted that all the schools within her region were represented, Harvey urged the students to continue embarking on ways to improve their public speaking skills.

“Regardless of which school you attend, I would like you to stand tall, because you can do well. Don't allow

work that you have been doing, and encourage you to continue working with the students as we seek to

the colour of the uniform of another school to scare you, which results in you not wanting to engage in such competitions for fear that you would not do well.

We at the department have recognised that when the students do well in such competitions they would do well in every other aspect of their academics,” she said.

She stressed that the competition was timely, promising that similar competitions will be held during the academic year so as to further enhance and increase the skill of students.

“As your REdO I would like to assure you that whatever programmes and projects are important in improving this and other skills, we would seek to do them, because we would like to aid in your all-round development,” Harvey assured.

In congratulating the winners, she urged the teachers at the various schools to continue working with their students so as to achieve holistic development in this and other areas.

“Teachers, I thank you for the

enhance public speaking among our students.

Irrespective of their p e r f o r m a n c e t o d a y, I

congratulate both the students and teachers, because I am very proud,” Harvey reiterated.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday May 30, 2019

Land matters dominate Cabinet outreach on E'bo Coast E The scene at Damon Square yesterday

ssequibians came out in their n u m b e r s yesterday as Guyana's Cabinet Ministers went to the residents of Region Two, as the Government continues its 'Government Comes to You' initiative.

Region Two stretches from as far as the Pomeroon, spanning the main coastland, all the way to Supenaam, and is home to over forty five thousand residents, who are primarily dependent on the agriculture sector.

Like most regions, there are a number of issues plaguing the residents within Pomeroon/Supenaam. Issues in health care delivery, land allocation, security and public utilities are just a few.

Having these concerns addressed will sometimes mean journeying by boat over the Essequibo River, then by road, then over the Demerara River to the Capital city, Georgetown.

It was therefore no surprise that thousands of residents came out at Damon Square, Anna Regina yesterday, where all their concerns could be addressed in one location.

R e g i o n al Executive O ff i c e r ( R E O ) , D e n i s Jaikaran said that the outreach was an important day in the lives of those in Region Two. Likening the relationship between citizen and government to that of a family, the REO said “Once you have a family and the head of the family is caring and giving, that family is going to ensure that the children are satisfied and conformable. This morning as it (family) gathers here,

our leaders thought it fit to come to this region in an effort to provide for us an opportunity for us to interact.

The session may cause us to be a happy nation and happy region.”

Jaikaran also pointed out that the cabinet yesterday provided an opportunity that was never given prior to 2015.

Unlike the usual appointment schedules, the procedure in reaching a Government Minster yesterday was quite simple.

Kaieteur News was informed that at the beginning of the camp stood a registration booth. Persons had to approach the booth then full out a registration form, which indicated the booth that the person is interested in visiting. It was noted that individuals had to fill the registration form before accessing the service, since it will aid in ensuring a follow-up was made to the concerned resident.

As the event progressed, it was observed that the booth which housed the Ministry of Communities, Central Housing and Planning Authority, was the

Residents at the Central Housing and Planning Authority booth yesterday.

Authorities consider urging Mahdia residents in...

From page 17 dead when the flood waters receded. After receiving reports of flooding in lowlying sections of the town, the CDC dispatched a twomember team to assess the situation on May 24.

The team, headed by Captain Salim October, conducted assessments at several locations hardest hit by the flash flooding.

Many of the affected were in houses built close to creeks and outfalls, despite warnings not to do so. The flash flood was as a result of torrential rains.

Cleaning kits were distributed to 14 households

which were affected.

Additional supplies were mobilised and deployed to the region.

The CDC, through the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS), is continuing to monitor the flood situation in various regions across the country.

Currently, the focus is being placed on Aishalton and Sand Creek in the Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo Region and Mahdia.

As the rainy season continues, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that lives and properties remain safe, as far as possible.

most attended. The concern which was primarily raised was the non-issuing of transports to persons who would've completed payment for their house lots, especially in the Onderneeming Sandpit.

Residents were also concerned that for the past

year there has been no issuing of house lots. A number of persons also became the owners of their own house lots yesterday, following the one stop deals, which were made available.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, who spoke on behalf of the

government yesterday said, “We are happy to be here to serve the people of Essequibo.

I am heartened to see so many of you who have come out this morning to this government-sponsored activity… This is one of the many outreaches called

'taking the government to the people'… We have been delivering and once we stay in government will continue delivering. Make use of all the ministries, ministers and agencies to ensure that the issues you have are addressed and we find solutions.”

Indonesian Ambassador presents credentials From page 13 B e l g r a d e i n 1961.

“Excellency, Guyana was pleased to support Indonesia's candidature a s nonpermanent Member of the United Nations Security Council. Last year's visit, to

Guyana, by her Excellency Mrs. Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, has helped to consolidate our fraternal ties.

The President noted that Guyana and Indonesia are both in vulnerab l e

pos itions as it relates to the threat of climate change on the livelihood of the people.

Yet, he touted Guyana's efforts to transition to a 'green state', stating that Guyana plans to increase emphasis on environmental protection,

preserve its biodiversity, promote renewable energy and adopt practical measures to adapt to the changing climate.

Lastly, he assured Pujianto of the support of Government as he strive s t o discharge his country's mandate.

Thursday May 30, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

QC launches 175th anniversary celebrations

[In photo from left] Director of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission and Board Member, Dawn Cush; Chairman of Queens College Board of Governors, Alfred Granger; Principal of Queens College, Jackie Ralph, and President of Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and board member, Mitra Ramkumar.

The Board of Governors of Queens College yesterday launched the institutions 175th anniversary celebrations at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.

This year, much emphasis is being placed on the high academic standards the

school has maintained over the years.

“We have an enviable record of academics and achievements at Queens College, and that is what we are celebrating,” boasted Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Alfred Granger.

In addition to recognition, the celebrations will be used as a means of funding the daily operations of the school.

“The funds raised from this experience, we expect to help the board manage some of the expenses that the

Ministry at the moment cannot cover,” Granger explained.

He added that the overseas Alumni Chapters in the United States and Canada do a lot annually to offset the expenses of the school.

Jackie Ralph, Principal of Queens College, informed that around 300 Alumni are expected to take part in this years celebrations in the last week of October.

This has led to the involvement of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). Mitra Ramkumar, President of THAG and board member,

said the association wants to ensure that everyone who visits Guyana enjoys a “hospitable and tasteful experience”.

