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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
The plight of the police
T
hings could not look poorer for the Guyana Police Force. There is this case winding down that has transformed into the theater of the unreal. It is one bizarre dance of contradictory statements, disappearing evidence, rearranged testimonies, and the continuing tragedy of those who can’t get their stories together. Truly, proof that tragedy is comedy plus time. Whatever hard-earned gains the police have recorded loses luster, raises doubts. There is that standing code of any accused being innocent until proven guilty. In the matter before the court, it involves an alleged felony assault against a policeman. In many places such a development is greeted with solidarity and ferocious determination to get to the bottom of the matter quickly, apprehend the perpetrator, and let the law take its course. In Guyana, however, there appears to be a whole different standard at work, even with something so personal, so institutional, and so intertwined with the heart and soul of police operations, police integrity, and police reputation. From all reports, it is as if police people on many levels—some public, and with others working behind the scenes—are in a mad scramble to embarrass themselves by twisting themselves into knots to influence and rebalance the scales of justice. It is as if there is strenuous effort to add another blindfold, and earplugs, for the goddess, Justitia, to dispense justice a certain way; even if this means humiliating all involved in an increasingly troubling public spectacle. Nobody in the police can say what precisely occurred – case of he said, she said, and none saying anything that makes sense; except to leave a sense that something is afoot, that many questions rage. Nobody is finding the right things to tender — something is missing or tampered with; forces are moving in the bowels of the GPS to arrange a particular outcome. The only one who appears to be having a grand time in the tortured proceedings has to be counsel. The state’s side is shooting itself in the foot (repeatedly), arguably committing perjuries (many), and making a mockery (serially) of what passes for law and order in this society. Truth be told, there are these actors, in what amounts to a judicial song and dance cum séance, who all know that they are operating with a marked deck, and circumstances in which one and all are struggling to put the best face on and best foot forward. The circumstances, though, are neither friendly nor cooperating. For at every turn of events, men put their foot into their mouths, and fall all over themselves to square the circle, and make these not-so-stunning proceedings go away quietly and quickly. Except that they refuse to do so; the genies are a shade unmanageable. It is a not-so-stunning turn of events, because what is happening in the courts, and as carried by the media, furnishing unchallengeable evidence of the way that things work in this country. In a considerable number of those occasions when certain level of folks breach the law, nothing reaches the public domain. Matters are negotiated and resolved privately and conclusively utilizing self-serving tracks of law enforcement. Those tracks are not on the healthy side of citizens. It is why the Guyana Police Force has earned a reputation that now sticks stubbornly, disastrously. The challenge for the police now is to put a clean sheen on things; on the attempted murder of a brother officer no less. It has failed. If on something as grievous as this, the public must ask: what else?
I remain steadfast that the challenges and expressed grievances of UG’s unions are not unsolvable DEAR EDITOR, Reference is being made to the letter “UG unions on the GTUC” (KN 30th May, 2019) signed by Dr. Jewel Thomas and Mr. Bruce Haynes, UGWU & UGSSA Executives. My recent two letters in the newspaper on issues pertaining to the University of Guyana (UG) were responses to allegations made by a writer who is not an employee of the UG or a member of the UG unions. As such, what was said needs to be taken within that context, more particularly given that at the time of thsaose responses, the leadership of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), which yours truly was a part of, was in engagement with the said unions in an effort to resolve their expressed grievances. Thus, the letter signed by Thomas and Haynes, both of whom are in discussions with the GTUC’s leadership, is more than passing strange. This notwithstanding, since
the unions see it fitting to place the matter in the public domain, it is incumbent the public has the benefit of hearing from me, one of the players identified as a source of their dissatisfaction. The undermentioned forms my response to theirs. 1. It is the unions’ view that I “no longer [have] a grasp of the situation at the university, or the nature of the struggle in which the University of Guyana Unions are currently involved.” My first engagement with Professor Ivelaw Griffith, Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Principal of the UG was in 2016. That engagement was the result of a complaint made by the unions that the university refused to pay the across-the-board (ATB) increase to some lecturers. I sought an engagement with the VC and the unions to ascertain the reason and to find a solution. It was revealed that those who would not have received the ATB salary were lecturers
who failed to submit the students’ grades and graduation was scheduled within a fortnight. Among this group were persons identified as leaders of the two unions. I advised management that it cannot withhold an ATB increase, which is different to that of an increase acquired through the performance evaluation process, and urged the unions to encourage their members to submit the students’ grades. At that meeting I also called on both parties to move to have a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) which will guide and regulate the relationship between them. The unions have stated their advocacy “for an institution-wide commitment and adherence to principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.” This must be applauded and represented by all stakeholders, viz the UG Council, management, unions, workers, and
students. Each group, individually and collectively, play(s) their role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of all and the institution. Where the unions have disagreement with the policy direction of the management and are calling for an audit, these matters can be raised under what is termed a “General Question” under the Avoidance and Settlement of Dispute Procedure which is normally enshrined in a CLA.A trade union should have a CLA. Its Certificate of Recognition, which is provided by the Trade Union Recognition Board (TURB), copies are issued to the employer and trade union. As it relates to a trade union’s Articles of Association, elections, auditing of its records and other internal activities, access to them fall within the remit of its membership and such is protected by ILO Conventions Nos 87 and 98. Mindful of the aforesaid, (Continued on page 6)
While the APNU+AFC outreach circus continues, people’s problems are totally neglected DEAR EDITOR, Flood affected several communities this past week in Guyana. Mahdia and Black Bush Polder, from two different ends of Guyana, were the most affected areas. One week after the floods began, thankfully, there is encouraging news that flood waters are receding. As these communities struggle against floods, the people in Region 1 are affected by other kinds of problems, such as a serious fuel shortage. While APNU+AFC, soon after the No-Confidence Motion, announced they were bringing the government and solutions to the people, they have studiously stayed far away from problem areas, particularly PPP-supporting areas. This week, their outreach circus reached Region 2, where the main event was the Prime Minister visiting a school and telling the children that the President and the Prime Minister will ensure free university education, but not now, only if the people re-elect them. As the outreach circus continues to roll out, communities across Guyana face total neglect, with the level of neglect clearly linked to political considerations. Traditional PPP-supporting communities, receive no help. For traditionally PNCsupported communities, there is some acknowledgement and a pretence of being supportive, but in the end, little to nothing
is done. No matter what the challenge, the fervour and the intensity of APNU+AFC in communities with problems never match the energy and the expense like we witnessed with the recent Buju Banton charade. While Black Bush Polder might not have reasonably expected anything from APNU+AFC because of their policy of political discrimination, the people of Mahdia are bewildered that those in government had the time and money for free ticket distribution for the Buju show, but showed only fleeting, meaningless concerns for their struggles. Forty-eight hours after the first report of flooding in Mahdia, several senior Ministers showed up in that town and left without any meaningful action. In fact, those officials who visited Mahdia, fleetingly leaving their air-conditioned, plush offices in Georgetown, proceeded to blame the residents of Mahdia - too many Mahdia residents were living too close to the rivers and creeks. But, at least, the APNU+AFC Ministers showed up to provide some moral support, showed up with many empty promises. The residents know too well not to expect much. Mahdia had the APNU+AFC presence, but no one distributed much-required funds and no one stayed.
Buju was about to land and everyone had to be at the National Stadium. In the meantime, one week after flood first began in Black Bush Polder, no Minister or Government official has showed up. The President and the Prime Minister show no sign they are even aware of any flooding in Black Bush Polder. The Minister of Agriculture went for a “quickie” visit to West Berbice to “gaff” with a few residents, but Black Bush Polder must have been too far away for him to even bother. The Minister of Public Infrastructure who went to Mahdia did not find it possible or necessary to even send a word of assurance to the residents in Black Bush Polder. Even as the Regional officials struggle to provide support to the farmers and residents in Black Bush Polder, the Minister of Communities had more important business to attend to, although no one knows exactly what he busied himself with. While the residents in Black Bush Polder struggle against the flood, with health hazards mounting and their livelihood threatened, the people of Region 1 are also facing a crisis. Cost of living has skyrocketed because of the serious fuel shortage. With the mounting Venezuelan crisis, fuel supply is now one of the many rising threats facing Region 1. Not a single Minister or
any other senior APNU+AFC official has showed up, even though this has been going on for several months. A Minister did show up in Mabaruma, Region 1 for the Independence Flag-Raising ceremony. The ceremony was held in the name of the RDC, but the RDC was excluded, as the occasion was used for a political speech. The speaker never addressed the fuel problem or any of the other Ve n e z u e l a n - r e l a t e d challenges in Region 1, totally ignoring it. The Region has appealed for government’s intervention. Thus far, there is no indication that the APNU+AFC administration is acknowledging the crisis in Region 1 or care even a little bit about the problems Region1 is facing. The truth is that APNU+AFC is neglecting or is incapable of addressing real problems that people face. The outreaches have been condemned by those people who bothered to attend, but who have found to their great chagrin, nothing is being done to help them. APNU+AFC claims cohesion and unity are priority for their governance. In fact, they appointed a Minister specifically to be in charge of social cohesion. Yet, if one thing is clear, in the more than four years of APNU+AFC stewardship, it is that Guyana is deliberately being polarized. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Best wishes to the West Indies in the World Cup DEAR EDITOR, West Indies plays its first match in this year’s World Cup against Pakistan today, and fans are hoping that the Caribbean squad will perform well, some are very optimistic. Brian Lara, former captain and batting sensation, feels that the team will reach the semifinal. This is very doubtful, since the team is not as disciplined as the players in the 1970s and 1980s. More so it does not have the calibre of players like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Gordon Greenidge, Alvin Kallicharran, Deryck Murray, Andy Roberts, Keith Boyce, Vanburn Holder, et al. Jason Holder, does not have the experience like Clive to outplay his rivals, and with the exception of Chris Gayle,
Andre Russell and Darren Bravo, the squad is not up to par with their counterparts from England. Windies won the first two tournaments in 1975 and 1979, and was runner up in the third, and not long afterwards the performances started to decline. Now it is way down; No. 9 in Tests, No. 7 in ODIs and T20s. The players these days focus their attention on the shortest version of the game where they are well paid. Because of the stiff competition, the batsmen in 50-over games target big scores like 400-plus. From reports, the pitches in England have proven to be batsman’s paradises, and it might not be too surprising if a record of 500 runs will be reached in one of these matches.
I should mention that the Caribbean team scored 421 in a warm up match against New Zealand. In the last World Cup in 2015, Gayle and Martin Guptill scored double centuries, but there are a few “big batters” like Virat Kohli who scored 41 ODI centuries and Rohit Sharma, the only man to score three double centuries in ODIs. Holder’s men will come up against Pakistan at Trent Bridge today. We wish them well. We hope to get good scores from Evin Lewis, Gayle, and Russell and pace bowler Shannon Gabriel will excel.The tournament bowled off yesterday with the host England easily disposing of South Africa. The competition comes to an end on July 14 with the final at Lords. Oscar Ramjeet
The State is criminal in its acceptance of this grave injustice DEAR EDITOR, I have been vocal in my call and rigorous in the campaign to see the decriminalisation of small amounts of marijuana, which would see young people not being jailed in the event they possess minute portions of that particular herb. Our government seems to want to go to the polls with the expectation of triumphing, while they remain steeped in their unwillingness to deliver on their promise in this particular instance. Oppression of the Guyanese people in any form is unjust and unacceptable. What adds insult to injury is
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that our government’s grandstanding in the issuance of substantial numbers of tickets to the Guyanese people to see Buju Banton perform at the National Stadium last week is nothing short of hypocrisy. Buju represents my generation and our younger generation who have called and are still calling, for the legalisation of marijuana. I have been very clear in my call over the years for the people never to accept promises that are not kept by political leaders. I am calling on President David Granger to pardon those persons sentenced and
spending months and years in prison to be reunited with their families and loved ones. I am calling for this government to change the legislation. The State is criminal in its acceptance of this grave injustice meted out to the Guyanese people, and it is not short now of being seen as farcical. Faithfully yours. Aluta Continua, Norman K. Browne
I am anxious to hear more information about this investigation DEAR EDITOR, My fellow Guyanese citizens, who I believe were caught up in the carnival revelry and celebrations relating to independence, might have missed an important note from SARA. According to Kaieteur News, the government agency said that is investigating systems and policies that might have led to the award of two oil blocks to friends just before elections in 2015.From what I glean in these reports, the big wigs at Freedom House on Robb Street and the Office of the President, had apparently speeded up the awards of blocks known as Canje and Kaieteur to two companies that most people in Guyana might never have heard of. Editor, I am anxious to hear more information about this investigation, as the PPP
and its friends and fellow collaborators have accused Mr. Granger and his band of politicos of being as corrupt, or even more corrupt, than the PPP in all of its 23 years in office.What an astounding statement to make. Yes, there has to be some level of corruption, especially because Mr. Granger did make a cardinal political mistake by ordering that many important people and officials who had worked with the PPP should have been allowed to remain on the job, hoping perhaps they would one day be loyal to him and his government. What a faux pas this has turned out to be. As we all know, some of these people are in sensitive positions, positions that my friends on the east coast love to refer to as gatekeeper portfolios, so the fact that
there are elements of corrupt acts should be of no surprise to watchers like me. I now rather suspect that when the details of SARA’s peek into the awards of the blocks come to light, those crying massive corruption will be shut up and be put out to pasture p o l i t i c a l l y. W h a t e v e r transactions took place, Guyana got nothing. Point to note is that none of these companies have sunk any wells after almost five years, because I am sure they are now raising the capital and resources to do so. Yet, they in inexplicable were simply handed a large and important part of our patrimony. How can this be? Editor, I urge SARA to speak up on this issue so Guyanese could know what is going on and what went on. Peter Joseph
How many recommendations in consultancy reports are actually acted upon? DEAR EDITOR, I recall a statement made some years ago by an African leader, who lamented the fact that in Africa there is underdevelopment with consultancies, whereas in Europe, there is development without consultancies. It is time, he quipped, for there to be ‘a consultancy on consultancies.’ There is I believe a considerable amount of truth in this observation. Millions of dollars are being spent every year on consultancies
for which hardly anything useful emanates out of them. There are scores of consultancy reports that are gathering dust in almost every government ministry or department. Several of these have only archival value with very few of the numerous recommendations acted upon.One major problem is the lack of implementation capacity. It might be useful to have a study done on how many of the recommendations contained in several of the (Coninued on page 6)
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Parents should educate children from small about handling money DEAR EDITOR, Parents are tasked with the responsibility of molding and shaping their children’s future and character. When it comes to making choices it is imperative to provide them with guidance. Today, with all the pressure emanating from social media and technological advancements, it has become more challenging than ever to teach children proper spending habits, and to make them distinguish between “a necessity and a luxury”. In our current age and time, children are more exposed to a variety of things like new gadgets, high-end brands and the latest trends in fashion. It is only natural to desire the best for your child/children. However, as parents you need to make them realize the difference between a want and a need, and you need to educate them while youth is still in their favour.Such principles can be practiced on a day-today basis. For example parents, when you go grocery shopping with your children, educate them by taking the necessary things first (needs). Once you have
completed your needs list, make assessment with other things (wants) based on what is left in your budget. This can educate them about the difference between the two and enable them to create decisions based on their own judgment. Whenever your child thinks about buying something, inquire if it is something they really need or just something that they want. In so doing, you are allowing their young minds to make small decisions that will benefit them in the future. Parents should also make kids realize, before they become too old, that not all that glitters is gold, and not everything nice and flashy is worth having. Material things like gadgets, while nice to have, lose their value over time. They do not remain the same for long, and once new things come along they are considered outdated and archaic. Kids nowadays are smart enough to know that trees are not the bearers of money, and they can also discern or differentiate a luxurious lifestyle from a humble one. Thanks to social media and television. Therefore parents must be
How many recommendations... From page 5 consultancy reports were actually acted upon. The findings of such a study could be revealing.Guyana over the years has had several consultancies done at both at the national and sectoral levels. Among these were the National Development Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy. We now have the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 which was recently presented to President David Granger by the UN Environment Programme Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. One hopes that this Report will not suffer the same fate as the other Reports due to poor implementation capacity. Further, it is unclear whether the Strategy has benefitted sufficiently from stakeholders’ inputs across the full spectrum of the Guyanese society to allow for long term sustainability and continuity, given the current unpredictable political environment. The emergence of oil and gas will change the development trajectory of the country, which will require not only a new development framework, but a new vision as well. Such a framework, for it to be effective, must draw on the inputs of all stakeholders including the political opposition, the private sector, organized labour and the rest of civil society. Hydar Ally
honest and straightforward and tell children that money comes from hard work and perseverance. It is vital that they learn the concept of how money is acquired in order for them to learn its value. In so doing, you are opening their eyes to the reality that working hard and being responsible can guarantee them a brighter and more stable future. Yes, educating your children on how to handle money is a challenging undertaking. Parents should be ready to answer a multiplicity of questions, and an abundance of “whys”. Remember however, that training children at a young age can go a long way towards making a difference in their ability to make decisions in the future. Additionally it can also make them realize the things that are far more important and relevant in their daily life. Yvonne Sam
Friday May 31, 2019
Ideology vs. Non-Action - Students of the University of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I choose to use these few lines to get my message over to the beloved students of the University of Guyana. Hopefully, I’ll manage to bring to light some reasons as to why things are the way they are (good or bad). The only wish of most if not all of the students belonging to the institution, is to finish or complete their studies at the University. Their thoughts are strictly academic. Outside of new friends they would have met or are meeting, they will miss nothing about the University when their studies are completed - sadly. Nobody will dispute that. It is a growing ideology throughout campus (driven, by and large, by an administration intended on bringing change to us in its own time, sometimes not even the change we wish to see or have demanded). The second part of this
ideological belief that things won’t change in the areas we wish to see them change is our actions or non-action. Many of us are not united on this front. Let me elaborate. We don’t come out to the various Student Society campaigns and show our support for candidates suitable enough for leading us the students, effectively and efficiently. What happens in this case, when the Student Society doesn’t appear to be representing us or our interests (in some cases) we can’t even hold them accountable or feel guilty to do same. The second part of our action or non-action is our disunity displayed when we are seeking cooperation to have a few administrative changes. This disunity stems from a lot of minimal attitudes such as a personal dislike for the leaders of a movement, lack of belief in the case, or simply a disbelief that admin
will welcome this new initiative that is being talked about or targeted. But this is where we are wrong; our physical support is needed because even if we the administration do nothing, they will notice the support that such movement has managed to garner. Sharing our plights with meaningful supplies of solutions via social media can work also. Lastly, as the semester comes to an end and we go back to our individual lives, let us put together a plan with ways in which we can make the university a great place, working in conjunction with the various administrative offices in the execution of these initiatives. Let us carefully evaluate any potential leader of the Student Society that we know will work in the best interest of the students when selected, and not vote for friends or faculty members. Jafar Elsadiq Gibbons
I remain steadfast that the challenges and expressed... From page 4 I have sought to impress upon the unions to know their rights and responsibility and get themselves in order. There remains concern that since the establishment of the Trade Union Recognition Act (1997) no Certificate of Recognition exists for the university unions, and three years hence a CLA has not be negotiated which has left salary and working conditions of the staff to the dictate of the university management. It should be said that though there exists no Certificate of Recognition, the fact that management has been engaging the unions constitutes acceptance of recognition, but the possession of a Certificate is always more advantageous. These were brought to the attention of the unions. In any relationship between a trade union and employer what is fundamental is putting that CLA in place, and the acquisition of this usually takes priority over any other activity. Outside of a CLA and the grievances will fester and the environment more acrimonious. The role of the
Department of Labour falls within the purview of the CLA’s Avoidance and Settlement of Dispute Procedure. My advice to the unions, which they find objection to, is premised on these basic industrial relations practices. 2. “The UG Unions’ dissatisfaction with the GTUC’s representative on the UG council is not a recent occurrence.” The unions, over the years, have engaged me on what they perceive as infractions on the part of our representative on the Council, Ivor English. Last year when the unions met with me to air their grievances about some decision-making/policy on the Council, they were advised as to the procedure they should adopt in having these matters addressed by the university. That advice has not been heeded and this is consistent with their right to either accept or reject. With regards to the written charges made against English, the President, Coretta McDonald, advised the unions that English will have to be given the opportunity to respond, which was done. 3. GTUC’s nominee’s “support for the vicechancellor being paid in lieu of leave.” At the meeting with the unions on Wednesday 22nd May we advised that payment in lieu of leave was a practice in the private and public sectors. It therefore would have been unwise for the GTUC to undo a long held principle and practice. The GTUC further advised
that tactically it is to the unions’ advantage to use this opportunity to encourage their members to benefit from the practice. On evaluation, there is a trade union principle that says, ‘if I am not evaluated then my performance must be considered as good and I be remunerated.’ The issue of an evaluation for Griffith who is an employee of the university, though at a higher level, is not a fault of his, but his principals who hired him and failed to put such a system in place. The unions were advised it is a transgression of one’s right to put in place the tools and process of evaluation at the conclusion of his/her contract and that this has to be done at the commencement of employment. I am wary of any exercise that seeks to transgresses one’s rights because it is my belief where there is support for an unjust act against another it opens the door for same to committed against you and others. In this specific case, to entertain the transgressing of Griffith’s right can set the precedence to transgression of the rights of other employees on the campus. The GTUC remains mindful of this. 4. “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.” With regards to these complaints levelled against English, which he has responded to, the public is deserving to have the benefit of hearing his
side. Consequently, it is better for him to speak to the specific issues which would hopefully eliminate the accusation that I continue to “persist in his staunch defense.” 5. Previous views expressed by me as to the different role and responsibility of the GTUC’s representative and the UG unions’ representative on the Council are seen as, “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.” Such charges, though noted, are without merit and I remain open to having them further discussed and clarified with the unions. 6. “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 organisation.” The GTUC reiterates its willingness to continue engagement with the unions and shall invite them for an engagement shortly.I remain steadfast that these challenges are not unsolvable. Where there remain respect and adherence for universally acceptable principles, practices and laws, parties can build positive relations and peacefully co-exist. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary Guyana Trades Union Congress
Friday May 31, 2019
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Queens College Advances to Debating Finals
Queen’s College yesterday advanced to the finals of the debating competition 2019 after defeating the Bishops’ High in the semi-finals, at the National Centre of Education and Research Development (NCERD). The competition, done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, forms part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).The moot, “With improved information technology in schools, students will have an advantage to enter the world of work with greater skills,” was competitively debated between the opposing team, Queen’s College and the proposing team, the Bishops’ High School. Eight Graders represented the Bishops’ High. They total 73 points while Queens College acquired 86 to win the round.Lorelei Kanhai, the third speaker for the opposing Queen’s College, emerged Best Speaker of the competition.St. Rose’s High School failed to show for their verbal battle against St. Joseph High School resulting in an automatic win and a smooth path to the finals for St. Joseph High. The moot “Improved Information Technology will enhance the services offered to contributors and pensioners by the National Insurance Scheme” will be debated in the final round of the competition by Queen’s College and St. Joseph High School.Training Manager, Pauline Alleyne, said the finals of the competition will be held on June 11, at 10:00hrs at NCERD.
