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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
It’s only about party As the nation braces for elections fevers, it is timely to examine the two men at the helm of their respective parties to highlight some of the positives that they bring to the mother of all contests. At its root, this sweeping canvas is less of a character sketch, and more of a thirty-five-thousand-feet overview. This is not about which leader has any edge, or which one is lacking; merely straight comparing and contrasting, as reinforced by the facts. There may be allusion to a believed disadvantage here and there, but no more. To repeat: this is about what is positive and recommended, at least to their own. First, there is the age factor; there is a quarter century differential between the two, something that can be crucial in the sure-to-come grueling demands of the political hustings; this could end up being a deficit. Second, and closely linked, are the health circumstances of both captains: one is recovering (nicely) from a dreaded condition; the other has no public reports of anything. Period. What may be viewed as a concern in terms of age is now compounded by an attendant drain. The reports are warming; the reality as to durability is a shade cooler, especially for the longer-term. By way of digression, an integral aspect of the present vicious junkyard dogfight is oil. Whichever group lands in the winner’s circle at the inception of the production stream and revenue collection is powerfully positioned to establish a rulership hegemony over the burgeoning oil empire. The operative phrase is oil cum political dynasty. Think immovability. Think ugly. Think likely nasty, too. Both age and health will take center stage at some point. The question is who and what are behind these men. The same almost diametrically opposite realities characterize the two leaders relative to their underlining group architecture. One leader can rightfully boast of, if he so desires, an unchallengeable stranglehold on his supporting cast; in many respects it is a cast of cameos with a single star, one overwhelming power that compels fealty. This leadership structure is more akin to a situation indicative of primus inter pares: it is of exhortation, whereas the other is by conscription. There are the ambitious and impatient within the fold; they like their own succession plans. In other words, though the leadership grip cannot be described as precarious, it does possess some fluid thinness in the midst. As things add up, men get ideas. After all, the prize is oil. Fourth, and progressing to the more qualitative, there is the matter of style. The contrasts now in the realm of intangibles continue unabated. There is corrosive political savviness for immediate gratification versus technocratic managerial blandness premised on the long view; the former galvanizes locally; the latter incurs receptivity internationally. The saga of the aggressive seasoned politico probing for any edge arrayed against unthawing corporate iciness. The objectives and potencies are clear, in this big game for the biggest rewards. Fifth, verbiage from one part has manifested searing ingredients that range from the provoking to the upheaving to the agitating. From a purely political perspective, those ingredients sell well. On the other hand, the language of the next is reluctant and distant; occasions are very few that go for jugular or gut. The ring and slash are not there; it is part of the overall political comportment. Sixth, reputationally, none has cast any ethical stone at one. Matters not in Guyana. For emphasis: nothing is material, given the electoral bases. Hang a cup around a red statue and put a palm tree in a green basket and the reactions are the same. Never about issues; only about the party.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The resistance against a unity government DEAR EDITOR, The first thing I wish to emphasize is that I am for a unity government; or any other name that it may be called, once that underlying, defining cornerstone is an integral aspect of the mix. Despite all the failures from local history and unconvincing, pseudoinclusive exercises, such an ensemble has never been genuinely tried. Talked about and waved about, whilst being occasionally heated and stirred, but never really explored with strength and conviction of the soul. Though I am for it, I share today what I believe are the near insurmountable odds against it happening unless stuffed down the gullet, and given a chance to take root. Starting with the PNC, this is a nonstarter. After 23
years in the barren desert and away from the political power apparatus, its people would be sharply resistant to such a development. They have had nothing; and after some four years at the helm, too many are still wasting away on the edges of wanting and not having. Too little has been experienced, too early for anything other than that which is in place. In some places, this is construed as a sneaky, sidedoor manoeuvre to upend and diminish. I must reiterate that these sentiments and passions course through every party layer and precinct. For certainty, there are those in the leadership cadre, who abandon the p r a c t i c a l a n d commonsensical for what is the personal and politically aggrandizing.
On the other side of the Guyanese racial and political rift valley, the PPP brass is immovably convinced that the bird is in hand. That is, all of the faithful needed to edge ahead in any head-tohead. So why do otherwise? Why be otherwise? Their people are not going anywhere, crossing any floor, or making any difference when the counting is over. The worst that supporters would do is to sit on their hands. Correction: that would be one hand, so that the other is freed to facilitate any last-minute change of heart. The brass is right on all counts. There is neither incentive nor interest nor intent to dilute what is calculated to be a winning hand. Moreover, the inner
circles and high councils in both the PNC and PPP are unified on one thing and one thing only: this is about us, as in me, and what are the possibilities for me. None are ready mentally or spiritually to distance from the selfishly rewarding for the foolishly self-sacrificing. There is no personal gain embedded or promised. In an environment that demands evangelical fervor, but on this occasion towards a national objective, the temperature is lukewarm, the tone limp, and the pallor grey. Leaders and citizens are gifted at talking up a storm loaded with the empty, spurious, and artificial. But test them. Test them by asking them to separate from the flock and the pack. Ask them to stand for the yeoman (Continued on page 6)
Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Guyana - going backwards in order to go forward DEAR EDITOR, There is hardly a day, which goes by in which newspapers do not report an incident of domestic violence or a matter pertaining to domestic violence. It has been decades since domestic violence (DV) has been classified as a type of gender-based violence (GBV). Guyana has signed and ratified a host of international conventions, which criminalizes, binds and upholds States (current, former or to be) to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes of gender-based violence including domestic violence. Guyana has made gains in this regards, so it was alarming to read of a perpetrator of a crime of domestic violence being told by the Court that he has an anger management problem and should get help for this. I was not present in Court and am relying on print media reports, if these are incorrect then my sincere apologies to the Judiciary. The popular belief that DV occurs due to uncontrollable anger is incorrect, because it does not recognize or factor in the gendered nature of intimate partner domestic violence. Physical, sexual, psychological or financial domestic violence, or a combination of some or all, is
but the means to exert power and control over the other. Many femicides occur when the abused woman leaves her abusive partner or husband and or starts/engages in another intimate partner relationship. I t i s t h e a b u s e r ’s perception of the loss of power and control of their partner, their right of ownership and entitlement to the abused person’s life and body that leads to murder - ‘if I can’t have you, no one else can’. I hope that continuous training of the Judiciary and Magistracy on gender-based violence, including TIP crimes, is happening, and that the Guyana Prison’s anger management training includes sessions on the dynamics of DV, so as to address root causes. Partnerships for Peace, a best practice Caribbean/UN Women programme for DV offenders utilizes 12-17 training modules for achieving attitude and behaviour change. There is no quick fix. Additionally the discrepancy in sentencing for the crime of femicides (killings of female intimate) seems inconsistent. While most people would agree that domestic violence is everybody’s business and everyone should play their part in its prevention,
reduction and elimination, agencies such as the police have a significant role in investigation and prosecution of domestic violence crimes. Over the past years, an average of about 2 women die every year at the hands of their partners or husbands, and hundreds of women and some men are subjected to domestic violence on a daily or regular basis. N o o n e in G u y an a believes that domestic violence is on the decrease, most of us agree that it is on the increase. In this context, the Commissioner of Police’s comments at the 6 week training course on Station Management, advising police against taking persons into custody for ‘behaving bad’ or abusing alcohol, needs to be clarified. Domestic violence is often described as ‘behaving bad’, this can range from threats of violence, physical assault, destruction of property, sexual assault, being put out of the house etc., to murder. On top of this, alcohol and drug abuse go hand in hand with domestic violence and increase the severity of the abuse, sometimes fatally. For the police not to investigate such reports is disturbingly alarming. The Guyana Police Force Domestic Violence Policy
states that all reports of domestic violence must be recorded and investigated. The Domestic Violence Act (DVA) gives the police wide powers to enter any home where they believe a DVA Protection Order is being breached, or any home or premises where they believe domestic abuse is taking place or has taken place. Police under the DVA also have the power to arrest persons without warrants and are mandated to ensure victims receive medical attention for injuries and are moved to a safe place from harm. In spite of laws, policies, training, projects, marches, billboards, a month dedicated by the UN to the elimination of violence against women, gender bureaus, dedicated police units and national task force, not being convened, domestic violence continues unabated in Guyana. What is depressing is that when addressing DV & GBV, instead of building on gains, policies, knowledge, programmes, training, and expert available Guyanese human resources, we seems to be in a continuous cycle of re-inventing wheel, going backwards in order to go forward. Yours truly Danuta Radzik
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Is Guyana still considered to be ‘best of all the world’? DEAR EDITOR, A tour d’horizon of letters to editors of the mainstream media would reflect the political views of both government and opposition, the positive and negative in Guyanese current affairs as well as the hopes and aspirations of letter writers. Rarely are there letters on international affairs. Among the letters published, are those penned by fence-sitters, the optimists, the cynics and the pessimists, as well as by those who seem depressed and frustrated with the performance of the APNU+AFC Coalition Administration’s handling of the socio-political and economic situation in Guyana. The cynics, the depressed and the frustrated seem to be on the ascendancy and are the most prolific of all. The Optimists seem to be either camping out at Jurassic Park or hankering out on the periphery. Cumulatively, whatever the category of the writer or nature of the topic, all letters published can be considered a true reflection of real life in Guyana. That aside, the current situation begs the question whether Guya n a i s s t i l l considered to be ‘best of all the world’ to the letter writers? It is to be assumed that they are all sons (and daughters) of one mother and (not two) and that they are patiently awaiting, (wrongly or rightly) that glory that the eyes from whom they were born but did not see. No doubt, many who write, from both home and abroad are children of Guyana, and not adopted by another. They perhaps, still love their native land. Whether they will remain ‘loyal citizens’ until ‘the day they die’ is another matter.