A golf tournament, a cultural evening and tours are among the many exciting activities scheduled for the week of October 27 to November 2. Dawn Cush, another board member, encouraged all to make the

celebrations family-oriented.

Queens College was established in 1844 as a Grammar school for boys. The school was founded by Bishop William Austin who became the first Principal. The school began with a population of 15 students.

Over the years, Queens College has produced many successful Guyanese during its outstanding history.

PAGE 22

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Damon Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo, with other Capoey family members.

The 43-year-old selfemployed woman was able to meet Ministry of Citizenship officials for assistance and also managed to have her relatives secure their much-needed documentation, according to a government release. She said the long wait was over.

We put our effort to come, and we got through with everything... We have been trying to get these things [birth certificates] sorted out for a long time. It was more than 26 years we’ve been trying to get these, and you

know it is important.”

Grace’s mother-in-law, her brothers-in-law, 66-year-old Joseph Francis and 57-yearold Paul Conyers were provided with the relevant documentation to uplift their birth certificates, which will be processed within a month.

For her brothers-in-law, the documentation was critically needed, especially to uplift their pensions.

Edwards welcomed the outreach. “It is very good. It will benefit a lot of Indigenous people in communities here.

The Edwards family was among hundreds of others attending the event.

Mayor bemoans fire hazard at City Hall - Calls for removal of Treasurers office Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, at the statutory meeting on Tuesday called for the urgent removal of the Treasurers office from the City Hall, as he said the place is a fire hazard.

City Hall has been in a deplorable state for quite some time now, and even though rehabilitation works were done, it still isnt up to standard. The building continues to fall apart, and at any given time can come crashing down on the heads of its occupants.

It can be safely said that the City Hall is breaching the Occupational Safety and Health guidelines as well as the labour laws when the working conditions are taken into account.

The Office of the treasurer and other sections of the Finance Department, have become overrun by fungus. The Mayor said that it should be considered to relocate the staff, as the conditions are unfavourable.

Town Clerk Sharon Harry-

City Mayor, Ubraj Narine Munroe suggested that they be relocated to the Kitty Market until better can be done, as she too wasnt comfortable with the conditions under which the staff was operating.

On top of the fungus infestation, the ceiling is porous and leaking like a basket, as when it rains the water pours in. Mayor Narine said that there are also “little creatures present and the place can be deemed a fire hazard”.

Thursday May 30, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Cabinet outreach in Ebo meets with protests As the Cabinet made their way to the Essequibo Coast yesterday for the Government Comes to You initiative, they were greeted by protestors supportive of the Opposition party.

More than one hundred supporters of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic [PPP/C] lined in front the Anna Regina Town Council with placards, mere meters away from the Government Outreach. The peaceful protest was led by senior party officials, including Arnold Adams.

Adams said during an interview with this publication, that he is concerned primarily with the increase in crime. He said that more communities are feeling less safe due to the lack of an effective community policing group.

“I could recall a few years ago, then minister of home affairs Clement Rohee had one of the most powerful community policing groups throughout the country… community policing used to run without politics, but since Minister Khemraj (Ramjattan) took office, community policing has been running by politics, and subsequently we see an increase in crime.”

Adams explained that the Community Policing group

Protesters in front of the Anna Regina Town Council yesterday was an effective means to crime fighting, since members of the policing groups would know who the bag eggs of the community were. “These community police use to patrol within their community and they know everyone within their communities, and they couldve alert the police if they see any unusual thing.” There were also a number of rice farmers who joined the protest yesterday.

One farmer told this publication that he is disappointed with the little effort being made by government to provide proper representation to farmers. The farmer went on to say, “Millers taking advantage on rice farmers and theres no one to stand up for rice farmers. We spoke to the higher authorities, they say they got nothing to do with the rice industry, is a private matter…Government before

elections promised $10,000 per bag paddy, we use to get $3,000 now we getting $300.”

In response to major crop damage due to paddy bug infestation, the government had recently issued some 720

bags of seed paddy to farmers on the Essequibo Coast.

When asked how this initiative benefitted him, one farmer said, “Who get it get it, and is only certain people get it. The pesticides is the same thing,

certain people get it. They give certain people by the case and others get a quarter bottle. I aint saying the PPP nah had corruption, but this is worse what we got to face with.”

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Thursday May 30, 2019

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

Mueller: ‘If we had had The privileges Donald Trump is confidence that the president being denied on his UK state visit had clearly not committed a crime, we would have said so’ Special counsel Robert Mueller issued his first public statement on his investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 election, emphasizing one of the key points of his report: that his office did not conclude whether or not President Trump committed a crime.

In his statement, Mueller said his office could not bring criminal charges against the president because the team believed it to be unconstitutional.

“If we had had confidence that the president had clearly not committed a crime, we would have said so,” said Mueller, adding, “Charging the president with a crime is not an option we could consider.”

“It would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge,” said Mueller, further explaining the reasoning.

Mueller announced that he was officially resigning from the Department of Justice and returning to private life. He said this was his final statement on the matter, and any testimony he might give to Congress would not go beyond what was in the report.

Mueller has been asked to appear by the House Judiciary Committee, but he hasn’t said if he will. He said no one — presumably referring to officials in the Justice Department or the administration — has instructed him one way or the other about his appearance.

“I hope and expect this to be the only time that I will speak to you in this manner,” said Mueller. “I am making that decision myself, no one has told me whether I can or should testify. There has been discussion about an appearance before Congress. Any testimony from this office would not go beyond our report. It contains our findings and analysis and the reasons for the decisions we made.”

“We chose those words carefully and the work speaks for itself. And the report is my testimony. I would not provide information beyond that which is already public in an appearance before Congress.

In addition, access to our underlying work product is being decided in a process that does not involve our office.”

Mueller did not take questions from the assembled reporters after the 10-minute statement.

The White House said it was notified on Tuesday night of Mueller’s plans to make a statement, and CNN reported that Mueller had briefed Attorney General William Barr on its contents. He had remained almost completely silent over the course of the nearly two-year investigation.

Trump, who had claimed vindication after Mueller’s report, tweeted that “Nothing changes from the Mueller Report.” He added his own

spin to Mueller’s remarks: “There was insufficient evidence and therefore, in our Country, a person is innocent.