Queen’s College debaters – Second Speaker, Ayjah Griffith, First Speaker, Christine Richardson and Third and Best Speaker, Lorelei Khanai.
St. Joseph High School debaters - Carmalita Byrne, Adaiah Lawrence and Chelsea Forde.
The Bishops’ High School debaters – Second Speaker, Caysia Cambridge, Third Speaker, Aaron St. Hill and First Speaker, Esther Hinds.
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Granger should not be involved in routine management of oil sector
Lima Bridge construction in full swing The Lima Sands bridge
… should heed medical advice to take it easy – Jagdeo
presently under construction
F
ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo is of the opinion that President David Granger should heed the advice of his medical team and ease his workload, especially as it relates to the management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Effectively, the President is in charge of the sector. There is much to do to prepare a framework to ensure Guyana benefits as much as possible from production. But the President got back from Cuba last month, where he received treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. And his doctors advised that he keep his workload light. During a press conference yesterday, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition,
Friday May 31, 2019
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo [left] and President David Granger Jagdeo said, “I do believe that the President should not be so directly involved in routine matters of management of the industry.” He said that what the
president should do is lay out his policy for the sector. “He should say ‘Here is what the incentive regime should be for the industry if (Continued on page 12)
The Lima Sands community is one step closer towards major improvements, now that a bridge is being constructed at a strategic point in the community. Lima Sand is a rapidly developing community located less than three miles behind the main coast land on the Essequibo Coast. The community runs more than four miles, in a south to north direction parallel to the Coast. Over the years, there has only been one bridge at the
entrance to the community. As the community developed over years, it became increasingly difficult for residents to get in and out, especially those living further to the north .After multiple requests by residents, a bridge is finally being constructed at a key point within the community. Once completed, the bridge will link Lima Sands to Lima on the Coastland, giving easier access to commuters from the northern section
of the community.“I feel good because the government put it there because it will make work easier, less time and less waiting in traffic and it will be bigger and better with less traffic. And it’s faster to reach the main road.” One resident told this publication.The construction site was recently visited and inspected by the Regional Executive Officer [REO] Mr. Denis Jaikaran and Regional Engineer Mr. Kawan Suchit and team. The bridge is expected to be completed by June 2019.
“Sleepers exist in every ministry” - Min. Jordan
- Finance Minister bemoans his personal tax information posted online “Obey the rules of the public service or resign,” Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan warned Wednesday evening. While answering a question about the government’s retention of some officials known to be Opposition supporters, the minister said that the Coalition Government remains steadfast in giving all “a chance to be professional”. The minister cited an incident where details concerning his duty-free concession, car payment and other personal business conducted via the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were posted on the Facebook Page of an opposition supporter. This occurrence, a few days ago, the minister said, brought home the stark details of what the government is facing in many ministries and not just the GRA. “Sleepers exist in every ministry,” the finance minister said. Admitting that while he did nothing wrong and his
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan documents were legitimate, he intimated that he “did not mind, as a politician, since it comes with the territory, and your life becomes an open book”. The minister, however, shuddered to think what persons with ill intent “could do to lesser mortals”. He explained that while he was entitled, as a minister, to duty-free concessions and other emoluments, “sublimi-
nal messages were being sent”. These, he opined, were an attempt to demonstrate the difference between politicians and ordinary citizens. “Look he got duty free and you don’t have. He can buy a car and you can’t”, and “We know your business and can expose it anytime.” As a matter of principle, Minister Jordan indicated that he ordered the GRA Commissioner-General to investigate the breach thoroughly to ascertain the source, those responsible and to, “deal with them condignly”. He reminded of the ill-advised purge undertaken by the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee. This action, immediately after the PPP took office in 1992, resulted in every person with “black sounding names being sent home”. This, Minister Jordan noted, was brought to light when the diplomat in the British High Commission in London, whose surname name was “Singh”, was (Continued on page 29)
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The government is not you
B
uju Banton came, entertained and left. But the debate that is ongoing is less about his terrific performance and more about his controversial reference to Roger Khan. There has been a deliberate attempt, by persons associated with the APNU+AFC government, to put their own spin on what Buju Banton said at his recent concert held at the National Stadium. Yet, those who are claiming that Buju did not say or mean what he was recorded as saying, have provided no audio or video to justify their take on his comment about Roger Khan. The Almighty has given all of us powers of understanding. We can listen and comprehend. We do not need spin doctors to tell us what was said or what may have been meant. But in a polarized nation, it is easy for self-appointed spin doctors to try to influence our interpretation of what someone said and what they meant. And we give these spin doctors permission to insult our intelligence and offend our God-given faculty of comprehension. The APNU+AFC supporters were obviously embarrassed by the actual comments made. And they are because they have come to associate anything which can be interpreted as not being in the interests of government or the APNU and AFC as being against their own personal interests. Anything that is seen as uncomfortable for the government or ruling parties is discomforting. Criticisms are taken personally. Regardless
of the source, criticisms of the government are seen as reducing these supporters sense of self-worth. PPPC and APNU+AFC supporters have long been brainwashed into accepting that criticisms of their governments are criticisms of them. And thus a defensive and reflexive reaction occurs whenever anything adverse is said about their governments. The government is not you. And you are not the government. Why therefore should you become offended over comments about the government and the ruling parties? Governments have long served vested interests. In most cases, these interests are not about you and me. So why fuss and fret in trying to defend a government which is middle-class in its representation and which looks after the interests of its friends, family and cronies. Who is it that are being handed the top jobs in Guyana? Not you; not me; not our children. Do you know how many eligible persons are denied positions today in the public service because many jobs were not advertised but instead handed to friends, relations and cronies? Your children and my children have to go through the normal process of applying and hoping for a job opening while those with the connections are fasttracked into positions. The public knows what is taking place. So why the bother over comments which can be interpreted as not being in the government’s interest? The PNCR has always
been controlled by the middle class. And middle class leadership has always been concerned with protecting their interests and using poor people to do so. The PPPC, under Jagdeo, was seized by the middle class. And it came to be dominated by an oligarchic class which decided that it was not worth holding local government elections because it would cost a few billion dollars the oligarchic class wanted diverted to other sectors from which they would benefit.
The middle class runs things in Guyana. And once you do not belong to that class, you should find no cause to blindly defend the ruling parties, whether they are the APNU+AFC or the PPPC. The middle class friends of the government are receiving the top jobs in the country, receiving the fat salaries and enjoying government contracts. What are you and me receiving? Why therefore should working class persons become personally offended
by criticisms of the government? By the sweat of thy brow thou shall earn. That is how the majority of the population makes a living. But for a minority, it is by having the right connections. People get offended by criticisms of their government. They get excited and agitated. They concoct the most ridiculous excuses to defend the government. If you cannot see the flaws in the party you support, how are you going to identify your own flaws? Buju said what he had to say.
He has gone back home. And yet Guyanese are quarreling about what he said and what he meant; and all for the sake of protecting the parties and government which they support. No wonder Guyana is in such a sorry state! We have our priorities lopsided.
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
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Oh, how we love to criticize the PPP!
here was drama in side the AFC head office on Saturday after the election for headship of the Region Four branch of the AFC and headship of the Georgetown arm of the AFC. It looks like the trouble will find its way right up to the AFC leadership. That the AFC has imploded is a sight that even the blind can see in Guyana. What took place on Saturday are the last rites being read not by the priests, pundits and imams but by the remaining clowns in the circus. Amar Chinkhan won the
chairmanship of Region Four and Region Five observer, Abel Seetaram, told this columnist that he will be submitting a complaint against Michael Leonard for utterance of an unacceptable remark made against Chinkhan’s victory. Seetaram said such an attitude has no place in the AFC. I contacted Chinkhan who said he did not hear Leonard’s remark but he was told about it and one member was so upset that he wanted to confront Leonard on the imbroglio but he, Chinkhan, restrained him. The Leonard versus Chinkhan saga is a symptom of the vicious struggle taking place between Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamooto to win the nomination for the Prime Ministerial slot at the upcoming congress of the AFC, on June 15 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. I could see from my window the delegates as they walk into the building. I will use my binoculars to examine the countenance of the delegates because the war is going to be fiercely fought. Nominations close tomorrow and already both Ramjattan and Nagamootoo have been
nominated for the post of prime minister for the upcoming general election. Leonard works in Nagamootoo’s office where together with another of Nagamootoo’s employee, Juretha Fernandes, they are leading the campaign for Nagamootoo under the guidance of Raphael Trotman. One can say the Chinkhan victory last Saturday is a huge advantage for Ramjattan because Chinkhan as Region Four chairman will have to vet the delegates for June 15. Region Four sends 70 delegates to the AFC congress. There is a growing fear that the delegate system will be manipulated to favour Nagamootoo but with a Ramjattan supporter, Chinkhan, in charge of Region Four, Nagamootoo’s soldiers have to go back to the drawing board. On Saturday, too, there was an election for Georgetown chairman for the AFC. Sherod Duncan beat Michael Leonard. It may have been fine with the AFC to elect Duncan but PPP supporters are going to be further galvanized with the Duncan scenario. Duncan was dismissed by the Chronicle board for ugly ad-
ministrative mistakes. His sins were far from banal or ordinary. Yet this man is the chairman of the Georgetown branch of the AFC. One can conclude that his awful governance at the Chronicle was not taken into consideration when the AFC members voted for him. Yet if you rewind the tape before 2015, these same members, this same AFC, this same country denounced the PPP for every peccadillo, every mistake, every shortcoming. There is no question in my mind that if the PPP was in power and a mandarin from Freedom House was dismissed from one of the ministries and was subsequently elected to head one of the main branches of the PPP, the country would have been reverberating with condemnations. We love to criticize the PPP but that love has a differ-
ent side of the coin. We hate to look at ourselves in the mirror. We can’t. Because if and when we do, we will see hypocritical visages. No sanction was put on Volda Lawrence for echoing a nastiness whether it was said in private. The fact is it became public. Simona Broomes moves from one troubled situation to another. Forget the New Thriving incident. She did a video in Parliament. You can view the video from different perspective. You can say that you agree with its questionable content. And you will be on safe ground because it is your opinion. But she recorded it inside the hallowed chambers of Parliament. Make no mistake. If a PPP parliamentarian, when the PPP was in power, had done such a video in the National Assembly, the anti-PPP
Frederick Kissoon voices would have echoed far and wide in Guyana. No doubt the AFC will put up Sherod for inclusion on the APNU+AFC election list. Captain Clean as he was fondly called before the mask dropped from his face, will be perambulating Georgetown, saying, “vote for me.” Who is Sherod’s counterpart in the PPP? Can I guess a few names – “KIllamaan,” Satyra “Gyaal.” Is Sherod fit and proper? The answer is the AFC thinks so.
DEM BOYS SEH Politicians lying bout taking oil from de bock Some people does lie like when horse trotting. Jagdeo and some of de people use to tell nuff lie. Now Soulja Bai look like he falling in de boat and he got a lot of liars behind him. Jagdeo lie when he tell people he gun fix de US$200M Skeldon sugar factory wid he bare hand. He try fuh lie when he sign de US$150M airport deal in Jamaica. But he didn’t know dem boys did peep he card. Soulja Bai try to a thing wid de US$18 M signing bonus. When de story buss out he tek de blame and seh was his decision. But dem boys know de shaat scamp was one in de group that mislead him. De odda one, Jordan who collect de money and bank it
tell reporters how nobody ever ask de right question. He use trickery to hide de collection. But Donald tek de cake. He shock everybody including dem boys. Dem boys didn’t know he become such a scamp overnight. Dem didn’t even know he become a liar. Two weeks ago dem boys call him and ask him to clear up some issues surrounding de oil blocks that he give away. He tell dem boys he didn’t know dem blocks had oil. He even stop dem boys from writing anything from wha he tell dem. He promise to write it in he own words and send it by e-mail so nobody can misquote him. Up to today dem boys still to hear, see or read
anything from him. But wha he fail to realize by being a politician so long, everything a man do in de dark does come to light. Three days before de elections he tek out a full page campaign ad in all de newspapers talking how Exxon find oil. And only he and Jagdeo could handle de oil money. That is why people should vote fuh de PPP. De ad show he photo shaking de ExxonMobil executives hand on de rig in de same blocks that he sign away. Yet to this day this man saying he didn’t know bout oil. Talk half and see if all de politicians ain’t lying about tekking oil from de bock.
Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
Adolphus Mining not granted special consideration in licence approval -independent review of Gold Board records finds Local law firm, Cameron and Shepherd, has found no red flags in the assessment of a gold export licence to Adolphus Mining Inc. The Guyana Gold Board recently came under the spotlight after it became known that Adolphus received one of nine of the coveted export licences. There were questions over the background checks carried out on the directors of Adolphus. The two directors are Rylon Adolphus, a miner, and Travis Chase, a television reporter.Both had appeared in the news. Chase had been convicted in a simple larceny case involving a camera. He was the one who incorporated the company.
Adolphus was reportedly linked to an illegal gun find in a car and then subsequently, a 30-pound seizure of gold at his Republic Park home. Adolphus Mining was incorporated in January and granted the export licence in March. Amid the questions that came, Gold Board yesterday said that its directorate authorized the engagement of the independent law firm of Cameron & Shepherd, to review and evaluate this licensing process. “The primary objectives for independent counsel were 1) to determine adherence to all of the components of the GGB’s process; and 2) to determine whether any exceptions or
Rylon Adolphus (left) and television reporter, Travis Chase special considerations were granted to any approved dealer in general, and Adolphus Mining, Inc. in
particular,” the Gold Board explained yesterday. In its report to Chairman, Gabriel Lall, the law firm acknowledged that it proceeded on a review after conversations, an email and a receipt of a number of files. “While not yet fully documented, we are satisfied that the Guyana Gold Board has a standard procedure in evaluating applications, which consists of setting out
Gold Board’s head, Gabriel Lall for applicants the documents required, and the process; collating submitted documents; assessing the documents for authenticity; interviews with the applicant or applicants; consideration by the board of directors and recommendation to the Minister.” The law firm said that it reviewed the process and the records of eight applicants. The report said that the law
firm was satisfied that the companies were fully aware of the requirements of their applications and followed the requisite procedure in their submissions.The report to the Chairman also said that it was found that the documentation that was required was submitted. “We are satisfied that none of the applicants appear to have been given special or relaxed consideration as all applicants appear to have followed the same procedures.”The eight other companies that are licensed to deal and export gold are Adamantium Metals Inc; GBTI Property Holding Inc; Pure Diamond Inc; El Dorado Trading; Dinar Trading; Gold Bar Development and Consulting Inc; Excel Minerals Inc. and Mohamed’s Enterprise. Gold trading is the biggest foreign currency earner in Guyana, raking in over US$600M annually. However, there have been repeated stories of collusion and smuggling.