Letter writers, probably still hold to the view that ‘We can’t let Guyana fall’. A n d f u r t h e r, t h a t t h e political ‘wannabes’; ‘Don’t let us lick down and hustle fuh power and trample we fellow man. We must care whether we build or destroy Guyana, which is we native land’, is a matter on which the jury is still out. With all that’s going on now in Guyana; heightened criminal a c t i v i t y, t r a ff i c k i n g i n cocaine, marijuana cultivation, the penetration of ecstasy in schools, unbearable noise nuisance, domestic violence, child abuse, high levels of corruption, mounting levels of u n e m p l o y m e n t , overcrowding in prisons, unbelievable levels of incompetence, rampant squandermania, shameful violations of our constitution and interference in constitutional bodies, break down in the rule of law ending up with arithmetical absurdities, one is left to wonder how does the stresses and strains of everyday life dovetail with Guyana being ‘best of all the world to me.’ In the circumstances, many are puzzled as to whether this is indeed the land where ‘all our hopes and aspirations, all our longings and only tie’ will be realized, moreover, will the much anticipated revenues from oil and gas begin to flow in the direction of the poor and dispossessed? Bizarre as it might seem, it is hardly likely, especially when we recall with shame, the bread that was taken from the mouths of thousands of sugar workers who once toiled where the ‘sweet, sweet sugar cane’ once grew, ‘to keep the country free, away
from poverty, and where ‘nothing must go wrong so that the nation could get big and strong?’ How can Guyana be ‘a land so fair and free’ when the modern day Citizen John who never once said, ‘that’s not my job and I do not care’, but now, when offered a job, view employment as an opportunity to throw back and ‘leave all the work for others to do?’ At the same time, it would seem hypocritical to cast blame on Citizen John for his behaviour, when the worst example is set from the top by today’s rulers who would preach but never practice. ‘Each man must do his bit for his land’ preferring to idle away their time dreaming about those ‘fair lands afar with their silvern lakes and placid streams’ while secretly harbouring the desire to enjoy their wealth and grandness of their scenery one day. In the circumstances, one can only surmise that it is the ‘sylvan vales and rippling brooks’ that has charmed them so much so, that they continue to hold on dearly to their dual citizenship? In the cut and thrust of Guyana’s daily politics the question therefore arises; Is Guyana still more ‘dear to us than all the world’ when thousands flock to the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission in a mad rush to seek their fortunes in another’s land? Then there are approximately one million brethren already overseas, who, when at last they come to die would prefer to be cremated rather being laid to rest in a gilded tomb within
the breast of the country of their birth where sweet flowers once bloomed but is now a cemetery resembling the rainforest. With the ‘fleeting years’ rolling by, the present Guyanese generation awaits the dawning ’of their country’s ‘glory’ in light of their Dear Land’s newly founded oil and gas resources. But ‘the long, long night’ still casts an ominous shadow over the nation which is yet to ‘arise triumphant glorious from the ashes of the past’ because ‘the spirits of ‘both bondsmen and free, who ‘laid their bones on our shore’ do not rest in peace, even though we are ‘sons of one mother’ but children of two different fathers. Instead of beating our swords into ploughshares, we lack the ‘valiant will and purpose keen’ to exonerate the many ‘who ended their lives on this ground’ the result being the creation of a nation bedeviled with divisive politics, ethnic, garrison-type peculiarities and evasive in its search for racial and national unity. How much ‘onward, upward’ must ‘we ever go’ to free ourselves from remaining entrapped ‘in fear and doubting’ preferring to carve out our respective ethnicallyoriented fates characterized by ‘distraction, prejudice and hate?’ What is the nature of this ‘service’, this ‘homage’ we are called upon to give to our ‘Dear Land of Guyana’ in order to make that service and our homage ‘more worthy our heritage - land of the free’ from whom, for whom and from what? Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Single Citizenship DEAR EDITOR, This writer, who holds single citizenship, but is old enough to have held a British passport before Guyana became independent, nevertheless continues to disagree very fundamentally with those who argue that the constitution is so constipated that it cannot be moved from the twentieth to the twentyfirst century. There are still those of us activists who enjoyed the elation of becoming independent Guyanese. It was the pride, which we held so consensually that informed our self-confidence in managing ourselves, to the extent of excluding those who resided overseas for whatever reason, of which the most demanding was qualifying professionally in the range of competencies needed back home. In the past decades, the playing-field has changed traumatically. More Guyanese live abroad than at home. The media is replete with news of the persistent performance deficits of under-prepared practitioners in almost every field of endeavour. Our development institutions are retrogressing, with gaps being compensated for by persons and organisations without local citizenship. The question of ‘dual citizenship’, and its implications, is surely not embedded in parliament alone, which in any case is not the sole mechanism for governing the country. There
are other collaborator institutions, public and private, who routinely contribute to the productivity, or otherwise, of this nation. So that it is hardly debatable that major decision-making that affects our welfare is conducted by many more dual citizens than we realise. At the other end of the spectrum, why is the voter allowed dual citizenship? The range of ineligibilities would appear to run too far and wide to justify our faith in organising the required competencies and skills to function throughout the national management structure. Our dilemma is so much less political than of managerial, educational and health developmental; not to mention other areas of gross deficiencies. So please tell me how the innocuous discussion on dual citizenship will rehabilitate the deterioration of which the very protesters complain? We have less to lose by reforming the constitution appropriately. Fifty years in, not all that young. We need all the intellectual energy available to ensure that we live on for much longer. Faithfully, E. B. John
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For many, the Local Government system has surely lost its true meaning DEAR EDITOR, The Kaieteur News of Sunday, March 31, 2019 on page 5 carried a letter under the caption ‘I question the use of subvention by the Ordnance Fortlands N.D.C.’, by one Godfrey A. Evans, a retired Overseer, a P.N.C. Councillor, and in paragraph three states, the Chairman and Vice Chairman took it upon themselves to construct a Chairman’s office within the N.D.C. Office leaving inadequate space for Councillors to sit during meetings. Paragraph four states it is very congested and does not allow for public observation of Council Meetings. Also, they have constructed a wall so that tax payers cannot see or hear what is taking place at the meetings, and if the tax payers need to meet them to discuss problems that are affecting them, they cannot do so because of the wall. No Chairman of any N.D.C. in Guyana has an office. As for paragraph three, Section 38 (1) of the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02 Power of Chairman of Local Authority between meetings thereof – the Chairman of the Local Authority of a Village or Country District may between any two meetings of the authority, exercise all the executive powers of the Local Authority. Section 38 (2) clearly
states – All acts done by the Chairman under subsection (1) shall be reported to the Local Authority at the Meeting…. and any act of the Chairman of which the Local Authority disapproves shall be null and void. As for paragraph (4), Section 29 of Chapter 28:02 District By-Laws - Meetings to be open. Every meeting of the Country Authority shall be open to the public unless the Country Authority otherwise directs. A whole lot of things occurred during the period no Local Government Elections were held. Those of us who are old enough would know these meetings were always open to the public as per the By-Laws, but if you go to many of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council Offices there is no space or accommodation provided for Tax Payers to be present at these meetings; and on questioning the staff including the Overseer in relation to this issue you will get no answer. I would use the Good Hope - Pomona N.D.C. as an example, this building is designed in a way so as not to accommodate the Tax Payers, who are desirous of being present at these very important statutory meetings, the area where the Councillors sits is airtight, with one door, which once the meeting starts, is closed. You
can’t see or hear the discussion or deliberations which is public business and in public interest, but the public is excluded. In the two decades-long period that no elections were held, there should have been at least five. For many, the Local Government system, which is the pillar on which democracy is constructed, has surely lost its true meaning, and people day by day have lost interest and many do not even know what local democracy means. This is not an overstatement, but in Region Two in the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Municipality, more than twothirds of the residents do not know who the Councillors are, or at least a quarter of their elected representatives. The same thing can be said about the Regional Democratic Council, I don’t believe threequarters of the people in Region Two know one-third of the Councillors. Let’s go back to Section 38 (1) Local Government Chapter 28:01. What is to happen or expected to happen if the Local Authority disapproves the action taken by the Chairman in a particular instance, where money has been expended, as in this particular case Mr. Evans is referring to? Archie W Cordis Former A.F.C. Councillor Region # 2
The resistance against a unity... From page 4 sacrifices of country, of flag, and of a different and probably uplifting pathway, and it is no dice, no deal, no movement. Not when the gratifications tell of money, of position, of prestige, and of wine, women, song, and of oil fables too. If anyone needs an overpowering reference, and as digression, I suggest that eyes be cast at the agonies involved in the dual citizenship matter. If there is love for country, then there is no internal debate, no painstaking decision. I would be the first to agree that much is involved, but this rises beyond the tangibles of the quantitative. It is about the indefinable qualitative. Each man and woman must define that for self. Each
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may define differently for different reasons. To be sure, there are the patronizing platitudes that speak of country and family and unity, and all the political plastic wraps that fit neatly and sweetly into convenient Ziploc bags that have a single utility in mind. It is, in the manner of Ziploc bags, to place in cold storage, where matters freeze to death. Embalmed. Forgotten. Ungrieved. Editor, I will also stipulate that national fronts, patriotic fronts and unity fronts have limited life spans; that history and precedent do not testify glowingly. I offer again what I think affords this nation opportunity and space to inhale, to ponder, and to start over. A limited term (2-3 years maxi-
