Kaieteur News

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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

GUEST EDITORIAL

LEADERSHIP FAILURE

I

n Guyana, we have a very serious problem with political leadership at all levels of the society. Most of our leaders are arrogant, untrustworthy, inefficient and corrupt and more often than not, they behave and act like dictators. Many lack the skill-set required for good governance, accountability and problem solving— qualities that are, for the most part, not endemic in our political culture.

Since the attainment of political independence in May 1966, successive political parties, namely the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) have in their own respective ways perfected the art of practicing divisive politics in order to win elections.

Both parties have created a permanent divide among the people along racial lines. But regrettably, they have both failed so far to provide effective governance and despite a marked decrease in political violence over the years, the country is still racially divided. The economy is struggling and efforts to develop and diversify it have not materialized.

The declared mission of our founding leaders was the acquisition of political independence which has been accomplished, therefore the mission of succeeding generations was to attain economic independence. However, based on the state of the economy today, it is fair to say that the unanimous grade for this generation is an “F.” Sadly, no leader or party has so far been able to say with certitude that they have succeeded in developing and diversifying the economy. If the economy is to make a quantum leap, our leaders must change the way they conduct politics and manage the economy. After more than 50 years of independence, that mission has not been accomplished.

The failure to expand and diversify the economy has resulted in recurring problems of persistent poverty, particularly among the poor and the lower working class, comprising mostly single mothers and their children. It has also resulted in high levels of crime, indiscipline, corruption, lawlessness and a general sense of hopelessness among youths. In this context, our political leadership has been transactional, rather than transformative—a term coined by the American sociologist James V Downton to illustrate a marked difference between poor to average and excellent leadership.

Transactional leadership focuses on supervision, organization, and performance. It is a peculiar style of leadership in which leaders promote compliance through both rewards and punishments. Transactional leaders do not make changes, they tend to maintain the status quo. This type of leadership is effective in crisis and emergency situations, as well as for projects that need to be carried out in a specific way.Transformative leadership is one in which leaders lead by example. Transformative leaders are excellent at communicating new ideas, good at balancing short-term and long-term goals, adept at building strong coalitions and establishing mutual trust. Most importantly, they have integrity, are highly intelligent, and they empathize with others.

Transformative leaders tend to use rapport or inspiration to engage followers. They are sincere, honest, accountable, transparent, courageous and confident and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good of society.

They have a mindset to streamline things that no longer work and would change existing thoughts, techniques and goals for better results and the greater good. Transformative leaders motivate workers and maximize their capability and capacity in order to make them productive and decent citizens.Transformative leaders are needed to develop the economy, improve the living standards of the masses and make Guyana a truly prosperous nation and not one that is embedded in a culture of corruption, crime and dependency. Our current leaders are led, they do not lead. Regardless of their partisan ilk, they should revisit the life and work of those who had the foresight to admonish us about achieving economic independence.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

The Government needs to engage its critics more strategically DEAR EDITOR, One of the greatest strengths of a Government is its diplomacy and ability to strategise. These attributes are essential for Governments to navigate their way through difficult situations and periods.

In reference to the cancellation of the two Guyana Chronicle Columnists, Lincoln Lewis and Dr. David Hinds, while I can understand that the Government may not be happy with some of their comments, it has to be more strategic.

These are two persons who desire to see this Government do well, but they do not have to agree with everything the Government does.

This arrangement of a Coalition Government has done something great for Guyana. It has created a ‘space’ that no other Government has ever created in Guyana, at least not in my time. People feel a sense of ownership with this government that they have not felt before. Even though al-

most half of the population did not vote for the Government, many of them feel a sense of ownership. If one should analyse presentations from members of the Opposition, even they feel a sense of ownership. There is a tremendous sense of ownership from the diaspora too. The international community also feels a sense of ownership. Now this is a great thing that has happened for this country. The challenge for the Government, however, is how to harness the dynamism of this ownership but instead I think that some persons in the Government are of the view that they need to control this energy, and that a huge mistake. The Government has to strategise, as to how to use this priceless ‘space’ which has be created to its advantage.

What happened on 11 May, 2015, was not a mere change of Government, it was CHANGE. People did not vote for the APNU-AFC because they necessarily liked the political parties or the people in

them, but the APNU-AFC was the symbol of the CHANGE.The Government now has to strategise how it would harness this energy and excitement that the idea of a Coalition Government has generated. Expectations of this Government are tremendously high; though sometimes I think unreasonably high because the operatives are humans too.

There is talk in the street about the coalition disintegrating, however, it would be a huge miscalculation, for any one party in the Government to be of the view that it can operate independently from the other. Coalition Governments will be the future governance structure in Guyana for a while.

Let’s examine some of the reasons, the Government is held in place by some forces which are seen and unseen, one of the unseen force, which is an added value that the concept of the coalition has brought, is trust.

Most people in Guyana

no longer trust a single political party to govern anymore, hence the coalition conception will gain more power and take on a life of its own.

Therefore, any one political party in this Government that believes it can win or operate on its own, will be equivalent to a pilot taking an aircraft to 40,000 feet and then deciding that they do not need the engines anymore, the result is inevitable.

Even the PPP will not win another election on its own, at least not for a long time to come. I will expound on this some more in another missive on how systems function.

With specific regard to the cancellation of the two Columnists, my recommendation would be to reinstate them.

While I do not always agree with their style, approach and content, I respect their views and that there are strong enough to express them; every man to his own order.

Further, I would recommend that the Government put in place a mechanism to capture and address (Conttinued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR, During the last General Election campaign we have heard about the many varied facets of corruption allegedly perpetrated by the previous Government.

There was even a Corruption Debate on NCN in which the APNU refused to participate. They probably felt that the debate itself is ‘corrupted’ and that they need to sit on the moral high ground or were afraid of questions of corruption under the PNC era in Government.It must be recalled that one of the pledges made to the people of Guyana was to wipe out corruption as it relates to procurement. An AFC leader had said on a Berbice TV Channel that ’kickback’ accounts for more than 20% of the contract cost and at the time it seemed a well-educated guess. His Party vowed to eradicate this type of corruption.

Unfortunately, the Public Procurement Commission can now be regarded as impotent against the tsunami of procurement corruption.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Government itself seem to have given a free rein to the corruptors.

As a Regional Councilor, it is my duty to speak against the cancer of corruption which is engulfing and spreading in Region Six at an alarming rate with no solutions in sight.

I had written extensively about the alleged corrupt bulldozer deal but despite assurances from the REO that the

decrepit piece of machine will be sent packing, it is still to this day ensconced next to the entrance of the RDC Office at Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam.

The REO had said that the supplier had signed a bond to the value of $15 million and should the Supplier fail to replace the bulldozer then that bond will be forfeited.

At the last RDC meeting when I raised the matter, the ‘bond’ seemed a distant memory. Unfortunately, the REO was not present at that meeting.Another area of corruption is substandard and poorly executed works. Recently, an emergency contract was given for excavation works at the mouth of the #43 Channel.

The fishing boats at #43 were stranded due to the fact that the canal and the mouth of the channel are heavily silted making it impossible for a large number of boats to go fishing and for those which have already gone out to sea to return with their catch.

This situation has been festering for over one month now. Those boats which are out have to use the Eversham channel to offload their catch and to reload.

Several complaints were made by these fishermen and after a long period and much financial losses to the fishermen, the NDIA invited quotations for the excavation of the mouth of the channel.

An experienced contractor who has the capacity to do the job was selectively

sidelined even though he was asked to submit a quotation. The fishermen explained to me that they were told that the emergency work was given to a contractor who lacked the capacity to do the job since he does not have the dredging equipment to do it effectively. Moreover, they pointed out that the excavation of the creek to the channel was done by the same contractor who dug both sides and leave the middle which resulted in rapid resilting. Since May 2017 this was done two times at the cost of $8 million each. It was

also done once in 2016 for $8 million as well. This canal seems to be milking cow for the said contractor. The fishermen said that if this contractor cannot excavate a canal properly they cannot fathom how he is going to excavate the embankment at the mouth of the channel. This is another area of corruption where certain contractors who refuse to give ‘kickbacks’ are rejected. The best bribers are given the contracts not the best man to do the job.

What is also eating away the quality of work done is the (Continued on page 5)

Corruption is still a rampant feature

An unconscionable MP DEAR EDITOR, I was appalled to read Member of Parliament and Alliance for Change Executive, Mr Charrandass Persaud’s Facebook’s comments which appeared in an article published by the Guyana Times on March 11, 2018. Mr Persaud’s call for sugar workers – many, now jobless and in despair – to be charged for not being able to send their children to school this, really, says a lot about him as a person.

The MP’s insensitivity and his clear lack of empathy for his fellow citizens has caused me to wonder whether he is ‘fit and proper’ to be seated in the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly.

Mr Persaud should know that no parent would want to prevent their child or children from going to school and becoming educated. The fact that families in our country have to take such a difficult decision is heart-wrenching. But the reality is that the Government, of which Mr Persaud is an MP, brought about this situation by inconsiderately taking away thousands of jobs in the sugar industry.

Today Mr Persaud, these workers have no one to lean on, nowhere to go and nothing to get. They and their families are committed to a miserable existence and an uncertain future.

The MP’s adding insult to injury is completely out of place and he should hang his head in shame.

Yours faithfully, Liebert Alleyne

Bring home what makes the American Dream DEAR EDITOR, From the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo’s column titled ‘Good Morning, Guyana!’ in the March 11, 2018 Guyana Chronicle, it was pleasing to hear that Mr Nagamootoo was on the road to recovery and was being keep abreast of developments.

The Prime Minister revealed that he was able to traverse through farmlands in Iowa as farmers, at this time, are readying to resume work as winter is coming to an end.

Mr Nagamootoo said, “My heart pumps up with optimism. What has become celebrated as the ‘American Dream’ could become the Guyana reality, where we could have both food security and job-creating eco-

nomic growth.”

Indeed, that is a lofty goal that we should aspire for. But, I wonder, whether our Prime Minister knows that one of the major reasons that the Iowa farmers are able to live the American Dream, as he puts it, is because of the support they receive from the US Government.

The EWG Farm Subsidy Database points out that between 1995 and 2016, the US Government provided subsidies to farmers amounting to US$349 B. In the more specific case of Iowa, those farmers received nearly US$30 B over the period.

While Mr Nagamootoo has expressed his desire to have similar feats repeated in Guyana, at the same time, the Government of which he is a

leading member, is reducing subsidies to the sugar industry and closing down estates and putting people out of jobs.

Mr Nagamootoo, the Guyanese-version of the American Dream you so heartily desire cannot be done when you chose to put people out of work in the interest of reducing subsidies.

Well Mr Nagamootoo, let’s see if what so impressed you in Iowa you can now take steps to begin effecting a programme of action to see a similar-type reality in Guyana.

I humbly suggest that you begin by continuing the financial support to the sugar industry as is being done with the farmers in the Iowa.

Yours sincerely Patricia Persaud

Chiding the American Ambassador DEAR EDITOR, Irrespective of the clear disagreements OVP has with Minister Winston Jordan in terms of his national vision and economic policies, as patriots we must congratulate him on his recent defense of our sovereignty.