The case is closed! Thank you.” The special counsel’s report concluded that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election “in sweeping and systematic fashion,” leading to the indictment of 34 individuals and three Russian businesses on charges ranging from computer hacking to conspiracy and financial crimes. Those indictments led to seven guilty pleas. Four people, including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, were sentenced to prison. A redacted version of Mueller’s 448-page report, released last month, found no conspiracy between Russia and Trump’s campaign. But it chronicled at least 10 episodes of efforts by Trump to obstruct the federal probe.

And while the special counsel declined to charge Trump with obstruction of justice, investigators explicitly refused to exonerate the president despite his repeated public comments to the contrary.

“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state,” the report read. “We are unable to reach that judgment. The evidence we obtained about the President’s actions and intent presents difficult issues that prevent us from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.”

Donald Trump is missing out on privileges offered to other heads of state, including his predecessor Barack Obama, during his visit the UK. Trump and First Lady Melania arrive on June 3 for a state visit. During his threeday visit, the president will attend a banquet at Buckingham Palace, have a private tea with Charles, lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and attend events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the DDay landings.

However, the US President has been denied additional perks attached to a state visit. Unlike Obama, the current President has not been asked make an address in the Houses of Parliament.

He will also not participate in a carriage ride to Buckingham Palace, a decision attributed to ‘security concerns’.

And Mr Trump won’t stay in Buckingham Palace during his three-day visit due to renovation work.

Political commentator and journalist Daisy McAndrew told Yahoo UK’s The Royal Box Mr Trump may well have expected to be asked to make a speech to MPs and Lords.

She said: “There are many things that a head of state could expect to do on a state visit that Donald Trump’s not getting to do.

“He’s not addressing

both Houses of Parliament as he might have expected to have been invited to do, he’s not getting the carriage going down the Mall.

“We’re told that’s because of security but of course security probably means protestors.”

John Bercow, speaker of the House of Commons, has blocked Mr Trump from de-

livering a speech to MPs, citing the UK’s ‘opposition to racism and to sexism’.

Mr Bercow first announced he would not extend the honour to the divisive President when he took office, but came under renewed pressure to change his mind when the Queen extended an invitation for an official state visit.

Nusrat Jahan Rafi: 16 charged in Bangladesh for burning girl alive Sixteen people have been charged in Bangladesh over the shocking murder of a teenager who was burned to death after reporting sexual harassment.

Nusrat Jahan Rafi, 19, was doused with kerosene and set on fire on the roof of her Islamic school on 6 April, days after filing a complaint.

Headmaster Siraj Ud Doula, targeted in the complaint, is among those charged.

Police say he ordered her murder from prison when she refused to withdraw her accusations against him.

They described the preparations for the killing as being like a “military plan”.

The case sparked mass protests in Bangladesh and shone a spotlight on the

vulnerability of victims of sexual assault and harassment in the country.

Ms Rafi filed a police complaint against Mr Doula in late March and he was arrested. On 6 April she attended the school to sit her final exams when she was allegedly lured to the roof of the school and set alight by a group of people wearing burkas, a one-piece veil that covers the face and body.

They had planned to make it look like a suicide, police said, but Ms Rafi - who suffered burns to 80% of her body - was able to give a statement before she died on 10 April.

Police in Feni, a small town some 160km (100 miles) outside the capital Dhaka, formally laid murder c h a rg e s o n We d n e s d a y against the 16 accused.

They include students at the madrassa and two local politicians from the governing Awami League party who were in prominent positions at the school.

Investigators are calling for the death penalty for all of the suspects. Police say that the principal has confessed in court that he ordered the murder.

They say that in total 12 of the accused have given statements of confession.

The two local politicians have not admitted any involvement.

In the wake of Ms Rafi’s death, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged that every person involved in the killing would be brought to justice.

“None of the culprits will be spared from legal action,” she said.

PAGE 28

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

Matthews hundred fires Brutal Nadal through to Windies to clean sweep French Open third round DUBLIN, Ireland, CMC – Hayley Matthews’s maiden Twenty20 International hundred lifted West Indies Women to their second highest-ever total in the shortest format, paving the way for a 72-run crushing of Ireland Women and a clean sweep of the three-match series here yesterday.

Sent in at Sydney Parade, West Indies amassed 188 for one off their 20 overs with the right-handed Matthews stroking an unbeaten 107 off just 62 deliveries.

She struck seven fours and nine sixes to dominate the Irish bowling in an unbroken 162-run, second wicket stand with Chedean Nation who carved out an unbeaten 63 off 46 balls.

The total was just short of the West Indies Women’s alltime best of 191 recorded nine years ago against the Netherlands in Potchefstroom.

Ireland, in reply, never challenged the difficult target and finished on 116 for three off their 20 overs, despite an unbeaten 55 from opener

Mary Waldron.

Captain Kim Garth followed up her half-century in Tuesday’s second game with a knock of 45, sharing a 94-run, second wicket stand with Waldron.

It was the 21-year-old Matthews, however, who took centre stage. She overcame the loss of opening partner Britney Cooper for 10 in in the fifth over to set about the Irish bowling with relish, reaching her half-century off 41 deliveries with the first of three successive sixes off legspinner Celeste Raack in the 15th over which went for 22 runs.

She then brought up her hundred at the start of the final over off 59 deliveries by lifting seamer Lara Maritz to the wide long on boundary.

Nation, meanwhile, produced a career-best performance with her second T20I half-century, following up her maiden one against Pakistan in Karachi last January.

She raised her landmark in the 17th over off just 37 balls en route to counting six fours

and two sixes.

The target was always out of Ireland’s reach but they ensured there was no embarrassment by batting out the overs.

Left-armer Stacy-Ann King claimed Gaby Lewis cheaply for eight in the fourth over with 17 runs on the board but Waldron and Garth then defied the West Indies attack.

Waldron faced 62 balls and struck four boundaries while Garth hit five fours off 46 deliveries before falling to the first ball of the final over, holing out to long-off off captain Stafanie Taylor’s offspin.

Taylor also struck again with the final ball of the match to finish with two for 19, when she bowled 19-year-old Rebecca Stokell for four.

Scores: WEST INDIES WOMEN 188 for one off 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 107 not out, Chedean Nation 63 not out).

IRELAND WOMEN 116 for three off 20 overs (Mary Waldron 55 not out, Kim Garth 45; Stafanie Taylor 219).