CDC continues consultations on Disaster Risk Management Bill
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he Civil Defence Commission [CDC], yesterday, opened another round of consultation for the Disaster Risk Management [DRM] Bill, which is geared at finalising a comprehensive document to target disaster risk management and response in Guyana. The consultations were held at the Pegasus Hotel. Speaking at the consultation, which targeted national and sectoral stakeholders, Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that the consultation will garner inputs
Some participants at the consultation yesterday on the Bill in a bid to ensure that there is a robust and comprehensive document
that can deal with effective disaster risk management (Continued on page 29)
Granger should not be involved in routine ... From page 8 you sign a contract with us. This is what we want on local content. These are the opportunities for Guyanese. If you come into Guyana, this would be the framework within which you operate’,” Jagdeo said. This way, a capable team could meet with members of the international community who are interested in working with Guyana, and “reflect what the president is saying,” according to Jagdeo. He has indicated his preference that the implementation of the president’s policy should be done by an independent, technical commission. “But the problem is that this government is so lost in
the sector that they don’t even have clear positions on any issue. So I’m not even sure if the investors meet with the president, that he can give them the clarity that they crave in making their investment decisions because there is such a big vacuum.” Jagdeo said that, at this point, Guyana is years into the sector because oil was struck in 2015. He opines that Guyana should already have settled a range of policies for the sector.Though he thinks the President should take it easy, he also said that the illness of the President should not be blamed for the “sloth” of the industry’s development.“I don’t think the president moved at a
faster pace when he wasn’t ill. So I don’t think it has anything to do with that. I think it’s just a lack of clarity on the matter is what is bothering the government.” “We hear from [Dr. Mark] Bynoe (Head of Energy Department) that they have hired a consultant to work on something,” Jagdeo said. He said that it is worrisome to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) that, if the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rules on the No Confidence Cases in the government’s favour, and it is allowed to complete its term, “all of the opportunities for Guyanese will be gone because our government did not stand up”.
Friday May 31, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Tenders scrapped for Marriott casino ‌after minister holds secret talks with investor A government minister last year reportedly had direct contact with a bidder who had expressed interest in operating a casino at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston. That contact was deemed highly unusual and would have given the principals of Princess Casino an edge in the negotiations. However, according to Government sources, that first tender was scrapped after word of the talks got back to the stakeholders managing the process. Marriott Hotel is government-controlled and located in Kingston. The 197room hotel was opened in early 2015 but an adjoining annex was never commissioned as the then government, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, was still seeking an investor to run a casino and an entertainment center. In the financial plans, the casino was a critical component in helping Marriott to repay its debts, which stands at around US$30M. In 2017, after being forced to step in and take over the bank payments, Government’s National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), advertised through its Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI), the company that owns Marriott, for operators of the casino. Several bids came in. One was reportedly from the Princess Group, which runs the Princess Casino, Providence. Another one reportedly
came from Suriname. There were others. Kaieteur News was told that all was going well in the assessment until late last year. NICIL and PricewaterhouseCoopers reportedly found out that the minister spoke to representatives of Princess Group, which operates the casino at Ramada Hotel. The conversations were
highly questionable and raised questions. NICIL and the other stakeholders felt that the talks would have raised serious questions about transparency and collusion. The matter was raised at the government level and a decision was made last year to cancel the tender, Kaieteur News was told. Marriott was built for
US$58M and would have been in deeper trouble except that in 2015, ExxonMobil discovered large quantities of oil offshore. A large influx of overseas oil officials have been filling its rooms, reducing dependency on the administration to pay the loans. However, the casino section is badly needed to
fully cover the commitments, including the loan. With regards to talks with investors, it is highly
unethical for Government officials to intervene in the procurement and assessment of state contracts.
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Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
National Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance Workshop Celebrates 25 Years The National Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliance Workshop is celebrating 25 years since its establishment. At a ceremony yesterday to commemorate the occasion, Board member Mrs Sarojonie Rambaran, gave the welcome and her opening remarks. She said, “The workshop is the only one of its kind in Guyana and offers much needed support for the rehabilitation of persons who require these appliances, by assisting them with social and financial independence. “Recent times have seen the workshop grow…The workshop is now in a better position to meet increasing demands, especially prosthesis for amputees suffering from diabetes.” Senior prosthetic technician, Colin Charles, delivered the history of the workshop.
He said, “The workshop had its origin as a brace shop when the Poly Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1967 by the Ministry of Health, subsequent to the Polio epidemic.” He went on to say that in the early 1960s many children needed braces to aid in their rehabilitation. At this time the orthopaedic technician, as they were called, had to be recruited from overseas. “In spite of several requests to the Ministry of Public Health, for the change in title to truly reflect the profession our technicians are still referred to as orthopaedic technicians. This allows them to be classified as semi-skilled operatives.” He said that the workshop was commissioned on the 16th of May, 1994. In 1997 the Bar Foundation of Florida first supported the Orthotic and
The new sign at the renamed centre Prosthetic workshop by ways of material and training. Between April 2016 and May 2019 the local training programme was executed with an instructor recruited from overseas. The first six months was dedicated to
theoretical classes delivered by local available professionals. Upon completion of the training they would start their apprentice training with the attachment of the senior technicians. After 25 years of service to persons with disabilities Guyana felt that it has arrived at this point where people are comfortable and the service being provided is of a higher quality, more technological and advanced in meeting the needs of the clientele. The Koro Kwa singers of which the late Mrs Janice E Simmons was a member, delivered a musical piece, Guyana The Free. Chief Medical officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said,
“This is indeed another significant occasion for us at the Ministry of Public Health and here at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre as we celebrate together, another year and 25 years of the establishment of this unit.” He brought greetings from Minister Volda Lawrence. He said that the strategic objectives of the ministry points clearly to where services offered by this workshop fits in. Doctor Paul Edwards spoke on behalf of Dr. William Adu-Krow , the PAHO/ WHO representative to Guyana. Dr. Edwards said, “Rehabilitation and habitation are processes intended to aid people with disabilities, to
reach and maintain an optimum physical, sensory, intellectual, social and psychological function and encompasses a wide range of activities.” In closing he said that PAHO/WHO Guyana remains committed to continue the work that the board has started at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, with the finality to maximise the Guyanese people ability to live, work and learn to their best potential. Fidelle Pitt, a client of the said facility, gave the vote of thanks and the plaque was unveiled by Soroya Simmons, the granddaughter of Mrs J.E. Simmons after whom the centre was renamed.
A section of the gathering
Man gets 12 years for manslaughter Levi Stephens was yesterday sentenced to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Arnold Gordon. Stephens was originally i n d i c t e d f o r the murder which occurred in March 2017. However when he appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court this morning, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. In presenting the facts
of the case to court, State Prosecutor Sarah Martin said that on the day of the incident, Gordon went fishing with his nephew. The Prosecutor related that Gordon’s nephew saw when an argument erupted between him and Stephens. Ms. Martin said that during the argument the accused attacked his uncle with a piece of wood. The nephew reportedly left the scene to get help but when he returned he could not find his uncle or
the accused. The man was reportedly discovered 24 hours after the incident; he was buried in a shallow grave in Stephens’s backyard. B e f o r e he was sentenced, Attorney -at -law, Mark Conway beseeched the court for mercy claiming that his client is very remorseful for his actions. Prior to handing down the sentence, Justice Singh advised Stephens to seek anger management courses whilst serving time in prison.
Friday May 31, 2019
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Kaieteur News
National Physical Display Championships begin
Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts Mrs. Lorraine Barker-King [centre] delivering remarks at the opening ceremony [Ministry of Education photo] The Ministry of Education’s Annual National Schools Physical Display Championships began yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Schools from nine education districts are participating. The championships will come to an end today. During yesterday’s opening ceremony, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Mrs. Lorraine Barker-King noted that during the championship the Ministry of Education aims to achieve four objectives. She said that the objectives are to expand the scope of physical education in schools, promote sportsmanship among students and teachers, to display the talents of children from primary and secondary schools in all regions and to familiarise students and teachers with new and exciting jump rope skills for the purpose of incorporating them into future physical
The judges for the Championships [Ministry of Education photo] school learners to appreciate and experience the arts. She said that exposing the students to physical education and sport will benefit learners in many ways. Gratitude was expressed to Banks DIH Limited for its continued support in this area. Meanwhile, the Director of NCERD, Mrs. Jennifer Cumberbatch, said that the
Director of NCERD, Mrs. Jennifer Cumberbatch delivering remarks [Ministry of Education photo] display championships. Mrs. Barker-King noted that the Ministry of Education has been promoting the expressive arts and physical
education and sport in schools and the community through various arts education schemes, enabling nursery, primary and secondary
Students of Regma Primary School participating in the Combinations category [Ministry of Education photo]
event started as part of the Children’s Mashramani Competition in 1992 and has grown to be a separate event that is held at the end of May. She said that it is a good sign that schools have shown an increased interest in physical display over the years. According to Mrs. Cumberbatch, the activity is one that demonstrates the tal-
ents of the nation’s children and encourages the acquisition of skills and knowledge while building their capacity for creativity and teamwork. The categories in which schools are contesting are combinations, pyramids and jump rope. The education districts represented are: Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, 10 and Georgetown.
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Sharky caught in prison net after sentenced for several charges Wayne Anthony Chester, called Sharky, was yesterday sent to prison after Magistrate Rondel Weever found him guilty of armed robbery, damage to property and for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The 22-year-old man from Lot 236 Section C, Block Y, Diamond Housing Scheme, received his sentence in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts where he was on trial for his five charges. The first charge alleged that on January 6, 2019, at Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and being armed with an unlicensed firearm, Chester robbed Bowen Cromwell of $512,600 in cash and jewellery. Also, it was alleged that on the same date and at the same location, he allegedly damaged two cars belonging to Cromwell. Then, on January 6, 2019, at Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown, it is alleged that the defendant discharged a loaded firearm with intent to wound Cromwell The last two charges alleged that he was found to be in possession of an unli-
Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
Jailed Wayne Chester censed firearm and ammunition on the same date and location. The magistrate after going through the entire evidence presented in the trial ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for a conviction against the defendant. Chester was sentenced to serve 14 years and six months imprisonment in total. The sentences will run concurrently. Chester is also accused of
murdering Purcell Moore at Craig Village, East Bank Demerara in 2017. He is the third person charged with the murder. His co-accused, Kevin Persaud, 21, of 14th Avenue Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Selwyn Dawson, 21, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara were charged and appeared in court last year. According to reports Moore was returning home from a shop when the men, armed with handguns, confronted him. An argument reportedly erupted between Moore and the suspects. This escalated into a scuffle, during which several rounds was discharged at Moore and the men fled the scene. Moore was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police found two spent shells from a small calibre handgun on the scene. It was reported that Persaud told detectives that Moores killing was a “wuk.” He claimed that he accompanied the two other men but was not the one who pulled the trigger. The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder is still ongoing.
Govt working to increase performance in implementation of state projects The Government of Guyana is working to boost its performance this year in the implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) so that needs of citizens across the country can be adequately addressed. Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan, yesterday afternoon acknowledged that while there are challenges, Government has found workable solutions to aid in the timely implementation of the PSIP. “Todays meeting was very important from the standpoint that the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) itself is very important in our national economy. In fact, in Guyanas case it takes up a sizable part of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). There are a number of issues still in the process, not least of which are quality staff, understanding procurement and its rules and procedures and we also have the issue on the private sector level where persons are taking on much more than they can do. So, all of these are adding to the challenges that we continue to observe in the PSIP. Todays meeting heard those challenges again and we offered some solutions in
some areas. Some of them are more medium term,” he said. Minister Jordan was at the time speaking at the conclusion of a PSIP meeting of Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries, held at the Baridi Benab and hosted by President David Granger and chaired by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The Finance Minister said that among the measures put in place by Government is the amendment and passage of the Procurement [Amendment] Bill Number 2 of 2019. The legislation seeks to ensure that in the process of procurement, definitions are defined; there is a wider range of procurement methods listed; expansion of the way tender invitations are published; availability of budgets; mandatory registration of bidders; splitting of procurement; due diligence; description of the subject matter of procurement; inclusion of evaluation criteria; cancellation of procurement; forms of communications; debriefing; contract management; code of conduct; language of prequalification documents; debarment and suspension of suppliers and “green procurement” among others. “I laid some amendments to the legislation couple
weeks ago that will look at bidding, procurement planning, debarment and so all of that are part of the process. We are looking at the Department of Public Service and giving credence to the creation of some technical posts to make certain that this process is driven. The stakeholders will meet again in a months time and we will be again, reviewing the progress made at that time. “Relative to 2017, we had done quite well in 2018 and we hope to build in 2019 on what we did in 2018. It is only May but at the half year review when we are reviewing the performance in the economy, we will know for sure where we stand at that stage and how we look for the rest of the year,” Minister Jordan said. Speaking on the thrust of the Governments PSIP, the Minister noted that Government is investing and will continue to invest in areas that are most needed by citizens. “Most of the spending as it relates to Government is done in critical areas and particularly in civil works and to be quite frank, a number of these outreaches have shown that our PSIPs are trending in the right (Continued on page 26)
Welder jailed 75 years for Mocha murder Kenkossie Lynch, a welder of Lot 110 CC Eccles, East Bank Demerara, has been sentenced to serve 75 years in prison, for June 2015 murder of Terence Lanferman. The murder occurred at the Lanferman’s Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia home. Lynch was convicted, earlier this month, for the murder by a mixed 12 member- jury before Justice Navindra Singh. Judgment was however deferred to facilitate a probation report into the life of the accused. Following the admittance of that report, the judge sentenced Lynch. The sentence started with a base of 60 years, 10 years was added for premeditation and five years for the use of a firearm. The calculation brought the sentence to 75 years for the offence. According to reports, Lanferman was shot dead by a lone gunman who came and knocked at his door. At the time of the shooting, Lanferman was in the bottom flat of the two-storey house he shared with his other sibling. His lifeless body was discovered lying on the floor in a pool of blood. He received gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. He was pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre East Bank Demerara.
Kenkossie Lynch
Terence Lanferman
Lynch later confessed to police that he and his cousin plotted the crime. However during his trial, Lynch in an unsworn testimony told the court that he was innocent of the crime. Lynch denied ever giving a caution statement to Police Inspector Prem Narine. In fact, he told the court that at the time of his arrest, he could not read or write. He said, “(The police) did not caution me and tell me anything about my rights. I did not get any call to my family.” That same caution statement in which police say
Lynch confessed to the crime was admitted into evidence after a Voir Dire. Justice Singh had ruled that he found the statement was freely and voluntarily given. Lynch’s lawyer, Adrian Thompson, had asked the court to disregard the caution statement on the basis that his client was induced to sign same. The lawyer had argued that at the time of the taking of the statement, his client could not read or write. Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohamed and Abigail Gibbs presented the case for the State and called a total of 15 witnesses.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
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Three bandits cornered in Norton Street killed in shootout - cop wounded
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orton Street, Lodge, was the scene of high drama last night after three bandits were cornered and killed during a bungled robbery that ended in a onehour shootout at the home of a constructor worker. Two of the bandits, whom a source identified as Shawn Brown Jr. and Junior Nurse, were slain in the Lot 46, Norton Street, Lodge home after refusing repeated calls to surrender. A third bandit was later reported slain. A policeman, identified as Corporal Clive Clarke, was shot in the leg. Police reportedly recovered two handguns from the scene. Crime Chief Lyndon Alves last night commended his ranks “for a job well
construction worker in his home. Leslie told reporters that he was in his bottom flat with his five-year-old son when a young man, who scaled his fence, entered through the back door and held them at gunpoint. Two other men, also with guns, entered, and took father and son to the top flat. Leslie said that the men took some cash from his pockets, took his silver
Junior Nurse done.” Explaining the rapid response by the ranks, Alves said, “We have saturated the town and environs with police. We have ranks
Shawn Brown operating covertly and overtly. It was a job well done.” The drama began around 20.30 hrs when the gunmen attacked Neville Leslie, a
Guyanese embassy in China celebrates Independence Day
T
o mark the 53rd Anniversary of Independence of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, a reception took place at the Guyanese Embassy in Beijing on May 27, last. The Ambassador of Guyana to China, Bayney Karran, gave a speech. "Guyana's story has interfaced with that of China over the past centuries. The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Guyana in 1853, pursuing opportunities in an unknown but hospitable f r o n t i e r, a d d i n g t h e i r customs and cuisine as essential ingredients in Guyanese culture," the ambassador said. "As we celebrate our Independence Day in Beijing, we recall being the first country in the Englishspeaking Caribbean to have opened diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on June 27, 1972, and the first such country to open up an embassy in Beijing in 1973." Karran said that Guyana will put emphasis on
The Guyanese Ambassador to China Bayney Karran (right)and Han Jing cut a ceremonial cake. Photo: Yin Yeping/GT a g r i c u l t u r e , e n e r g y, information technology and infrastructure. Han Jing, deputy director-general of the
Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry attended the event. (www.globaltimes.cn)
chain, and then began to demand “money and jewels.” “They say where the gold and the money deh? I seh me ain't got nothing. Then they say where the woman who come in the country deh? Where the gold they does deh wearing?” “They put me to lie down and they say that they will shoot me son, if me ain't find the gold and the money. “I say 'big boy', me ain't
understand. I say me doan wear gold. I looking fuh it just like y'all. “ “One of them say, 'We gun got to do this man like what we does do everybody else.” According to a tearyeyed Leslie, his son kept asking “Daddy, they gun shoot we daddy?” “I said no, and tell him to keep quiet. “They slap me up and (continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 20
Friday May 31, 2019
RAMOTAR MISLED GUYANA...
PPP knew oil was found when it signed away Kaieteur, Canje Blocks By Kiana Wilburg
F
ormer President, Donald Ramotar, is on record saying he had no knowledge that ExxonMobil found oil when he signed away two oil blocks to inexperienced firms just days before the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections. But on May 8, 2015, just three days before elections, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) published an advertisement in all the local newspapers saying that oil was found. The ad said, “In what has been reported as exciting news to have emerged in the local energy sector, an Exxon exploration well, located some 120 miles offshore Guyana has discovered hydrocarbons...” On the ad as well, is a picture of Ramotar who was the PPP Presidential Candidate at the time, smiling and shaking hands with staff onboard the drill ship, Deepwater Champion, as it conducted hydrocarbon exploration in the Stabroek Block. In light of the disparity between the contents of the advertisement and Ramotar's statements to the media, which he continues to maintain, officials at the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) said they will press on with its probe regarding the award of oil blocks. During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips, reminded that Oil Consultant and former Advisor to the President, Dr. Jan Mangal has been speaking about the suspicious award of the oil blocks for some time. Dr. Mangal had told Kaieteur News that the award of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks by the Donald Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 elections were held, amounts to daylight robbery. The former Petroleum Advisor to the Government had said, “The issue with the Kaieteur and Canje is one of possible corruption...No country awards these blocks to completely unknown and unqualified companies like Mid-Atlantic and Ratio. If one looks at the evidence from Nigeria, Liberia, etc, what happened in
Former President, Donald Ramotar Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
Mangal's comments that prompted the probe. The official said, “Dr. Mangal has been a persistent (continued on page 21) Page 12
Kaieteur News
Friday May 08, 2015
Former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud
SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips
Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal Guyana with the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks was daylight robbery.” Phillips said that it was Dr.