It is in this spirit that I applaud the Minister for admonishing the US ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, who wrote an op-ed commenting on and attempting to direct our national affairs.

OVP has always taken a firm stand against the way in which diplomats from the ABC countries feel that it is their right to constantly comment on and interfere in Guyana’s domestic and foreign affairs.

This is an affront to our independence and sovereignty. The blatantly arrogant and paternalistic manner of these diplomats leaves one questioning whether they fully understand that Guyana is no longer a colony. I am sure that Mr. Holloway and other Western diplomats share the sentiment expressed by onetime British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, when he said that “colonies do not cease to be colonies because they are independent”.

These diplomats, and the imperial powers they represent, see Guyana as nothing more than a neo-colonial outpost. They treat our politicians as mere governors of

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

territories over which they still exercise full control and influence.

Unfortunately, except for rare instances like Minister Jordan’s recent welcome statements, our politicians lack the courage and confidence to oppose this offensive and inappropriate relationship. Our current politicians don’t seem to have a clue about the insidious nature of neo-colonialism and the way in which our lack of true independence is retarding the development of our country and our people.

Mr. Holloway and other Western diplomats would be better off addressing the issues in their own countries, such as the rising tide of farright extremism, gun violence to the point where parents are afraid to send their children to school and US citizens are nervous in public spaces, escalating poverty, illiteracy, and the extra-judicial killing of Black people by the police, and leave the business of Guyana to Guyanese.

We don’t need to be told what to do or what not to do

by anyone, especially by the representative of a global imperial power such as the US. We all know that there would be zero tolerance on the part of the US government if Guyana’s ambassador to the US was to constantly comment on US domestic and foreign policy, and was to meet with various interest groups, political organizations and parties in the US in an attempt to influence the internal affairs of that country.

We may be a David in relation to a Goliath but that does not negate our absolute right to independence and self-determination.

These God-given rights are fundamental in a true democracy.

OVP adds its voice to Minister Jordan’s request for Mr. Holloway to know his place as a foreign diplomat and to remain within the parameters of his diplomatic mission.

S i n c e r e l y , Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

We Must Stop Admiring Our Two Dead Socialist Leaders

DEAR EDITOR, The first week in March produced two editorials highlighting the lives of Guyana’s two most prominent political leaders, the late Forbes Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The influence, tragedies and destruction caused by these two individuals totaled a sum of over 85 years.

In the aftermath of their deaths, a vast number of Guyanese still bear good memories and scars of them, albeit not much is worthy of praise.

Dr. Jagan’s sojourn at Howard and Northwestern universities exposed him to the hardships of AfricanAmericans in the US, as legal segregation in the United States dictated social life. He identified with this sector ‘the so-called oppressed people’ and upon his return to Guyana took up the struggle to fight for this ‘oppressed’ sector. He did so from a Marxist-Leninist platform and incurred the wrath of both the British and the US governments.

Having been elected to the Legislature in 1947, Jagan formed the PPP and three years later was the country’s first Premier. But his adherence to the Socialist doctrine and his close ties to Moscow and Havana precipitated the suspension of the Constitu-

tion in 1953.

If Jagan truly had loved his country he would have accommodated the Western ideals and principles instead of the hard line Marxist ideology in the height of the Cold War which ultimately saw him ejected from the seat of power through the machinations of the British and the US. At the Independence Conference in London in 1963, he was advised by his Attorney General, Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye, not to accept the change to a Proportional Representation system of elections instead of the existing First Past the Post, unless it was accompanied by Independence.

Against the advice of his learned Attorney General, the PPP leader went ahead and signed the document handed to him by Commonwealth secretary Mr. Duncan Sandys unknowing to his Attorney General. Poor Jagan. Claiming that the MI-5 had bugged his hotel room may have had some merit, but it was a lame excuse.

After the alleged rigged elections in 1968, Jagan had enough resources to pressure the emerging Burnham dictatorship.

His supporters had incisive control of the entire agriculture sector, including the sugar and rice industries, in

addition to private transportation, fishing and lumber manufacturing. This was more than enough to break the hegemonic control of the Burnham the regime; instead, Dr. Jagan cowardly regurgitated his foolish Marxism verbiage—tantamount to holding a red flag in front of the bulls—while his support base attenuated.

In August 1969, the world condemned Russia when it was discovered that it sent more than 600,000 Russian troops marched into Czechoslovakia, yet Cheddi Jagan gave his full support to Russia.

The invasion, later known as the Prague Spring, usurped the many freedoms that the leader, Alexander Dubcek, had given his citizens.

He was overthrown and replaced by the Stalinist henchman Gustav Husak, who went on to rule for 20 years until the fall of Communism in 1989.

When the military strongman Desi Bourtese murdered 15 opposition parliamentarians in Suriname in 1982,Jagan supported him and labelled the victims as ‘destabilizers and opponents of the revolution.’

On the home front, in the height of the kick-down-door rampage, the Minority Leader, (Continued on page 6)

Corruption is still a rampant...

From page 4 deliberate under-bidding for contracts.

Some contractors through inside information knows exactly how low they should bid. In doing so they effectively erode their profit margins and when this is compounded with the inevitable ‘kickback’ the result is substandard work which again will be subjected to bribery to ensure it passes certification.

The Public Infrastructure is turning a blind eye to this since cronies and families are

allegedly involved.

Political commitment is a necessary condition to eradicate corruption in awarding contracts, certifying works completed and rejecting substandard works.

There is a clear misuse of public office and Region Six is losing tens of millions each year due to this form of corruption.

We simply cannot get value for money.

In conclusion, contracts must be awarded to only those contractors who can be

certified that they have met anti-corruption commitments and this means establishing a system to identify these corrupt contractors and at the same time award contracts to those contractors who have the capacity and are incorruptible.

On the other hand, those found guilty of corruption should be dealt with the full brunt of the laws and debarred for life.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor Region 6

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Destroying the Wapichan way of life through mining DEAR EDITOR, The 21 communities who are members of the South Rupununi District Council, a statutory body, are very concerned about the potential implications of mining in the Marudi area.

The Marudi, Kariwaimiintaaua mountain range is sacred to the Wapichan people.

One of the reasons it is sacred is that it is a critical watershed that provides fresh water in both directions: towards the south and towards the north.

The fresh water in the creeks and rivers is the habitat for numerous water dogs and fish stock, especially the haimara, which, among others, the Wapichan and other peoples depend on for food.

Other wildlife exists here as well. Within these lands there are no-go zones which are the habitat of the grandfather spirits of the various ecosystems that hold together all living thing s within.

This area is already being destroyed, yet apparently more mining concessions/blocks are bei n g doled out by the Ministry of Natural Resources without the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of the Indigenous Wapichan people.

The recent mercury survey, carried out by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Aishalton, Karaudarnaua, Para Bara and Shulinab, revealed that the community of Para Bara suffers high levels of mercury, above the safety

level.

Is this of any concern to the relevant agencies and Ministries?

These yet pristine areas will d e f i n i t e l y b e d e stroyed further if mining continues. The flow of polluted water will reach r i g h t i n to the Atlantic Ocean, affecting all the Indigenous villages that exist along Kwitaro, Rewa, Rupununi and the mighty Chiipwao (Essequibo) Rivers, as well all other settlements including the town of Bartica.

To further compound this, Romanex Guyana, through its parent company, is now being funded by a Chinese Company named Zijin Mining Group, one of, if not the largest gold producers in China, to further exploration work.

Research on the track record of this company reveals that its environmental and social track is very questionable.

So this raises more questions. What are we going to see here? Open air heap leaching? Cyanide?

What will happen to the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) currently being conducted by Ground Structures?

Now that Zijin is going to be involved, is there going to be another ESIA conducted before work begins?

We are aware that Zijin is well financed and we are also aware of its terrible spills in 2010 and the millions of dollars the courts fined the company for the damage it

caused.

Added to this, we are also aware that the Norwegian Ethics Council barred Zijin from the Norwegian Pension Fund up until to 2017.

All this have now put a spotlight on Romanex, GGMC, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

When and how will all information be put out publicly, especially to all of the communities that will be affected?

The Constitution tells us in Article 25 that every citizen has a duty to participate in activities to improve the environment; it tells us in Article 36 that the well-being of the nation depends on the preservation of clean air, fertile soils, pure clean water and the right diversity of animals, plants and the ecosystems.

The Wapichan People are very concerned that their Human Rights to our way of life as enshrined in Article 149G of the Constitution to an environment that is not harmful to him or herself in article 149J; and to meaningful and effective participation, as well as to free prior and informed consent, are and will continue to be disrespected and violated.

Are we really truly pursuing the concept of a Green Economy?

Thank You. Tony James. AA Chief Kokoi.

Wapichan Elder. Indigenous Peoples Rights Advocate.

Saturday March 17, 2018

IS THERE A CASE FOR A COI INTO THE COIs?

DEAR EDITOR, Mr. E.B. John’s question in today’s Stabroek News asking when will the COI report into the Public Service be read raises a wider question as to when will action be

taken on the other COI’s that have been held.

Perhaps we should have a COI into the COI’s!

Nowrang Persaud

The Government needs...

From page 4 suggestions and comments which will assist in the growth and development of the country; this is one way of harnessing this energy.

A good approach would be to establish a ‘Quarterly Critics Review Session’, where commenters or persons such as Lincoln Lewis, Dr. David Hinds, Frederick Kissoon, Ralph Ramkarran, representatives from the media, civil society, business and

international community to review the Government performance, some of the gaps and hindrances in various areas, e.g. security, education, economic development.

This allows for the Government to engage strategically with these persons and various organisations, as well as to develop a structured approach for collecting information and addressing issues.

The end result will be that issues are addressed and the

same issues are not being raised over and over again. It will also build social trust, strengthen relationships and support for the Government.

I am well aware that the government has in place other mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress, but the emphasis here is on engaging more strategically.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas Accredited Partnership Practitioner

We Must Stop Admiring Our ...

From page 5 with his lack of ebullience, ascribed this phenomenon as a class struggle.

When Burnham nationalized the sugar and bauxite industries in the late 1970’s,Jagan was static.

It was power to the proletariat—the panacea for development!

He urged further nationalization which perpetuated a specter of doom over institutions like the commercial banks. In Jagan’s own words “We have forced the PNC to accept Socialism, so while they will be pulling the cart, the PPP will be holding the reins”.

He then embarked on a most bizarre programme of ‘Critical Support’ for Burnham.

What stupidity from a man who more than half the people of Guyana idolized!

Jagan’s skewed political antics had rivaled the convoluted emotional frolics on the

Jerry Springer show!

As for being a learned and dedicated politician, Jagan was more interested in the Marxist ideology than Guyana.

He was a nostalgic, selfcentered and narcissistic politician whose philosophy led to the demise of Guyana.

His supporters believed in private industry, yet they embraced a man whose philosophy embraced state control.

They did not realize that their saw-mills, rice mills, manufacturing plants among others would have become collective enterprises owned by the state.

Had he been Head of State in 1964 Guyana would have become another Cuba or North Korea.

His whole career was focused on Marxism and, once on a visit to Freedom House, I saw Pyongyang Times and Beijing Review in the waiting room — no New York Times

Newsday or Washington Post.