Windies want World Cup win for fans, says Gayle

BRISTOL, England, CMC – Talismanic West Indies batsman, Chris Gayle, has made a rallying call for fans to get behind the team and show their support during the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. Speaking on Monday night at a social event attended by scores of West Indians living in the United Kingdom, Gayle made a passionate speech and asked members of the audience to join him on the journey towards winning the biggest prize in the sport.

“This is my last World Cup and I want to go out on a high. We want to give it our best shot … we want to win the world Cup for the third time,” the veteran opener told the audience.

“We want to win it for people like you here tonight who support West Indies cricket every day, everywhere and we want to win it for the millions around the world who love us.”

Gayle, who is playing in his fifth World Cup, was the guest speaker at the specially arranged function in Bristol, where the team is currently based for their official warmup matches.

The event was held at the Bristol West Indies Cricket

Veteran batsman Chris Gayle presents a signed West Indies shirt to Steve Stephenson.

Club and hosted by Steve Stephenson, a Jamaican who has been a sporting administrator and senior social worker for over three decades.

Along with honouring Stephenson, the West Indies also made a donation towards the Winston Davis Charity, as they offered support to the former West Indies fast bowler, who is wheelchair-bound.

Davis still holds the record for the best figures for West Indies in World Cup

history with seven for 51 against Australia in 1983.

“I travel the world and I meet a lot of great people like any of you here tonight and they always say ‘Chris Gayle we love you and we love the West Indies brand of cricket’”, Gayle said.

“We want to play that kind of cricket and entertain the fans. I do it for the fans, they are the ones that keep me going.

“So tonight, I’m reaching out to each and everyone of Continued on page 27

PARIS (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal left German qualifier Yannick Maden no hope as he booked his ticket for the third round of the French Open in ruthless fashion with a 6-1 62 6-4 victory yesterday.

The defending champion, chasing a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros, powered through the first two sets before being slightly bothered in the third.

But the second seed from Spain, who looks to become the first player to win a Grand Slam title 12 times, stayed business like when Maden broke back for 4-4 and the contest ended when the world number 114 returned wide.

“He’s a good player, he had won four matches — three in qualifications — going into this match, he had gained confidence,” an always gracious Nadal told a courtside interviewer on Court Suzanne Lenglen, where he has never lost.

His only two defeats in 90 matches here happened on the main Court Philippe Chatrier.

“For me it is an important victory, playing here in Paris, at Roland Garros, is always

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Germany’s Yannick Maden.

(REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) incredible,” the 32-year-old added.

Nadal will take on David Goffin, the 27th seed, for a place in the fourth round.

Goffin has never snatched a set from Nadal in three encounters on clay, but the reigning champion is wary of the Belgian’s threat.

“He’s a very complex player. He has all the shots.

He’s a player who has an

amazing career, and we practiced a lot of times,” Nadal told reporters.

“We know each other well. He’s an opponent that you need to play very well against. He is quick. He has very good angles.

“It’s going to be, being honest, a big challenge to be in the third round. Here we are.

I’m going to try my best to be ready for it.”

England launch World Cup bid against South Africa AFP - England will put four years of planning to the test when they face South Africa in the opening match of the 2019 World Cup at the Oval today.

So embarrassing was England’s first-round exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand it prompted a major rethink of their attitude to the white-ball game.

The transformation has been remarkable, with Eoin Morgan’s men climbing to the top of the one-day international rankings and twice setting a new record for the highest one-day international total, which now stands at 481 for six.

Batting has been the basis of England’s ODI rejuvenation, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Morgan and the dynamic Jos Buttler among a top seven who can all change the course of an innings in the blink of an eye.

“It’s an exciting feeling being in this team as you have world-class players all around you and the opposition might get 370, but there’s a belief in the dressing room we can chase it down,” said England leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

“There is no hesitation or someone going ‘I don’t know about this’. We all have that belief and confidence we can do it,” added Rashid, whose ability to take wickets at key stages has also been an important part of England’s white-ball revival.

“We will hopefully stick to what we’ve been doing the past four years and hopefully the World Cup will work out well for us.”

- South Africa pain South Africa have suffered plenty of World Cup heartache but having been losing semi-finalists four years there is a sense the Proteas are going under the radar this time around.

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson is convinced the pressure is all on the tournament hosts and cited comments by England quicks Stuart Broad and James Anderson — both of whom no longer play ODI cricket — as an example.

“I heard somewhere that my two very good friends Broad and Anderson have said that England will have to do something really bad not to win this World Cup,” recalled Gibson, who knows

the pair well from his time as England bowling coach.

“As far as they are concerned England have won it already.”

Former West Indies fast bowler Gibson added: “To play the hosts, the number one team, is the best way to start, because it gives us a real sense of where we are and what we need to do going forward.

“But you don’t have to be number one to win the tournament and sometimes you can win the tournament and you don’t even go to number one.”

South Africa, captained

by Faf du Plessis, are without retired star batsman AB de Villiers but their top order includes the talented Quinton de Kock.

They will be without Dale Steyn on Thursday as the outstanding fast bowler nurses a shoulder injury but South Africa have become used to his absence in recent times.

Of arguably greater importance for Thursday’s match is that Kagiso Rabada, arguably the leading paceman in world cricket today, has been passed fit following a back injury.

Thursday May 30, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GABA Head recommends Allicock Atkinson hands Zeelandia/ Maria’s training in Cuba be put on hold Pleasure narrow win Due to Pan Am qualifier’s poor attitude to training

Ryan Atkinson

Ryan Atkinson produced a fine all-round performance to hand Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure a one-run victory over G Square Cavaliers when the Mike’s Pharmacy/Trophy Stall U19 40-over tournament continued recently in Wakenaam.

Batting first, Zeelandia/ Maria’s Pleasure managed 118 all out at Zeelandia with Atkinson scoring 30 and Ricky Persaud 22. Gulcharan Chulai claimed 3-20 and Tikeshwar Nankoo 223. G Square Cavaliers responded with 117 all out. Sachin Chulai made 25 as Atkinson captured 4-24 and Mohindar Jadokool 2-16.

Sport boost for St. Denny’s/ Tapakuma youths DPI, Guyana, - Youths of St. Denny’s/Tapakuma Village, Region 2 (PomeroonSupenaam) will soon benefit from a contribution of sport gear and equipment following a representation made by Village Councillor, Carlton Fredericks to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, during the ‘Government comes to you’ ministerial outreach held in the region on May 29.