The May 8, 2015 advertisement that appeared in Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
PAGE 21
Foreign Minister calls for investment in Guyana at Berlin forum Karen Cummings (centre) with German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas (sixth from left) and Caribbean Foreign Ministers
M
inister of F o r e i g n Affairs, Karen Cummings, recently called on German companies to invest in Guyana, while noting that her Government was committed to building a more robust and diversified economy. Dr. Cummings was attending the Latin America and Caribbean Initiative and Future Forum for Governments from the region. The event was organised by the Federal Government of Germany and hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas. The two-day conference, held on May 28 and May29 and attended by 26 Latin American and Caribbean Foreign Ministers, as well
major German business executives and experts, was aimed at deepening cooperation between Germany and the regional States. It was expected to conclude with the Foreign Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean adopting a
Joint Declaration. Minister Cummings also highlighted Guyana's Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, noting its importance in guiding her country's policy-making agenda as well as its prioritization of environmental conservation,
sustainable growth and development of a green economy. “Our strategy provides significant opportunities for profitable investments,” she emphasized, further outlining that, “We welcome foreign investments, integrated agriculture and
PPP knew oil was found when it signed... From page 20 complainer on this matter. He has written and spoken on this matter extensively. When we looked at it and the fact that the State probably lost these blocks without value, we realized that it is probably the largest case we could have...If they were unlawfully given out, you are talking about billions of dollars per block.” The SARA official said that the entity has been quietly doing a lot of research and creating a timeline for everything that has taken place. He said that SARA is asking several questions on the matter. These include: When were Ratio and Mid-Atlantic created? Who are the beneficial owners before the award of the licenses and now? Do they have any capability in the oil sector? Under what circumstances did they get the blocks in 2015? What did they do with the blocks when they got it? Phillips said, “You have to understand that these blocks are in strategic places. They are right next to Exxon's Stabroek block. To date, the block holds 13 successful discoveries...But what is interesting to me is that Canje
and Kaieteur are in deeper water. “So if these blocks are in deeper water, how could two companies which have no experience in the sector be granted them? The big question is why? There are very few operators which can do deep water exploration and Ratio and Mid-Atlantic are not in that elite club...” The SARA official added, “Then we have to look at who are the people who made the decision...Ramotar says he didn't know oil was found but the ad they put in the papers on May 8, 201 5 indicates otherwise. The party could only put together such an ad if it had inside information. Exxon did not make any announcement about its discovery until May 20, 2015.” Further to this, there have been questions regarding SARA's failure to haul in the companies for questioning up to this point. But Phillips said there is a lot which must be looked at before contact can be made with ExxonMobil for example, which has a working interest in both Canje and Kaieteur. In addition to this, Phillips said that SARA wants to
interview former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, who reportedly advised Ramotar on the matter in 2015. Phillips wants to ascertain why no signing bonus was negotiated for the two blocks. Phillips said that SARA would be looking into all the correspondence leading to
this entire arrangement. PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, made reference to SARA's investigation yesterday at his weekly press conference. The former President said he has no issue with the probe. He believes, however, that it should be handled by another body, one that in his view is more independent.
agro-processing zones, green and clean technology, engineering services, tourism economic zones, pharmaceuticals production, information and communication technology, and mining.” Meanwhile, alluding to additional areas for partnership, the Guyanese Foreign Minister noted her Government's role in efforts to address climate change, such as its agreement with the Kingdom of Norway which aims at providing the world with a model of how the REDD+ [reducing
emissions from deforestation and forest degradation] mechanism could align development objectives of affected countries. “Guyana, like many developing states, continues to support calls for greater support to be provided to vulnerable countries for urgent implementation of climate change initiatives,” Minister Cummings stated. Minister Cummings led a five-member delegation that included Guyana's nonresident Ambassador to Germany, David Hales.
PAGE 22
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
PAGE 23
Heineken UEFA Champions Imperial House launches Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant League set for viewing tomorrow at Marriott Beach
H
eineken is proud to once again host the official UEFA Champions League viewing party at the Marriott Beach, Kingston Seawalls where persons will witness two English teams, Liverpool versus Tottenham, compete for the prestigious title. While the epic match will take place in Madrid, Spain, local fans will be treated to a one of a kind football festival on the Beach. This is the 8th annual viewing party and each year, Heineken ensures that it exceeds expectations in providing a worldly experience. Added to the event, leading DJs from Guyana and Trinidad will be performing. There will be tons of Heineken/UEFA Champions League memorabilia to win. Previous viewing parties have been held at Georgetown Cricket Club, Gravity (twice), 704, The Giftland Entertainment Strip and Marriott Beach. Due to the increasing fan base each year, the event location was changed this year. To gain access to this event, persons can either participate in Heineken promotions at leading bars and supermarkets or go to www.logograb.com to win tickets. Only persons 18 years and older are allowed to participate in this event. Heineken encourages its consumers to always drink responsibly.
THE
Entertainment POLICE Stag Beer launches
E P
the ultimate
Promotion
A
T
he Imperial House is a registered organization working towards creating and implementing social programmes for the advancement of Guyanese youth through pageants and the theatrical arts. Its mandate is to support social investments through youth empowerment, community service, entrepreneurship and the advancement of education. This year, the Organization will launch its flagship project, the “Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant” which will be a social programme for the advancement of education for young women in Guyana. The scholarship will be awarded to the winning delegate after a pageant slated for September 7, 2019 at The National Culture Centre. The award covers tuition/materials /examination
Bartica and the Essequibo Coast. Other prizes which are up for grabs at every drawing include: two coolers filled with stag beers, US$200, and one 50 inch television set. To enter, drink the stag beers, save the crowns, enter six of them in an envelope with your name, contact number and address, and place it in the entry box. For Georgetown, the boxes will be at several locations which include: Sweet Point, the Garage, Wings and Things, White Castle Fish shop and Green Paradise. There is no limit to how many times you can enter or win. The drawing dates are May 10 and 24 and June 7 and 21.
fees towards her academic pursuits. Application forms can be downloaded on The Imperial House’s Face book page or purchased at the Medical Choice Pharmacy on Camp Street, two buildings before Burger King, for just one thousand dollars. All interested Teens are asked to submit their applications on or before June 22, 2019 at the aforementioned location. The Management of Imperial House strongly believes that social investments in Guyana’s youths will have a positive impact on our country, however, we cannot undertake this project alone and therefore we wish to thank those who have already seen the value of this programme and partnered with us namely, KFC, PGS, Amanvani, 55 Photography and Medical Choice Pharmacy.
Kosmos
The latest Entertainment hotspot that caters for all
K
RIDE OUT
nsa McAL’s Ambassadors for the beloved Stag Beer are back again with a unique ‘Ride Out’ Promotion that is poised to see citizens winning thousands of dollars, television sets and even a sleek motorcycle. The promotion which kicks off in Georgetown and its environs will also be heading to Berbice, Bartica, Linden and the Essequibo Coast so the chances of not winning are remote. Every area will see a fortnightly draw with a Honda 125CC motorcycle to be won at every drawing in Georgetown. The bike is also up for grabs at the last fortnightly drawing in Berbice, Linden,
Past queen, Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2016, Aliya Wong poses for a photograph with the pageant organizers
osmos is the new exciting destination for patrons of all walks of life looking for the ultimate experience. Whether you're craving a chef inspired meal, an afternoon hang spot or a great night out, Kosmos has you covered! There are daily happy hour specials, live band, nightly shows and theme parties combined with ultra modern environment and international line of beverages makes us the only place you will ever want to be. You will always want more at Kosmos. (See schedule for upcoming events at right)
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
Guyana Carnival 2019 was
Spectacular, Simply Unforgettable By Anasa Williams & Trishan Craig
A
standing ovation is certainly in order for the Guyana Carnival team which pulled off a week of activities that were nothing short of blissful entertainment. There were magnificent performances by local and regional artistes and Soca parties that left you with a smile of satisfaction to accompany your aching waistline. For those who missed it, the Kaieteur Entertainment team can assure you that you missed what was without question, the ultimate celebration of the year. It was grand, impressive and simply unforgettable! Like most revelers, we are already counting down to Carnival 2020. In the meantime, here is a review of some of favourite events from Guyana Carnival 2019. Enjoy! I AM LEGEND CONCERT It was dubbed the 'I Am Legend Concert', and it surpassed all expectations. It featured iconic Reggae Superstar Mark Anthony Myrie popularly known as Buju Banton, and even after it ended, fans were screaming his name and demanding that he return to the stage. The show which was held at the National Stadium started early and saw patrons rushing to get a good view of the stage in whichever section they purchased tickets for. Early entertainment was done by Guyanese DJs inclusive of the Boom DJs and the show was hosted by HJ's very own DJ Akelo. All sections were overcrowded and it was difficult to manoeuvre through the crowd. Young reggae sensation, Koffee, surprised the audience when she appeared on stage. Many seemed awestruck as she belted the lyrics to her hit song 'Toast', among others. The crowd was at this point well energized as they sang along with the artiste. After Koffee's performance, there was silence around 01:30 as the introductory track to Buju's hit song 'Our Father in Zion' began. The crowd went
wild as his captivating vocals joined in on the Patrice track. Roberts The stadium was brightly lit by thousands of cell phone lights that illuminated the stage. As he energetically ran onstage, fireworks went up after which he greeted his fans and wished Guyana a Happy Independence and the performance, which will be talked about for months, and will go down in history, began. His stage performance was nothing short of what legends do. And Buju made sure to include Guyanese and the country's name in his songs frequently. Some of the songs performed included, It's Not an Easy Road, I Wanna Be Loved, Destiny, Give I Strength and Driver. The performance lasted for an approximate two and a half hours. That was not long enough for the fans who demanded that he return to the stage. By this time, the star was soaked in perspiration and his shirt clung to his skin. Hits and Jams Entertainment thanked the government, private sector and the citizens for their support as they announced that over 24,000 persons were in the stadium at the said time. CARNIVAL PARADE The Guyana Carnival for the second year made a lasting impression upon individuals as revelers tramped down the streets for the energetic Independence Parade. Despite the blazing sun, four bands made their way through the roads of Georgetown. In the parade was the Pulse Entertainment truck, Genesis truck, Utopia truck and the BK International truck. As we all know, with blazing sun later comes showers of blessings but this did not stop revelers from gyrating down the road. The parade began on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown around 14:30 hrs. It concluded at the D'Urban Park, Georgetown. Bright flashes of colourful costumes filled the road as participants jammed and 'wine' down the road to blasting Soca music. Spectators lined the corners of the roadway to catch a glimpse of the parade. Some persons were forced to walk at the edge of the road as the parade route overflowed with people. The music pinched at the waist-line of the young and old as every turn you made, persons were swinging their hips and jiggling their 'bumpers'. When night came, it was as though no one wanted to go home. Crowds were still gathered at Durban Park taking pictures and dancing, while others headed home or other party locations. It was without a doubt, bigger and better this year.
Some of the costumes that were part of this year's parade.
SOCA RAVE The Soca Rave was probably one of the most anticipated carnival events this year. Early in the evening, a number of Caribbean based DJ's had the crowd energized as they went from one soca song to the next. All sections were packed as patrons jammed to the lively tunes and indulged in the finger foods. But this wasn't what the rave was fully about. Trinidad is home to soca music and what is a rave without some Trini soca artists and the lineup didn't disappoint. At 1:30hrs, Guyana's very own Big Red took the stage and delivered a superb performance and Jumo followed being his usual, funny energetic self. The crowd was hyped up and ready for the next group of artists and they were in for a treat. Preedy took the stage first and he delivered. His song Lost and Found had hands on the ground and bumpas in the air as the entire crowd gyrated. Since time was flying faster than one can blink, he gave approximately 45 minutes to the crowd and the next artist took to the stage. GBM Nutron was next and he came on all excited and jumping. He performed one of his hit songs Practice and a few others. Then came Trini's sultry entertainer Miss
Nailah Blackman. The Baila Mami singer had the entire crowd jamming and singing along to all her tunes. She looked stunning in her jade green ensemble and delivered an energetic performance in her heels like there was no tomorrow. The last artist to take the stage was Soca Princess Patrice Roberts. Clad in a body fitted animal print jumpsuit and fire red sneakers, Roberts delivered an exceptional performance with her hits that included Big Girl Now, Old and Grey, Into You, Ah Like It Like This and Sweet Fuh Days. SOCA AND WINE A carnival is nothing without a wash down and HJ delivered the best closure you could ask for. Soca and Wine was an elegant twist to the previous days' activities and took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Center tarmac. It commenced at 16:00 hrs and ended just after 11:00 hrs. Soca and Wine, and all the other events for Guyana Carnival, were undoubtedly a reveler's paradise. Kaieteur Entertainment looks forward to what's in store for 2020.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
PAGE 25
MAJESTY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES
Miss world Guyana Majesty International is pleased to announce the 25 Quarterfinalists selected to compete in the Miss World Guyana 2020 national competition set for May 2020. Those who were shortlisted are:
QUARTERFINALISTS
Sponsors for the pageant include the Guyana Public Telecommunications, Pegasus, Impressions, Space Gym, and Windsor Estates. The Official Photographer for the pageant is the talented Mr. Keron Bruce.
APPLICANT NUM BER
Location
First Nam e
Last Nam e
20190317 -73
Guyana
Raeshaunna
Jones
20190317 -42
Guyana
Ederle
Stephen
20190317 -83
Guyana
Aliya
Wong
20190317 -70
Guyana
Danasha
Peterson
20190317 -34
Guyana
Ronecca
Arjune
20190317 -82
Guyana
Tiffani
Bonner
20190317 -67
Guyana
Brittany
Singh
20190317 -27
Guyana
Rabeena
Hussain
20190317 -81
Guyana
Jamicia
Mc Calman
20190317 -66
Guyana
Reshana
Khan
20190317 -22
Guyana
Nasaskeia
Kendall
20190317 -80
USA, Virginia
Jhadee
Gordon
20190317 -21
Guyana
Abeena
Gomes
20190317 -79
United Kingdom
Alicia
Jordan
20190317 -78
USA, Florida
Sasha
Hughes - Williams
20190317 -77
United Kingdom
Tia
Shepherd
20190317 -76
Guyana
Gabriella
Chapman
20190317 -65
Guyana
Malesha
Mackoon
20190317 -19
Guyana
Aaliyah
Anthony
20190317 -61
Guyana
Samantha
Stanwick
20190317 -12
Guyana
Sherzana
Munilall
20190317 -47
Guyana
Celicia
Campbell
20190317 -11
USA, San Francisco
Stacy
Sirkissoon
20190317 -46
Barbados
Kimberly
Adams
20190317 -45
United Kingdom
Marlena
Jurakan
PAGE 26
Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
Lawyer traps senior cop in cross-examination The attorney for the Police Constable, who was charged for willfully attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to Maryann Daby matter, yesterday trapped one of the witnesses under cross examination. Police Constable, John Holder, is the key witness in the matter involving businesswoman Maryann Daby, who is accused of attempting to kill a police officer. He was not required to plead to the charge which stated that between August 10 and October 2, last, at Georgetown, he willfully attempted to pervert the course of justice by deviating from his statement dated May 13, 2018, in the case involving Police vs Maryann Daby. Yesterday when Holders matter was called in the courtroom of Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Superintendent of Police, Gary McAllister, took the stand to testify at the hearing. In his testimony, the senior cop stated that he is in charge of perusing crime files brought before him. He said that he was going through the statements presented by Holder and Police Constable Christopher Kissoon, and found variances in their state-
ments, although they claimed they were together at the time of the incident. Holder is the victim in relation to the Daby matter, McAllister said that he confronted Holder about the discrepancies and told him to sit with Kissoon and ensure their statements were in sync. Attorney-at-Law Steven Roberts, the attorney for Holder, under cross-examination pointed the witness back to this statement in his testimony. McAllister was then asked to confirm that he indeed told Holder to deviate from his statements by telling him to ensure the two statements were in sync. However, McAllister held out that he did not tell the defendant to change his statement, only to ensure that it was in sync with Kissoons. Holder is saying that the difference was that at first the policeman said that he saw Daby pointing the firearm at Kissoon and pulling the trigger. However, he now says that he did not see that; rather he was taken up with another individual at the time. Two other witnesses also testified at the hearing yesterday. They both gave evidence in relation to Holder coming clean about his statement being allegedly changed
based on instructions from a senior cop. The matter was then adjourned until July 8, 2019 for the continuation. Holder was released on $300,000 bail for the matter when it was first called. According to the facts of the charge, Holder gave several statements in relation to the Daby matter. The court heard that while Holder was testifying in the attempted murder PI which is being conducted by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, he deviated from his statement and told the court that a top ranking officer instructed him to change his statement to support his colleague. In connection with the Daby matter she is accused of pointing a loaded gun at a police officers head and pulling the trigger, in an attempt to kill him. She was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on May 13, 2018, at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, she attempted to discharge a loaded firearm at Police Constable Christopher Kissoon. Daby is also charged for having an unlicensed pistol and six live rounds on the same date and at the same location. She denied these two
charges when it was read to her. According to reports, on the day in question Daby and her friends were at the Georgetown Motor Racing and Sports Club. Constable Kissoon, who was off-duty and was at the Club at the time, reportedly heard what appeared to be gunshots. While checking for the source of the gunfire, he reportedly saw Daby firing rounds into the air. He said that he confronted her. Daby then allegedly pointed a firearm to the officers head and pulled the trigger. Daby, 25, of 127 DAguiar Park, Houston, Georgetown, is currently out on $750,000 High Court bail. She is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Mark Waldron.