Ironically, it was the fall of Jagan’s beloved doctrine of Marxism, which is still e n s h r i n e d i n t h e P P P ’s constitution that saw the advent of free elections returned to Guyana, thanks to President Carter of the United States—a country Jagan described as an Imperialist exploiter in his book ‘The West on Trial.’

It is public knowledge and utter hypocrisy, that while Guyanese were lining up to purchase oil and soap and eating rice flour, the son and daughter of the Marxist Cheddi Jagan were enjoying the spoils of Capitalism in Canada and the United States.

That said, neither Forbes Burnham nor CheddiJagan would have allowed the plundering of Guyana’s resources by foreign companies.

Leyland Roopnarine (New York)

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No clear management framework for oil & gas sector – Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo continues to highlight the lack of clear management of the oil and gas sector by the coalition administration.

Due to a power outage yesterday, Jagdeo spoke to reporters outside his statefunded office on Church Street.

“There is no clear management framework for the oil and gas sector,” Jagdeo pointed out.

On the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Jagdeo urged that Government take cognizance of the Santiago Principles and a model similar to the principles on which the Norwegian model was developed.

He noted that the establishment of the fund is only one element of a management framework for the sector.

Jagdeo reminded that there should be no ministerial involvement in the Petroleum Commission and that the remaining oil blocks should be subject to a competitive auction or kept for future generations.

He also noted that the government should complete the work on the Local Content framework.

“There have been no sub-

stantive moves in any of these directions,” Jagdeo outlined.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway and the Finance Ministry, recently expressed differing opinions on the establishment of a SWF. Holloway in an Op-ed said that as Guyana considers its future, it will not be enough simply to have a “rainy day fund” or even an investment fund, but to institute a revenue and investment framework that protects and effectively leverages wealth to transform the nation.

In response, the Finance Ministry said that it appreciates the spirit of the Op-ed, but wishes to make clear that the establishment of a SWF is “already designated priority for the Government The Ministry also stressed that it is the government and people of Guyana who will decide on the tenets of the SWF. Jagdeo noted that for months, Guyanese have witnessed the coalition government fail on its promise to deliver on the SWF, choosing to neglect work on a solid and apolitical management architecture for the sector.

The Opposition Leader noted that the views expressed by the Ambassador

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo speaking with reporters yesterday represent a mild urging of the government to pay attention to an important issue and take substantive action to establish SWF. The Ambassador, according to Jagdeo, has repeated what Guyanese have already said, that the establishment of a SWF is quintessential to the future prosperity of the coun-

try. “The Government’s response to the Ambassador can only be described as petulant ramblings. Minister Jordan, like his colleagues, continues to be impervious to suggestions, a disposition that does not bode well for our nation.”

“I feel that given the state of affairs, the response by

Minister Jordan is reflective of how ‘thin-skinned’ the Coalition Government is, and

exposes its reluctance to consider any view that is not its own,” Jagdeo noted.

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Court orders probation report on mom convicted of killing her children Jabarie Cadogan

Sentencing for Hofosawa Rutherford, who was convicted on Thursday for killing her two children, has been deferred until April 9, when a probation report will be presented to the court.

Following Rutherford being found guilty on two counts of manslaughter for killing her children, 16 month-old Jabarie Cadogan Jr. and four year-old Hodaceia Cadogan on March 27, 2014, trial Judge Navindra Singh, had on Thursday, adjourned sentencing for the woman until yesterday.

This was after her Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson requested that she be taken for medical treatment after she crashed to the floor at the announcement of the verdicts by the jury foreman. In the circumstances, Justice Singh obliged the lawyer’s request and the matter was put off to yesterday for sentencing.

However, when Rutherford appeared in court yesterday, she requested a probation report. Rutherford, 25, former of Supply, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, who also begged for leniency and mercy, was granted her request for the report by the judge.

The convicted killer begged the judge to take off the time she had spent on remand pending trial. Her lawyer informed the court that ever since her incarceration, Rutherford, on several occasions, has been seeing by a psychiatrist. On Wednesday, in an unsworn statement, Rutherford told the court that she loved her children very much. In fact, Rutherford, who wept uncontrollably, told the

Hodaceia Cadogan

Saturday March 17, 2018

Cops seek drug addict, detain friend in Belle West pensioner’s murder Police have detained a 47-year-old man and are trying to locate his friend, who is a prime suspect in the murder of 68-year-old Ursilla Padarat, who was found dead in her Belle West home on Wednesday.

The suspect was taken into custody late Wednesday night. Police have received reports that a friend of the detained man had threatened Padarat during an argument on Tuesday. He had reportedly told the elderly woman that he would “deal with her.” Both suspect and friend are said to be drug addicts from the West Bank Demerara community.

The man in custody has denied any involvement in Padarat’s murder.

Ursilla Padarat, called ‘Daughter’, was found sitting upright in a chair by her hallway at around 07.30 hrs on Wednesday. The woman’s throat had been slit on the left side.

A post mortem that was performed yesterday revealed that she had also suffered blunt trauma to the head.

There was reportedly no sign of forced entry to the one-bedroom premises.

Police sources said that Padarat, who lived alone, was last seen alive at around 19.30 hrs on Tuesday. There are reports that a relative had given her $123,000 to pay for work to be done at her home. However, police said that a relative had kept the money for Padarat. A man who Padarat had hired to carry out the repairs, reportedly visited the woman’s home that same night to discuss the cost for the

Ursilla Padarat job. A resident indicated that Padarat had known the individual for a number of years.

When the man turned up at around 07.30 hrs the next day to begin work, he reportedly observed that the lights were on and a padlock was on the outside of the door.

He then entered Padarat’s home and discovered her body. The man notified a rural constable who lives in the neighbourhood and the police were immediately contacted.

Casino robbery accused objects to tendering of statement

Hofosawa Rutherford court that she is still traumatized by the death of her children, both of whom she gave tablets she had bought to treat their cold.

According to the woman, she was treated unfairly by police ranks, since they all presumed that she had poisoned the children.

But her story was discredited by that of Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who confirmed that the children died of pesticide poisoning.

Andre Blackman, Junior Stuart and Wayne Griffith Wayne Griffith, who along with two other men, is accused of carry out a multimillion-dollar gunpoint robbery at the Princess Casino, has objected to a question and answer statement he gave to detectives, being tendered in his trial.

Griffith of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara; Junior Stuart of Kitty, Georgetown and Andre Blackman of McDoom, East Bank Demerara, are accused of robbing Daniel Roberts and Alfea Gajadhar of $8,951,000 -property of the Princess Casino, on August 29, 2015.

When the trial continued yesterday, Police Inspector Devon Lowe took the stand again. In his testimony, Inspector Lowe, a detective, recalled taking a question and answer statement from Griffith in the presence of Police Inspector Prem Narine, sometime after the robbery, at the Criminal Investigation

Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

In objecting to the statement being admitted, Griffith told the court that Inspector Lowe “wrote down his own thing.” He said, “Things I said to Mr. Lowe is not in the question and answer (statement).”

According to Griffith, apart from Inspectors Lowe and Narine, his Attorney and another individual were present when the statement was taken from him.

The robbery accused said that he answered questions put to him by Inspector Lowe after seeking advice from his lawyer. The trial is continuing before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, with Police Corporal Shawn Gonsalves representing the prosecution.

According to police, four men arrived at the Ramada Hotel in a white motorcar bearing a fake number plate.

They were armed with

guns and entered the Princess Casino where they discharged several rounds.

They relieved a security guard of his shotgun and ordered patrons and staffers to lie on the ground.

It was reported that the gunmen held a cashier at gunpoint and made off with local and foreign currency.

Three of the alleged bandits reportedly escaped on foot, while police were able to apprehend Griffith, since he was allegedly left behind in the casino. Stuart was reportedly arrested in a house a few days after the robbery with a large quantity of wet money and other valuables.

Blackman, a former security guard at the Casino allegedly provided the gunmen with vital information about the gambling spot’s operations.

During the ordeal, Police Lance Corporal Andrew Richardson and four hotel staffers sustained gunshot wounds.

Saturday March 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

Consensus reached for Region...

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;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Bucket truck with driver/ operator for rent. Banners/ CCTV, street lighting, work at height. Call: 642-9447

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SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc.

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Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- suitable for salon or office- Call today! 683-7954 Business place to rent at Anna Catherina WCD, Contact #690-0205 Call between 10:30 am to 8:00 pm Two bedroom apartment for rent, working couple. #6113064

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From page 19 funding the HIV response.

She advocated that governments need to own the HIV response, and in owning it, they need to make the investments needed to reach the prevention, testing and treatment targets that will set the region on course to end AIDS by 2030.

“I make a respectful but urgent plea to our governments to commit to, as well as finance, their National and Regional AIDS response”, stated Dr. Forbes. She added, “Without an urgent strategy to sustain the response we risk leaving many vulnerable groups behind and undoing the gains we have made in reducing HIV transmission.”

The meeting which commenced on Monday and culminated yesterday came two years ahead of the 2020 deadline for reaching the 90-90-90 targets—90 percent of people living with HIV diagnosed, 90 percent of diagnosed people on treatment and 90 percent of those on treatment virally suppressed.

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PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

President meets with laid off security guards at New Amsterdam

On Wednesday night, this Toyota Axio landed in this spot neatly between two gate posts at this property in Herstelling, EBD, next door to the Kam Boat Restaurant. The driver

claimed he was unable to control the vehicle which started to steer in one direction. It flew over the median and landed here, badly damaged.

Mason remanded on ganja charge A mason from Charlestown was yesterday remanded to prison after he was allegedly found with over five pounds of marijuana.

The accused, 31-year-old Devon Adams, made an appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The allegation against Adams is that on March 11 at Lot 1137 Cummings Park, Georgetown, he had in his possession 2.510 kilograms of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by the Magistrate.

Attorney-at-Law Keoma Griffith, who is representing the defendant, in his application to secure bail for his client told the court that the alleged narcotics was found at a location where his client works and that he has no knowledge of the narcotics.

The lawyer further stressed that the alleged marijuana was found in a black bag on a fence, and at the time of its discovery there were multiple persons in close proximity to the bag, and it could have belonged to anyone.

However Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh strongly objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature of the offence and the

Remanded to prison Devon Adams penalty the charge attracts.

The prosecutor said that the defendant, when arrested, gave the police a written caution statement admitting to the offence.

He added that the police have enough evidence to convict the defendant and more charges will be instituted against him, since he was in possession of a hand grenade.

The court heard that investigation into the matter

is still ongoing and the defendant will be charged for having the grenade in his possession without lawful authority.

The prosecutor’s objection was upheld by the Magistrate and the defendant was remanded to prison.

The father of two was instructed to make his next court appearance on April 5 when he will appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for assignment.

President David Granger meeting with some of the security guards who were not paid since December 2017

P

resident David Granger yesterday met with a group of disgruntled security guards at New Amsterdam, who were laid off by a private security firm based in Georgetown.

According to the workers, the firm, Integrated Security Services, has not paid salaries since December 2017.

They also complained that they were victimised by the company’s Chief Executive Officer after a few workers voiced their concerns in the media.