Fredericks explained that while the community has existing sport clubs, there is a need to uplift their current standards and facilities.

“I know that this outreach can help us and so I have been assisting in the development of youths within the community, particularly their sport groups… we need help, so I spoke to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, and he give me some positive

answer,” Fredericks said.

According to the village councillor, the Sport Director assured him that on May 31 the Department of Sport would distribute gear for football, cricket and volleyball to the community clubs.

Fredericks was high in praise for the government’s effort to improve the lives of youth in the region.

“This coalition government is really doing something for us in the hinterland, and I really appreciate that… development is happening… it is taking place, and while I have a few more agencies to visit, I am given a positive response.

They are attempting to provide on-thespot response and later dates for those that need time to be resolved,” the village councillor said.

He also visited the Ministry of Social

Village Councillor, Carlton Fredericks (DPI) Protection’s booth to discuss reported child abuse in the community.

“They have given me the assurance that they will have an outreach within the community as a way to educate the people about their roles and responsibility and the penalty for those caught abusing their children,” he explained.

Federer continues smooth Parisian progress

Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his second round match against Germany’s Oscar Otte. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) PARIS (Reuters) - Even during a clinically efficient win, Roger Federer still produced enough masterstrokes to have the French Open crowd purring

as he moved past German qualifier Oscar Otte into the third round yesterday.

The 37-year-old, welcomed back to Roland

Garros with open arms after missing the last three editions, was kept on his toes throughout the Court Philippe Chatrier contest, but raised his game when needed to prevail 6-4 6-3 6-4. With perfect Swiss timing he broke serve once in each set — in the 10th game of the first, the eighth game of the second and the ninth game of the third — to subdue the world number 144.

Just for good measure Federer finished the one-hour 36 minute match off with a signature flourish on the Parisian clay, a glorious drop volley played with casual ease.

Third seed Federer, whose only French Open title came 10 years ago, has won his first six sets and with a favorable draw he looks in the form to mount another challenge.

Next up for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is Norway’s 63rd-ranked Casper Ruud.

By Sean Devers At just 19, Caribbean Bantamweight Champion Keevin Allicock has been blessed with lightening hand speed, tremendous skill, great hand/eye coordination, power and excellent technique and for those who have followed his career, knows that he is well on course to becoming an Olympic medalist.

The talented youngster from the heart of Albouystown is arguably Guyana’s best treated pugilist, in both the amateur and professional ranks.

But of late, there seems to be one area of concern for the gifted boxer, and that is his attitude of knowing he is the best among his peers.

But, while other associations at times turns a blind eye on the indiscretions of their most talented competitors because of their extreme talent, President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, is not afraid to say it like he sees it, in the long term interest the GBA’s most valuable asset.

There are many extremely talented youngsters who feel that they are the ‘best’ and develop an ‘attitude’. Clive Lloyd, rated as one of the best Captains in world Cricket, would often say, “Your attitude will determine your altitude.”

Allicock has qualified for the Pan American games in Peru this July-August and should have commenced preparations with a training

sojourn in Cuba which some of the best amateur fighters in the world will be doing.

Allicock would be accompanied by National Boxing Coach, Cuban Francisco Hernandez Roldan, but that training Camp, facilitated by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), has been put on hold by GBA Head, Ninvalle.

His training regimen was observed between May 1 and May 23 and the resulting finds were unacceptable hence the resulting sanction.

“Upon careful investigation it was uncovered that Mr. Allicock has been delinquent in regards to attending training sessions locally and his attitude towards the task at hand is nothing short of lackadaisical”, Ninvalle wrote to GOA President, K.A. Juman Yassin.

Ninvalle has recommended that the GOA put on hold Allicock’s trip to Cuba.

“Mr. Allicock attended 12 of 30 training sessions held by the Cuban Coach Mr. Francisco Roldan. This is despite the pleadings of several persons. Less than 50 percent attendance at training leading up to any competition is unacceptable barring illness,” Ninvalle wrote.

“Our conclusion is that if Mr. Allicock is unconcerned about his training in Guyana and treats it as unimportant, then it is only logical that the same will happen in Cuba,” the GABA President continued.

In his letter, Ninvalle reminded that approximately six weeks ago the GBA was forced to have a meeting with Yassin, Allicock and Coach Sebert Blake relating to the boxer’s approach to training.

Ninvalle informed that Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan had complained that Allicock failed to attend a number of sessions and could offer no logical excuse.

“We had then warned him that his attitude towards training needed to drastically improve. This has not happened and his attendance has gotten worse. In fact, Allicock failed to even attend a Medical Examination provided by the GOA and offered the excuse of “not feeling well as the reason for his absence”, a peeved GABA Boss lamented.

Ninvalle said that Allicock weighed over six pounds over the bantamweight limit for his last fight in Guyana.

At the meeting with the GOA Head last Saturday Allicock could offer no reason for his absence from training.

“Being concerned about his approach to training and preparation for such an important international engagement, the GBA recommends that his trip to Cuba be put on hold.

We also recommend that the GOA immediately put on hold all stipends paid to Allicock until the GBA signals that there has been an improvement in his attitude towards training,” Ninvalle concluded.

Durant still limited, unlikely to play in games 1-2 Kevin Durant resumed light workouts in his recovery from a calf injury, but the Golden State Warriors are not expecting the All-Star forward to be on the court for the first two games of the NBA Finals in Toronto.

Durant’s exercise consists of stationary shooting on his own, and head coach Steve Kerr said he’s not ready for full team workouts or 5-on-5 play.

“We’ll see where it goes from here. This is where the fact that there’s a lot of days in between games during the Finals helps us, so we’ll see,” Kerr said. “If he did anything on the court, it would’ve been pretty light. I know he’s been out kinda shooting some shots, but I haven’t talked to (Warriors director of sports medicine and performance) Rick (Celebrini) today, so I’m not exactly sure what he’s done today.”

Kerr also doesn’t know if center DeMarcus Cousins will be ready for today’s Game 1.

Cousins is coming back from a torn left quadriceps muscle suffered in the opening series of the postseason. He has practiced on a limited basis and done fullcourt workouts

since the end of the Western Conference finals.

Cousins still isn’t 100 percent, Kerr said, because he’s only been able to participate in two scrimmages.

“The timing of this whole thing is tricky because he misses two months,” Kerr said.