mum); a rehabilitated constitution (simple, comprehensive, and authentically national); a petroleum mechanism that persuades (part of the trouble). In addition, there should be a governance apparatus that distinguishes the executive from the legislative (read in broadest terms); and every deception and mistake and national disadvantage learned along the way addressed to a wiser degree, a practical extent. This may show that we have learned something through all the pain and misery. But we must want to do so and do so for ourselves. Now, who wants to bell those cats? Who has the cojones to coalesce conversations as to what is stood for with the convictions of invested personal capital? No money. No return. No ambition. Not anything of anything, save for one thing. Just country. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Another court battle looms to rescue the hapless rice farmers of Region 5 DEAR EDITOR, The struggles of the sugar workers since May 2015 are well documented. Rice farmers have not fared much better. From the inception, President David Granger led the charge with the revocation of dozens of leases of rice farmers of Region 5, within the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) scheme, issued to them by then President Donald Ramotar in 2014. These leases were first revoked by the Chairman of the MMA/ADA. I successfully challenged these revocations in the High Court. The Court ruled that only the President could revoke these leases. President Granger picked up the challenge and purported to revoke these leases. Again, I challenged these purported revocations in the High Court. The Court upheld the challenge once more on the ground that the President violated the constitutional rights of these farmers. The Attorney General has appealed these decisions. The appeals are pending at the Court of Appeal. Additionally, the Attorney General has retained Counsel at the private bar to challenge the legality of these leases on behalf of persons who claim an ancestral inheritance to these lands. I am currently defending these challenges in the High Court. Then the rice farmers suffered the loss of the lucrative Petro-Caribe market. A suitable replacement has not yet been found by the Government. Their manifesto promise to the rice farmers of $9,000 per bag for paddy have become illusory. Further, rice farmers occupying State lands by leases were clubbed with a humongous increase in land rents and drainage and
irrigation (D&I) charges, nationwide. At Hope Estate, for example, land rents increases skyrocketed. The farmers protested. They were served with notices to vacate the rice lands, which they occupied by leases. They ignored these notices. Legal proceedings were instituted against them before the Rice Assessment Committee at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court by Hope Estate Limited. Through the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), I represented these farmers. All the legal proceedings were dismissed. In Region 5, the new charges imposed by the MMA/ADA in 2017, upon rice farmers, were as follows: land rents increased from $1,000 per acre, per year to $7,000 per acre, per year and D&I charges increased from $2,500 per acre, per year to $8,000 per acre, per year. The lands occupied by these farmers are State lands held under leases. They fall under the administration of the MMA/ ADA by virtue of the co-joint operation of the State Lands Act and the MMA/ADA Act. A few days ago, farmers who own lands within this locality by virtue of transports and certificates of title (therefore not State lands) have received notifications in writing from the MMA/ADA, which seek to impose a most punitive regime of charges as D&I charges for the year 2018, and for the first half of 2019. It must be emphasized that these new charges were levied without any prior, or adequate notice, w h a t s o e v e r, t o t h e s e farmers and it was never explained to them, the reason for these charges and the manner in which they are being computed. So, farmers who occupy lands which they own by
transport or certificates of title, have been imposed with these charges, of which they are notified in March 2019, for the first time, in respect of the year 2018, without them being ever informed at any time prior (that is, during the year 2017 or 2018) of these increases. In the correspondence below, you will observe that one farmer was informed on the 15th day of March 2019, for the first time, that he owes D&I charges for the year 2018, in the sum of $1,412,650 and for the first half of 2019, in the sum of $706,325 amounting to a grand total of $2,118,975. The farmers are requested to settle this amount within 14 days. This another nail in the coffin of rice farmers. As I have highlighted above, these lands are owned by these farmers by transports or certificates of title and therefore, they attract rates and taxes, which are payable to the relevant Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in relation to where the lands are located. These lands also attract property taxes payable to the Guyana Revenue Authority. Since MMA/ADA has authority over State lands, it is my respectful contention that they have no authority to levy these D&I charges in respect of privately-owned lands. However, assuming that they do, the imposition of these charges are unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, and are levied without any known reason, and accordingly are ultra vires, illegal and unlawful. The RPA and Regional Chairman of Region 5 have already met with these farmers. I have advised the farmers not to pay these impugned charges. Another Court battle looms. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law
Isn’t it all about “Accountability to We, the People”? DEAR EDITOR, The good governance environment in Guyana seems to be getting worse by the year. Two of the more important documents on G u y a n a ’s 2018 economic performance are still undone and unpublished. Shame on the Granger Administration! It is now almost April 15 and still both the Bank of Guyana 2018 Annual Report remains incomplete and unpublished along
with the Ministry of F i n a n c e E n d o f Ye a r Outcome Report – 2018. Mind you, on April 12, 2018, the Ministry of Finance published the End of Year Outcome Report – 2017 (source https:// finance.gov.gy/?p=4685) and the Bank of Guyana followed with publication of their 2017 Annual Report (source https://bit.ly/2GitUMj) within days. So what is the problem in 2019; lack of foreign
currency to buy ink or is the priority hustling to offer more public contracts without following the rules of integrity and proper public procurement? By way of this letter and with the kind courtesy of your pages, please permit me to invite the Minister to clarify why there is the perception that there is degradation in his reporting responsibilities to the people of Guyana. After all, isn’t it all about “accountability to We, the People”? Lisa Ally
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Govt rejects Opposition claims that the nation is not informed of President Granger’s whereabouts
T
he Ministry of the Presidency rejects the statements made by Opposition Member, Mr. Joseph Hamilton, which suggests that the nation is not kept informed about the whereabouts of President David Granger. Hamilton also said that the nation is unsure who is running the country in his absence. Mr. Hamilton, who joined the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) presidential candidate, Mr. Irfaan Ali at a press conference, Thursday afternoon, said, “Irfaan in his presentation, the earlier part of it, pointed to the despair that is upon this land at the moment. “The question the media and the Guyanese people should ask ourselves at this juncture is, ‘Where is the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana?’ Is it a fair thing that we as citizens, are unable to even
have the necessary information? “A man is leading a ship; he is the captain and we are on the vessel and we don’t know where the captain can be found.” The Ministry of the Presidency takes umbrage at Mr. Hamilton’s remarks and views them as yet another absurd attempt by the Opposition to spread fake news, to deceive the public and to foster distrust in the David Granger-led Administration, the government said. “The Ministry wishes to remind Mr. Hamilton that on every occasion that President Granger leaves the jurisdiction, the nation is informed on one or more of the Ministry’s platforms. Upon the President’s return, the nation is also informed.” Last October, President Granger was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and since then has been undergo-
ing medical treatment at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas (CIMEQ) in the Republic of Cuba. This is a known fact. The Ministry of the Presidency, on April 2, 2019, reported that President Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, departed Guyana for the Republic of Cuba, so that the President can continue his treatment. “Therefore, for Mr. Hamilton to tell the media today, ‘We don’t know whether he is here or somewhere else… is it fair to this country. We must ask ourselves that question as citizens,’ that misinformation by Mr. Hamilton demonstrates clearly the mendacious propaganda of the People’s Pro-
gressive Party and its members. The Ministry said that on every occasion prior to his return from treatment in the Republic of Cuba, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, issues a press statement, updating the nation on the President’s treatment and any engagements or activities that he undertook while in that country. All such statements are shared by the Ministry of the Presidency on one or more of its platforms. The last such statement was issued on March 23, 2019. In that statement, Ambassador Majeed reported that the President successfully completed the first phase of
his medical treatment in Cuba. The Ambassador also relayed that the Cuban medical specialists who are overseeing President Granger’s medical care for that disease have expressed their full satisfaction with the President’s response to chemotherapy and his overall physical well-being. The statement also said that, “President Granger is expected to commence radiotherapy in early April 2019”. Moreover, the Ministry of the Presidency, from the time of the President’s diagnosis last year has updated the nation of his departure and arrival to and from Cuba for treatment. Additionally, as is customary, when the Head of
State is out of the jurisdiction, the next in command is the Prime Minister. In the event that the Prime Minister (Mr. Moses Nagamootoo) is out of the jurisdiction at the same time as the President, then the Second Vice-Pres i d e n t a n d Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Greenidge would perform the functions of President while the third Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan would perform the duties of Prime Minister, the government said. “The Ministry, therefore, views Mr. Hamilton’s remarks as malevolent and strongly encourages him to be truthful when making utterances in the public domain.”
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Friday April 12, 2019
US$150M renovated airport incomplete after six years The now infamous runway at CJIA that took almost US$35M in sand.
The airport in incomplete after six years.
O
n March 23, 2013, former President under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar, joined then Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Li Min, to turn the sod for a brand new terminal building and longer runway at the Timehri airport.It was supposed to be finished in 32 month--two and half years. More than six years later, the construction is dragging on, and instead of a brand new terminal building with all
the bells and whistles, Guyana is a getting way smaller, renovated Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)‌all for the same price. That project is the currently the largest, on-land infrastructural works. Airport employees were looking in disbelief as roof sheets were being replaced over the old terminal building and the finishing touches to cosmetic repairs inside that have not reduced the hefty price tag of US$150M that Guyanese taxpayers have
been saddled with. The project was given several deadlines. It was initially given to the end of 2015. Then the drop-dead date was at the end of last year. There were no announcements that China
Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the Chinese contractor, was given a further extension for the first quarter. However, the first quarter has now come and gone. Kaieteur News has, based on complaints, even published a front page comment calling on Government to come clean on the project, and to explain among other things, how the US$150M was spent. It is not public knowledge that China Harbour was sanctioned for falling behind on the work. What is known is that the company came here, was granted significant tax and other concessions on materials and equipment and during that time, started work on the MovieTowne project at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara for private investors.
That project has been launched.CHEC then was awarded a contract to build a new complex for Pegasus Hotel, Kingston. That project has started. The CJIA is struggling along. The CJIA expansion project has been saddled with one controversy after the next.In 2011, Guyana learnt from Jamaican press that the PPP/C government, heading into general elections, had secretly signed a contract with CHEC. CHEC did not even had the money and there appeared to be little due diligence by authorities to ensure that the cost as submitted by CHEC were realistic. In fact, analysis of the Bill of Quantities found that CHEC had proposed prices that were up to 1,000 percent, and the Government then gladly signed the deal.