“President Granger assured the group that he will look into the matter and try to find a way forward, noting that it is beyond

unreasonable for workers to be left without salaries for such a long period,” a Ministry of the Presidency statement said yesterday.

On Wednesday, another group of security guards from West Coast Berbice, who are attached to the same security firm, staged a protest in front of the Regional Democratic Office at Fort Wellington over unpaid wages.

The Ministry of Social Protection has intervened in the situation which involves several hundred workers.

The guards abandoned their posts at scores of Government facilities, including health centres, school and other state buildings in East and West Berbice.

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Kaieteur News

Union accuses govt. of intimidating public sector workers ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The Public Service association (PSA) yesterday accused the outgoing Antigua and Barbuda government of seeking to intimidate its members after Prime Minister Gaston Browne accompanied by the Social Transformation Minister, Samantha Marshall, turned up a meeting here of public servants to discuss salary increases.

On Thursday, a memo was issued to senior public servants informing them of the meeting after the PSA said it had received an unfavourable response from the government’s negotiating team to its proposals.

The PSA is reported to have submitted a proposal in December, asking for a 33.3 per cent increase for some workers; that the minimum pay be moved up from EC$1,600-plus to EC$2,500 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) ; and for other concessions/benefits.

PSA general secretary Sandra Williams said the PSA had convened the meeting with its membership on “the negotiations issue and the back pay arrangements that the government refuses to take on.

“So we are at the Botanical Gardens and the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Gaston Browne and Samantha Marshall showed up at our private meeting to intimidate workers

Prime Minister Gaston Browne in the public sector”.

She said workers who were coming to attend the meeting “turned back because the prime minister is there and they seem intimidated”.

Browne later addressed the workers saying there was no need for protest action against his administration.

“I am giving you a commitment that on an ongoing basis we make adjustments to ensure that we close the gap and that we ultimately increase out income,” he said.

He said one of the reasons why his government had made the five per cent offer across the public service “was to address the issue of inflation during our tenure.

“Within the three and a half years inflation would have been less than five per cent and you can check the

Mitchell sworn in as Prime Minister of Grenada

Sandra Williams, IMF (International Monetary Fund) figures,” he added.

But the PSA has in the past described the five per cent wage offer as an “insult” saying it will make no impact on lives of its members.

General elections will be held here on March 21, and a member of the Brown administration has accused the union of engaging in politics as a result of the wage negotiations.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Lennox Weston, Thursday night told supporters of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (APLP) that the PSA was campaigning on behalf of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).

“Tell the civil service union, raise their hand if they want a show down,” he added.

Appeal Court rules in favour of former CLICO chairman BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – The Court of Appeal yesterday ordered the release of BDS$4.5 million (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) in assets belonging to the former head of the troubled insurance company, CLICO, Leroy Parris and his Branlee Consulting Services that had been frozen since 2015.In a 61-page ruling, the three-member Appeal Court overturned the ruling of Justice William Chandler, who had issued the freeze order in an ex parte hearing on January 27, 2015.The High Court had ordered the freeze after CLICO’s judicial manager Deloitte Consulting Limited had filed the application against Parris and his private company, Branlee Consulting Inc. The application had also named the estate of the late Prime Minister David Thompson, represented by his widow, Mara Thompson, the executrix, as a defendant in the matter.The order had stated: “If Leroy Parris [the first defendant] and/or Branlee Consulting Services Inc [the second defendant] fails to comply with the terms of this order, proceedings may be commence for contempt of court. The first defendant and second defendant may be liable to have an order of sequestration made in respect of his/its or their property, and in the case of Branlee Consulting Services Inc any of your directors may be

Saturday March 17, 2018

Leroy Parris sent to prison.”

However, the embattled Parris still cannot access the funds, which are the subject of a High Court order for him to settle $3.5 million in debt to Scotiabank.Parris subsequently appealed the High Court decision and while the Court of Appeal overturned the order, Paris, who was in court for the ruling, still cannot access the funds, which are the subject of a High Court order for him to settle BDS$3.5 million in debt to Scotiabank.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell taking the oath of office before Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – Dr. Keith Claudius Mitchell took the oath of office for a fifth occasion yesterday as Grenada’s prime minister following the overwhelming victory of his New National Party (NNP) in the March 13 general elections.

Mitchell, 71, as he had done following the victory on Tuesday, reiterated a call for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to join with the rest of the social partners in putting forward the best policies for the future socio-economic development of the tri-island state.

“I am humbled by this your confidence in me and the team you have chosen, but that is just the elected team, the real team is all of

us,” Mitchell said after being sworn into office by Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade at the ceremony held at the Grenada Trade Center, south of here.

He said his first task would be to write an official letter inviting the NDC, which failed to win a seat in the Parliament for the second consecutive time, officially requesting their participation “in the interest of national building”.

“We don’t have to fight each other every day of the year…this electoral war is over, let peace reign,” Mitchell said, acknowledging that in a democracy, people are entitled to support whichever party or group they want to.He said while the NNP had won all the seats and there’s

a feeling that the “winner takes all, this winner does not take all,” adding that his administration is determined ‘to let the voices be heard in a profound way”.

Mitchell said it was regrettable that the constitutional referendum in 2016, which would have allowed for among other things for the country to join the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final court and the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament at all times had been rejected by the population.

He said the results of the elections on Tuesday mean “it is now left in the hands of the Governor General to have some semblance of opposition in the Parliament”.

Trinidad rattled by another earthquake in less than 24 hours PORT OF SPAIN – Less than 24 hours after Trinidad and Tobago was rocked by an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0, the oil rich twin island republic has been rattled by a 4.2 magnitude tremor.

The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the latest quake occurred at 2:02 pm and was at a depth of 16 kilometres.“This event appears to be an aftershock following the 10:49 pm earthquake,” the SRC said.It said that the quake, which was located Latitude: 11.03N and Longitude: 61.85W was felt 55 km north west of the capital, Port of Spain, 76 km north west of the eastern city of Arima and 96 km north west of San Fernando, south of here.Earlier, the SRC reported that the quake on Thursday night was felt mainly throughout Trinidad and there are no immediate reports of damages or injuries.

In recent months, Trinidad and Tobago has been experiencing a number of earthquakes and a senior official of the SRC has warned the country to be prepared for a major quake.

Seismologist Dr Illias Papadopoulos, speaking at a Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain meeting on Thursday, said that the city could sink below the ground in the event of a

major earthquake as he warned that the region should prepare for an earthquake with a magnitude in excess of seven.

He acknowledged that while an earthquake cannot be predicted, the region expects an earthquake as a major quake is due every 27 years and it is long overdue.

Papadoupolos told the Rotarians that there has been “vivid” earthquake activity in the region in recent years with an average of 2 200 small earthquakes being recorded each year and that two specific earthquake located north of the Gulf of Paria and within the Gulf of Paria, are posing a major threat.

“This area is actually ready to give one of the biggest earthquakes that we expect here, which probably will be a magnitude of 7 or 7.5,” he said, adding “these two zones are the ones that we consider most highly likely to give us the next big event in the years to come.”He said the city of Port of Spain is at a greater risk of devastation because of water saturation.“There is a lot of water in the land, especially on the coast . . . you can dig a metre down and you will find water,” he said, warning the land would “move like water” in the event of a major earthquake in a process called liquefaction.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

Jamaica to stage inaugural symposium and expo conference in April KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica says it will use the inaugural Outsource2Jamaica Symposium & Expo next month to provide a platform to raise the profile of Jamaica as a business process outsourcing (BPO) destination.

“Outsource2Jamaica is intended to bring greater visibility to Jamaica and its service offerings,” President of the Business Process Industry Association of Jamaica (BPIAJ), Gloria Henry, told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

“Too often, I travel to international conferences, myself and the JAMPRO team, and we are repeatedly asked whether Jamaica does BPO services or is into outsourcing. We are asked this despite the tremendous targeted marketing and promotion activities taking place here,” she added.

Henry said that it was against this background that the idea was born “to host our own national conference” in keeping with international best practices “to bring potential investors, buyers and industry specialists to showcase Jamaica to bring more visibility to our service offerings.

“And, it is our hope that our players and investors will benefit from the attractive investment-ready community in Jamaica,” Henry said, noting that the programme for the conference to be held in Montego Bay will offer knowledge-sharing, while connecting local and overseas participants.

“Attendees will learn from some of the most thoughtprovoking and experienced leaders in the global outsourcing sector from a number of presentations and round-table discussions fo-

Gloria Henry cused on the latest in technology, leadership and business strategy,” she said.

Henry said that Kingston is fast emerging as an outsourcing location for highvalue services, citing new developments and expansion of existing operations across the Corporate Area and Portmore.

She said that Jamaica was recently selected to benefit from grant funding under a region-wide cluster project, and much of the resources have been earmarked to enhance the positioning of Kingston for high-value work.It will focus on growth in services such as application and software development, market research and data analytics, informationtechnology-managed services, medical and insurance billing and legal process outsourcing.

“This will enhance the operating environment and strengthen the positioning of Jamaica as the premier destination of choice for outsourced services in the

region,” Henry noted.

A similar grant in 2014 was successfully used to enhance the ecosystem in Montego Bay with the establishment of a 200-seat incubator that provides a ‘plug n play’ facility for new operators seeking to set up business, and for operators who require additional space.

To date, seven firms have graduated from the incubator programme and the initiative has supported expansion into Asian healthcare outsourcing services, and created nearly 2,000 employment opportunities.

Outsource2Jamaica: Symposium & Expo will be held from April 11 to 13 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

The event, which involves partnership with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and JAMPRO, will bring together global experts, technocrats, local entrepreneurs, government officials, BPO leaders, buyers and service providers.

Russian aeroplane loses gold-silver bars on take-off There has been shock at an airport in far east Russia after bars of precious metal rained down onto the runway.

A plane laden with tonnes of gold-silver alloy was taking off from Yakutsk airport in Siberia when a loading hatch broke off.

Some 200 bars, each weighing about 20kg

(44 pounds), were then scattered across the runway.

All of the bars have now been recovered, a spokesman for the Canadian mine owner told news agency Interfax.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

Porn actress Stormy Daniels physically threatened over Trump: lawyer WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The adult film actress known as Stormy Daniels was physically threatened and warned to remain silent about her relationship with President Donald Trump, her lawyer told MSNBC and CNN on Friday.

Attorney Michael Avenatti would not provide details about the threat against Stephanie Clifford, who uses Stormy Daniels as her professional name.

He said Clifford would elaborate on it during a CBS “60 Minutes” interview broadcast on March 25.

“My client was physically threatened to stay silent about what she knew about Donald Trump,” he said on CNN. “She’s going to be able to

provide very specific details about what happened here,” Avenatti said of the “60 Minutes” interview.

Clifford has alleged she had affair with Trump that began in 2006 and lasted several months. Trump has denied it.

In a letter to Trump’s private lawyer Michael Cohen on Monday, Clifford offered to send $130,000 to an account designated by Trump so she could be released from a non-disclosure agreement she signed in October 2016.

Cohen ignored the offer.

Cohen has said he paid Clifford $130,000 of his own money during the 2016 presidential campaign.