“It always takes big guys longer to find their rhythm; the speed of their game is so fast. If this was the regular season, this would be simple: Put him back in the starting lineup, and give him his minutes and let him work his way back in and find his rhythm. It’d be an easy one. But we’re going into Game 1 of the Finals.”

Without Durant this postseason, the Warriors are 5-0, winning a closeout game against the Houston Rockets and sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers. Durant is eager to return to the floor in part because he believes he’s being cast as a Warriors outsider.

“I’m just taking it a second at a time.

Everything we do in the weight room, I just try to focus on that rep, not try to think too far down the line,” Durant said.

(Field Level Media)

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Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

India set to play ODIs in Vickram Seubarran re-elected Guyana for 1st time in 30 years President as Port Mourant Cricket Regional U-19 Tournament switched to St Vincent Club elects new Executives Guyana’s Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo meets with CWI President Ricky Skerritt.

By Sean Devers After a meeting between Guyana’s Prime Minister Mosses Nagamootoo and Cricket West Indies’ President Ricky Skerritt, it was confirmed that the two ODIs between India and the Windies set for Guyana in early August will remain here.

However, the 2019 Regional U-19 tournament, which was fixed for August in Guyana, has been shifted to St Vincent, while GCB Elections could be held in January 2020.

These decisions were made in the wake of the decision by High Court Judge, Justice Fidela Corbin on April 3, 2019 which ruled that the executive committee of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) could not hold themselves out to be office bearers or perform functions of the Board.

The first ODI in Guyana was played on March 6, 1977 at Albion when West Indies beat Pakistan by four wickets in the first ever ODI in the West Indies, while the last ODI was contested on July 25, 2018 at Providence when West Indies beat Bangladesh by three runs.

In all, five ODIs have been played at Albion in Berbice, 10 at Bourda in the City and 21, including the 2007 World Cup, were played at the Providence Stadium on the East Bank of Demerara.

But surprisingly, India has only featured in two of the 31 ODIs in Guyana which is the only place in the West Indies that ODIs have been contested at more than two venues.

In a Country where the largest population comprise of descendants of East Indians who were brought

here in 1838 as indentured servants from India, the fact that India has only played ODI cricket here twice (1983, when they beat the West Indies by 25 runs at Albion and at Bourda in 1989 when West Indies won by 101 runs) is an amazing statistic.

Guyanese were happy when it was announced that India will play two ODIs here in August with ‘sold out’ games anticipated.

But Guyana’s hosting of India was put in limbo when the Court made its ruling on the GCB Executives before a compromise was brokered by the GOG and CWI last weekend.

Sources indicates that during the meeting with the CWI and the former GCB executives, President Skerritt was brought up to date with information that he was not aware of but that no firm decisions were made.

The source however confirmed that the U-19 tournament had been removed from Guyana.

Another source had informed that the ‘CWI also expressed concern about the process of appointing the ombudsman and questioned whether meaningful consultations were had with the West Indies cricket board’.

But the source close to GCB said that ‘meaningful consultations did not mean that decisions had to be made and added that there were ‘lines of communications’ between former CWI President Dave Cameron and Guyana Sports Minister Dr George Norton on the appointment of the Cricket Ombudsman.

The source clarified that the Executives of CGI were

not defendants in the GCB case and were free to go about their business of preparing the Guyana Jaguars franchise team and organising the local Franchise League.

Kaieteur Sports has seen correspondence sent to Sports Minister Norton from Cameron dated March 7.

Part of the correspondence, which was signed by Cameron, read “This letter confirms CWI support for the following: (a) The appointment of Mr Steven Lewis, Attorney at Law, as Cricket Ombudsman, mutually agreed. (b) The date for the GCB Elections is set for 26th January 2020 or on any date thereafter to fixed by the Cricket Ombudsman.

The source lamented that the likelihood CWI withholding funding to the GCB until Elections are held will not only hurt the board but also the development of Guyana’s cricket since some of those who worked during the Regional Wo m e n ’s tournament and U-19 InterCounty competition has not been paid as yet.

The GCB has not held proper elections since 2011 and due to Court orders and injunctions Guyana’s cricket has been affected.

In 2014 the Regional Board moved a Test match to Barbados because of the passing of the Guyana Cricket Administration Billwhich among other things gives the Guyana Sports Minister the right to appoint a Cricket Ombudsman.

The Dave Cameron Administration removed the game claiming political interference in Cricket by the Guyana Government.

Popular Chief Executive Officer of Universal DVD and Stationery Store, Vickram Seubarran, was on 22nd May, re-elected President of the historic Port Mourant Cricket Club at its Annual General Meeting held at the Club’s Pavilion.

A total of thirty five members turned up for the meeting which was postponed earlier in the year when the Secretary for 2018 Godwyn Allicock failed to turn up with Minutes for the last Annual General Meeting and the Annual Report.

Allicock, who is also the Region 6 Sports Organiser, again failed to turn up at the 22nd May Annual General Meeting, sent no excuse for his absence. As a result, the Club took a decision to proceed as it was the general view that the past Secretary was not interested in the affairs of the Port Mourant Cricket Club.

Seubarran was elected unopposed in the elections which was supervised by Industrial Welfare Officer Orvin Mangru of the Albion Estate. The other Executives were also elected unopposed as members strongly supported the Seubarran team.

Berbice Under-15 Coach

Leslie Solomon was elected Vice President, while First Division Player Daniel Samaroo is the new Secretary.

Another First Division Player, Fardun Khan, would be in charge of Club’s finance as the Treasurer, while Haresh Deonarine would serve as his Deputy. The Committee Members are Collis Greene, Ashik Ishak and Roopnarine Rampertab.

President Seubarran thanked the members for their confidence in him and stated that he was committed to returning the once powerful cricket club to its former glory.

Seubarran urged the new electives to work as a collective unit and called on the entire membership to be committed to training harder for the Club to be more competitive in the numerous cricket tournaments being organised by the Berbice Cricket Board.

Port Mourant Cricket Club in 2018 won the Da Silva Under-13 Tournament organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and has performed creditably at the junior level. The Club has an impressive list of upcoming junior players including the highly talented Rampertab Ramnauth and Salim Khan.

Four members of the Club

recently represented Berbice at the Under-15 level, while Ramnauth went on to represent Guyana with great success including scoring a brilliant century on debut versus Jamaica.

