Saturday October 08, 2016
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Absent panellist forces adjournment of Russell’s disciplinary enquiry Jamaica Observer - A noshow by panellist Dr Marjorie Vassell stalled the disciplinary hearing Thursday at Jamaica Conference Centre to determine whether West Indies cricketer Andre Russell violated a whereabouts clause. It was adjourned without any witness testimony. The hearing, convened by the Independent AntiDoping Disciplinary Panel, was set to begin at 10:00 am, but approximately an hour later Dr Vassell was yet to show. The other panel members — Chairman Hugh Faulkner and former cricketer Dixeth Palmer — tried in vain to reach her via telephone. There was consensus all
around when Faulkner adjourned proceedings just past 11:00 am. The Jamaica Observer understands that contact was eventually made with Dr Vassell Thursday and she is expected for today’s resumption of the hearing at 10:30 am. According to Article 8.3.4 of the rules guiding the disciplinary panel, the hearing can proceed with only two panellists if the third member is confirmed ill or otherwise incapacitated and cannot continue. There is, however, no provision for the temporary absence of a panel member. Yesterday, Chairman Faulkner, while expressing regret at the adjournment, did
not say what the next step would be if Dr Vassell is again absent. Queen’s Counsel Patrick Foster, the lawyer representing Russell, said the adjournment was unavoidable. “We haven’t been able to find out the reason for her absence, but I have no doubt it is some compelling reason. The chairman wishes the opportunity to find out exactly why she wasn’t able to attend today. “The panel of two could not continue today because a two-member panel can only continue if there is evidence indicating that the member is ill and otherwise unable to participate further in the enquiry. And there is no evidence of that,” he told jour-
nalists after the adjournment. Asked whether there is concern that the hearing has extended beyond the original schedule, Foster said: “We would like it to finish as quickly as possible but, given the circumstances today, one could not complain. We are more concerned about the absence of Dr Vassell and whether she is well or not.” At the preliminary sitting back in July, hearing dates for evidence to be presented were set for September 19 and 20. However, a string of early adjournments has limited the hearing to the examination-inchief and cross-examination of only one witness — Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) employee
Windies A humbled... Saturday October 08, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't be too quick to voice your opinion. Listen to others carefully. Be diplomatic but stem. Valuable information can be yours if you listen to those with experience. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't make promises you can't keep. Your charm will attract someone special. If they're really interested, they'll wait. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may find it difficult to communicate. Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. If you have treated them equitably, you might be able to count on their loyalty. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can make money if you pursue your own business. You will have some problems with children, but if you are patient you will win their favor. Don't try to get even without having all the facts. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. You need time to rejuvenate. Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't hold back; go with the flow and take a bit of a chance. Travel will be to your advantage; however, it might be expensive. You need a change of pace. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A change in position could
be better than you thought. Limitations with females could lead to unfortunate circumstances. You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Keep tabs on your spending. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You should consider getting into self improvement endeavors. Put aside any decisions concerning your position at work. Don't sign up for too many extra activities or you'll have trouble fulfilling your obligations. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Promote your ideas now. Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Don't make mountains out of molehills if you want to avoid conflict. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You can expect opposition from family as well as colleagues. Travel will be favorable. Resist overspending on luxury items. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. You will find your personal partner taxing today. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable.
(From page 31) pacer Asela Gunaratne (230), all finished with two wickets each. Set a modest target of 66, Sri Lanka A were carried by captain Dimuth Karunaratne who stroked an unbeaten 39 while opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne hit 21. The pair put on 43 for the first wicket with Karunaratne facing 63 balls and notching seven fours and Thirimanne striking three fours and a six off 39 deliveries. Fast bowler Keon Joseph, however, took some of the shine off the victory by removing Roshen Silva without scoring and Asalanka for one, as Sri Lanka A lost three quick wickets for 13 runs. The second Test begins in Pallekele next Tuesday.
Nadia Vassell. She was heard on September 19 and 28. Attorney-at-law Lackston Robinson, representing JADCO, is also expected to call the JADCO pair of Executive Director Carey Brown and Tajae Smith to provide witness testimony on behalf of the commission. Thursday, Robinson said Brown is likely to testify via telephone link since the witness’s present condition will prevent him from attending the hearing. The panel was informed weeks ago that the JADCO boss had been injured in an accident. Foster voiced concern, arguing that a live videobased testimony would be more ideal. “I just made the observation that it would have been better in this modern era to have evidence given by video link, so you can assess the demeanour of the witness and make a better evaluation of the evidence as it is given. It’s something I may deal with further tomorrow [today],” he told members of the media. After JADCO presents its
case, Russell’s legal team is set to present his defence. The 28-year-old player is expected to be the main witness. JADCO is accusing Russell of failing to file his whereabouts resulting in him missing three doping tests over a 12-month period. Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations that amounts to a failed test. WADA rules require that athletes make their whereabouts known to local antidoping agencies to facilitate testing. An athlete may face a ban of up to 24 months if found in violation. Russell, an exciting West Indies all-rounder, has represented Twenty20 (T20) cricket franchises in India, Bangladesh, Australia, and England. He was a key part of the West Indies team that won the 2016 T20 Cricket World Cup in India in April. Russell also starred as Jamaica Tallawahs lifted the Caribbean Premier League T20 crown for a second time back in August.