Police Constable John Holder
Corriverton Treasurer suspended, cannot account for $$millions The Corriverton Town Council has sent its treasurer on administrative leave after the council discovered that she kept inaccurate records. She could not account for an expenditure of some $3.2 million, according to Mayor Winston Roberts. “As a direct of result of the municipal Treasurer’s actions, the Council spent money that it never had in 2017/2018, and now finds itself with a deficit of $3.2 million for the year 2019. “This will adversely affect the execution of a number of projects and the delivery of services by the Council. Needless to say, the Council has been placed in an embarrassing position.” Roberts explained that the glaring deficit was discovered back in February upon examination of the Council’s records and financial statements prepared by the Treasurer. According to the
Mayor, the Council has been requesting a proper explanation from the Treasurer on the matter but she had been giving several different explanations. “One explanation given
by the municipal Treasurer is that the sum of $3.2 million was utilised to purchase a skid steer in 2016. However, the records of the Council that were prepared by the Treasurer show no expenditure in 2016,” Roberts stated. Furthermore, the Mayor went on to claim that before a decision was made, the Treasurer’s personal file was reviewed by the Councilors and it was revealed that due to her “gross incompetence”, the Council lost in excess of $3.6 million in rates and taxes from the Black Bush Rice Milling Company for the period 2007 to 2016, which she claimed was a miscalculation. The treasurer was sent on administrative leave effective May 22, 2019. The issues were reported via a letter to the Local Government Commission (LGC). Meanwhile, the Town Council is calling for swift action to be taken in the matter.
Govt working to increase performance... From page 16 direction. “There were kudos for the roads, the schools, the water, the community centres and so on. We were able to outline the programme of continuation as we look to 2020 and beyond,” he expressed. President Granger has repeatedly said that the meet-
ings with Permanent Secretaries and their respective Ministers provide a platform to examine what currently obtains in the government ministries. He has also noted that the PSIP meetings help the Government to plan efficiently and prudently for the next budget
year. Since taking office in May 2015, Government has placed significant emphasis on building a strong, resilient economy capable of withstanding shocks and sustaining high growth levels. I t i s t h r o u g h t h e P S I P, President Granger reminded that governments projects and programmes are implemented. In order to achieve the good life, the Head of State reminded that the governments task is to improve the quality and quantity of goods and services, provide safer communities, quality education and healthcare to the nations citizens. The PSIP ensures that citizens needs are addressed through a myriad of methods.
Friday May 31, 2019
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Fight against illegal vending in Charity continues Illegal vending has been an issue plaguing the Charity C o m m u n i t y, Essequibo Coast for a number of years now. The local authorities of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council [NDC] have struggled to maintain order along the Charity river defense. As of recent, however, the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] has been making effort to address this issue. This publication understands that apart from traffic congestions, a number of drains have become silted since the NDC is unable to clean beneath the stalls erected over the drains. Following the construction of a mini-koker in February, a number of vendors, who allegedly have been illegally occupying the river defense, were relocated. Some attempted to reconstruct their stalls within the same area, but were given stern warning. Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran, said to vendors earlier this month that any construction of stalls on the river defense will be
The Charity waterfront
considered an illegal act. He added, “The notice has been given; the project is to be done within three weeks, the contractor is not behind
time but we are going to consider the construction of any structure along the river defense an illegal act. When completed we will be
Divisional Commander appeals to public to aid in crime fight Police ‘D’ Division Commander, Edmond Cooper, is appealing to the public to do all in their power to assist the police as they fight crime in the West Demerara District. Yesterday, Cooper said that his department has over the months, maintained a sustained approach towards crime fighting on the Westside. The police have increased vehicular patrols in crime populated areas. He added that just recently they have intensified their day time police bicycle patrols to ensure a higher level of security for residents. The commander, however, emphasized that while they have seen significant improvement in the crime scenario, they are
depending on the co-operation and professional support of the general public to ensure ultimate success in their campaigns. The co m m a n d e r i s t h e r e f o r e c a l l i ng on members of the public to come forward with information on location and existence of criminal gangs or elements, a move he said will aid greatly in their exercises. Cooper explained in some cases that their campaigns can be tampered with if members of the public withhold information, or gets winds of an intended raid and filter information to criminals. He said it is because of this possibility that ranks are trained not to divulge information to their relatives or associates who
can be linked to criminals. He noted that in some cases ranks having innocent conversations are often not aware of the implications such actions can have on cases that are meant to be confidential. Cooper explained that there may have been cases where a few exercises may have been botched by persons disclosing information unknowingly, thus causing criminals to get wind of intended campaigns. While he noted that the level of crime on the Westside is controlled, he said his department welcomes public spirited citizens coming forward with any information that can lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal.
Labourer remanded for allegedly robbing a policewoman A labourer was on Wednesday remanded to prison after he allegedly held up a policewoman with a scissors and robbed her. Jafar Carter, 25, of Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts to answer to the charge of robbery under arms. It was alleged that on May 25, last, at Shell Gas Station between Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, he robbed Sharmain Timmerman of a purse containing $5000, and a Samsung phone. The defendant pleaded not guilty. Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to the defendant. He then stated that on the day in question the policewoman and her colleague were walking along
Regent Street when Carter came out of the alleyway and grabbed hold of her purse. She then ran into the nearby Gas Station which is on Regent and King Streets for safety but Carter quickly ran behind her. Carter then placed the scissors on the right side of the policewomans body and took away her purse which contained the articles, then he escaped. The matter was reported and Carter was arrested about an hour later. Carter was then positively identified as the person who robbed her, in an identification parade. After listening to the facts of the matter Senior Magistrate remanded the defendant to prison until June 16, 2019.
doing desilting.” According to Jaikaran, the river defense has been identified for special work to be done in the interest of Regional and National development, every stall being constructed now is being illegal. The REO also emphasized the need for order to be maintained, especially as construction of the Mini-Koker continues. “Once the contractor is here we will not pay any-
one for any damage done here. There was no application nor was an approval granted for the construction of stands on the river defense… This area will eventually undergo similar works like the Supenaam riverfront.” Kaieteur News understands that there is a designated market area for vending in Charity, which for some reason is hardly occupied. Jaikaran cited the im-
portance of the NDC’s participation in the maintenance of order. “I hope that the NDC will play an active role and be firm. It must not take side and give one corner support. We will have to work together for development. The notice that no one should vend on the river defense is from Public Infrastructure. River defense simply means from where the water mark is 100 ft. away is sea defense.”
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
GASI commissions brand new refueler
‘From left, Chairman of GASI Mark Bender, member of GCAA Col. Cargill Kyte, CEO of Guyoil, Renatha Exeter and Marketing and Sales Jacqueline James’
Y
esterday was such a proud moment for the staff of Guyana Aviation Services Incorporated (GASI) after a brand new 10GLS refueler truck was commissioned, and added as part of the new aircraft delivery family. But this wasn’t just all the glory that the company had to bask in. GASI was honored to relate that the company has a record of zero oil spills and environmental incidents, with the inclusion of impeccable audit records. Guyana Aviation Services Incorporated (GASI), whose main operational facility is sited at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), is a100% owned subsidiary of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL). This company provides fuel for local and international aircraft at (CJIA). The company was incorporated on January 1, 2015. It is currently involved in the
importation, marketing and distributing of aviation jet fuel to customers. At present, GASI’s storage capacity is 11,309 Barrels, between the company’s Timehri and Providence locations. The company’s fleet comprises one Road Tank Wagon (RTW) and two refuelers. Chief Executive Officer of GUYOIL, Renatha Exeter, noted that this commissioning came at a pivotal time for Guyana because the country is expecting to see exponential growth in the aviation industry with the inclusion of the oil and gas sector. She added that this commissioning signifies that the GASI is “ready, equipped and well positioned.” The operations that are guided by a group of international industry standards, with their external operations managed and scrutinized by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Environmental Pro-
‘Staff of the GASI Timerhi facility’
‘GASI’s newly commissioned refueler’
tection Agency (EPA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), and the airport authority. The commissioning was hosted by the company’s CEO and chairman, an aviation safety specialist and staff members of the company.
CDC continues consultations on Disaster ... From page 12 across the country. ”This activity is one of the many that we have to ensure we can get feedback. [Yesterday], we are at a critical juncture in the development and enhancement of our Disaster Risk Management Mechanism. It is about 15 years since Guyana experienced its worse disaster that affected about 66 percent of our Gross Domestic Product [GDP]. Since then several measures were taken by all stakeholders to further enhance and develop our risk management mechanism. We have developed several plans,
policies, framework and guidance, which create the basis for the development of our disaster risk management bill. This Bill is a very comprehensive one,” he said. The CDC is currently receiving technical support in this stride under the 11th European Development Fund [EDF] and Services for the Implementation of External Aid 2018 [SIEA] Framework, “Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Resilience” Programme through the European Union. Mr. Federico Suarez, Programme Officer/Attaché of the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana and Suriname and
with responsibility for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba and St. Maarten, in his remarks, said that the process is transparent and comprehensive approach to drafting the Bill. ”We have been working on this for the last year and a half so we are happy to have this workshop here today. We appreciate that the stakeholders are here to contribute to this process. The European Union is not only focusing on sea and river defence and coastal management; we are also looking at the legislative agenda. I know this will bring benefit to the people of Guyana,” he said. Legislative Drafting Expert, Mr. Chris Hedley, addressing stakeholders at the meeting, said that consultations are a key component in developing the legislation because it provides a different perspective, which would aid in providing a more integrated perspective in the development of the Bill. Last week, the CDC hosted its first public consultation with members of civil and Guyanese society. The CDC is working to have the Bill submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers by the end of June for formatting before it is taken to Cabinet.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
Govt should mediate impasse between Vieira and Chinese Landing – Opposition Leader
Minister Dawn HastingsWilliams in talks with the Toshao of Chinese Landing, and Laura George of the APA Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that because the residents of Chinese Landing and businessman, Wayne Vieira, are at odds, the government must mediate progressive negotiations between them, so that an amicable solution could be met, from this current impasse. Currently, Vieira is in possession of a concession granted to him by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), on land that residents of Chinese Landing argue belongs to them. Vieira had purchased prospecting permits to areas of the community’s land without its knowledge, through an auction sale (lottery), in 1995. GGMC had converted those prospecting permits to mining permits, again without any notice to the community. Jagdeo said, during a press conference yesterday, that concessions should not be granted in areas that have already been titled. Indeed, the Amerindian Act protects the land rights of Indigenous people, noting that land must not be allocated without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Even though Vieira has a concession on Indigenous land, Vieira had contended FPIC was not retroactively validated by the Amerindian (Validation Commencement) Act 2010. In 2010, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) issued a Cease Work Order (CWO) against Wayne Vieira, after realising that the issuance of mining concessions to him violated the Amerindian Act. But Vieira made his argument in court, where he challenged the CWO and won. The Commission took the matter to the Court of Appeal and won, following which the miner appealed to the CCJ. Upon review of the Act, the CCJ determined that the Minister responsible for the Mining Act could not make regulations under that law with a view to enforcing the requirements of another law – the Amerindian Act. So Vieira retained his mining concession for the land. Jagdeo said that his prin-
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo ciple is that if the community was [legally] titled after the person got the concession, “then there must be some engagement between the community and that person, and the government.” The issue had been quiet for some time, but reared its head when Government stated that it sent a team on an operation to remove illegal miners from Vieira’s property, in early May. The team dismantled some of the miners’ property – some of which belonged to Indigenous miners of Chinese Landing. Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, had assured Toshao of Chinese Landing, Orin Fernandes, that Government is committed to resolving the lands right impasse between the Indigenous community and Vieira. According to Minister Hastings-Williams, the team presented her with a copy of their certificate of title and the absolute grant, and she also noted the evidence that the business is encroaching on the village lands.
This was shortly after Fernandes held a press conference where he stated that the mining concession was issued to Vieira without the community’s free prior and informed consent (FPIC). Government reported that it occurred under the tenure of former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who oversaw mining at the time. Meanwhile, Fernandes said that, if miners aren’t allowed to work, it will directly affect Chinese Landing and surrounding communities. He said that the community hunts, fish and farms, but it is mining that drives the development of Chinese Landing. Jagdeo said that the government must engage all stakeholders in a manner that satisfies all parties. But though government has indicated its commitment to work through the impasse, it has not indicated what it will do. It is unclear whether there is actually any legal avenue to rescind the concession to Vieira.
“Sleepers exist in every... From page 8 ordered fired after Rohee discovered she was not fully East Indian, much to his dismay.Unlike the previous government, Minister Jordan reiterated, the Coalition Government believes in giving all persons “a chance to be professional”.The minister warned, however, “Don’t mistake Government’s kindness for weakness...We are not going after people due to affiliation, but there are people in the ministries who are bent on frustrating the government’s efforts to end corruption.”The GRA’s staffers are duty-bound to an oath of secrecy to not disclose the personal affairs and business of their clients. Minister Jordan opined that while this oath was breached several times under the previous government, the Coalition Government would not encourage such behaviour. (DPI)
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Three bandits cornered in... From page 19 take me in the back room and start tumble up the house.” But luck was with Leslie, since a police squad was passing at the same time, and residents alerted them to the robbery. On being alerted to the presence of the police, the gunmen ran out of the room. Leslie said that one of the bandits was apparently shot in the living room. He said he could hear the wounded bandit saying, “I get knock boy, I bleeding.” “Then he start groaning.” Leslie said that he took the opportunity to remove some louver panes and lower his son through the window, before he too clambered out to safety. Heavily armed police ranks arrived at the scene and loud gunfire could be heard, with the bandits in the house returning fire and refusing to surrender. Residents could be heard shouting encouragement to the ranks. Around 22.00 hrs, the gunfire ceased as another bandit was killed. Earlier one of the bandits emerged from the house with his hands in the air in a token
The tramautised Neville Leslie speaking to the media after the shootout Three bandits cornered in Norton Street killed in shootout of surrender. He appeared to be also wounded. The ranks left the scene to loud cheers from the large crowd that had gathered. Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman, when interviewed at the Georgetown Public Hospital, said that three men were dead and a police rank wounded. Shawn Brown Jr. was the son of notorious Shawn
Brown who was killed during the crime wave. The father, Shawn Brown, kidnapped Stephen Lesniak, Regional Security Officer and head of the United States embassy security unit in Georgetown. At the time of the kidnap he was playing golf at the Lusignan Golf Club. Lesniak was released after a ransom was paid.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Bedrooms and shopping in Central Georgetown. Email: caribamercare2014@gmail.com. Tel#226-2409/223-4159/6442388/687-5448 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar LAND FOR SALE V/Hoop WCD. 48ft x 1300ft. Call: 609-5672 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 2 acre- V/Hoop WCD. Tel# 621-6918/697-7731
FOR SALE 1 (250) Gen set power by NT55.Cummings.Contact#2690603/609-2350/644-1190. 1 Honda 450 Atv bike, 1 Cat 215 excavator, 1 Cat 428 back hoe, 1 Mack mixer truck 8 cuyds Tel#275-0367/683-7225 1 Double steel wheel roller, 1 pnuematic 9 wheel roller, 2- tar kettles, small &large. 215-excavator spares, 1-3304 Cat Di engine Tel#275-0367/683-7225 (1) House Non-Pariel- 5 beds, 4 full baths. Call: 229-2772 or whatsapp #616-3094 1 Pitbull, 1 I-Phone 8, adults & kids clothing. Contact #6100901/675-1023 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052. Lot 14 Section B Non-Pariel ECD Public road. #619-8391
Earl Court (E.C.Dem) Success (E.C.Dem) Call: 229-2772 or whatsapp #616-3094 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 shortbase supercustom minibus for parts. #664-0802 Axio PXX series, reverse camera, fog lamps, owner leaving country. 2010 model $2.2M neg Tel#611-7106 Toyota Avensis in Excellent Condition.Well maintained.Call#645-0240/ 685-0942. 1 Rav 4L PHH series. Price negotiable. Contact #6462131,630-0915 Honda Accord 2011-2000cc PWW series $3.2M Negotiable, owner leaving country. Tel#600-2606
FOR RENT
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.
4205 Parfaite Harmonie Tel#619-3258/686-7384
CAR RENTAL
One domestic. Contact #2235273/74
2 bedroom house for rent $35K per month, water & light at 2043 Block (c) Herstelling. #696-1680
Accounts clerk to work at the office. Contact barry@adamantiumholdings.com or Tel#654-7162
To rent: One bedroom apartment, First Field, Cummings Lodge. #222-3435
Cook: to cook and manage the A&S Fast food. Contact barry@adamantiumholdings.com or Tel#654-7162
One bedroom apartment $35,000 #612-8380 Three bedroom top flat apt, Albertown area. $80,000 monthly, two months security, one month rent. #613-7555 TO LET Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537. WANTED Salesgirls & porters. Apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies 1E Dennis & Middleton Sts, Campbellville 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 1 Noah or Voxy to Rent for 2 months. #646-8748 Buying Wamara, Darina, Crabwood, Purpleheart, Tonkabean Logs. Contact #664-5150/691-5349
Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy $2M Schnoord $3.6M Farm $3M Tel#656-0701/6481635 Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M $3M $2.7M Herstelling $4M $5.5M Providence Eccles $6.5M Farm $5M.
Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
Experienced cook 25-50 yrs Salary starts at $25,000 weekly preferably live in or live out, must be from ECD. #610-3974
DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM
1 Gardener/handyman to work at Friendship East Bank Demerara. Tel#266-2217
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM
1 Live-in couple, captain & maid, for Essequibo resort. Tel#225-3557
1 cashier, 2 cleaners. Contact #625-9683
VACANCY VACANCY FOR A FULL TIME/PARTTIME WAITER/ WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CALL: 219-0158
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
(1) Couple to work & Live on a farm. Tel#673-1131
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
One secretary 28-40 years. One trainee refrigeration/ AC technician #683-8734/2310655
Sales clerk to work at A&S General Store and Gaulin Supermarket. Contact barry@adamantiumholdings.com or Tel#654-7162 English & Maths Tutor. Contact #223-5273/74 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook. Apply with 2 references. KeyFood McDoom village Accounts Clerk. Requirements: CAT/ACCA Level 2, Quickbooks POS & Accounts proficient, salary negotiable. (2) Driver/ Salesman. Tel#623-8780 Security for interior. Requirements 30 years and over. Police/GDF experience, formal firearm training. Call: 223-7165 Experienced Goldsmith Jacob’s Jewellery. Tel#2278748/622-4970. 16 Pike St, Kitty G/town VACANCYFOR FULLTIME HOUSEKEEPER TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF ST. CALL: 219-0158 Vacancy exist for 2 kitchen assistants at People’s Choice Kitchen 88 James St, Albouystown. Tel#679-9449/ 231-3059 1 part time kitchen asst/cook & 1 live-in domestic.2035yrs.Contact Mr.Khan.6956550/656-9313.