Port Mourant Cricket Club has the distinction of having produced the most Test Players in Berbice for any Club. The seven Port Mourant Cricket Club Test Players are John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Ivan Madray, Joe Solomon, Alvin Kallicharran and Mahendra Nagamootoo. Apart from Madray, the others are part of the Berbice All Time XI, selected by the Berbice Cricket Board. Other popular players produced by the Port Mourant Cricket Club include Romain Etwaroo, Tyrone Etwaroo, Deonarine Persaud, Veersammy Verapen, Derick Kallicharran, David Fingal, Arjune Nandu, Rajendra Sadeo, Sunil Dhaniram, Vishal Nagamootoo and Robert Fingal among countless others.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board Hilbert Foster has congratulated the newly elected President and his Executives and pledged his support to assist the Port Mourant Cricket Club in any way possible.

Mike’s Pharmacy backs Fisherman Masters for NYSCL tourney

Zameer Hassan accepts the cheque from Andrea Bridgelall.

Mike’s Pharmacy has thrown their support behind Fisherman Masters for their participation in the upcoming New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup. The entity presented a cheque to Marketing Manager of the Fisherman Masters Zameer Hassan at a simple ceremony held at their Bel Air location. Hassan expressed gratitude to the company for their assistance, adding it’s their first overseas outing and they will be looking to make Guyana proud. Andrea Bridgelall of Mike’s Pharmacy said they are

happy to be associated with the team’s participation in a tournament of such magnitude, stating that they have a passion for the sport and wished the team well. She said that over the years Guyana has been represented well at this competition and she hoped that this trend will continue.

The tournament will commence on June 28 and conclude two days later.

Fisherman Masters have also expressed gratitude to Satrohan Sookdeo Boat Construction & Fishing Business, W&J Enterprises and Lenard Ice Factory for their input.

Thursday May 30, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association holds successful tourney

The students take time out for a photo after their participation in the GWKA annual Junior Karate Tournament.

On May 18th last, the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association (GWKA) held its annual Junior Karate Tournament. Students from

the Banks, Mae’s and Eccles Dojos participated in the tournament which was sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and International

Pharmaceutical Agency.

The event was declared open at 13:00 hrs by the President of the GWKA Sensei Darren Nurse and

proceeded under the direction of 8th Dan Sensei Winston Dunbar.

O u t s t a n d i n g performances were produced

Dolphin Swim Speed Club thanked sponsors for successful meet

by Rovaldo and Seara Mohamed, Aaliyah Nelson, Kirmani Smith and Elijah Mohamad.

The full results are: Kumite 5 yrs – 6 yrs male 1st place – Elijah Mohamad 2nd place – Christian Sugrim 7 yrs – 8 yrs female 1st place – Saphra Sam 2nd place – Upasna Singh 3rd place – Analisa Singh 7 yrs – 8 yrs male category A 1st place – Kirmani Smith 2nd place – Tahj Frank 3rd place – Brandon Cummings 7 yrs – 8 yrs male category B 1st place – Japheth Terborg 2nd place – Adam Mohamad 3rd place – Yodish Persaud 4th place – Kaiden Kirton 9 yrs – 10 yrs female 1st place – Seara

Mohamed 2nd place – Oshana Quamina 3rd place – Tinashe Craig 4th place – Liandoris Profeiro 9 yrs – 10 yrs male 1st place – Jason Abraham 2nd place – Hemanchal Persaud 3rd place – Jeremiah Forde 4th place – Antonio Singh 11 yrs – 12 yrs male 1st place – Justin Abraham 2nd place – Diego Hernandez 13 yrs – 14 yrs female 1st place – Aaliyah Nelson 2nd place – Jilnell Abraham 13 yrs – 14 yrs male 1st place – Rovaldo Mohamed 2nd place – Shaun Osman 3rd place – Jayden DeSouza 4th place – Samuel Bidajhar

Five outstanding Guyanese...

Paul Mahaica of Dolphin Swim Speed Club presents the printer and hamper to Mrs. Karen Henry of Peter’s Hall Primary in the presence of the students.

The Dolphin Swim Speed Club held its annual inter club meet recently at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

The Meet began with a lively march past and was later declared open by Director of Sport Christopher Jones. The clubs that participated are Healthy Minds Swim Club and Guests of Berbice, Torpedo Swim Club of Linden, Dorado Speed Swim Club, Orca Speed Swim Club, Sea Otters, Silver Shark Aquatic and the host; swimmers from the Guyana Police Force also took part. In addition to the standard competition races, there was action in the pool from the Novice swimmers, exhilarating no-breath races as well as time trials for the Lima 2019 Pan American Games slated to commence on July 26 in Peru and the 18th FINA World Swimming Championship in Gwangju, South Korea.

It was an exciting day for the swimmers who were cheeredon by over 300 fans. The host club collaborated with several

schools in an innovated move designed to develop an interest in the sport among the youths. The Peter’s Hall Primary School was presented with an Office Jet Pro 7740 printer compliments of Starr Computers, while Mrs. Karen Henry, the teacher responsible for organising the students received a hamper from Toucan Distributors. The meet culminated with a presentation of medals, ribbons, gifts and hampers to the athletes.

The Dolphin SSC has expressed gratitude to its sponsors Amalgamated Security Services, Banks DIH, Bounty Farm Ltd., Bravo Arts, Chris Auto Sales, Setaliz Event Services, Fairfield Rice Ltd., The Guyana Defence Force Medical Team, Hose N Bolts, Maggie’s National Sports Commission, Seven Seas Products through Massy Distribution, Star Party Rentals, Sterling Products and Toucan Distributors.

The club has also expressed gratitude to the parents, guardians, volunteers and swimmers for their participation.

From page 32 Christopher Deroop, a member of the Club recently represented Berbice at the Under-25 level.

Attorney-at-Law Geeta Chandan-Edmond is a Berbician by birth who has excelled in her profession. She once served as a highly respected Magistrate and currently serves as a Legal Advisor to the Ministry of the Presidency. Dr. Aaron Fraser is the Chief Executive of Power Producer and Distribution Inc and a highly respected Accountant. Mrs. Donna Todd currently serves as the General Manager (ag) of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited and has been at the forefront of a positive transformation of the Guyana Chronicle.

Secretary Hilbert Foster, MS congratulated the Awardees and stated that the Club was honoured to recognise them as role models and committed Guyanese. He urged them to uplift their high standards and to share their work ethics with the younger generation of Guyanese as our young nation seeks to develop even further.