Television monitors were priced at over $1M. CHEC did not receive the money until late 2012, a year after the deal was signed. The company ran into problems early with the runway section of the project after dumping thousands of truckloads of sand on the northern end and then finding that it could not continue because of poor soil conditions.The Coalition Government on entering office in 2015 halted the project and without explaining, modified the designs and kept CHEC. Instead of the new terminal building to house the Departure and Arrival areas, the new airport had to make do with a smaller building to accommodate the Arrivals. The old terminal was gutted and renovated. Where the savings went, (Continued on page 9)
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Imitative societies The concept of conflict of interest is causing a great deal of confusion within our society. The source of this confusion is not that the concept is a new one. It is in fact part of the standards and principles, which were are part of the institutions left behind when the British departed after colonialism. Post-colonial societies, including the Anglophone Caribbean countries, inherited British institutions. The institutions, though flawed, had the redeeming quality of at least establishing acceptable ways and standards by which things were supposed to be done – norms. They also laid down principles, which were regarded as proper and acceptable – values. The newly independent Anglophone Caribbean societies adopted British institutions. But these adopted institutions turned out to be fragile in the hands of the new elites because the post- colonial political and bureaucratic classes did not have the know-how to manage these
institutions and they lacked an understanding of the standards and principles necessary for the proper functioning of these institutions. ‘Racialised’ politics in countries like Guyana further perverted these institutions and rendered them dysfunctional. This is why the State is so fragile in Guyana. The State and its institutions are poor imitations of their British counterparts. We have institutions without standards and systems without values. This accounts for the double standards. The PNC lost an election in 1997, knew it lost that election but refused to accept its defeat; instead, it challenged the results of those elections on the basis of the use of a voter’s identification card, the use of which it had supported in the runup to the election. The institution of free and fair elections, an element of the British Westminster system was made rife with double standards because of the one of the contesting parties sought to shift the goalpost.
The APNU+AFC lost a no confidence vote, knew it lost the vote, accepted at first that it lost and then challenged the vote on the basis that there was a problem with the calculation. This was a case of double standards and an absence of fair play. Yet we expect our national institutions to work.Right now, there is an issue over what constitutes a conflict of interest which is causing great confusion within society. The political elite do not understand the concept. So how therefore can the norm of fairness, which it is intended to institute survive? People are thinking in terms of their interests rather than the principle. If there is an existing contract or arrangement before someone assumes a Ministerial post, then that arrangement or contract if continued under the new dispensation does not constitute a conflict of interest.If, for example Glenn Lall were to become a Minister, and prior to his appointment, his newspaper benefit-
ted from state advertisements, it would not be a conflict of interest if the old arrangement continued. But Lall as a Minister would not be entitled to any new contract or arrangement with the State if he became Minister. That would be a conflict of interest. And the reason is simple. Under the old arrangement, Lall had no influence but with a new arrangement or contract, there is likely to be the appearance of influence and that appearance is what constitutes a conflict of interest. The concept of conflict of interest is alien to our way of doing things in Guyana. We are not at the stage of our intellectual or political development whereby such principles can enjoy wide and credible acceptance and enforcement. People do not understand it
because our institutions have been but shell imitations of their British counterparts. We are not ready as yet to give effect to the measures aimed at avoiding conflicts of interest. These measures do not accord with our own understanding of the way in which society should be governed. As imitative societies, we
thrive in unruliness and confusion. The more lawless things are and the greater the uncertainty, the more comfortable we are.
US$150M renovated... From page 8 the administration did not say and has been silent. In fact, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had made a shocking disclosure, throwing more shadow on a project that emerged as one of the most scandalous one in recent times of the country.He said that CHEC has dumped about a million truckloads of sand at about $7,000 apiece. Truckers say that is where Guyana has been shafted as CHEC was given sandpits located close to the runway and is not saddled with cost to fill the truck trays as would be charged by normal sandpits.For one million truckloads, CJIA’s expansion would have been saddled with a US$35M cost.
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Read about your country Michael; tell me how you feel AFC parliamentarian, Michael Carrington, is a personal friend. He was a friend ages before the AFC was born. “Carry” as I call him will be a friend long after the AFC vanishes from the landscape of Guyana. I will always be grateful to “Carry”. When I was attacked at midnight outside Parliament building, after leaving the vigil for the three victims shot by police over the electricity hike protest in Linden in 2012, it was “Carry” who saved my life through his confrontation with the hit man. Last week, “Carry” told me he has no objection when I criticize Guyana’s politicians and rulers but he is uneasy when I attack the country itself. I explained to him that a country is what it is because rulers and other people give it the shape it has. Guyana has some terrible characteristics and they remain embedded in the fabric of Guyana because leaders and other people are responsible.
Guyana is a country where you must produce an envelope with your address on it with a post office date stamp in order to post a parcel. Isn’t that an example of a backward country? If “Carry” wants to send a parcel to his sister in Trinidad and he hasn’t got an envelope to show he cannot send stuff to his sister. My daughter is studying in Europe and she asked me to post some books for her. I cannot do that. I don’t have an envelope with my name that someone posted to me. Why should I not criticize such a terrible society? Drivers from Corentyne going to the US and Canadian embassies on Young Street had to detour when they reach Young Street at the junction with Camp Road because a sign directed you away from Young Street because “the road is under repair.” The funny thing was that the sign was misleading because four years before, the
road was repaired and opened. This sign, which indicated that Guyana was wasteland, was deliberately misleading drivers not familiar with Georgetown. It was the personal intervention of this columnist with Sherod Parkinson of the relevant ministry that got the sign taken down last December. Criticizing Guyana doesn’t mean you don’t love your country. I ask “Carry” and others to keep reading what Guyana is like and they will see what a mess this country is. We read about the disaster that occurred last week at Freeburg School in Werk-enRust. I played in the yard at that school when I was a six year old boy, jumping over the fence with friends many times in the night to steal the metal washers from the posts of the fence to play “chink,” a game that has gone out of existence. The school had to be closed because the toilets on the lower flat were non-func-
tioning for years. Mosquitoes took over the building and teachers at this time of the year when exams are gone, had to mark books on the parapet. How can a school not have washrooms? And when they have washrooms, you have, as a matter of commonsense, employ cleaners during working hours to keep them clean. I never saw clean washrooms in my 26 years as a staff member at UG. I visited Wales Secondary School with Mark Benschop ten years ago, and the toilet block was overrun with bushes. That is not civilization. I don’t care if I am accused of offending President Granger but I have given him the nickname, “The Enquirer.” He implements commissions of enquiry all the time but he needs a com-
mission into judicial sentencing. This country has the most bizarre sentencing structure that has reduced it to a chasm of extreme cruelty. Judicial sentencing has exposed what a Faustian land of sadistic, Mephistophelean rituals this land of zombies has become. Judicial sentencing in this country takes one back to early primitive times when human life was swatted away like flies. In the US, you make a legal procedure, which is quite known throughout the world —plea bargain. The essential function of plea bargain on the part of an accused is to avoid getting the full penalty if found guilty. In former British colonies, we have what is known as the lesser plea. That is when you plead
Frederick Kissoon guilty to murder, you are sentenced for manslaughter. It is simply shocking and that is putting it mildly how many accused guilty of heinous, sadistic murders are given light sentences when even the lesser pleas should fetch a harsher penalty. The latest one is a man who killed a woman by lashing her in her head. He got five years. This is Guyana, Michael Carrington.
DEM BOYS SEH
Guyana got to know oil before it sign any contract
When Exxon announce dat it find oil in Guyana, de whole country jump up. Everybody seh dat dem gon get rich. At de same time, Trinidad get vex. Dem was de rich people in de region. Dem had oil and as Eric Williams tell Burnham dat long time ago, “Oil don’t spoil.” Of course, Burnham tell him dat he can’t drink oil. Now is a different story. Guyana got oil and Trinidad oil done. But dat is only part of de story. When de oil was coming, Guyana didn’t know what it had to do. When Exxon push anything at Trotty, he use to collect and go to Cabinet. Dem boys see de result. Cabinet sign without knowing wha it signing. De next thing dem boys know is dat Exxon begin to rob Guyana blind. By de time de government ketch itself, almost everything lost to de farriners. Old people got a saying dat one time don’t done it. Dem got odda oil blocks but de people who love dem country advising Soulja Bai. De first thing dem want de gov-
ernment to know is dat dem have odda oil blocks and before dem give out any, dem have to plug all dem loopholes wha de lef open when dem sign de contract wid Exxon. Imagine if Exxon spill some oil is Guyana lef in de mix. Dem oil company dat come and sign up don’t even have an insurance policy. De man who use to advise Soulja Bai now telling de government dat it need a team of experts and how right now Guyana don’t have no expert. He know Guyana got nuff people who read two book about oil and suddenly seh dem is expert. But Soulja Bai got to know dat a little knowledge is a bad thing. He got to realize dat before he sign anything else everything got to be in place. Dem boys she, he should slow down de pace before he approve any odda block. De Liza Block is a big one. All dem oil company want to jump in. Dem boys seh Soulja Bai should seh dat he tekking he time to understand everything. Talk half and don’t sign no more oil contract.
Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Guyana, TT told to look Russia mandates oil companies to at caring for migrants address education, training barriers
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rinidad (Trinidad Ex press) -Caribbean countries, especially TT and Guyana, were today warned that they need to be mindful of their country’s economic challenges where there is a mass migration from Venezuela. Addressing a two-day meeting hosted by PANCAP (Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS), Derick Springer, Director for PANCAP said the meeting is aimed to provide guidance.The meeting is to (Continued on page 27 )
By Kiana Wilburg eficiencies in a country’s educa tion and training systems can be major barriers to the participation of locals in the oil and gas sector. But petroleum companies can be called on to play an instrumental role in addressing these issues. This was noted by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). Headquartered in London, IPIECA develops, shares and promotes good practice and knowledge with oil producing nations. The Association said that by investing in local education and training institutions, oil majors are actually able to reduce the requirement to provide basic training internally. IPIECA said that this approach also has the added advantages of supporting wider skills development in the local economy and promoting the company’s longterm reputation as a good corporate citizen. It stressed that company investments in these areas can even enhance rather than replace statutory funding. To further cement its argument, IPIECA showed how Russia was able to benefit substantially from mandating that companies invest in the development of its training and educational institutions. It pointed out that Norwegian multinational energy
Human Rights Activist, Yesenia Gonzales at the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS seminar on migrant health and rights at Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. PHOTO BY ROGER JACOB
- Guyana, others should look and learn-Industry Analyst company, Statoil, now called Equinor ASA, invested substantially in building the capacity of educational institutions in North West Russia. IPIECA said, “Statoil has invested significant resources in developing the capacity of local education institutions in North West Russia—a region
graduated. Statoil also helped to initiate a technology transfer programme between the Arkhangelsk State Technical University (ASTU) in Russia and the University of Stavanger in Norway.” As a result, in 2007, the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Con-
of growing importance for the company. At Pomor State University, Statoil has contributed financially and in the form of technical assistance to the development of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree focusing on petroleum management.” The Association continued, “Developed in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), this programme also receives funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Emphasis is on building the skills and capacity of Pomor University itself. The first two groups of BBA students have recently
servation Association said that ASTU expanded its curriculum to include technical courses in advanced drilling technology, offshore technology, and seabed and underwater technology. Using this as its premise, IPIECA concluded that oil companies can be called upon to take a leading role in making m e a n i n g f u l contributions to a c o u n t r y ’s e d u c a t i o n a l institutions, which would result in the participation of more locals in the oil and gas sector. It said that emerging oil producers like Guyana can learn from Russia and certainly demand same of operators here.
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
“I now understand the needs of Guyana” – PPP Presidential Candidate
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uring his first press conference since he was announced as the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has indicated that he is ready to represent the country, and that he will be President “very soon”. Yesterday, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, after months of shying away from the press, Ali said that he has got the chance to learn from the people and to appreciate their suffering. Reading from an essay, he wrote about his travels across the country, the Presidential candidate said, “We’re in the process of finalizing our manifesto. Our approach to this has been broadened to include the views of many stakeholders and, also, of people in the villages, in the communities, and on the ground.” He said that he has, so far, visited almost every region and will complete his expedition soon to the others. Visiting the communities, he said, has allowed him “to listen and understand the specific issues facing different regions and communities.”He waxed that the government has made
many promises that it has not kept, and that it has implemented regressive policies. Through his recent expeditions, he said that the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s implementations have been “creating hardship at every level whether it’s at the agricultural level, in the healthcare system and whether it’s in various industries in the different regions, and this is affecting the livelihood and living conditions of the country”.Ali said that the suffering of the people he has interacted with, speaks to “how life is worst off over the last four years.” The issues he claims to have noticed are evident in sectors like health, security, education, and in the quality of services provided to hinterland and river rain communities. He said that these issues are consistent throughout the various communities, arguing that Guyana has worsened according to various international indicators of corruption and transparency. “The economy has lost approximately 37,000 jobs, which is a major issue for communities all across the country, particularly - I find out - in relation to the
availability of jobs, the availability of money, and disposable income and this has a direct relation to the increases in taxes, license fees, and increased cost of living which occurred over the last four years,” he said. Ali iterated that many citizens have complained that Government officials are not reaching out to them, so they’re not aware of the issues being faced. He has expressed worry that there is no concern for those communities. However, over the past few months, he has noticed a surge in willpower by the government to reach out to people, which he opines is political posturing. He said that the government has doled out “broken, false promises”. To his knowledge, the healthcare system is collapsing and the cost of living is on the increase. “These are all issues that various communities and our Guyanese brothers and sisters would have been raising consistently, as I’ve embarked on these outreaches so far. There is a general feeling of hopelessness, dissatisfaction and worry.
The Presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Irfaan Ali, has made it clear that he will make no further efforts to clarify issues about the authenticity of his qualifications. In his first press conference since his expedition across the country, the PPP Presidential candidate vouched that he is honest and very comfortable with the information in the public domain about his qualification. Ali said he has no qualms with the lack of clarity on the issue. “I can’t speak for the clarity [the media] has,” he said, “I don’t know how much more clarity the media can get.” His comments come in light of questions surroundings the authenticity of his academic certification. Earlier this year, Ali’s qualifications were exposed as questionable. The Presidential hopeful has been unable to name the University where he did his first degree qualifying him for a spot at an Indian University at which he pursued his Master’s Degree. Ali has been avoiding questions about his qualifications. He had promised to provide transcripts from the universities, which he attended. However, instead of ad-
dressing the issue frontally, Ali chose to burden media operatives with an hour-long essay about his countrywide tour in preparation for the General and Regional Elections. But as soon as they were given the opportunity, the media corps swarmed Ali with questions about those qualifications, and he refused to provide answers to just about every question posed to him. “I’m very comfortable with who I am. My focus, now, is to take the PPP/C on to victory, to create a better Guyana for all Guyanese, to create better opportunities for Guyana. That is my focus, my energy, and my life is concentrated on it,” he said. Ali was asked about a qualification he supposedly received from a suspiciously obscure West Coast Demerara, institution, the Chamber Business School. He had used that paper to apply for matriculation to his Master’s Degree at the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in India. Refusing to provide details on that first degree, Ali stuck to the line that has already published his certificates and will say nothing further. The certificates in question, Ali claimed, were published on his Facebook page.
This was the rhyme the Presidential candidate sang throughout the press conference, as members of the media, unsatisfied with the lack of clarity provided, piled on questions about different aspects about his credentials. He said that the differing questions posed to him by the press indicate that, “the goalpost keeps changing” that when he answers to one issue about this qualifications, another arises. Ali said, “I believe that I have the experience. I believe that I have the competence. I believe that I have managed large-scale projects. I have experience in policymaking. I have played an integral part in economic transformation, and building a number of the economic policies. “I have shadowed the economic sector in Parliament. I have chaired the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). I have worked in the housing sector. I have worked in project planning and development. I created a Development Project Implementation Unit. I possess a wide array of experience in terms of my qualifications.” He has indicated that he is in the process of completing a Doctorate and a Master’s in Law in International Commercial Law, and (Continued on page 31)
All my certificates are out there, and I will say nothing further – Irfaan Ali
People are worried about the future. People are dissatisfied with the performance of the government and they are worried about the future, and their future prospects in Guyana.” Due to these issues, Ali said that he is well attuned to the needs of the people, and that he is ready to take on the role as President. As for the Opposition Leader, Ali said that Bharrat Jagdeo is currently in Washington DC, meeting with various officials. Jagdeo is expected to meet Guyanese in Queens, New York, this evening for a town hall meeting.
PPP Presidental Candidate, Irfaan Ali
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Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
GRDB urges farmers’ collaboration to battle paddy bug Farmers have been assisted with monitoring their fields for paddy bugs for a number of years. Guyana Rice Development Board’s Extension Officers monitor farmers’ fields daily from the time of “heading” to 10 days before harvesting, and based on the levels of paddy bugs, advise farmers on whether to spray their fields or not. Following the re-emergence of higher levels of paddy bugs, a dedicated Paddy Bug Management Officer (PBMO) was employed and placed in each rice growing region, according to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The PBMOs work along with the Extension Officers to enhance the management of paddy bugs. “Paddy bugs invade continuously. Farmers’ fields can be re-invaded by paddy bugs immediately after spraying. Area wide management with aerial spraying will get rid of an existing paddy bug population, but it will not prevent reinvasions from occurring. Aerial spraying of pesticides
require environmental authorization from the Environmental Protection Agency,” according to GRDB yesterday. The statement materialised after it came out that the first rice crop in Berbice and now Essequibo have been ravaged by the dreaded paddy bug. The damage to the crop is expected to be around 15 percent, millers and farmers estimate. It will devastate smaller farmers. According to GRDB, area wide management with an insecticide is most effective when the age range of the crop in a given block is within ten days. “Effective area wide management is also achieved when farmers come together and spray at the same time. If the age range is extended beyond 10 days, some farmers’ fields may need spraying whilst others may not. This can cause bugs to nest in unsprayed areas, multiply and migrate to fields that were once sprayed.” According to GRDB, paddy bugs survive on other grasses whilst waiting for the
File photo: Region 2 farmers who were affected last year. rice plant to produce panicles. “At this stage, it is imperative that proper sanitation be maintained in the cultivated areas. Farmers must remove all alternate hosts, such as red rice, schoonard grass (monkey tail), birdseed grass, vol-
unteers (drop seed), etc. Additionally, uncultivated fields, dams, and meres must also be free of these alternate hosts. There has been no evidence of paddy bugs in trenches. Once the uncultivated fields, dams, and
meres are without a food source for the bugs, management of the bugs will be confined to the cultivated fields only. This means that all stakeholders need to be involved in the management of paddy bugs.”