Alleged armed robber now answers charge after six years A miner who allegedly robbed a man and went into hiding was only recently caught and brought before the courts. Six years has passed since the incident reportedly occurred. Kenrick Blades, pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read to him by the Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. The charge read that on October 16, 2013, at Lime Tree Backdam, North West District, Blades while in company of another and armed with a gun, robbed Asif Mohammed of articles including a 12 gauge shotgun. The defendant told the court that he is a 57-year-old resident of Lot 31 Bachelors Adventure. He said that the charge made out against him is a total fabrication. “All the police know me and I travel the whole of North West regularly. How is it that the police still take six years to apprehend me? “ Blades further stated, “I cant hide from none of the police because all of them know me. I have been in the lockups since Sunday and all the police doing is adding up people to bring me to court them aint got nothing after six years.” Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield then told the court that since the commission of the allegation the defendant moved to another location in the North West District. The prosecutor added that Blades was only apprehended on May 26, last, VACANCY Pump attendant & cashier, shifts rotated weekly (6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Apply @ Shell Service Station P r o v i d e n c e : Shellramsburg@gmail.com Female cleaner office & home. Call: 642-9823 General Domestic to cook & clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358
1 Ice Machine operator to work at Mon Repos. Tel#2203459/616-2222 Office Clerk. Requirements: CXC Math & English. Experience in DacEasy & Excel an asset. Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771/2264537 Experienced Nail tec & Hairdressers, Apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public road, Riumzeight. Tel#269-1524/ 1602 or 656-3561
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Charged, Kenrick Blades where a confrontation was held with him and the victim and he was positively identified. Mohammed, who was present in court for the hearing, told the court that he knew the defendant for about a year before the alleged incident. He stated that Blades went into hiding after the robbery and he took up an Amerindian name. Prosecutor Mansfield further objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the time it took the police to apprehend the defendant citing that he poses a flight risk if bail is granted. After listening to both sides the magistrate adjourned the matter until June 4, next for report into the case.
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THE TWO SIDES OF AUDITING: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL BY JOHN M. SEERAM May is designated International Internal Auditing month by the Institute of Internal Auditing Global (IIAG), of which the Guyana Chapter is affiliated to that body. In its observance, this writer has chosen to present an article on the current auditing process. Introduction Despite their obvious similarities, internal auditing and external auditing have major differences that make them distinctly valuable to the auditing profession. Internal auditors and
external auditors each have an important role in the governance of an organisation. They both have mutual interests with regard to the effectiveness of internal controls, both adhere to ethical codes and professional standards which are set by their respective professional bodies. Further, they both operate independently of the activities they audit, and they are expected to possess extensive knowledge about the organisation/ business, the industry and the strategic risks faced by the organisation which
they serve. However, with all their similarities, internal auditing and external auditing are indeed two distinct functions that have differences. Diverging Approaches to Auditing The IIAG defines internal auditing as “an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity, designed to add value and to improve an organisations operations. It helps an organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effec-
Wanted men nabbed in cordon and search operation …One time murder accused and two time prison escapee among duo Following their recent success with the shooting death of three dangerous criminals deep in the back lands of Black Bush Polder a few weeks ago, the Police in Berbice under the leadership of Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner, Paul Langevine, are not relaxing as they take the fight to the criminals in Berbice. During the early hours of Thursday morning the police and members of the SWAT unit and rank in Berbice conducted a cordon and search operation at Yakusari North, and Johanna North Black Bush Polder, Corentyne Berbice. During the more than three hours operation the cops arrested two wanted men, including one time murder accused and double prison escapee Vinod Gopaul called “Magga”, and Jamaladeen Jagmohan called “Mocha”. Gopaul , 28, a labourer of Lot 34 Yakasari North, Black Bush Polder who was sentenced to 18 months in his absence, at the time of his arrest had in his pos-
Vinod Gopaul session 15 grams of cannabis. He is also wanted for questioning in a matter of trafficking in narcotics on May 23, in 354 grams of narcotics. He is also wanted for questioning in relation to several matters of robbery under arms. Jagmohan, a labourer of Lot 83 Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, is wanted for ques-
tioning in relation to several cases of Robbery Under arms. He is a relative of Ramnarine Jagmohan who was recently shot dead by the police at Black Bush. The men are in custody and the narcotics have been lodge. Gopaul is expected to be imprisoned in New Amsterdam to commence serving his sentence. Gopaul was first taken into prison at the age of 14 back in 2004 when he was accused of murdering his father. He reportedly shot him dead. In August 2007 he was among 18 prisoners who escaped from the New Amsterdam Prison. He was recaptured not long after in East Bank Berbice. The man however managed to escape again in June 2011 when he was among four prisoners who fled the New Amsterdam prison. He was 19 then. He was rearrested during a police drag net. The cops had raided his home and after seeing the police he made an attempt to escape by fleeing into the backlands, but ended up running into a police drag net.
tiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes”. Internal auditors are concerned with all aspects of the organisation both financial and non financial, and to do continuous reviews and evaluations of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal auditors in public sector organisations are required to place an added emphasis on providing assurance on performance and compliance with policies and procedures. In contrast, external auditing provides an independent opinion of an organisations financial statements and its fair presentation. This type of auditing encompasses whether the statements comply with the International Standards, and whether they fairly present the financial position of the organisation, whether the results of its operations for a given period of time are reported accurately, and whether they include a misstatement(s) that is/are likely to influences the economic decisions of the financial statement users. In effect, external auditing approach is mainly historical in nature. Internal Auditing is much broader and more encompassing than external auditing. Its value resides in the functions ability to look at the underlying operations that drive the financial numbers before those numbers actually hit the books/accounts. As an example, when considering sales as a line item in a set of financial statements, the external audit will focus primarily on the existence, completeness, accuracy, classification, timing, and recording and summarization of the
sales numbers. The internal audit will go beyond those assertions and look at sales operations in a much broader context by asking questions regarding the target market, sales plan, organisation structure of the sales department, qualifications of the sales personnel, effectiveness of the sales personnel, effectiveness of the sales operations, measurement of sales performance, and compliance with sales performance, and compliance with sales policies. These questions should probe the very core of the sales operations and can greatly impact the sales numbers recorded in the financial statements. For example, assume a sale of $3 million, the external auditor has merely to render an opinion regarding the validity of the number. The internal auditor, however, is in a position to ask whether, this number really should have been $5 million, if the right market had been targeted, and if operations had been effective in the first place. Organisation Structure Internal auditors represent an integral part of the organisation of which the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) reports administratively to the Chief Executive Officer and technically to the Audit Sub-Committee of the Board. This reporting function helps strength the CIAs independence and objectively. The relationship is consistent with IIAGs Standards. Conversely, external auditors are not part of the organisation, but are engaged by it. They are appointed by the shareholders of a company, and appointment usually comes through discussion with the directors.
Evolution of Auditing Business growth, globalization and corporate scandals, among others have changed the thrust of the internal audit profession in recent years. In yesteryears internal auditing had focused on compliance with accounting and operational procedures, verification of calculation accuracy, fraud detection, and protection of assets. Gradually, new dimensions are being added that ranged from an evaluation of financial management and compliance risks, to an assessment of controls and governance. Yet, despite the differences in activities, internal and external auditors are benefiting from their complementary skills and areas of expertise. They should meet periodically to discuss common interests, strive to understand each others scope of work and methods, discuss audit coverage and scheduling in order to minimize redundancies, jointly assess areas of risk management, controls and governance, and to provide access to each others reports, programmes and working papers. In coordinating their audit work, the goal is to increase the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the overall audit process. Closing Remarks Despite the key similarities and differences that exists between internal auditing and external auditing, nonetheless, both audit types, and the respective services they provide, are indeed essential to maintaining an efficient and effective governance structure. That being said, with a greater understanding of each other s unique perspective, both audit groups can maximize their aggregate contributions and help ensure organizational success.
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Regional sugar companies shift focus to CARICOM market Regional sugar producers, including the Guyana Sugar Corporation, are strategizing how to capitalize on markets right within CARICOM. At the 170th Meeting of the Board of Directors, May 22, 2018, in Belize, members of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) discussed the future of regional sugar supply. SAC members include sugar companies from Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and Barbados. “A year and a half after changes removed market preferences for CARICOM sugar in Europe; SAC is still looking for solutions within its own regional market. Sugar industries across the region are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to match quality and supply to regional demand,” SAC said in a statement. At present, SAC explained, more than twothirds of sugar consumed in CARICOM comes from extraregional sources, duty free,
displacing market opportunity for over 200,000 metric tonnes of CARICOM sugar, which is forced onto the low value global market. “Policy changes, therefore, are required to secure the integration of the sugar market within the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME). A failure to achieve this threatens a major agricultural sector of the region’s economy, hundreds of thousands of Caribbean jobs and questions the effectiveness of the single market in meeting its stated objectives,” SAC warned. According to the association, investments from its industries investments are set to deliver to market nearly 300,000 metric tonnes of foodgrade sugar within the next 18 months, matching the region’s demand. According to SAC Chairman, R. Karl James, “SAC Directors are squarely focused on how regional integration can benefit industrial users and consumers of sugar through
competitive longer-term pricing strategies, which are not directly impacted by cyclical global sugar price surges.” James continued: “Utilisation of our sugar in most of our products would reduce this risk alongside the processing and import costs associated with importing sugar from outside the region. “This would bring CARICOM in line with other regional sugar markets.” The process now requires further discussion between sugar producers and users to find a pathway to achieve this mutually beneficial outcome. According to SAC, this is set to take place in the coming months. “A part of the solution must be the correct implementation of the existing treaty processes, in particular for brown sugar, which has seen a marked erosion of value in recent months. SAC members continue to dialogue with their respective governments, sugar users and the CARICOM
House-to-house registration postpone – GECOM
S
taffers of the Guyana Elections Commis sion should not allow the chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, or the commissioners appointed by the coalition, to bully or pressure them into starting House to House Registration, says People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. He said, during a press conference yesterday, that the exercise has been postponed by the commission. The commission didn’t, in truth, make a decision to postpone the exercise. Commissioner Charles Corbin told Kaieteur News last Tuesday that there were some issues met by the secretariat as it related to procurement of materials. Corbin had said that those issues only caused a minor delay, but that preparations for the exercise are on track. Jagdeo said, “At this point in time, we’re all awaiting the decision [by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)] on the No Confidence Cases. I’ve seen this expression of concern that it’s taking so long to come, especially in light of the fact that the CCJ was critical of the sloth in addressing this matter in Guyana. But nevertheless, we are awaiting that decision.” The PPP General Secretary said that there is an “indecent push” by the commissioners appointed by the coalition, to start House to House registration, and that there is a campaign by the coalition to mislead people into think-
PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo ing that if the exercise doesn’t occur, the list will not be clean or credible. Because of this, he thinks that the secretariat’s technical staff “must be coming under a lot of pressure.” “They have a responsibility to act consistent with the law. And they wouldn’t have the same sort of political backing. People would leave them in the lurch if anything ever goes wrong, as you saw with Excellence Dazzell [GECOM’s legal officer].” Jagdeo said that, all along, she was doing a good job in everyone’s eyes, until she gave a legal opinion that was inconsistent with the views of
the coalition appointed commissioners. “Then suddenly,” Jagdeo said mockingly, “she has become another PPP sleeper cell.”He referred to a comment made recently by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, that “sleepers exist in every ministry.”“And so I just want to say to the technical staff of GECOM not to be bullied or pressured by the political c o m m i s s i oners and the chai r m a n o n [ h o u s e t o house registration] because, at the end of the day, they (the staffers) have a long term presence and career in GECOM.” Jagdeo said.
Secretariat to find solutions.” Over the next 12 to 18 months, SAC said that its regional industries would have the capacity to supply the CARICOM market with 280,000 metric tonnes of direct consumption and plantation white sugar. “Investments are currently taking place to increase capacity. Additional lands are being brought into cane production that would increase sugar production. In one country, storage and
shipping has increased to accommodate larger vessels of up to 30,000 metric tons.” SAC members are projected to produce around 450,000 metric tonnes of sugar this year. To date, the region has exported 133,000 tonnes of sugar to the EU market at global market prices. According to SAC, extra regional duty free imports are being dumped into the CARICOM market at less than half the value they achieve in
their home markets. Guyana has been a miserly two decades where sugar is concerned. In addition to dropping production and loss of the preferential market in Europe, it has been contending with migrating workers, aging factories and increasing costs. In the last three years, four estates were closed as part of cost-cutting measures. An estimated 5,000 sugar workers lost their jobs.
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Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
Novak Djokovic into third round at... From page 34 the second, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the sixth game. However, Djokovic twice broke Laaksonen’s serve in consecutive service games to take a two-set lead. Djokovic, 32, will play unseeded Italian Salvatore Caruso, who knocked out France’s 26th seed Gilles Simon. Fourth seed Dominic Thiem, the runnerup last year, moved into round three with a 63 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-5 win over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik. Bublik three times opted to play underarm serves to disrupt Thiem’s rhythm, but could not beat the Austrian, who faces Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas after Britain’s Kyle Edmund pulled out with injury in the third set. Asked about Bublik’s underarm serves, Thiem said: “It’s a good choice against players like us who are so far behind the baseline. “For me it was tough. I had difficulties finding the right position. I didn’t practise [for] it but I just expect it from time to time. He won two out of three. Sometimes it’s quite a good tactic.” Round-up - German fifth seed Alexander Zverev beat Mikael Ymer 6-1 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to
set up a meeting with 30th seed Dusan Lajovic of Serbia, who overcame French qualifier Elliot Benchetrit 6-3 6-4 6-4. Argentine eighth seed Juan Martin del Potro survived a scare before beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-2. There were also wins for ninth seed Fabio Fognini and 10th seed Karen Khachanov, who defeated Federico Delbonis and Gregoire Barrere respectively. Fourteenth seed Gael Monfils, a French Open semi-finalist 11 years ago, knocked out fellow Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-3 6-4 6-4. Monfils reached the third round at Roland Garros for an 11th time, equalling the French record held by Mary Pierce and Yannick Noah. Diego Schwartzman, the 17th seed, lost 46 6-3 6-4 7-5 to fellow Argentine Leonardo Mayer. French wildcard Antoine Hoang won 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 against Spanish 23rd seed Fernando Verdasco, who beat Britain’s Dan Evans in the first round. Croat Ivo Karlovic, 40, who on Tuesday became the oldest player to win a match at Roland-Garros for 46 years, lost 6-3 6-4 6-7 (27) 6-3 to Australian Jordan Thompson.
Friday May 31, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're currently stuck between two strong desires - the desire to create for your own pleasure and the desire to please others. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may feel more of an urge than ever to search for your family roots. Your search could be so deep and intense that you may even go beyond genealogy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you may be impressed by the powers of concentration and self-discipline of one of your friends. There's a lesson to be learned from your admiring stance, though. CANCER(June21–July22) Confidence and efficiency are the day's themes. Do you long to bring your romantic involvement to the next level? Do you wish your partner would consent to a more profound commitment? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The relative tranquillity you enjoy today lets you listen more attentively to your inner self. You're well aware of the toll you pay when you try to ignore those nudges of intuition you sometimes feel. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can look forward to an enjoyable day, Virgo. Neither family matters nor career issues will cloud your spirit, as everything seems to be proceeding smoothly and according to plan. Moreover, the day's aspects seem to be inviting you to be a little more adventurous than usual.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's no doubt that today will be excellent, Libra. You can find satisfaction that puts a smile on your face and boosts your morale. There's the likelihood that you're challenging some of your core values. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The forecast is wonderful today, Scorpio. You may have been asking yourself a thousand questions about what will become of you, especially in terms of your career. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Admit it, Sagittarius. You have a tendency to run away from conflict in relationships. This can get you into some complicated situations. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Do you feel that your power has increased, Capricorn? You may not know what to do with this newfound strength. Try looking at how you relate to your friends. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may feel that your current relationships are more complicated than ever, Aquarius. This is because you're going through a period when many planets are trying to shed light on your hidden motivations. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You finally understand that the force of your will can't always determine everything, Pisces. Your ego is taking a beating, no doubt, but this will help you mature.
Woods shoots 70 as Moore leads Memorial after round one Reuters - Tiger Woods hit some loose shots but still carded a respectable twounder-par 70 in the first round at the Memorial tournament as fellow American Ryan Moore plundered the soft Muirfield Village course in Dublin, Ohio yesterday. Moore birdied five of the first seven holes to set a cracking pace, posting a seven-under 65 to head Jordan Spieth by one stroke as Woods ended the round equal 23rd. After his first competitive round since missing the cut at the PGA Championship two weeks ago at Bethpage, where he felt under the weather, Woods reported a clean bill of health but acknowledged he was not quite as sharp as he would have liked. “I’m definitely feeling a lot better, and I’m hitting the ball a little bit better,” he said. “I just need to not make a couple loose mistakes like I did today.” The 43-year-old needs one more victory to match Sam Snead’s record 82 wins on the PGA Tour, though perhaps more importantly the Memorial offers him a chance to assess his form heading to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in two weeks. After winning the Masters in April, Woods requires three more major titles to match the record of 18 held by Jack Nicklaus, this week’s tournament host. Heavy rain has left the Muirfield Village rough thick and lush, thereby putting a premium in accuracy, which probably will be good preparation for expected conditions at Pebble Beach. “The rough is brutal,” said Woods, who was asked if he had spent much time in it. “Unfortunately I did.” Leader Moore said a par at the first hole had set a positive tone that primed him to run off five birdies in rapid-fire fashion. “On the first hole didn’t hit a good tee shot and hacked something out short of the green, chipped to five to six feet and rolled that one in,” said the five-times PGA Tour winner. “It was nice to start out that way. Those are the putts that haven’t been going in as much for me recently. Momentum went from there. “I hit some great mid-irons today.” Spieth was tied for the lead until bogeying his penultimate hole, but nonetheless it was another promising performance on the back of his recent revival after a slow start to the year. The three-times major
Tiger Woods tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2019 Memorial golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports winner tied for third at the PGA Championship at Bethpage two weeks ago and last week finished equal eighth at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. “Two chip-ins certainly helped,” Spieth said. “I felt like I stole a couple early in the round to be under
par, and then just kind of played the shots that needed to be played.” Former world number ones Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Jason day were not among the 65 players to shoot par or better, as the trio all battled to scores of threeover 75.