PAGE 32

Thursday May 30, 2019

Kaieteur News

CWI VP Shallow takes over Five outstanding Guyanese Windward Islands top spot receives RHTYSC “Dolphin ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Dr Kishore Shallow has been elected president of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control, further consolidating his standing in the Caribbean cricket fraternity two months after assuming the reins as Cricket West Indies vice-president.

The 35-year-old was elected unopposed after Dominican Emmanuel Nanthan, the former CWI vice-president, chose not to seek re-election.

Nanthan, along with former CWI president Dave Cameron, were defeated by Shallow and Ricky Skerritt at CWI elections last March.

Shallow, a director of WICBC for five years and a CWI director for two years, said he was looking forward to serving in his wider role.

“My love for this game is immeasurable, and I am tremendously honored to be given the opportunity to serve cricket across the region and to be in a leadership role to advance Caribbean cricket,” said Shallow, also president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association.

An information technology and business consultant, Shallow said the sub-region was rich in potential and he hoped to maximise this with the

CWI vice-president Dr. Kishore Shallow resources available.

“There is a lot of potential. We just need to harmonize our resources a little better and obviously this is a challenge,” Shallow said in a media interview with the Searchlight newspaper.

“I am really a strong advocate of regional integration and that is how I am going to be approaching this position; very similar to Cricket West Indies where we don’t represent an island but a region.”

St Lucian Julian Charles will continue as vicepresident of the WICBC and will be joined by Grenadian Dwain Gill as the Windward Islands directors on the CWI

board.

Gill, the president of the Grenada Cricket Association who has served as West Indies A team manager and Windies Under-19 manager, said his latest appointment was another chance to make an impact in Caribbean cricket.

“The appointment is another opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the overall development of West Indies cricket,” said Gill.

“I am humbled and honoured and will continue to devote time and attention to West Indies cricket as I’ve done all my life.”

Vincentian Kezron Walters was also elected as the new WICBC secretary under the constitutional requirement that the president and secretary come from the same island.

Summary of Results: President - Dr. Kishore Shallow Vice President - Julian Charles Directors to CWI - Julian Charles and Dwain Gill Alternates - Patrick Felix and Miles Bascombe Selectors - Steve Mohorn (chairman), Roland Wilkinson, Greg Wilson, and Trevor Shillingford Treasurer - Dougal James Secretary - Kezron Walters

Cricket West Indies appoints three...

From page 33 stranger to Caribbean Cricket ever since he became the first Windward Islands player to represent The West Indies in 1969 and he is pleased to be involved again.

Michael Findlay: “It is an honour to be appointed as an Independent Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to serve our cricket in another capacity having been a player, and having previously served as Manager of the West Indies Under-19 and Senior Teams, Chairman of Selectors; Chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Cricket Committee; the Board Representative on the ICC’s Cricket Committee, and a Cricket West Indies A m b a s s a d o r. I a m h u m b l e d b y t h i s appointment and will serve in the very best interest of the overall development of West Indies cricket at all levels.”

Trinidadian attorney, Debra CoryatPatton, is an experienced legal practitioner in areas of employment law, intellectual property law, anti-money laundering, and diplomatic protocol. She is Chairman of the Sport and Culture Fund of the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

She is also a former Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morehouse School of Medicine, and Political Specialist of the United States Department of State, US Embassy Port of Spain. She currently holds the position of Attorney at Law with the Office of the Campus Registrar, Legal Department of the University of the West Indies, St.

Augustine.

Debra Coryat-Patton: “I acknowledge that the role of a CWI Independent Director is indeed an important one and I am therefore prepared and determined to offer to such an august organization, all of the expertise and experience my professional background has afforded me, in addition to integrity and the other associated qualities that are synonymous with the legal profession of which I am proud to be part of.”

Dr. Akshai Mansingh is a Jamaican Sports Medicine Physician and Orthopaedic Surgeon. He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Sport at the University of the West Indies.

He was formerly Chief Medical Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board for over a decade, and of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) since its inception. He was also a member of the inaugural International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Medical Panel and sits on the ICC Therapeutic Exemption Committee.

Dr. Akshai Mansingh: “I am delighted to have been named an independent director of CWI. I am hoping that my experience in Sports Medicine as well as my deep involvement in Sports Science and Medicine in Cricket will be of value. I am also appreciative of having the opportunity of being able to contribute to my passion at the highest level.

Knowing what cricket means to the people of the region, I look forward to helping in building back West Indies Cricket to the heights where it belongs.”

Award of Excellence”

Three of the Awardees pose with their awards: Donna Todd, Dr. Devendra Radhay and Dennis Deroop.

The Management of Guyanese leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS in 2015 established the Dolphin Award of Excellence to honour Guyanese they view as positive role models to youths, while recognising their contributions to the development of Guyana. The Award has a maximum limit of sixty Awardees who are specially selected by the Club Management and representatives of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club ten cricket teams.

The Awardees recognised and honoured this year are Dr. Aaron Fraser, Dr. Devendra Radhay, Dennis Deroop, Geeta Chandan-Edmond and Donna Todd.

The Dolphin Award of Excellence is the highest of twelve award of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and is specially reserved for

Guyanese who have worked beyond the call of duty to the development of sports and society while being role models. Over the last four years, the Awardees have included President David Granger, who is also the RHTYSC Honorary Patron, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Director of Sports Christopher Jones, Jennifer Cipriani, Bert Sukhai, Onai Vasconcellos, Avenash Ramzan, Frankie Wilson, Gregory Rambarran, Rajendra Ganga, Larry Wills, David Armogan and Avia Lindie.

Some Non-Guyanese like former General Manager of Busta Robert Selman, West Indies Female Captain Stephanie Taylor and overseas based Guyanese Brian Ramphal have also received the prestigious award.

Dr. Devendra Radhay a Cuban trained Medical Doctor at the Port Mourant

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over the Award to Attorney-at-Law Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

Hospital has made a remarkable impression as Doctor in Charge of the Port Mourant Hospital and has spearheaded a transformation of the institution. The Highly respected Doctor also played a major role in the recovery of RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who was recently a patient at the Hospital.

Dennis Deroop is the Regional Vice Chairman of Region 6 and a strong supporter of the Club. He has assisted the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to obtain funding to upgrade the Area ‘H’ Ground and a positive role model to the Club where he is a regular visitor to matches and practice sessions. His son Continued on page 29