He did not explain why he made the payment or say whether Trump was aware of

it.

Avenatti filed a lawsuit last week in Los Angeles, claiming Trump never signed the nondisclosure agreement that his lawyer made with Clifford, rendering it null and void, and making public the agreement and related documents.

Avenatti told Reuters on Friday that six women had been in touch with his law firm to describe relationships with Trump. He said the women had “strikingly similar stories to my client.”

“We’re still in the process of vetting these allegations,” he said.

Earlier, Avenatti told MSNBC and CNN that at least two of the women had signed non-disclosure agreements.

Russia to expel UK diplomats as crisis over nerve toxin attack deepens A S TA N A / L O N D O N (Reuters) - Russia is set to expel British diplomats in retaliation for Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to kick out 23 Russians as relations with London crashed to a post-Cold War low over an attack involving a militarygrade nerve agent on English soil.

After the first known offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since World War Two, Britain has pointed the finger at President Vladimir Putin and on Thursday May gave the 23 Russians who she said were spies working under diplomatic cover at the embassy in London a week to leave.

Moscow has denied any involvement in the attempted murder of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter. It has cast Britain as a post-colonial

power unsettled by its impending exit from the European Union, and even suggested London fabricated the attack to whip up anti-Russian hysteria.

The diplomats are due to leave London on March 20, RIA news agency quoted Russia’s ambassador to Britain as saying.

Separately on Friday, police in London launched a murder investigation into the death this week of a Russian associate of late tycoon Boris Berezovsky, but said nothing at this stage suggested a link to the Skripal case.

Asked by a Reuters reporter in the Kazakh capital Astana if Moscow would expel British diplomats, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov smiled and said: “We will, of course.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated

Moscow’s line that there was no “clear evidence” for any Russian involvement in the attack, RIA reported.

Britain, the United States, Germany and France jointly called on Russia on Thursday to explain the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump said it looked as though the Russians were behind it.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said an EU summit next week would discuss the issue, in the first instance to seek clarity. Any boycott of the soccer World Cup, which Russia hosts this summer, is not an immediate priority, she said.

“Many trails point to the fact that Russia is responsible,” Merkel said just before talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron where they were expected to discuss an appropriate response to the attack.

EU starts retaliation process against U.S. tariffs

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission called for industry views on Friday on a list of U.S. products it will subject to import tariffs, the first step towards measures to counter planned U.S. taxes on European steel and aluminium.

The European Union wants to be exempted from U.S. duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium that U.S. President Donald Trump approved last week. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom meet next week to discuss the issue.

The European Commission, which coordinates trade policy for the 28 EU members, has said that, if the EU is not exempted, it should set duties of 25 percent on a range of U.S. products, whose annual imports to the European Union are worth 2.8 billion euros ($3.45

billion).

The 10-page list of products the EU may subject to tariffs ranges from rice to orange juice, make-up, motorcycles, motor boats and stainless sinks.

It also includes many metals products for use in construction and industry.

Some of the products, worth 2.8 billion euros, could be subject to duties within months.

The EU says the U.S. cannot use national security as a justification for its metals tariffs, which means Europe can respond with “rebalancing” measures.

“We feel we are on very strong legal grounds,” an EU official said on Friday.

A second group of products would only incur duties if the WTO later declared the U.S. tariffs illegal or after a period of three years.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

Former US envoy says North Korea surprised Trump said yes to talks Washington (CNN) The man who spearheaded US diplomatic efforts on North Korea until his unexpected retirement earlier this month said the North Koreans were “surprised” that President Donald Trump agreed to meet with leader Kim Jong Un so quickly.

“To be frank with you, I think they were a little bit surprised that Washington, President Trump readily accepted,” Ambassador Joseph Yun told CNN. “They thought it would take a little time.”

Yun told CNN’s Elise Labott in an exclusive interview — his first since stepping down as US special representative for North Korea policy — that he welcomes plans for the meeting between Trump and Kim, expected to take place in May. “I’m very supportive of

(Trump’s) decision to engage at the highest levels,” Yun said. “That is a great outcome.”

Last week, Trump accepted an invitation to meet Kim in hopes of securing North Korea’s complete denuclearization. The decision follows recent talks between North Korean and South Korean officials around the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, which were launched at the start of the year.

Prior to that diplomatic thaw, tensions on the peninsula had hit a peak, with North Korea testing increasingly sophisticated ballistic missiles. Those tests were met with threats of “fire and fury” from the US President and the implementation of harsh new sanctions by the international community.

The tests raised the

stakes for talks, according to Yun. “They now have nuclear weapons and a delivery system that can legitimately threaten all states in the United States,” Yun told CNN on Thursday.

“That is different from the past, where we were trying to stop them from getting there, so it requires different attention, different focus and a different approach.”

Yun served as the US point man on North Korea for 16 months, first under thenPresident Barack Obama and then under Trump.

In that capacity, he conducted a series of back-channel talks with North Korean officials, and traveled to Pyongyang last year, securing the release of imprisoned American student Otto Warmbier, who died shortly after he was freed.

Jacob Zuma to be prosecuted on corruption charges Cape Town (CNN) Former South African President Jacob Zuma will be charged with 16 counts of corruption, money laundering and racketeering, the country’s national prosecuting authority announced Friday.

The charges relate to 783 questionable payments Zuma allegedly received in connection with a controversial multibillion-rand arms deal.

On Friday, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams said that there are “reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution” in Zuma’s case.

The charges were previously dropped in 2009 just

before Zuma was sworn in as President.

Zuma, known as the “Teflon President” for his ability to survive repeated scandals through the years, stepped down in February amid a slew of corruption allegations.

He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The African National Congress (ANC), which had stood by Zuma for so long, dumped him as party president in favor of Cyril Ramaphosa, a 65-year-old millionaire former union leader, in December.

Ramaphosa was duly confirmed as the country’s

new president in February, bringing an end to Zuma’s scandal-plagued time in office.

Fall from grace Zuma was once a wildly popular figure who was celebrated as an anti-apartheid hero in Nelson Mandela’s realm.

He was arrested by the apartheid government in 1963 and was sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island, the penal colony that also then held Mandela.

He took on official government positions as the country transitioned to democracy and he served as deputy president from 1999 to 2005.

Two convicted ‘‘honour honour honour’’ killers to be deported from Canada

Two people convicted of killing four female relatives in a so-called “honour” killing in Canada have had their permanent residencies revoked.

Mohammad Shafia and his wife Tooba Yahya were found guilty of the murder of their three teenage daughters and Shafia’s first wife in 2012.Their son Hamed was also sent to prison for his role in the murders.

Yahya and Shafia will be sent back to their native Afghanistan once they are released from jail.

The orders, requested by the Canada Border Services Agency, were issued for serious criminality and come with no right of appeal.

All three family members are serving 25year life sentences for the killing of sisters Zainab, 19, Sahar, 17, and Geeti, 13, and Rona Amir Mohammad, 52.

Their bodies were found in June 2009 in a car submerged in a canal in the city of Kingston, Ontario.During the 2012 trial, prosecutors said Mohammad Shafia was angered that his two eldest daughters wanted boyfriends, in defiance of his values.

The court heard how he had become increasingly angry and upset with his three teenage daughters for having secret relationships with boys and wearing revealing clothes.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 17, 2018

Johnson Smith raps Hanna over comments on steel tariff KINGSTON, Jamaica — Countering arguments presented by Opposition Spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade Lisa Hanna, who has called for immediate action in light of the United States’ tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Portfolio Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, says the Government “will not adopt ‘knee-jerk’ reactions to the management of our trade exports”.

Johnson Smith, in a statement yesterday, reminded that “Jamaica does not currently produce and export neither aluminium nor steel and would therefore not be directly impacted by the new regulations.

“We also wish to advise that bauxite and alumina, which are major exports for us and are inputs in the manufacture of aluminium, are not subject to the tariffs imposed.

They are in fact both tariff exempt under the CBI, which

governs our trade with the USA.” In response to Hanna’s concern that the tariffs could have serious direct and indirect economic implications for Jamaica, the minister said the tariffs would affect the aluminium exports of certain countries such as EU Member States, however, there appears to be a limited likelihood of impact on Jamaica’s exports of alumina to them.

Read: Trump’s tariffs could hurt Jamaica badly, says Hanna This, she explained, is based on the amount of aluminium exported to the US by our largest destination markets for alumina. It is also noteworthy that, Canada, our second largest market for alumina in 2017, may be exempt from the announced US tariffs.

“These countries are, however, still in the process of evaluating and considering their own responses to the

Kamina Johnson Smith and Lisa Hanna measures announced, including seeking exemptions. In the context of this level of fluidity and the levels of direct risk to us at this time, it is illadvised for Ms Hanna to be calling for immediate action and operational plans when

what is required is a clear and considered understanding of the issues as they unfold, in order to inform strategy where appropriate,” Johnson Smith added.

With respect to the particular investments high-

lighted by the Opposition spokesperson as cause for alarm, the minister also advised that her understanding was that the investment plans remain intact.

“I must underscore that the Government of Jamaica

cannot and will not adopt ‘knee-jerk’ reactions to the management of our trade exports, which are critical to our economic growth agenda.

Our commitment to the people of Jamaica requires a much more responsible approach to such matters. The ministry is paying close attention to the potential impact of the measures on the global trading system and is committed to making informed and strategic decisions in our national interest”.

She said the ministry is in direct consultation on the matter with the Ministry of Transport and Mining, which is closest to the relevant stakeholders, and will continue to monitor developments, while engaging with international partners and the private sector, in order to ensure that the Government can effectively anticipate and counteract any potential market effects. (Jamaica Observer)

Saturday March 17, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Hamilton, Vettel ready to fight for high five LONDON (Reuters) - Formula One fans will be hearing a lot about Juan Manuel Fangio this season as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel battle to match the late Argentine’s 1950s feat of five world championships.

Only Michael Schumacher, with seven, has won more titles and equaling the German’s tally is still largely the stuff of dreamland.

“I saw something about being up there potentially with Fangio, so that is quite an exciting prospect,” Hamilton said when his new Mercedes W09 car made its track debut at Silverstone in February.

The Briton is the bookmakers’ favorite to defend the title in what will be the first season to feature two fourtimes champions together on

track.

Vettel could be breathing down Hamilton’s neck, a decade after his Ferrari team last won a title, but may find Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo running alongside if not in front.

Even Mercedes recognize it might be best for the sport, in its second year with U.S.based Liberty Media running the show, not to have a fifth successive season of domination by the Silver Arrows.

But it’s not their job to make life easier.

“If you look from outside, does a long term dominance of the team damage the spectacle? Yes it does,” team boss Toto Wolff told reporters.

“We’ve seen that with the successes from Ferrari in the years 2000 and Red Bull a couple of years ago...

“I think the most healthy situation for Formula One is a very competitive environment where multiple teams are able to win, the championship goes down to the wire...these are clearly the ingredients it needs.”

That could also happen, if predictions of a tight threeway tussle at the top come true, and Hamilton for one would welcome the challenge.

MAXATTACK Exactly who stands where will likely remain unclear until well after Melbourne, which is not always the best guide to long-term form. Vettel won a year ago and led for 12 races before it all fell apart.