Friday May 31, 2019
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Kaieteur News
French Open: Naomi Osaka Wilson makes most of Semenya reaches third round with win absence to win Diamond League 800m over Victoria Azarenka
Osaka hit 52 winners compared to Azarenka’s 35. BBCsport - World number one Naomi Osaka survived another early scare to reach the third round of the French Open. Japan’s Osaka, 21, overcame a poor start to beat two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka 46 7-5 6-3. Osaka is chasing her third successive Grand Slam title having won the 2018 US Open and the Australian Open earlier this year. She will play the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova in the next round after she beat Greece’s Maria Sakkari. “I was lucky enough to play her (Azarenka) twice before this and I knew she was playing really well,” said Osaka. “It was unfortunate that this was a second-round match but I am happy I won.” Asked if she is as calm on the inside as she looks on court, she added: “No. I choked on this side (at 5-1) and almost choked on the other side (at 5-3). I am very emotional.” Osaka struggled in the early stages against world number 43 Azarenka, of Belarus, just as she did in the first round against Anna
Karolina Schmiedlova when she failed to register a game. She hit 15 unforced errors in the opening set on Lenglen court as Azarenka, 29, dominated to go 5-1 up. From there, Osaka - who reached the third round at Roland Garros 12 months ago - started to find her rhythm, breaking Azarenka’s serve to move within one game of her opponent but Azarenka coolly served out the first set. The second set proved a much closer affair, taking until the fifth game for a serve to be broken as Azarenka went 3-2 up. That came after Osaka had scuppered three break points in the fourth game. Azarenka went on to go 4-2 up but Osaka was able to claw the setback, taking it 7-5 on her fourth set point. Former world number one Azarenka took an 11-minute break before the deciding set commenced, but it proved little help as Osaka raced into a 5-1 lead, her performance a far cry from that of the first set. Azarenka mounted her own comeback, winning the next two games, but Osaka was able to capitalise on her second match point to seal
Halep won the French Open in 2018 - her first Grand Slam title.(GettyImages)
victory. Meanwhile, defending champion Simona Halep also made it through to the third round, where she joined three-time winner Serena Williams. World number three Halep overcame illness to beat Poland’s Magda Linette 6-4 5-7 6-3 in two hours 11 minutes. “I didn’t feel that great. Tomorrow (today) I will sleep all day because I am a bit sick,” said Halep. Earlier, 23time Grand Slam champion Williams beat Japanese qualifier Kurumi Nara 6-3 6-2. Halep will next play Aleksandra Krunic or Lesia Tsurenko, whose match was suspended at 6-6 in the third set as darkness fell. And, there will be no French woman in the Roland Garros third round for the first time since 1986 after Caroline Garcia was knocked out. Garcia, seeded 24th, was beaten by Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova 1-6 6-4 6-4. Elsewhere, American Amanda Anisimova reached the third round after beating 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka 64 6-2. She will next play Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu, who defeated Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 1-6 6-3 6-4. At 17, Anisimova is the youngest American to reach the third round at Roland Garros since Williams in 1999. Poland’s junior Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, also 17,knocked out 16th seed Wang Qiang of China 6-3 6-0 in under an hour. Swiatek will play Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig after the Olympic champion beat Russian 21st seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3 6-1.
Stockholm (Reuters) American Ajee Wilson made the most of the absence of Caster Semenya and Francine Niyonsaba to win the women’s 800 meters in yesterday’s Diamond League meeting on a windy, wet evening in the Swedish capital. Wilson, who came third at the Diamond League meeting in Doha earlier this month behind Semenya and Niyonsaba, cruised to victory in a relatively slow time of 2:00.87, with Habitam Alemu of Ethiopia in second and Nelly Jepkosgei of Kenya in third. Double Olympic champion Semenya and Niyonsaba share a string of Diamond League victories in the distance going back over three years, but both are no longer allowed to compete without taking medication to reduce their testosterone levels. The IAAF, Athletics’
governing body, has imposed the conditions on female athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs). Semenya has filed an appeal against the rules to Switzerland’s highest court. Earlier in the evening Michael Norman, whose time of 43.45 in Torrence, California last month is the fastest 400 meters in the world this year, held off a strong early challenge from compatriot Rai Benjamin to win in a time of 44.53 in tough conditions. The women’s 200m provided the other highlight of the evening as European Champion Dina Asher-Smith emerged early from a strong field to take the win in a time 22:18, ahead of double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson of Jamaica and decorated Dutch sprinter Dafne Schippers. “I just wanted to come and secure the win, but to secure a fast time too, I’m not going to complain,” an elated
Asher-Smith said following her blistering performance. The much-anticipated debut of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri in the women’s 5000 meters ended in disappointment as she fell around the fourkilometer mark of the race while battling for third spot. A gold medalist at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in March, Obiri scored an impressive victory over 3000 meters in Doha but finished second-last after her slip, with Agnes Tirop winning in a time of 14:50.82. The men’s 1500 rounded off the night with Timothy Cheruiyot blasting to victory in time of 3:35.79 ahead of Ayanleh Souleiman of Djibouti and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. The Swedish crowd had little to cheer until late in the evening when Daniel Staahl secured victory in the discus 69.57, his second Diamond League win of the season.
Ajee Wilson of U.S. in action. Fredrik Sandberg /TT News Agency via REUTERS.
Henseleit makes most of reprieve with fast U.S. Women’s Open start Charleston, S.C. (Reuters) - Esther Henseleit felt sad after she thought she had bungled a chance of playing in the U.S. Women’s Open, but her emotions were at the other end of the spectrum yesterday after a superb opening round at Country Club of Charleston. The 20-year-old from Varel on the north coast of Germany tamed a sea breeze to card a bogey-free fiveunder-par 66 to trail Japanese leader Mamiko Higa by one stroke. Henseleit thought she had blown an opportunity to play in the richest and most prestigious event in women’s golf when she collapsed late in a sectional
qualifier in England, ending up as the first alternate. “I was doing really well and then I played some stupid bogeys in the end and lost in a playoff,” she said. “I felt like there was no chance I could play and I was really sad.” Her emotions picked up a few days later, however, when a spot opened up for her. “When I got the message, maybe one-and-a-half weeks ago, I couldn’t imagine I’d be sitting here,” she said. Henseleit might prove more than a one-round wonder. She had an impressive amateur career and since turning professional early this year has been a constant leaderboard presence on the Ladies European Tour.
Henseleit showed some youthful promise as a tennis player but fell in love with golf after being introduced to the sport at age eight by mother Iris. “I played tennis, also quite good, so I knew how to swing,” she said. “It’s good to be here. It’s a completely new experience for me and the grandstands are huge and many people are around but I don’t feel like it’s much for me. “I really like playing in front of many people.”
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Joshua says Wilder cannot continue to avoid him as he chases heavyweight showdown to become undisputed champion
TKR meet Patriots in tournament opener
Trinbago Knight Riders… will start the defence of their title against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Joshua cut a relaxed figure as he put his tongue out while he posed with his four title belts. MailOnline - Anthony Joshua was thinking about sitting down in a room here with Deontay Wilder to bring to reality ‘The Fight of the Century.’ That idea went out of the window when Wilder announced he is fighting a rematch with Luis Ortiz next. So now, assuming he beats Andy Ruiz Jr in Madison Square Garden tomorrow night, Joshua will focus on becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion no matter who holds the WBC title which is only one he has left to secure. ‘It’s no longer about Joshua and Wilder, ‘ he said. ‘Now it’s about me and the titles. ‘ Speaking before a face to face meeting with Ruiz at their final media conference, he added: ‘Wilder may not be a champion much longer. He’s not going to hold on to that title forever. ‘Not the way he keeps
coming close to losing fights and having to dig himself with that big punch. ‘What would people say if I took a rematch with Povetkin the way he’s fighting Ortiz again? If I do something like that with Dillian Whyte I don’t want to hear any complaints. ‘I’ve been working towards the undisputed for two years and I’m having to take risks along the way. Deontay too. ‘So why wouldn’t he take the biggest risk for the most massive reward. But me, I’ve got big fights out there against the likes of Fury, Usyk and Hunter and then there’s the young heavyweights coming up like Joe Joyce. ‘But for the moment I have to focus on Ruiz to make sure I don’t make a mistake before fighting whoever it is I need to beat to become the undisputed.’ The Little Gangster, as Andy Ruiz Jr used to characterise himself,
will go back to his old street corners if he pulls off the upset and tell the boys he left behind in the ‘hood: ‘I told you so.’ They used to poke fun at his chunky frame but he says now: ‘My size and speed will make it awkward for Joshua to do his thing. This chance has come at the perfect time for me. ‘He’s a good fighter and I have nothing bad to say about him but I visualise a more exciting fight than everyone expects, with my fast hand raised at the end.’ The discrepancy in height was startlingly visible on the stage of the historic Beacon Theatre as they staged a short stare down....and up. The respect they have shown each other all fight week was in evidence again, starting with a firm handshake. ‘Respect,’ said Ruiz. ‘Viva Mexico.’ ‘Respect,’ said Joshua. ‘May the best man win.’
Physical Display Championship ends... From page 39 grown to be a separate event that is held at the end of May. Cumberbatch explained that it is a good sign that schools have shown an increased interest in physical
display over the years since the activity is one that demonstrates the talents of the nation’s children and encourages the acquisition of skills and knowledge while building their capacity for creativity and teamwork.
The categories schools are contesting are combinations, pyramids and jump rope. The education districts represented are Regions one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, ten and Georgetown.
Gros Islet, St Lucia, May 30, CMC – Two-time reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders will face 2017 losing finalists, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, in the opening match of the Caribbean Premier League on September 4. In fixtures announced this week by organisers, TKR will face Jamaica Tallawahs in a blockbuster two days later, which will bring together the likes of Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine against Chris Gayle and Andre Russell. Last year ’s losing finalists, Guyana Amazon Warriors, clash with Darren Sammy’s St Lucia Stars in their opening match on September 5 before taking on Patriots two days later. The seventh season of the CPL
will feature 34 matches over six weeks in the tournament which runs until October 12. “It is very pleasing to get the fixture list agreed for this year. It is always a challenge and we would like to thank everyone involved in helping to pull this all together,” said CPL chief operating officer, Pete Russell. CPL is the region’s premier Twenty20 tournament, featuring domestic and international players competing for six franchises – TKR, Amazon Warriors, Patriots, Tallawahs, Stars and Barbados Tridents. The draft earlier this month featured a record number of players, pointing to continuing high interest in the Caribbean tournament.
Chief executive, Damien O’Donohoe, said the league was expected to continue on its upward trajectory this season. “We are delighted with how Hero CPL continues to grow,” he said. “Last season we saw more than 200 million viewers watch the tournament and Hero CPL also made a huge impact on the economies of the countries we visited. We are certain that this year we will see those numbers grow once again.” Matches have been so far confirmed for Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. There has been no word yet, however, on matches scheduled for Guyana.
Novak Djokovic into third round at Roland Garros BBCsport - World number one Novak Djokovic claimed a routine win over ‘lucky loser’ Henri Laaksonen to move into the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros. Djokovic who won the 2016 competition, secured a 6-1 6-4 6-3 victory on Court Suzanne Lenglen in Paris. He is aiming for his second Grand Slam title of 2019 after winning the Australian Open in January. All of the top 10 seeded players in the men’s singles are into the third round after wins for six of them yesterday. Laaksonen was beaten by Sweden’s Mikael Ymer in the third round of qualifying but took his place in the main draw after benefiting from withdrawals. The Swiss,
Novak Djokovic has won 15 Grand Slam titles but his 2016 success remains his only French Open title. ranked 104th in the world, beat Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez in the opening round to set up a first meeting with 15-time Grand Slam
winner Djokovic. The first set lasted only 23 minutes, but Laaksonen provided more resistance in (Continued on page 32)
Friday May 31, 2019
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Kaieteur News
England beat South Africa by 104 runs in opener
Stokes spared England’s blushes after hitting 89 on the opening day of the World Cup. BBCSport - Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer lit up The Oval to ensure England defeated South Africa and got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start. Regularly bowling in excess of 90mph, Archer - playing only his fourth one-day international - took 3-27 and hit Hashim Amla on the helmet to force him to temporarily retire hurt. After Stokes took an amazing one-handed catch on the boundary to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo, South Africa were dismissed for 207 to lose by 104 runs. Stokes earlier made 89 and Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan hit half-centuries to take England to 311-8, a total that seemed no better than par. Quinton de Kock’s 68 had South Africa in the hunt at 129-2, but he pulled Liam Plunkett to long leg to become the first of three wickets to fall for 15 runs.
When Stokes took two wickets in two balls, the world number ones and favourites completed an ideal start to the tournament. In a competition where the 10 teams play each other once to determine the semifinalists, the hosts travel to Nottingham to meet Pakistan at Trent Bridge on Monday. South Africa, who showed enough with the ball to suggest they will contend for the semis, are back at The Oval on Sunday to take on Bangladesh. England have been building to this competition for the four years since their dismal first-round exit at the last World Cup, sweeping all before them mainly thanks to their power-packed batting line-up. But for three-quarters of a day that began with the Duke of Sussex opening the tournament, they were in
danger of being upset by a well-drilled South Africa. Indeed, on a slow pitch that produced intriguing rather than entertaining cricket, this was at times a lowkey start to the tournament. Under grey skies even the crowd was subdued for long periods. The exceptions to all of this were Archer and Stokes. For Archer, pace, aggression and hostility made it seem like a wicket was likely every time he had the ball in his hand. However, the moment of the day belonged to Stokes, who took the most incredible catch, one that is unlikely to be bettered throughout the whole tournament. As Phehlukwayo swept Adil Rashid towards the midwicket boundary, the ball seemed to be too high for Stokes to reach. He leapt, flinging himself backwards with his right arm outstretched. As he clung on in one hand, the crowd gasped and his team-mates mobbed him for disbelieving celebrations. Archer leads England attack Born in Barbados to a British father, Archer only qualified to play for England in March and here showed exactly why he was fasttracked into the World Cup squad. The wickets he took were all, at least in some part, down to his pace. After Amla took a nasty blow to the grille, Aiden Markram fended to slip and Faf du Plessis hooked to long leg. With South Africa in
England ended up crushing the Proteas despite setting what looked a competitive total. danger of subsiding, De Kock added 85 with Rassie van der Dussen. Both had moments of fortune - Rashid looked to have bowled De Kock only for the bails not to come off, while Van der Dussen was dropped by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. The game turned after De Kock helped a short ball from Plunkett to Root at long leg. JP Duminy holed out off Moeen and Dwaine Pretorius was run out by Stokes’ bullet throw from the deep as three wickets fell in 21 balls. Archer returned to remove Van der Dussen with another short ball and, though Amla came back
GOA head commends GBA for taking stance on Allicock - “But we will not suspend his stipend” says K Juman Yassin By Sean Devers In January 2018 Caribbean Bantamweight Champion Keevin Allicock was among 30 local and overseas-based athletes and 13 coaches spread across 10 disciplines that were given a monthly stipend from Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) so that they could focus on their respective Sports disciplines The 19 year-old Allicock has qualified for the Pan Am Games in Peru and should have commenced preparations with a training sojourn in Cuba where his training was set to run from May 1-23. However, this week President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle sent a letter to President of the GOA K Juman Yassin recommending that a ‘hold’ be put on this trip and to suspend Allicock’s
K.A Juman Yassin stipend. Allicock would have been accompanied to Cuba by National Boxing Coach, Cuban Francisco Hernandez Roldan. Ninvalle said Allicock has been delinquent with regards to attending training sessions and his attitude towards the task at hand is nothing short of lackadaisical.
In support of his point the GBA President informed that Allicock attended 12 of 30 training sessions held by Coach Roldan. “Non-attendance at training leading up to any competition is unacceptable barring illness. 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” Ninvalle wrote. When contacted yesterday, the 72-year-old Yassin who was elected VicePresident of the GOA in 1992 before becoming President in 1996 said he commended the GBA taking such a stance. “Back in March we meet and spoke to Allicock about his attitude to his training so we are aware of this problem. We commend the GBA for this
stance which could only make Allicock a better person and we will put on hold on his trip to Cuba” Yassin said. “Allicock has outstanding talent and the Cuban Coach thinks he can give Guyana an Olympic Medal so we are prepared to do whatever we can to help to achieve those goals but he has to want it,” Yassin said. “The GBA will write us and provide all the relevant documents for the Cuba trip if they feel Allicock has improved his discipline and we will fund the trip” Yassin disclosed. Yassin said when the GOA offered him the stipend we asked if that was enough to take care of his Boxing needs and he yes. Yassin said he hopes that young Boxer will get his act together quickly since he holds his future in his hands.
before gloving Plunkett behind, Stokes took over. First came the wonder catch, then the wickets of Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir completed an impressive England bowling and fielding display. England work to winning total For a variety of reasons the control of the South Africa bowlers, the sluggish nature of the pitch and maybe even a few nerves - this was not the free-scoring England of the past four years. The tone was set by a clever piece of captaincy from Du Plessis. Leg-spinner Tahir was chosen to open the bowling and Jonny Bairstow edged his second ball behind to become the first opener to get a golden duck in the first innings of a World Cup tournament. To their credit, England steadied. Roy and Root added 106 and, after they
both fell in the space of four balls, Morgan and Stokes shared 106 of their own. Roy played powerful drives while Root scored almost exclusively off his pads. Morgan pulled and drove, playing the aggressor in his stand with Stokes until he was athletically caught by a diving Markram at long-on off Tahir. Stokes began calmly - his first 31 runs came from 36 balls - but he gradually upped his scoring. Still, the biggest blow to England’s late charge came when Buttler dragged on to his stumps. In the face of some intelligent South Africa bowling, England’s assault never materialised, but their total proved to be more than adequate. Scores: England 311-8 (50 overs): Stokes 89, Morgan 57, Roy 54, Root 51, Ngidi 3-66. South Africa 207 (39.5 overs): De Kock 68, Van der Dussen 50, Archer 3-27. England won by 104 runs.