GRDB assured that all chemicals recommended by the board have been tested and proven effective. “If chemicals are not applied with the recommended techniques, then effective (Continued on page 16)
Friday April 12, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Guyana missed golden opportunities to have National Oil Company with interest in offshore blocks - Ramson Jr. By Kiana Wilburg The Coalition Administration has been toying with the idea of establishing a National Oil Company (NOC) for more than two years now. But to date, there has been no material movement on this front. In fact, Oil and Gas Consultant, Charles Ramson Jr. told Kaieteur News last night that such an entity, which can have interests in the offshore oil blocks, should have been in place a long time ago. But the government al-
lowed several opportunities to slip through its hands where this is concerned. The Oil and Gas Consultant said, “When it comes to having a National Oil Company, there are different models. You have the fully integrated model, which does exploration, production and everything else... “Then there is the other model, which sees it operating as a company that has an interest in every block.” The lawyer continued, “The government has not dis-
cussed the various models they are looking at so I don’t know what they are going to do but as it stands, there has been no attempt to capture any interest on any of the blocks. “And the government missed several golden opportunities to do so. They had an opportunity just before they were awarding the contract for the Orinduik Block to Eco Atlantic and Tullow in 2016.” Ramson added, “Opportunities also came when they signed approvals for other
companies to farm into the offshore oil blocks, when they signed licences and even when they were renegotiating the contract with Exxon Mobil for the Stabroek Block...” The Oil and Gas Consultant said that while the government could still move ahead with having a NOC, the real benefits is in having an interest in the blocks, and that time he said, has passed. Ramson said that a country having the opportunity to be a partner in the offshore blocks with international oil companies allows for a pres-
ence at the table when major decisions have to be made. The lawyer posited that having a seat at the table also allows for the country’s institutional capacity to be developed. In 2017, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, assured that by 2018, a NOC would have been established. To date, the Government has not informed the nation about the progress it has made on this front, specifically as it relates to the model that would be employed.
Oil and Gas Consultant, Charles Ramson Jr.
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World Bank loan inked to build oil and gas capacity Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, yesterday participated in a signing ceremony with Tahseen Khan, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. The occasion was the signing of a loan agreement, which will build human resource capacity, and strengthen institutional frameworks in the Oil and Gas
Sector. Minister Jordan noted the timely nature of the loan agreement. He said that it seeks to provide much needed technical assistance to the emerging Oil and Gas Sector. Khan said that the loan agreement will aid in building the capacity of key institutions, such as the Department
of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Finance, for prudent management of the oil revenues. The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Gobind Ganga, Governor, Bank of Guyana, Dr. Riyad Insanally, Guyana’s Ambassador to USA and Mr. Jason Fields from the Embassy of Guyana.
GRDB urges farmers’ collaboration... (From page 16) control would not be achieved.” “Research has been on going to develop effective and sustainable management strategies for paddy bugs. Among the activities are investigations into the bug’s reproduction and survival strategies, its biology and economic impact.” GRDB advised that a sound monitoring and surveillance system has been one of the main focal points for efficient and effective management of paddy bugs. “Other aspects to developing effective mechanisms to control this bug will be to utilise natural resources like botanicals and biological con-
Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
trol agents. Ultimately, there should be reduced dependence on the use of chemical insecticides, coinciding with a sound integrated pest management (IPM) programme.” GRDB also advised that farmers should sow during the recommended period of each growing season. “One of the benefits of this is better management of paddy bugs.” In Region Six, over 15,000 acres were sown outside of the recommended period despite farmers being advised by GRDB of the recommended period to sow. “GRDB continues to inform farmers on the management of paddy bugs. For the first crop of 2019, GRDB’s Extension Depart-
ment conducted 765 paddy bug management demonstrations, where approximately 1,042 farmers attended. “In Region Six, the Extension Department conducted 30 paddy bug management demonstrations throughout the region, however only 75 farmers attended these activities. “The Board continues to advise farmers on paddy bug management through social media, television infomercials, distributing of flyers to farmers and adverts in local newspapers. The GRDB is fully aware of the damaging and costly effect of paddy bug to the industry and will continue to give its priority to dealing with the pest.”
Relatives refute reports of West Berbice man falling off truck and dying Relatives of the now dead John Mohamed are disputing an article carried in this publication on Wednesday. The article reported that the man met his demise by falling from his brother’s truck. Relatives are further refuting reports that the incident occurred while the driver was returning from Rosignol, West Coast Berbice after transporting a load of sand to Cotton Tree Village. Some are also very angry at the claims that the deceased was sitting next to a half opened door of the Canter, which contributed to him falling from the vehicle. The brother of the deceased, Alex Ramoutar, told this publication that he had left his brother in a sober state at the side his home at Lot 25, Rosignol village around 10:30 hrs on Wednesday. He said the brother was at that time filling up sandbags for a neighbour. The bags were destined for Cotton Tree Village. He further stated that the driver of the canter was apparently driving at a fast pace. He had also failed to secure the Canter door, which can only be locked from outside. He noted that his brother was inside the Canter, which has no support rails of any sort for a passenger to hold onto for safety if they were travelling in the back of the vehicle. Ramoutar said that the incident happened just 27 rods from his home, as the driver
The Canter from which Mohamed allegedly fell to his death attempted to make a right turn. He said that his brother was flung from the vehicle and landed on his head sustaining a fractured skull as a result. He added that the driver and residents ‘bundled his brother like an animal in the truck and had placed on the sandbags, jerking and bumping their way to the Fort Wellington Hospital, as he bled unchecked in the vehicle. Mohamed was soon after transferred to the New
Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Reports had suggested that the Canter with registration number GKK 2071 is owned by Chetram Ramoutar (a brother of the deceased). Relatives are now contending that the vehicle was not the property of any relative. Instead, it belonged to a neighbour. The driver is said to be in police custody assisting with investigations.
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Bloomfield woman, 63, pushed off shed during home invasion
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till suffering from pains to her back and other parts of her body, 63-year-old Koomarie Bhagwandin of Lot 6 Second Street, B l o o m f i e l d Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, Berbice is the latest victim of an armed robbery. According to the elderly woman via telephone, she was pushed from the shed of her home to the ground and
then dragged by a masked gunman while three others ransacked the building for cash and jewellery. The pensioner, who lives with her bedridden husband, said that it was just around 1:30 am yesterday when she was awakened by the dogs barking followed by a noise coming from the bottom flat of her two-storeyed wooden house. The racket resulted in her
Friday April 12, 2019
The home which was attacked by bandits.
Suffering injuries: Koomarie Bhagwandin
peeking through her louvre window when she noticed a strange person standing on her bridge. She stated that she locked her window and went back to her room but
the noise increased and she began to scream to alert her daughter who lives in the lot near her. "Me call out for me (continued on page 31)
Mayor to seek out, demolish dilapidated buildings in city - structures are eyesores, harbour criminal elements
A dilapidated building in Queenstown, Georgetown endangered other structures when it became engulfed in flames recently
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ayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, remains firm in his drive to seek and demolish all dilapidated buildings in and around the city. He noted that the Mayor and City Council will soon engage in an intensified effort to locate and demolish all dilapidated buildings in Georgetown. He said that the Engineering Department will spearhead the campaign. It will work Mayor and City Council Inspectors designated for that purpose. According to the Narine, inspectors will be designated to earmark strategic
locations, and upon locating dilapidated buildings, these will be demolished, of course within the confines of laws that govern same. He said that while such buildings are becoming more than an eyesore around the city, such abandoned structures have become a safe haven for drug addicts, and criminal elements that use them as stakeout locations, and even as locations to store booty. He noted that such structures in many cases, especially if in a ruinous state, can pose a dangers to occupants and members of the public. Not so long ago, the Mayor and City Council had (continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
PAGE 19
Policemen in disguise nab touts on bus parks - arrests escalate daily parks, touts who were caught by surprise jumped into parked buses pretending to be passengers, but plainclothes ranks observing them soon dragged them out and bundled them into waiting police patrol cars. The bus parks were abuzz yesterday with activity and police were seen reprimanding bus drivers and conductors, and even the short drop car operators. They came in for much scolding and for failing to fill their vehicles when their
Police ranks get ready to tow away a car illegally parked in a space reserved for minibuses on the Timehri bus park
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outs who still plagued the minibus parks in the city got the shock of their lives, yesterday, when police ranks in civilian clothing brought an abrupt halt to their continuously raucous operations. This time around, the police have kept a grip of their campaign and have managed to deliver the sustained approach they had promised when this newspaper featured an article on the harassment commuters endured at the hands of the touts just recently. Yesterday, the touts had no time to breathe or to escape when plainclothes policemen joined forces with uniformed ranks in a move that saw another 17 touts being arrested, upping the n u m b e r t o 11 7 f r o m Wednesday last. Touts on the Timehri, East Coast, South Ruimveldt
and Plaisance bus parks having no clue that plainclothes ranks were in their midst, were having quite a spree the minute uniformed ranks moved to other sections of the city. It was a sight to see eyes popping open in surprise and jaws dropping when the plainclothes ranks pounced on them as they attempted to tug and harass passengers. Some touts tried to put up a fight, but were soon overpowered when the uniformed ranks stepped in to render assistance. Police Sergeant W. Wickham who headed the exercise yesterday, vowed that he was going to do all in his power to rid the park of the menace, to ensure commuters enjoy pleasant experiences on the bus parks, and be able to travel in practically any vehicle of their choice, minus harassment. On the Timehri bus
Touts being bundled into waiting police patrol cars yesterday by uniformed and plainclothes ranks.
turns actually arrived. Taxi and hire car drivers were left fuming at some locations when police with great intolerance used tow trucks to remove vehicles that were parked illegally. There were mixed emotions on the bus parks with commuters applauding the police actions, while associates of the touts were fuming under their breaths. Yesterday, buses and cars were parked quite nicely at every location and the absence of the touts certainly
promoted a refreshing atmosphere to the city. Murmurs of approval were heard all around, while police ranks were given the thumbs-up sign by passersby. The new move by the police comes just on the heels of articles carried by this publication, as citizens called for a sustained approach towards campaigns against touts on the bus parks. There have been many campaigns to rid the parks of touts, but none has been sustained. Police Traffic Chief, Superintendent
Linden Isles, in a recent interview had promised a sustained approach, which he hopes will rid the parks of touts for good. From all accounts, it appears as though this has finally begun. Touts and unlicensed conductors are an issue commuters have had to endure for ages. Noted also was that there was a significant decrease of 'double parking,' which had created chaos around the city. Just recently, bus drivers have been receiving lectures on conduct and attire as well by police officers.