“Mercedes are going into this championship as very much the favorites,” says Red Bull boss Christian Horner, whose team won four titles in

Saturday March 17, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a great day to spend with family. You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. You need time to think things through.

You mustn't take on other people's responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be aware of deception when it comes to your position, and be sure not to jump to conclusions. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Friends or groups that you're affiliated with may want you to contribute more cash than you can really afford. Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with today.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance today. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be innovative. Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. You like to stay busy and now is your chance to do just that.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Have some fun, but draw the line if someone tries to fast talk their way into your heart. Try not to take others for granted.

Tempers could get out of hand today.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments. You may be frazzled today. Listen to the complaints of others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) New projects may lead you into a dead end. Work hard on improving your living quarters.

Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. You may find it difficult to communicate.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues.

Changes at home might come fast and furious.

Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for.

Lewis Hamilton (file photo facebook)

a row with Vettel between 2010 and 2013.

Hamilton disagreed: “I think Red Bull are the fastest at the moment, potentially,” he said on Wednesday. Ferrari have kept their own counsel.

If not Hamilton or Vettel, there is a 20-yearold with an army of orange-shirted supporters waiting impatiently for his time to come.

Verstappen, winner of two of the last six races of 2017, looks a champion in the making and a big question this year is whether he will have a car good enough to mount a substantial challenge.

If he does, then expect Ricciardo to be very much in contention as well.

Reliability will be crucial, with the engine allocation reduced from four to three and the season enlarged to 21 races.

An even bigger battle is brewing behind the top three with former champions Renault and McLaren, now using the French engines, aiming to push Force India out of the fourth place they have occupied for the past two years.

McLaren’s double world champion Fernando Alonso will also be creating headlines of his own with Le Mans and a full world endurance season as well as Formula One. TRICKY TALKS Toro Rosso, embracing the Honda engines that caused so much grief for McLaren over the past three years, have had an untroubled time in testing and could cause something of a reappraisal.

Ferrari-powered Haas also appear to have raised their game.

Sauber’s Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque who won last year’s F2 title, and Russian Sergey Sirotkin at Williams are the rookie debutants.

The French Grand Prix returns after a decade away, at Le Castellet, while Germany is back after a year’s absence.

Malaysia has gone.

Off track, Liberty and the governing FIA face tricky talks about the future direction of the sport, and what kind of engine to use from 2021, with Ferrari threatening to walk away if they do not like what is on offer.

And then there is the ‘halo’, the head protection device that has changed the look of the cars and makes its race debut with drivers already largely accustomed to it.

By the time the championship is won, it may be less of a talking point than Fangio.

PAGE 30

Usain Bolt credits Bayern doctor for recovery leading to 2016 Olympic gold ESPN - Bayern Munich doctor Hans-Wilhelm MullerWohlfahrt has revealed the remarkable race against time involved in getting Usain Bolt fit to win a gold medal in the 100 metres in the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

In his autobiography, being serialised in Bild, MullerWohlfahrt, 75, recalls the biggest challenge of his long career.

“We only had three days,” he wrote.

“I only landed in Rio on the Thursday and Usain had to run the final on the Sunday. But I had a good feeling during the treatment, sensing every injection was applied precisely and to the point.”

After asking the Jamaican sprinter to stand up and take a few steps, Bolt said: “You met it. You met the point,” meaning Muller-Wohlfahrt had found the right spot in Bolt’s vein.

On the day of the 100m final, Bolt telephoned to say he had muscle problems, but Muller-Wohlfahrt advised that they were normal and that the pain would wear off after 48 hours.

“Usain, get moving, simply move — the pain will lessen from hour to hour and then disappear,” MullerWohlfahrt recalled saying.

“Tonight, you will feel no pain.”

Two hours later, Bolt’s manager, Ricky Simms, telephoned the doctor and said, “Mull, Usain trusts you completely. He’ll run tonight.”

Muller-Wohlfahrt wrote that “no other sportsman has shown as much overwhelming gratitude” as Bolt during his long career.

“He presented me with his famous golden shoes with

Saturday March 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Usain Bolt and Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt. (Gisela Schober/Getty Images) which he broke the [100m] world record in 2009,” MullerWohlfahrt wrote. “He also wanted to give me his Olympic gold [medal] from Rio.” Muller-Wohlfahrt recalled telling Bolt, “Keep your medal, you won it all on your own,” and Bolt instead gave him a collage of photographs framed with his winning shirt and dedicated it to “the greatest doctor ever.”

The doctor also recalled his longstanding relationship with Bolt, dating back to the “summer of 2002 when a shy 16-year-old Jamaican with a spine problem turned up at his practise in Munich.”

Simms asked MullerWohlfahrt whether it was worth Bolt continuing with his athletic career.

“He can continue to train but I take over responsibility under these conditions: We must stay in constant contact,

the lad regularly comes to Munich, and that I am informed immediately when he encounters a problem,” Muller-Wohlfahrt recalled.

“Fourteen years have passed and Usain Bolt has become a friend and an extended member of my family — a whole lot more than just a patient. I recall exactly how I took him straight to my heart that day in the surgery.

“At our first meeting, I obviously didn’t imagine that he would become the best sprinter in history.

Every time when we meet, he hugs me as if it could be the final time.”

Muller-Wohlfahrt wrote that he took the star athlete to Oktoberfest for the first time three years ago, but ever since, it has become “an annual compulsory” event which Bolt wouldn’t miss.

Mahmudullah blitz takes Bangladesh to tri-series final

Mahmudullah kept his cool to help his team over the line in the last over. ©Associated Press COLOMBO (Reuters) Bangladesh will meet India in tomorrow’s final of the Twenty20 tri-series after Mahmudullah blasted 43 not out off 18 balls to secure their thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in an ill-tempered match yesterday.

High drama unfolded in the virtual semi-final at the R Premadasa Stadium with Bangladesh needing 12 runs off the last over bowled by Isuru Udana and Mahmudullah smashed a six off the penultimate delivery to seal an emotional victory for his team.

Play had been briefly halted as Bangladesh players remonstrated about two

shoulder-high balls in the final over and members of both teams had to be restrained.

Earlier, Sri Lanka slumped to 41-5 in the ninth over after being put into bat before fighting half-centuries from Kusal Perera and captain Thisara Perera helped them to a respectable total of 159-7.

Playing his first match of the tournament following a finger injury, Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan triggered a spectacular top-order collapse by dismissing Sri Lanka opener Danushka Gunathilaka in the third over.

Kusal Perera made 61 and Thisara Perera contributed 58 to arrest the slide and help Sri Lanka past the 150-mark.

Opener Tamim Iqbal led Bangladesh’s reply with a fluent 50 but they lost wickets in quick succession until Mahmudullah took responsibility to get them over the line.

Kept off strike for the first two balls of the final over from Udana, Mahmudullah hit the third for four, took two off the next and flicked the fifth over the square leg boundary for six to trigger wild celebration by his team mates.

Scores: Bangladesh 160 for 8 (Tamim 50, Mahmudullah 43*) beat Sri Lanka 159 for 7 (Kusal Perera 61, Thisara 58) by two wickets.

NBA roundup: Thursday’s...

From page 31 season-high nine straight games and 17 of 18.

The Knicks’ last win came on Feb. 22 at Orlando.

Kyle O’Quinn finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Enes Kanter added 14 points and 10 rebounds for a New York team that has lost its last eight games at home.

The Knicks haven’t earned a victory at Madison Square Garden since beating Brooklyn on Jan. 30.

Bulls 111, Grizzlies 110 MEMPHIS, TENN. - Antonio Blakeney made two of three free throws with 1.8 seconds left to give Chicago a victory over Memphis, the Grizzlies’ 19th straight loss.

On the game’s final play,

Memphis got the ball to Marc Gasol for a baseline fadeaway that was long.

JaMychal Green tipped it in but after the horn, although it appeared to be basket interference anyway. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 20 points while playing only three quarters, while Bobby Portis scored 17.

Denzel Valentine had 15 points, going 5 of 7 from outside the arc. Tyreke Evans had 25 points and nine assists for Memphis, while Gasol added 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Jarell Martin scored 15 points and Green finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Spurs 98, Pelicans 93 SAN ANTONIO LaMarcus Aldridge scored

25 points, Dejounte Murray had 18 points and 12 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs overcame another late rally to beat the New Orleans Pelicans.

Anthony Davis finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, but fouled out after playing 36 minutes.

New Orleans remained in fifth in the West. San Antonio moved into eighth in the West, holding the final playoff berth after sitting in 10th earlier this week.

The Spurs had dropped out of playoff position in part after blowing a 17-point lead to the Los Angeles Lakers and a 15-points advantage against New Orleans.

(Associated Press)

Kusal Perera, however, helped the hosts overcome a collapse ©Associated Press

Saturday March 17, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Ruthless Federer sends Chung Rabada’s appeal hearing set for March 19 packing, faces Coric next

Kagiso Rabada finished with 5 for 96. (AFP) ESPNcricinfo - Kagiso Rabada’s appeal hearing against a Level 2 sanction which cost him three demerit points and a 50% fine of his Port Elizabeth match fee will take place on March 19. The ICC have appointed New Zealand’s Michael Heron as the judicial commissioner and the hearing will be held via video conference.

Heron will have 48 hours to reach a decision, which means Rabada will learn his fate by Wednesday. If cleared, he could play in the Newlands Test that starts on Friday.

Heron is a judicial commissioner for New Zealand Rugby and SANZAAR, the

body which operates rugby competitions between South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. He is also a national commissioner for New Zealand Cricket and a member of the ICC’s code of conduct commission and dispute resolution committee.

Rabada will be represented by high-profile South African advocate, Dali Mpofu.Rabada was found guilty of making inappropriate and deliberate contact with Steven Smith after dismissing him in the first innings of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park. After having Smith trapped lbw, Rabada screamed “yes, yes,

yes” in the direction of Smith, and then made contact with his shoulder on his way to celebrating with team-mates.

In the aftermath, Rabada maintained he did not feel any contact and would not have contested the charge if he had.

Rabada went into the fixture on five demerit points and the incident took him to eight, which equated to a two-Test ban. Rabada also earned a ninth demerit point when he gave David Warner a sendoff in the second innings but did not contest that charge.

That means if Rabada is cleared he will still have six demerit points to his name and will remain two away from a suspension.

VAR: Video assistant referees will be used at 2018 World Cup in Russia BBC Sport - Video assistant referees will be used at the World Cup for the first time after Fifa formally approved the technology for this year’s tournament.

VAR has been trialled in some domestic English cup games this season, and has been used in Germany and Italy.

“We need to live with the times,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

“We wanted to give the referees tools so they can make better decisions, and in the World Cup some very important decisions are made.”

H e a d d e d : “ I t ’s n o t possible that in 2018 everyone in their living room knows a few seconds after the play whether a referee has made a mistake and the referee doesn’t.”

VAR was first used at the Club World Cup in De-

cember 2016, and trialled in the 2017 Confederations Cup. The system was described as “comical” and “embarrassing” after Tottenham’s 6-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale in late February, when a goal was disallowed and a converted penalty overturned.