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Confident Windies look to execute against Pakistan Nottingham, England, CMC – Fuelled by a desire to prove their many detractors wrong, a confident West Indies will launch an ambitious bid to win the ICC World Cup when they take on enigmatic Pakistan at Trent Bridge here today. Winners of the first two World Cups back in 1975 and 1979; West Indies’ star has since fallen and are no longer considered one-day powerhouses. And with just a single series win in the last five years, their tag of underdogs is perhaps justified. Yet, their performance against world number ones and tournament favourites, England, in the Caribbean this year pointed to somewhat of a rejuvenation, giving players and fans alike the faintest of hope that the side could put together a formidable World Cup challenge. Written off before the start of the England series, the Caribbean side managed to pull of a 2-2 draw, doing so while brandishing a bold, audacious brand of cricket not seen in recent years. The result also instilled a new level of self-belief in the squad and there is now a quiet confidence the Caribbean side can now put the lean years of under-achievement behind them. Captain Jason Holder, leading West Indies for the second straight World Cup, said the squad was settled and in a good place mentally heading into the opening clash against Pakistan. “One thing I like coming into this tournament is that every player is in a good frame of mind,” he told media here
yesterday. “Everybody is playing with a smile on their face, and I think that’s how we play our best cricket. We’re fearless, we enjoy what we’re doing and we enjoy one another’s company. I can safely say within the group we’ve got that. “We’ve got an atmosphere that we would like to create, and we’ve got the energy going into this tournament that we would want to have.” He added: “I think the rest is left down to us on the field. We’ve just got to execute whatever plans we formulate, and I think execution is key in this tournament, you know, whether it’s West Indies, England, India or whoever. “I think the teams that execute their plans and be as disciplined as they can, more often than not they’re going to come out on top.” West Indies will have to buck recent history against Pakistan, which has seen them lose 11 of their last 16 ODIs in bilateral series. The Caribbean side have had better luck against Pakistan in World Cup match-ups, however, winning six of their eight meetings – including in the 2015 edition when they crushed their Asian opponents by 150 runs. For their part, Pakistan enter the contest on the back of a poor run of form that has seen them lose 13 of their last 18 ODIs. Earlier this month, they were creamed 4-0 in a five-match series by hosts England. But Pakistan are mercurial, lurching from mediocre to brilliant in the blink of an eye and Holder
Shimron Hetmyer pulls through the leg side © Getty Images said his team would be taking nothing for granted against them. “We’ve obviously looked at their players, tried to formulate our plans towards them and obviously our mode of attack,” he explained. “We’ve had a few discussions as the team and a few team meetings just to formulate whatever plans we’re going into tomorrow’s game with. But yeah, it’s just a normal thing. It’s nothing different depending on who the team is. “We just want to be as professional as we possibly can, not take anything for granted. I don’t think we’re in a position to take anything for granted, to just be in a situation where we just assess who we’re playing against, formulate our plans
or look to execute them.” West Indies’ batting is to be feared. Headed by veteran talisman Chris Gayle, it boasts the likes of the classy Shai Hope and Darren Bravo, as well as the brawn of Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer and the spectacular Andre Russell. Against England earlier this year, they twice scored in excess of 350 – including an all-time record 389 in the fourth ODI in Grenada. Their mammoth 421 against New Zealand in their last official warm-up in Bristol last Tuesday served as a timely reminder of the Caribbean side’s ability and at Trent Bridge where there have been several large totals this season, expectations are already high. However, Holder
Mohammad Amir can play a leading role for Pakistan © AFP reminded that cricket was played on the day and depended heavily on conditions, and there was no guarantee of consistently high totals. “I don’t want to sit here and try to predetermine what’s going to happen, but I just think in this situation we play a normal cricket game,” he stressed. “We assess the conditions as early as possible and we play to suit. I think where the game has gone now, especially in England here, there have been some high totals, but there have been totals where I saw one or two games lately that were relatively low scoring. It can happen. “That’s the way cricket is played, and that’s the nature of the game. I just don’t want to sit before a game and say
we’re looking to score 500 or 600, I just want to play it as we see it as assess the conditions like any other game.” WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas. PAKISTAN – Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz.
Hauraruni, Supply chalk wins as Upper Demerara Windball commence
Members of the participating teams prior to the start of the days’ proceedings. Hauraruni and Supply registered victories when Upper Demerara leg of the 22nd Annual Al Sport and Tour Promotions Edward Cobenna Memorial Primary Schools Windball tournament commenced recently at Airport Ground, Timehri. Playing in the Boys division, Hauraruni knocked out defending champions Saint
Mary’s which batted first and made 81-1 off their allotted five overs with Elton Lion scoring 59 and Phillip Thom 17. Hauraruni responded with 84-3 in exactly five overs. Isaiah Ross scored 34, Jadediah George 26 and Andre Alexander 11; Hardson Douglas picked up two wickets. Supply overcame
Timehri by four runs. Supply took first strike and managed 97-4. Kelain Daniels made 36 and Christopher Goriah 24. Timehri were limited to 93-3, in reply. Hauraruni beat Kuru Kuru by 9 wickets. Batting first, Kuru Kuru got to 74-2 with Mark Adams scoring 36 and Mark La Rose 18.
Hauraruni responded with 75-1; J. George struck nine sixes in a robust 59. In the female category, Supply defeated Kuru Kuru by 10 wickets. Kuru Kuru managed 31-4, taking first knock with Johanna Jeffrey scoring 12. Supply made 34 without loss in reply. Akieb Thomas made 19 and Allison Allicock 13.
Isaiah Ross (left) and Elton Lion
Friday May 31, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GAPLF impose 12-month bans on GFF release final 23-man squad ahead of Concacaf Gold Cup 2019 Alex Murray, Sheldon Holder, Daniel Carlos Petterson-Griffith and Junica Puck for Rules Violation Wilson and Pernell Schultz included
Carlos Petterson-Griffith Deadlifts at Seniors 2018 Guyana’s hopes of medaling for the first time at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships to take place in Helsingborg, Sweden next month has been dashed with the suspension of the nation’s leading strongman, Carlos PettersonGriffth. Petterson-Griffith along with budding female lifter Ms. Junica Pluck were suspended for 12-months each after being found guilty of violating the rules of Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). Both athletes, contrary to the rules (Article 14.9 of the IPF; Section 12, Article 1, point 4 of the GAPLF), competed at the recently held Third StrongFit Barbados competition where PettersonGriffith won the powerlifting segment of the competition with Pluck taking silver in the female segment, she became the first female from Guyana to compete in a StrongFit competition. Despite their performances, the Executive of the GAPLF did not take it lightly that the d u o competed in the Land of the Flying Fish without informing the local governing body. After much deliberations and guidance from the IPF,
Junica Pluck at Seniors 2018
the local body on Wednesday last issued a statement on the matter. Following is the full text of the statement: “On May 4th and 5th, 2019 athletes Carlos Petterson-Griffith and Junica Pluck competed at a StrongFit competition in Barbados. The competition included a powerlifting aspect (All three lifts were done at the event: Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift) and as such the federation needed to make a decision on what would happen. This is because the athletes violated both the International Powerlifitng Federation’s constitution along with the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s constitution. In Article 14.9 of the IPF Constitution it states, “Participating in Non-IPF Competition - Any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.” Alongside that the GAPLF’s constitution states
in Section 12, Article 1, point 4 “The stated reasons for suspension are not a closed list and the Executive members shall collectively exercise their discretion when opting to suspend a member of the GAPLF. The following may be subject to Suspension: 4. Any lifter, who participates in a contest with other countries without the permission of the GAPLF.” Both athletes did not inform the federation that they were going to participate in the event. If the federation was made aware they would have been able to let them know that Barbados is not an affiliate of the IPF and as such the event they competed in, is not sanctioned by the IPF. The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) has made the decision to not support Carlos Petterson’s trip to Worlds in Sweden, since he competed at the event without the expressed permission of the GAPLF. Please note that he will not be competing at the upcoming Worlds competition in June, 2019 or any other IPF sanctioned events for a period of 12 months (May 5th, 2019 to May 5th, 2020). Ms. Pluck will also face the same consequence as Mr. Petterson.”
As the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ prepare to make history having qualified for their first ever Concacaf Gold Cup Competition, the final 23-man squad has been selected by Head Coach Michael Johnson. And in an effort to ensure that the team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pulling out all the stops to ensure same. To this end, a Camp will begin in Bermuda (also making their debut at the Concacaf Gold Cup) on June 1st. The two nations will collide in an international friendly on June 6 as they both seek to be at their sharpest for this historical sojourn. The Golden Jaguars, in continuing preparations, will then travel to Costa Rica where they would be based from June 9-13. Whilst there, another international friendly would be played, this time against Caribbean powerhouse Haiti, this match-up is slated for June 11. The Guyanese squad will then wing out of Costa Rica for their base in St. Paul Minnesota, USA ahead of the opening game of the Concacaf Gold Cup 2019 against defending champions Unites States of America on June 18 at the Allianz Field. Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, 45 year-old Jamaican Michael Johnson, who represented the Reggae Boyz as a player at the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2000, will now be making his debut as a Coach. Johnson commented on the selection of the final 23man squad: “The Technical Staff is very confident and excited about the composition of the squad arrived at for the
Alex Murray continuation of this historic journey. As you would appreciate, the selection process was not easy by any means and we do appreciate there will be disappointment amongst some players. However, we would like to encourage players, fans, well wishers and the media to get behind your Golden Jaguars as we all aim to prove to the people of Guyana, at home and in the Diaspora that we belong. Wherever you are in the world, the staff and players are asking you to get behind the team and enjoy this historical moment. Your country needs you!” Assistant Coach, Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, a former Golden Jaguar also commented on the final squad: “It’s an exciting
Men’s Gold Cup Squad Name 1 Alex Murray 2 Akel Clarke 3 Quillan Roberts 4 Sam Cox 5 Jordan Dover 6 Terence Vancooten 7 Kadell Daniel 8 Ronayne Marsh-Brown 9 Matthew Briggs 10 Kevin Layne 11 Liam Gorden 12 Neil Danns 13 Warren Creavalle 14 Elliot Bonds 15 Daniel Wilson 16 Stephen Duke-McKenna 17 Anthony Jeffrey 18 Emery Welshman 19 Keanu Marsh-Brown 20 Pernell Schultz 21 Terell Ondaan 22 Callum Hariott 23 Sheldon Holder
Position Goalkeeper Goalkeeper Goalkeeper Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Defender Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Midfielder Forward Forward Forward Forward Forward Forward
time for the Golden Jaguars and we are energized to show that we can compete at the highest level in Concacaf. It’s going to be very tough, but we are looking forward to the challenge.” The Golden Jaguars have been drawn in Group D of the 16-team tournament with the host nation USA, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Following the opening match against the USA, Guyana will travel to Cleveland, Ohio where they will take on Panama on June 22 at the First Energy Stadium and then it’s on to the final group match against Caribbean Football Union rivals, neighboring Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 at the Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas.
Club Santos FC SV WBC Forge FC Hampton & Richmond FC Pittsburg Riverhounds SC Stevenage FC Dover Athletic FC Whitehawk FC Unattached Guyana Defence Force FC Dagenham & Redbridge FC Unattached Philadelphia Union Dagenham & Redbridge FC Western Tigers FC Unattached Unattached FC Cincinnati Newport County AFC Western Tigers FC SC Telstar Unattached Caledonia AIA
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Friday May 31, 2019
Kaieteur News
GFF/KFC U-20 Independence KO Cup – Georgetown FA
Beacons, GFC, Riddim Squad and GT Panthers send opponents packing Four clubs have already placed their hands up staking a claim for the top spot in the Georgetown Football Association leg of the GFF/ KFC Under-20 Independence Cup knockout tournament, Beacon FC, Georgetown Football Club, Riddim Squad FC of Mocha and GT Panthers, all recording wins. Playing at the GFF National Training Center, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Beacons was held to a 2-2 draw with Eastveldt FC which fought back from a 2-0 deficit which was however all in vein as it was later determined that Eastveldt FC fielded an ineligible player which resulted in them having to forfeit the match. Scoring for Beacon FC were Shaquan Stephens in the 6th minute and Darien Dickson in the 19th. Responding for Eastveldt FC was Antwone Vasconcellos in the 32nd and 43rd minute, all in vain. Georgetown Football Club (GFC) displayed ominous form when they trounced Pele FC 10-2 in the
Action in the Beacons FC (red) vs Eastveldt FC match at the GFF National Training Center.
second match on Saturday last. Leading the Bourda Blues Kelsey Benjamin with a helmet-trick (16’, 21’, 33’, 49’), with a double off from Dwayne Rebeiro in the 10th and 28th minute. There was a goal apiece for Michael Richmond (40' – Own Goal Pele), Adrian Aaron (42'), Rondel Petters (46') and Reuben Miller in the 69th minute. Scoring for Pele FC were Dorwin George (61') and Zian Gray (70'). Riddim Squad edged Camptown FC 2-1 with the winners getting their goals from Oneal McKinnon (24') and Deshaun Ellis (86'); Camptown FC got their consolation goal from Shane
Jones (50'). GT Panthers FC was in dismissive mode when they engaged Black Pearl FC, mauling them, 15-1. Hat-tricks were recorded by Joshua Anthony (5', 37', 43') and Vasco Cabral (24', 65', 72'). There was a double for
Whitaker Paul (28', 33') and one apiece for Uriah King (40'), Nadir Walker (51'), Antonia Xavier (67'), Leonardo Thomas (70') and Malcolm Terrence. Black Pearl FC’s consolation goal was netted
by Ishmael Allicock in the 9th minute. Action will continue tomorrow at the same venue from 11:00hrs when Fruta Conquerors play Riddim Squad followed by Santos against Beacons. The semi
finals would be contested on Sunday with GT Panthers taking on the winner of the Fruta Conquerors vs Riddim Squad clash while the second semi will bring together GFC and the winner of the Santos vs Beacons showdown.
Regal Masters aiming to retain NYSCL Legends Cup One of the most decorated softball teams, Regal Masters will be looking to add to their collection of the prizes when they journey to the United States of America to defend their New York Softball Cricket League Legends Cup title. The tournament which is set to commence on June 28 and conclude two days later will be contested at Roy Wilkins Park, Canarsie, will see teams from Canada, Guyana, Florida and New York vying for supremacy. Regal Masters will compete in the Over-45 category and according to Captain of the side Mahendra Hardyal, their preparation has been going well. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Hardyal added that his team is well balanced and comprises of a number of experienced players who have played in numerous tournaments overseas. Hardyal stated that they have been using a number of local tournaments as a warm up for their overseas engagement and stressed on the importance of team work. “Even though our players are capable enough to return victorious, we will not be taking any team for granted and at the same time we are aware of what to expect on tour.”
The Regal side following one of their recent overseas outing. “Once we support each other, stick to the basics and keep it simple, we will be difficult to beat and being one of the few Guyanese teams in the tournament, we will be looking to keep the Golden
Arrow Head flying proudly.” Apart from 2018, Regal Masters have also won the title in 2016 and finished runner up in 2015 and 2017. Among the sponsors on board are ISG, Star Party
Rentals, Ink Plus, The Computer Store, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sport and Crown Mining. The squad reads:
Mahendra Hardyal (Captain), Mohendra Arjune, Eric Thomas, Troy Kippins, Eon Abel, Fazleem Mohamed, David Harper, Parsram Persaud, Ramesh Deonarine, Unnis Yusuf, Lloyd Ruplall,
Mahendranauth Parsnauth, Rudolph Baker, Larine Singh and Lynden Lyght. Clive Grimmond (Coach), Divesh Ramjattan (Manager) and John Ramsingh (Media Liaison Officer).
Kaieteur News
Friday May 31, 2019
PAGE 43
Second annual ExxonMobil U-14 football tourney launched
D
espite the imminent threat of the May/June wet season in Guyana, the second annual ExxonMobil Girls’ and Boys’ Under-14 football tournament will kick off next Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. This information was divulged during the launch of the tournament yesterday at the Cara Lodge Hotel, Quamina Street, which was attended by President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, Deedra Moe - Senior Officer of Public and Government Affairs (ExxonMobil), Troy Mendonca - Co-Director of Petra Organistion (promoters of the event) and Lorraine Barker-King Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts. During Mendonca’s remarks, he posited that, “ExxonMobil came on board last year and we are proud that they are on board for another year”, while further noting that, “This
tournament will be played predominantly among Georgetown teams with a few teams from the East Coast and East Bank being invited.” A total of 24 boys’ teams will be divided into six groups for the group roundrobin/knockout format that was used last year, while there will be 12 girls’ teams whose competition will kick off until the 29th of June. Mendonca made mention of the GFF being awarded Sports Association of the year; a great achievement for the sport locally despite different challenges. Head of the GFF, Forde, took the opportunity to formally invite Petra Organisation to use their recently commissioned National Training C e n t e r / A l l - We a t h e r Football Pitch that is located at Providence, since rain might threaten play at the MOE ground. Forde also mentioned that any support Petra Organisation and the MOE needs, the GFF will be willing to assist since, “The
At yesterday’s launch from left, Petra Orhganisation’s Mark Alleyne, Lorraine Barker-King, Troy Mendonca, ExxonMobil’s Nicholas Yearwood, Deedea Moe and Wayne Forde. GFF has more than enough certified coaches at their disposal.” E x x o n M o b i l ’s M o e shared during the launch that, “When we look at how we can engage the community we look at look empowerment and sports is a good means of such
because of the cohesion it fosters, leadership skills and development of a person as a whole. We are excited to be working with Petra, the GFF and the Ministry of Education. I’m excited to see what the winners will do in terms
of a project for their school this year.” Barker King of the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied arts explained that, “We (MOE) encourage well rounded students and we appreciate this collaboration which will help increase
participation in this sport (football). C h a s e ’s A c a d e m i c Foundation copped the male title while Charlestown Secondary took home the female championship in last year’s inaugural edition of the tournament.
GBTI Open Tournament 2019 Physical Display Championship to serve off on June 7th ends today at CASH
Part of the action in the National Schools’ Physical Display championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
GBTI’s Public Relations/Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda hands over the sponsorship cheque to GTA’s Vice President, Cristy Campbell as other GTA executives look on.
T
here is much excitement in the tennis fraternity as the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) prepares to serve off the Annual GBTI Open tournament for 2019 at 17:00hrs on Friday next at the GBTI Tennis Courts, Kaieteur Road, Bel-Air Park. The competition, in its 10th edition is the most anticipated one on the GTA calendar of events. The categories to be featured are: Ladies Open Singles, Men’s Open Singles, Junior Girls Open Singles, Junior Boys Open Singles, Novice Medley Singles, Men’s Over-35 Singles, Men’s Over-45 Singles,
Ladies Open Doubles, Men’s Open Doubles, Mixed Open Doubles, Men’s Over-35 Doubles and Novice Medley Doubles. The action starts from 17:00hrs on weekdays and 09:00hrs on weekends. The tournament coordinators are Shelly Daly, Leyland Leacock and Benjattan Osborne who have distributed application forms. They can be reached on 642 5672, 660 4011 and 645 6054 respectively. As the tournament grows annually, the GTA continues to be grateful to GBTI for their annual sponsorship, as it demonstrates unwavering support for the development of tennis in Guyana.
The Ministry of Education’s (MOE) annual National Schools’ Physical Display Championships will end today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) where schools from nine education districts are participating. The championships commenced yesterday. Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, noted during the yesterday’s opening of the championship that the MOE aims to achieve four objectives. She said that the objectives are to expand the scope of physical education
in schools, promote sportsmanship among students and teachers, to display the talents of children from primary and secondary schools in all regions and to familiarise students and teachers with new and exciting jump rope skills for the purpose of incorporating them into future physical display championships. Barker-King noted that the MOE has been promoting the expressive arts and physical education and sport in schools and the community through various arts education schemes,
enabling nursery, primary and secondary school learners to appreciate and experience the arts. The administrator further posited that exposing the students to physical education and sport will benefit learners in many ways. Gratitude was expressed to Banks DIH Limited for its continued support in this area. Meanwhile, the Director of NCERD, Jennifer Cumberbatch said that the event started as part of the Children’s Mashramani Competition in 1992 and has (Continued on page 34)
t r o Sp
Confident Windies look to execute against Pakistan
England beat South Africa by 104 runs in opener
Veteran opener Chris Gayle hits out during a net session ahead of Friday’s opener against Pakistan. Jofra Archer starred with the ball for England with brilliant fast bowling at the Oval.
GFF release final 23-man squad ahead of Concacaf Gold Cup 2019
Emery Welshman in control against Belize in the match that carved out the most important piece of GFF histroy to date at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.
Alex Murray, Sheldon Holder, Daniel Wilson and Pernell Schultz included
Sheldon Holder
Pernell Schultz
Daniel Wilson
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