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Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
PAGE 21
Two new health centres commissioned in Berbice
Ministers of Public Health Hon. Volda Lawrence and Dr. Karen Cummings cut the ribbon to officially open the Plegt Anker Health Centre
I
n keeping with President David Granger's vision to have health care facilities in every district, two new health centres were commissioned in East Berbice, Corentyne. The centres were commissioned at Plegt Anker, East Bank Berbice and at No. 76 Village Corentyne. The Plegt Anker facility was constructed at a cost of $14M. It will serve a catchment area of approximately 800 persons resident in Plegt Anker, Highbury, Mara, Schepmoed and Lighttown. The No.76 facility was constructed and fully furnished at a cost of $16M and will benefit mainly the approximately 3,000 residents in the new housing area. The health centres have all the necessary departments needed for primary health care. The commissioning of the health centres was highly anticipated by residents. One resident said that the establishment of the health centres was timely. He said that he resides in a remote community on the East Bank
of Berbice and has already been accessing the services. He said that he never expected a thing like this would happen in his area. The health centres will reduce the number of persons travelling long distances to receive medical a t t e n t i o n . T h i s commissioning of the facilities fulfills part of the Ministry of Public Health's 2020 health vision, which mandates that healthcare in Guyana is universal and is accessible to all persons. Services at the health centres will be focused mainly on maternal and child health and preventative health care. Clinics for chronic disease patients will be facilitated. The centres are expected to be staffed with a doctor, a community health worker, a nursing assistant and an attendant among others. The residents were urged to ensure that the centres are properly maintained and sustained. “Health Services can only be effective if we have all stakeholders on board as we forge a network of integrated health services delivery.�
Mayor to seek out, demolish... From page 18 announced that it was going to tear down 52 derelict buildings but occupants of some of the structures had lamented that they were unaware of such plans. City Hall, in a recent newspaper had said that at a statutory meeting, a resolution was passed to demolish the buildings, which are in a ruinous state and pose a danger to occupants and members of the public. Just recently a fire had broken out in a dilapidated building in Queenstown Georgetown giving members of the Guyana Fire Service quite a task to extinguish the flames, which had quickly
engulfed the structure (because of its very ruinous state), and put buildings close by at risk of being ravaged by the searing flames. In this case, reports had indicated that the building was occupied by drug addicts one of whom had left a pot bubbling on one of the makeshift fireplaces they erected inside the structure for cooking purposes. In no time, flames had licked along the walls soon consuming the entire structure. Firemen managed to quell the flames before it targeted other buildings, but sections of the fairly large structure came crashing down, forcing fire fighters to run for safety.
Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry, Karen Cummings and team being greeted on arrival in the East Bank Berbice district.
BEENIEMAN RAVI B O
Friday April 12, 2019
RAVI B
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
for Unity Fest at GIFTLAND parking lot on Easter Monday
n Easter Monday, April 22nd, NURSE to BURST fast food restaurant and Giftland will be hosting an Easter Unity Fest at the Giftland parking lot. Easter Unity Fest stars Jamaica King of the dancehall, the hitmaker, the movie star king, Beenieman, with all his big music and vibes. Also billed to perform are Trinidad Chutney hit-maker Ravi B, Shakti Strings, Slingerz Family, DJ Magnum, and more. Tickets $2.500 VIP $10.000 on sale at the Giftland Mall, the Strip, NURSE to BURST, Light Street, Rosignol Butchery, White Castle Fish Shop and Vicky's fish shop. Buy three NURSE to BURST $800 meal and get one FREE ticket, at our Light Street location, while stocks last. Brought to you also by Corona Beer, CR tell us CALL centre, Church's Chicken and Toucan Industries.
Shenseea to headline UG FETE on May 21 DJ SHIZZLE'S ULTIMATE BDAY CELEBRATION SET FOR APRIL 13 AT PC
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ottles' popping, vibes flowing, ladies whining and fellaz balling! That's the kind of action you can expect at DJ Shizzle's ultimate birthday party which is set to take place at Palm Court on April 13. Music will be provided by the Boom Fm Djs : Dj Energy, Dj Akelo, Gully Ras, Diamond, Seen Up, Selector Carl, Selector Big Papa, Dj King Keev and Selector Biggs. Early Birds Tickets are available at HJ 94.1 Boom Fm, That Look Boutique & Palm Court for $2000. There will also be appreciation tokens available all night compliments of Wave Pale Ale, That Look Boutique, Chennel's Hair Salon, Elite Fragrances, Stag A Man's Beer, Chand's Printing Services, Pulse Lighting, Monster Energy Drink, HJTV & 94.1 Boom Fm & Guyana Carnival. See you there.
Guyana Carnival organizers are proud to present “UG Fete” featuring the #1Trending Gyal‟ Shensea” alongside the nation's very own, Timeka Marshall on May 21st. For UG Fete, Guyana Carnival collaborates with PACE ( Philanthrophy, Alumni and Civic Engagement) and The Student's Society in order to raise funds which strive to foster the rounded development of the University of Guyana's students. This will happen through the provision of services; programmes and the facilities to complement the academic environment that is holistically conducive to learning. General tickets cost $3000 and the stage front tickets cost $10000.
UG Students will be able to receive a special rate of $2500 for a general ticket and a stage front ticket at $8000. Tickets will be on sale at the University of Guyana's Campus and the Guyana Carnival box office located at 206 Lance Gibbs Street Queenstown. The princess of dancehall will be at the Turkeyen Campus on May 20th performing where students will also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Guyana Carnival 2019 is slated for May 17th– 27th with combinations of cooler fetes, mega concerts, day tours, jouverts and a grand Independence Day road parade. Make sure you get there!
Annual Hat Show and Garden Party for April 20
T
he most elegant and anticipated Hat Show of the year is slated for April 20. For over twenty years the Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown has been hosting the event which attracts hundreds of visitors at the Promenade Gardens. The hat competition for children and adults is often the main attraction. It is held in three categories: Elegant, Topical and Original. Registration for the competition is done on the day itself. Contestants are required to register from 2.30p.m as registration closes at 3.30p.m. Though participation by the male populace is still small, the Inner Wheel Club wishes to extend a warm invitation for the males to participate this year. At the event,
there will be refreshing teas served at the Tea Stall along with inviting Book, Games and Sweet and Savoury Stalls. Music will be provided by the Police Force Band. Entrance tickets are $200, children under 8 yrs free. Tea is also available at a contribution of $1,500 which includes the entrance fee. The Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown founded on March 16, 1985, recently celebrated 29 years of service. It is a charitable organization that raises funds in order to make an impact in the lives of the less fortunate through scholarships for young adults seeking training in the fields of education and medicine; by participating in community development activities that benefit children and the elderly; as well as by spreading cheer on festive occasions.
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
PAGE 23
Bartica Easter Regatta Committee 2019 RELEASED
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he Organizing Committee for the Annual Bartica Easter Regatta has released the calendar of events for the 2019 edition of what is anticipated to be the biggest and best celebrations in the history of the event. The new Organising Committee which is headed by Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, endeavours to ensure that this year's event supersedes all in every regard. Plans have already begun to enlist contestants for one of the marquee events, the Bartica Regatta Pageant. The sports programme which will commence in early April includes basketball, dominos, cricket, volleyball, football, Gymkhana and dirt bike racing. The lucky winner of the Miss Bartica Pageant will receive GYD$500 000 and a scholarship at the University of Guyana, whilst her runner-up will be awarded GYD$300 000 and a scholarship as well. One hundred and fifty thousand dollars and scholarship will be given to the third place winner, while Miss Intelligence will receive a University of Guyana Scholarship this year around.
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he Gospel Heralds Choir is proud to present Songs in the Night 2019 tomorrow night. The event seeks to celebrate 60 years of Ministry and promises melodious tunes, inspiring dances and unforgettable drama at the National Cultural Centre at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at the Cultural Centre Box Office and the Bethel Gospel Hall Christian Brethen Church for only $1000. See you there.
Following is the full schedule: Date Sunday April 7 Saturday April 13
Event Top model Segment Carnival & Sashing Ceremony
Sunday April 14 Sunday April 14 Wednesday April 17 Thursday April 18 Friday April 19
Gymkhana Exhibition Comedy Show Intelligence Segment & Platform Presentation Football Finals Gospel Fest
Saturday April 20 Saturday April 20 Saturday April 20 Sunday April 21 Sunday April 21 Monday April 22 Monday April 22
Regatta Dirt Bike Racing Pageant Night Ragatta Road Jam River Swim Regatta Racing & Beach Party Regatta Racing & Beach Party Regatta Washdown
Venue 3rd Avenue Boardwalk Green Park, West Indian Housing Scheme Bartica Community Centre Gr. Bartica Community Centr e Gr. TTS Ch 5
Time 13:00 – 20:00hrs 16:00hrs
Bartica Community Centre Gr. Green Park West Indian Housing Scheme Mongrippa Hill Ground Bartica Community Centre Gr. Madison Square (First Ave nue) Golden Beach, Third Avenue Golden Beach Circ uit Golden Beach Circuit Bartica Community Centre Gr.
20:00hrs 18:00hrs
ALKALINE, Alkaline
Farmer Nappy booked for Easter Saturday Stadium concert
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istributors of the Xtra Beer Brand will be hosting the ultimate “Yardy Fete” experience on Easter Saturday. And the artistes booked for this event are Jamaican Prince of Dancehall, Alkaline and Soca Sensation, Farmer Nappy whose single, “Hookin Meh” has been taking Guyana by storm. The event is slated to be held at the National Stadium with early birds ticket set at $2500. The tickets will cost $3000 from April 14. Stay tuned for more details.