The Premier League is not expected to introduce VAR next season, and Uefa has already said it will not be used in the 2018-19 Champions League.

Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1 are to introduce it from next season, while the Bundesliga will decide on 22 March.

“I was sceptical at first, but without trying you c a n n o t k n o w w h a t i t ’s worth,” Infantino added.

“Without VAR, a referee can make one important mistake every three matches. With VAR, the

figures we have seen from the trials that have been held show that a big mistake is made once every 19 matches.”

The world governing body’s formal announcement comes after the International Football Association Board (Ifab) “unanimously approved” the introduction of VAR on a permanent basis earlier this month.

Ifab is made up of Fifa and the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each FA has one vote to Fifa’s four, with six votes required for a change in the laws.

The body made the decision to approve the technology following the results of independent analysis conducted by Belgian university KU Leuven.

(Reuters) - South Korean Chung Hyeon managed to hang around against Roger Federer a little longer this time around, but only just, as the Swiss maestro advanced to the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open 7-5 6-1 on Thursday.

Chung’s fairytale run at the Australian Open in January came to a crashing halt when he retired with foot blisters while trailing Federer 6-1 5-2 in their semi-final.

Federer, who won his 20th grand slam title with his victory at Melbourne Park, was ruthless with his 21-year-old opponent once again on Thursday and took his unbeaten run this year to 16 matches, equaling his record from 12 years ago.

Chung said he had enjoyed going toe-to-toe with Federer in a tight first set.

“I was down one break, and I’m just trying to stay calm and I’m just trying to learn from Roger,” the Korean told the ATP’s official website. “And I come back, five-all, and he played good.

I’m really happy to play against Roger.”

Federer will next meet Borna Coric, who defeated world number nine Kevin Anderson 2-6 6-4 7-6(3).

The 21-year-old Croatian had initially looked outgunned by the big-serving South African, who had won

all three of their previous meetings without dropping a set.

After weathering an onslaught of huge serves in the first set, however, Coric was able to force longer rallies in the second and third, where his speed and accuracy allowed him to control points.

“I didn’t start very well.

He was hitting the ball very big, and I just couldn’t find my rhythm on the ball,” Coric said.

“I started going more for the serve. And then I broke him earlier in the second set, which was really helpful.

“In the third, again, I knew it’s one break, it’s two or three points that are going to decide, and that’s what happened.”

The match appeared all but over in the third when a frustrated Coric double faulted to hand Anderson a break for a 4-2 lead but the world number 49 broke straight back and went on to force a tie-breaker.

Anderson was ragged thereafter and Coric pumped his fist in triumph after the seventh seed sent a forehand long to hand the Croatian the biggest win of his career.

Raptors 106, Pacers 99 INDIANAPOLIS - DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and 17 rebounds, and Toronto rallied late to get past Indiana for a 10th straight victory.

The Raptors need one more win to tie the franchise’s longest winning streak. They haven’t lost since Feb. 23 and broke a tie with the 2016-17 squad for longest road winning streak, which is now at eight. But it sure wasn’t easy on a night Darron Collison scored 22 points and Al Jefferson had a season-high 20 for Indiana. The Pacers took the lead late in the first quarter and didn’t trail again until midway through the fourth.

Hornets 129, Hawks 117 ATLANTA - Dwight Howard scored 20 of his season-high 33 points in the second half, Nicolas Batum had a triple-double and set a career high with 16 assists, and Charlotte beat Atlant. Kemba Walker added 24 points and Marvin Williams had 17 for Charlotte, which kept its slim

playoff hopes alive.

The Hornets began the night having lost six of seven and were in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, 61/2 games behind No. 8 Miami with 13 games remaining.

Taurean Prince finished with 22 points and rookie John Collins tied a career high with 21 for Atlanta, the worst team in the East at 20-49.

Rockets 101, Clippers 96 HOUSTON - James Harden scored 24 points, Eric Gordon added 23 and Houston outlasted the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers scored six straight points, with four from Austin Rivers, to cut the lead to a basket with less than a minute left. But on the next possession, Harden stepped back and knocked down a long 2-pointer with Rivers in his face to make it 100-96. Rivers missed a 3-pointer after that before Harden made one of two free throws with 6.2 seconds left to secure the victory. It’s Houston’s third straight win and snaps a three-game winning streak for the Clippers. Tobias Harris led

the Clippers with 29 points and Rivers had 20.

76ers 118, Knicks 110 NEW YORK - Joel Embiid had 29 points and 10 rebounds, Ben Simmons finished with a triple-double, and Philadelphia used a big final period to rally past New York.

The Sixers, who hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter before storming back in the final period, going on a 20-6 run during the last five minutes of regulation.

Simmons finished with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.

Dario Saric had 21 points and 12 boards, JJ Redick added 18 points and Robert Covington chipped in 15 for Philadelphia, which was able to rebound from a tough loss Tuesday night to the Indiana Pacers, who currently own the fourth seed in the East.

Michael Beasley had 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Courtney Lee and Trey Burke each contributed 16 points for the Knicks, who have lost a (Continued om page 30)

Roger Federer is hoping to defend his Indian Wells title. (Getty Images)

NBA roundup: Thursday’s games

PAGE 32

Devine, Satterthwaite, Martin thrash West Indies ESPNcricinfo - Sophie Devine’s three-wicket haul including contributions from the rest of the bowling unit handed New Zealand a mammoth 106-run victory and a 20 lead over West Indies in Mount Maunganui. Earlier, half centuries from Katey Martin and Amy Satterthwaite had propelled the hosts to 185 for 3.Devine picked Deandra Dottin and Reniece Boyce in a space of three balls to reduce the visitors to 30 for 4, before accounting for topscorer Kyshona Knight (20 off 35 balls) in the 17th over.

Devine, who was instrumental in New Zealand’s ODI series win, posted a 33-run partnership with captain Suzie Bates before the latter was bowled by Shamilia Connell in the fifth over.

Devine gave away her wicket to Akeira Peters two overs later after scoring a 21ball 27. Martin then struck a 42-ball 65, while Satterthwaite notched up 71 off 42, and together put on a 124-run stand.

In reply, West Indies fell

Saturday March 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Zeeburg, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Belle Vue chalk wins as WDCA U19 tourney continues

Troy Persaud

Sophie Devine makes room to slap one away. (Getty Images) flat in their chase as they slipped from 30 for 2 to 69 for 7, with none of the batsmen scoring over 20. Offspinner Leigh Kasperek contributed with 2 for 13, while Kate Heffernan, Anna Peterson and Lea Tahuhu picked one each

to restrict them to 79 for 8 at the end of 20 overs.

Scores: New Zealand 185 for 3 (Satterthwaite 71*, Martin 65, Peters 1-13) beat West Indies79 for 8 (Kyshona 20, Devine 3-12) by 106 runs.

Shay Narine

Zeeburg, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Belle Vue registered victories when action in the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) U19 50-over tournament continued recently.

At Zeeburg, the home team batted first and scored 226-9 off their reduced quota of 35 overs. Shay Narine struck 51 not out, while Ushaardave Balgobin made 40 and Andy Khan 31. Paul Jetro claimed 2-21. Cold Fusion were skitted for 38 in 17 overs in reply. Trevayne Mohabir made 10 as Khan bagged 5-10 and Saffeek Deonarine 2-1.

At Meten-Meer-Zorg, the host took first strike and posted 272-9 in 40 overs. Deryck Foo scored 48, Deonarine Sewnarine 46 and

Aaron Seepersaud

Rajesh Budram 36; Satesh Basdeo captured 4-44 and Ravin Paramdeo 2-30. Mc Gill were bowled out for 167 in 40 overs in reply. Troy Persaud slammed 77, Salman Mustapha 31 and Satesh Basdeo 16. Kevin Latchoo picked up 4-18. The game was reduced to 40 overs due to rain.

At Belle Vue, Independence were bowled out for 107 in 26 overs. Aaron Seepersaud made 54 not out and Anil Persaud 22. Satesh Bisram took 2-12. Belle Vue replied with 111-3 in 16 overs. Navindra Persaud made an unbeaten 35 and Ryan Seecharran 24 not out. Christopher Gurdyal and Mark Crawford had one wicket each.

Personal milestone Holder gives Paul thumbs ‘bittersweet’, says Holder up for impressive debut HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – West Indies skipper Jason Holder reached a personal milestone on Thursday when he became the fifth West Indies player to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals.

The 26-year-old joined the legendary Sir Vivian Richards, Carl Hooper, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo on the list of those to achieve the feat, after claiming a threewicket haul in the defeat to Afghanistan.

Holder described the achievement as “bittersweet” especially with it coming during the Caribbean side’s first defeat of the ongoing ICC World Cup qualifiers in their opening match of the Super Sixes.

“I feel pretty good with my personal form. I’m trying to lead from the front,” Holder said.

“I’ve been getting some runs and also getting some

West Indies ODI captain, Jason Holder. wickets. Unfortunately we couldn’t get across the line [on Thursday] so it’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that I’ve got a hundred wickets and a thousand runs.”

Holder has scored 201 runs and grabbed 10 wickets in the tournament, in helping to put his side into the Super Sixes second stage, and closer to qualification for next year ’s World Cup in England.

He narrowly missed out on a hundred against Papua New Guinea when he ended unbeaten on 99, and claimed his second

five-wicket haul in ODIs in the outing against United Arab Emirates.

The Barbadian, who made his ODI debut five years ago and was installed as captain two years later, has scored 1 211 runs and claimed 101 wickets from 74 ODIs. Holder said his main focus, however, was ensuring West Indies qualified for the World Cup and was disappointed by the defeat to Afghanistan.

“At the end of the day, our main focus is to win this tournament and we fell short [on Thursday],” he lamented.

HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – Highly-regarded allrounder Keemo Paul has come in for high praise from West Indies captain Jason Holder, following his international debut against Afghanistan on Thursday.

The 20-year-old, a late replacement for the injured left-armer Sheldon Cottrell, scored an unbeaten 16 batting at number 10, and then grabbed a brace of wickets with his lively pace, as West Indies slid to a threewicket defeat at Harare Sports Club in their opening Super Sixes match of the ongoing ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

“I was really pleased with Keemo. He flew in two days ago, had a practice session [on Wednesday] and was straight into the game,” Holder said Thursday.

“We’ve obviously got some injury concerns in our camp and he was asked to do a job and I felt he performed creditably.”

A key member of the West Indies side which won the Youth World Cup t w o y e a r s a g o , P a u l ’s stocks have risen quickly of recent. He starred in the recent first class season, grabbing 42 wickets and also scored his maiden hundred, as he helped propel Guyana Jaguars to their

Keemo Paul (left) is congratulated by Ashley Nurse after taking a wicket during his maiden ODI on Thursday. fourth straight title.

In the recent Regional Super50 Paul snapped up 13 wickets at 21 runs apiece, earning a call-up to West Indies A where he took eight wickets – including a fivewicket haul – in two ondayers and notched a halfcentury.

Holder said Paul’s strong all-round assets showed he was one for the future.

“He’s one of those guys who have been doing really

well on the domestic circuit back home,” Holder noted.

“He’s very skillful and shows he has some potential with the bat as well and he took a really good catch today for us.

“I expect really good things from him going forward in the future and I want to wish him all the best.”

West Indies face Zimbabwe in their next Super Six match, in what will be a mustwin encounter.

Saturday March 17, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Differently Able cyclist Grant-Stuart Petra’s third annual Corona Futsal Tournament invited to UCI C1 Para-Cycling Event Bent Street, Future Stars and Alpha - GCF to support; Ansa McAL contribute Warriors hit Six in first knockouts

By Franklin Wilson Different Able cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart, who has been earned his name as fierce competitor even beating his more Able bodied rivals in Guyana, is set to make his international debut as a Differently Able rider, next month.

The Continental Cycle Club (CCC) member has been invited to attend and compete at the UCI C1 Para-Cycling Event which is set to take place from April 28th – 29th next at Circuit GillesVilleneuve, Montreal Canada.

The talented cyclist informed that he has to raise about $400,000 Guyana dollars in order to cover all expenses including airfare, accommodation, meals, registrations fees and ground trans-

portation.

He has disclosed that Ansa McAl through their ICool range of products has already made a contribution towards his successful participation in the Time Trials and Road Race. ”I have already been working hard towards raising the funds needed to attend and I am happy to say that Ansa McAl has already come on board with me, I would like to say thanks to them for their support.”

Stuart informed that his ultimate goal is to represent Guyana at the Paralympics and will use this event as a stepping stone towards achieving this aim.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Cycling Federa-

tion (GCF) Horace Burrowes in an invited comment said that the federation is more than 100% behind GrantStuart’s quest to fly the Golden Arrowhead in Canada. ”We are very happy for Walter and would be providing him his uniforms for this event. I would have spoken personally with him and assured him of our support for this and other events. The GCF would continue to work with Walter to ensure that he reaches his full potential in this form of the sport with the ultimate aim of competing at the Paralympics.”

Business entities wishing to support Grant-Stuart in his quest to represent Guyana can make direct contact with him on tel #592-684-6625.

WCC congratulates Keemo Paul The Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) has extended congratulations to Keemo Paul on his recent selection to the West Indies senior team currently participating in the International Cricket Council World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe.

A release from the committee stated that Paul’s elevation is as a result of hard work and commitment and would serve as a motivator to young cricketers on the Island.

The committee wishes Paul every success in his career. Secretary of the WCC Nazeer Mohamed said that Paul is the first cricketer who played the game on the island to have r e p r e s e n t e d t h e We s t Indies, adding that he has showed commitment necessary to reach the top from an early age.

The Secretary reserved special praise for CEO of V-

Keemo Paul

Net Communication Safraz Sheriffudeen who has supported Paul throughout his climb in the cricket ladder and still continues to do so.

The committee wishes Paul a long and successful stint in the West Indies team.

Paul plays for Noitgedacht Sports Club in Wakenaam.

Close play between Future Stars Aaron Anthony (left) and Sophia’s Shiek Kamal during the former’s 6-4 win at the Gymnasium on Thursday night in the Corona Futsal Cup.

By Calvin Chapman The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue was livened on Thursday night with the initial four round-of-16 knockouts matches in the Corona Futsal tournament.

Alpha Warriors, Future Stars and Bent Street all scored a total of six goals in their victories, while California Square edged Back Circle 4-3 in the night’s feature game that was played in front a packed and highly entertained crowd that witnessed entertaining matches all night.

David George, Mishack Barratt, Ned Arazer and Wesley Garraway each scored once to give California Square the win.

In the night’s opener, the buzzing and star studded Alpha Warriors qualified for the quarterfinals after blasting six goals past Mocha that only managed three of their own in the nine-goal thriller. Warriors’ Nigerian forward Benjamin Opara netted a hat-trick,

while Guyana Defence Force’s Delroy Fraser bagged a brace to go along with Delwin Fraser’s solitary strike in the win.

The consistent Future Stars continued their promise of doing well in this tournament with a 6-4 victory against Sophia. National players William Europe and Curtez Kellman slotted in braces, while Shane Morris and Aaron Anthony scored one each in the win for the young squad. Shemroy Arthur’s brace along Shiek Kamal and Desmond Cotton singular goals weren’t enough for a Sophia win.

Bent Street defeated Old Skool ballers in their roundof-16 knockout to end the night as the team with the biggest margin of victory (four goals). Fruta Conquerors’ Pernell Schultz seems to be in form on the smaller player’s surface and netted a superb hat-trick during the win. He was assisted well by his team-

mates Daniel Wilson, Andrew Murray and Kelsey Benjamin who all scored once.

The final four round-of-16 matches continues tonight at the same venue from 20:30 hrs featuring Xtreme Campbellville against Tiger Bay in the first match, followed by Alexander Village versus West Front Road, then Leopold Street will match skills with Showstoppers.

The feature match will be a mouth watering clash between Sparta Boss and Albouystown at 23:15hrs.

Fans will enjoy Hairoun Beer special at 5 for $1,000 and Corona at 3 for $1,000 as the remaining teams battle for the championship trophy and $600,000, runners-up $300,000 and third place $150,000. The MVP and a lucky patron will each receive a Hero Honda 150cc motorbike from sponsors Rose Ramdehol. Namilco through their Wheat Germ brand is also backing the event.

The South Turkeyen Sports Committee (STSC) and New Level Sports Bar will be hosting a six-team dominoes competition on Sunday at Sadam Place, Lot 8 Dennis Street, Sophia. Action gets underway at 15:00hrs and entrance fee is $6,000. Among the teams registered so far are B13, SS and others. Trophies and medals are being donated

by Tent City and Trophy Stall Bourda Market, Johnny Barnwell and Sadam.

The STSC and Queen’s College Sports Committee will be staging a six-over Tapeball tournament for forms two and three students starting on Saturday at Jubilee Park at 09:30hrs. Entrance fee is $4,000 per team and the competition will conclude on

March 24. At stake are trophies and medals donated by Trophy Stall, P and P Insurance, National Sports Commission and Henry Chase.

Among the Schools slated to take part are Queen’s College, Chase Foundation, Bishop’s High, North Georgetown, St. John’s Secondary, Tutorial, Christ Church and Marian Academy.

Indian Wells: Venus Williams beats Carla Suarez South Turkeyen Sports Navarro to reach semi-finals Committee Dominoes set for Sunday

B B C S p o r t - Ve n u s Wi l l i a m s r e g i s t e r e d a straight-set win over Carla Suarez Navarro to reach the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in California.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion won 6-3 6-2 in just 71 minutes.

Wi l l i a m s , r a n k e d eighth in the world, hit

five aces as she beat the Spaniard for the fourth consecutive time.

The American will play Daria Kasatkina next after the Russian, ranked 19th in the world, thrashed former world number one Angelique Kerber 6-0 6-2.

Kerber, now 10th in the world, could not create a break point opportunity as Kasatkina won

in 58 minutes.

The Russian dominated with her serve, winning 22 of 32 points with her first serve and hitting three aces past the two-time Grand Slam champion.

Kasatkina has already beaten US Open champion Sloane Stephens and world number two Caroline Wozniacki at the event.

PAGE 34

Saturday March 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

GABA 2018 Knock out tournament at CASH Sunil Narine’s bowling action reported in PSL Colts and Guardians win on Thursday ESPNcricinfo - Sunil Narine has once again been reported for a suspect bowling action, this time during the Pakistan Super League game between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators on March 14. This means he has been placed on the PSL’s watch list, but can continue to play the tournament unless reported again.

The PCB will pass on the match officials’ report on Narine’s action to Cricket West Indies (CWI).

With less than a month until the IPL begins, Sunil Narine has found himself in the middle of another instance of suspect bowling action.

“Mr Narine has now been placed on the warning list and may continue to be selected to play and bowl for his team in the PSL,” the PCB said in a statement. “As the PSL follows the ICC regulations on illegal bowling actions, if a player is reported [again] while on the warning list, the player shall be suspended from bowling for the remainder of the PSL tournament.

“The match officials report on Mr Narine’s bowling action will be sent to the West Indies Cricket Board and he will have to go through the process that is followed by the West Indies Cricket Board, for suspected illegal bowling actions.”

The West Indies offspinner has had his action reported several times in the past. During the Champions League T20 in 2014, he was reported twice in two matches

night to advance to division finals

Sunil Narine finished with 5 for 10, Combined Campuses and Colleges v Trinidad & Tobago, Regional Super50, Group A, Cave Hill, February 1, 2018 ©CWI Media and missed the final. He pulled out of West Indies’ World Cup 2015 squad to give himself time to work on his bowling action following that, returned during the IPL, and was reported once again during that tournament. After testing, his offbreaks were banned, but later in the tournament he was given a “final warning” by the BCCI and struck off the watch list.

He returned to international duty in November 2015, only to be reported once again during his first series back limited-overs games against Sri Lanka. He was suspended from bowling - even while the

No. 1 bowler in the ICC rankings for ODIs and T20Is - at the end of November, and missed the 2016 World T20 as well to work on his action. He was cleared to bowl again ahead of IPL 2016.

Narine was one of only two players retained by his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of this season, which begins on April 7, and questions remain over whether this will affect his participation in the tournament. It is unlikely to affect it, unless he is called for a second time in the PSL, or CWI runs tests that find his action to be illegal.

A history of Sunil Narine’s action, March 16, 2018 © ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Guardians’ Jared Sears goes to the ring for a layup during the during his team’s 61-57 victory Kobras in the 2nd division semifinal match on Thursday night.

By Calvin Chapman On Thursday night, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) saw a healthy crowd witnessing two well competed semifinal matches in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association’s (GABA) 2018, 1st, 2nd and Under-23 knockout tournament.

The night’s first match tipped off at 19:00hrs and was closely battled by Plaisance Guardians who eventually overcame Kobras Basketball Club 61-57 in the last 2nd division match of the tournament which began last week Monday. Andrew Johnson led the Guardians scoring with 15 points but Akeem Crandon, who netted 14 points for the East Coast based GABA club, was the

player of the match. Crandon, who plays centre, was superb in defence and produced block after block to deny Kobras a likely victory which was complemented by his offensive work.

With the win, Guardians have now qualified for both the Under-23 and Second Division finals, which tips off next Monday and Tuesday respectively.

In the feature match, Kobras succumbed to their second loss of the night as Bounty Colts overpowered them in a massive 84-60 victory in the last semifinal match of the 1st Division. With the victory Colts have now qualified for the finals of all three divisions.

National centre, Shane

Webster dominated the match in both defence and offence but his attacking play was most devastating and he netted a game high 25 points in the mundane, big Colts win.

Prodigy Timothy Thompson assisted Webster with 18 points, while Colts Skipper Shelroy Thomas was typically among the action with 11 points.

Kobras’ Trevor Smith and Travis Burnett scored 13 and 12 points respectively in the loss.Bounty Colts who swept the previous two GABA leagues, winning the Under23, 2nd and 1st Divisions, seem set to repeat, Guardians (Under-23 and 2nd Divisions) and Nets (1st Division finalists) will be gunning to prevent that.

Guardians’ Terrence Daniels goes up for two points as his team qualified for the 2nd division final in the win against Kobras on Thursday at CASH.