14:00 – 17:00hrs 20:00 – 23:30hrs 19:00hrs
10:00hrs 19:00 – 23:00hrs 22:00hrs 06:00hrs 09:00hrs 09:00hrs 19:00hrs
Farmer Nappy
Gospel Heralds Choir to host Songs in the Night 2019 at NCC tomorrow
Contestants of the Miss Bartica Regatta 2019 Pageant. From left to right are Tonesha De Weaver, Shania Khan, Adeola Sutherland, Joyann Wong, Sabrina Persaud, Tonia Harris, Sonia Linelore, Amel Griffith, and Jerusha Farrel
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
REGGAE SUPER STAR
Friday April 12, 2019
Spice, Konshens, booked for Magnum
Ding Dong BUJU BANTON to perform in Guyana on
May 25
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eggae Super star Buju Banton is confirmed to perform in Guyana on May 25, 2019 as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival Celebrations. Over the past couple days, much excitement has been generated after a few popular social media sites leaked information that Buju Banton is expected to perform in Guyana in May. Well, now it is coming directly from the horse's mouth, he is coming. After seeing how excited Guyanese were to see Buju, High Frequency Entertainment in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee decided that it is a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the 'Long Walk to Freedom' tour. Buju Banton, who's 'Long Road to Freedom' tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as,
Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country of Jamaica; finally, Guyana is on that list. Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite countries to perform in the Caribbean, has not performedhere for over 12 years, however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highly anticipated concert. The reggae superstar is known for hits such as, 'untold stories', wanna be loved', 'champion', 'deportees', 'not an easy road' and much more. Tickets for this event will go on sale online and at ticket locations locally in the coming days. Stay tuned to social media sites @guyanacarnival and our website www.guyanacarnival592.com for more details.
THE
Entertainment POLICE
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LIAT SIGNS ON AS GUYANA CARNIVAL'S OFFICIAL AIRLINE
Liat Airline, has signed on as Guyana Carnival's official regional airline for the second year in a row. Liat operates high frequency inter-island scheduled services serving 15 destinations in the Caribbean. The carrier has partnered with the managing committee where there will be costume promotions along with a 20% discount for persons traveling during the Carnival season slated for May 17th- 27th. Persons booking with Liat will be able to use a promo code which will be launched
m o m e n t a r i l y. F o r reservations email use: reservationsliat.com or contact 222-4132 for more information. Liat Airline will also be hosting their signature event “Liat Touchdown� which will be held on May 19th. Guyana Carnival 2019 will be a combination of boat rides, breakfast parties, cooler fetes, jouverts, day tours and a grand Independence Day Parade set for May 26th. Some of the most famous and requested Soca and Dancehall artistes both internationally and locally will be performing such as Buju Banton, Machel Montano, Shenseea, Kes, Destra, Patrice, Farmer Nappy, Nailah Blackman, Voice, Timeka Marshall, Big Red, Brandon Harding, Adrian Dutchin, Jumo Primo and many more to be added.
agnum Tonic Wine in collaboration with Hits and Jams Entertainment presents Magnum Explosion 2019. In fact, three of Jamaica's most beloved superstars, Spice, Konshens and Ding Dong, are booked to perform at the Magnum Tonic Wine Explosion Stage Show come April 21, 2019 at the National Park. Gates are set to open at 9 am but the show gets underway at 9PM after families would have had their full of the Easter Kite Flying activities. Locals and other regional stars would be added to the show as it nears the April 21 deadline. Early bird tickets cost $2000 and VIP tickets cost $10,000. Purchase them at the HJ box office on 206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown and stay tuned to HJ94.1BOOMFM for daily updates. Stay tuned for more details.
Tonic Wine Explosion Stage Show
Ding Dong
Kosmos
The latest Entertainment hotspot that caters for all
K
osmos is the new exciting destination for patrons of all walks of life looking for the ultimate experience. Whether you're craving a chef inspired meal, an afternoon hang spot or a great night out, Kosmos has you covered! There are daily happy hour specials, live band, nightly shows and theme parties combined with ultra modern environment and international line of beverages makes us the only place you will ever want to be. You will always want more at Kosmos. (See schedule for upcoming events at right)
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
'King of Di Crowd' Auditions set for April 27' at Sports Hall
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ntry forms are now available for pick up and drop off for the highly anticipated “King of Di Crowd” auditions which are slated for April 27 at the National Sports Hall Tarmac. Entry forms can be found at Ansa McAL, Ingrid's Bar, Sweet Point, White Castle
Fishshop, Rumours Bar, Frenzy Bar, West Vybz Sports Bar, Park Square and Jaigobin and Sons. A total of $1M in cash and prizes are up for grabs and one year bragging rights by the winner. Be sure to secure your spots guys!
Mary's Sunset Resort presents the ultimate Old School Party tomorrow
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ary's Sunset Resort is proud to present the ultimate Old School Party this Saturday. It is going to be nothing but bare vibes and the best hits being played by the most talented DJs from Georgetown. Admission is free and the fun gets underway at 8PM. See you there.
Lake Mainstay to host CAR & BIKE Show, After Party on Easter Saturday
L
ake Mainstay Resort will be hosting its 10th Annual Car & Bike Show and After Party on Easter Saturday, 20th April, 2019 at the Resort's Beach in Mainstay/Whyaka Village on the Essequibo Coast. The gates will be opened from 15:00 hrs. (3 pm) and the show commences at 18:00 hrs. (6:00 pm). For those persons interested in partaking in the show you can download the application form from the resort's Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/lakemainstay. The registration deadline is April 18th, 2019. Over $1M in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs. Admission: Adults - $1,000.00 and Children - $500.00 (under 10 years old). See you there.
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Mother and Daughter Pageant organizers begin search for contestants T
he search has started for contestants for this year's Mother and Daughter Pageant. The event will be held on the eve of Mother's Day in May. Pageant Producer Dr. Sulan Fung told the Entertainment Police that this year's event will focus on the “Supa Power of Love.” She explained that once again, contestants are being sought for the three categories of the show, which are Junior, Middle and Senior. Over the years, the pageant has stood out as a way of bringing mothers and daughters closer together. Several past contestants have credited the pageant with the closer bonds that they now enjoy with each other. As part of the pageant preparations, the contestants will be involved in training and various activities. Committee Member, Mrs. Ingrid Fung, who started the pageant, said the event is dear to her and her daughter and she knows and understands the role it has been playing to strengthen family ties in an enjoyable and relaxing way. If you are interested in being part of this
year's pageant, contact Mrs. Fung on telephone numbers 226-2825 or 626-0460.
MAJESTY INT'L ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURING TO MISS WORLD GUYANA NATIONAL COMPETITION
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ajesty International, the official license holders of the Miss World franchise recently announced the postponement of the 2019 Miss World Guyana competition which was scheduled for May 26th, 2019 at National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, Guyana. The organization is now accelerating a global restructuring program to build on the progress the Miss World brand has made in executing social programs to best serve the Guyanese community on a long-term basis. The restructuring will also give the organization opportunities to foster personal and professional growth among young people and create marketing opportunities to bring differentiated value and innovation to related industries. At the organization's brainstorming session held recently, License Holder, Natasha Martindale said, “We will make Guyana's Miss World license a franchise for the people and one that focuses more on boosting overall moral than the glitzy outcome of the journey which in turn would unveil greater paths to success for those choosing to get involved”. The 2019 Miss Guyana's application and recruitment campaign returned an overwhelming response to the recruitment cycle with 73 entrants and 65 active and potential candidates of which a total of 30 received invitations to the casting call worldwide. The casting call was postponed facilitating an improved program that would better prepare all entrants for success at every level of the journey regardless of their circumstances or outcome. We are committed to building the confidence of our youth by taking this task even more seriously and as a result, National Director, Natasha Martindale took the initiative to shift the timeline for 2019 competition to 2020 whilst addressing some key recurring issues directly impacting the quality of journeys every year. To ensure candidates are given a better chance at competing at the national and
international level we will be giving them more time to prepare by introducing a preparatory period whereby candidates would gain the confidence that is required to become the face of Guyana. A longer preparation period would build more visibility, add value, boost confidence, build character and the resilience for each journey to be more meaningful. Adding to the preparation period, the organization is currently finalizing a multimillion-dollar prize package including a cash prize of One Million Guyana Dollars for the Miss World Guyana 2020 including USA & UK/EUROPE media tour, promoting Guyana and Guyanese brands internationally. Although the decision to delayed the competition was not an easy one, the organisation believes it is one that would better promote cultural heritage and social cohesion throughout our regions; create well rounded role models that other young people would emulate –especially since approximately 57% of the people in Guyana are under the age of 26; and, drawing on best practices to determine how we can all work together to a present a more youthful presence as the face of our country to boost tourism across the regions and added value to all partners. As a result of this restructuring, the recruitment cycle for Miss World Guyana 2020 is extended to May 15th, 2019 with the 2020 quarterfinalist journey being announced at a later date in May. Those who planned to apply for 2020 journey are invited to do so now at www.missworldguyana.gy and or via our facebook/Instagram pages. Candidates who already apply and were invited to the casting call need not reapply and are currently being reevaluated as quarterfinalists on submission of their paperwork. In the coming weeks, the organisation promises to release continuous updates in relating to the 2020 Miss World Guyana national competition with the announcement of Mr. World Guyana to follow soon.
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Guyana, TT told to look Russia mandates oil companies to at caring for migrants address education, training barriers
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T
rinidad (Trinidad Ex press) -Caribbean countries, especially TT and Guyana, were today warned that they need to be mindful of their country’s economic challenges where there is a mass migration from Venezuela. Addressing a two-day meeting hosted by PANCAP (Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS), Derick Springer, Director for PANCAP said the meeting is aimed to provide guidance.The meeting is to (Continued on page 27 )
By Kiana Wilburg eficiencies in a country’s educa tion and training systems can be major barriers to the participation of locals in the oil and gas sector. But petroleum companies can be called on to play an instrumental role in addressing these issues. This was noted by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). Headquartered in London, IPIECA develops, shares and promotes good practice and knowledge with oil producing nations. The Association said that by investing in local education and training institutions, oil majors are actually able to reduce the requirement to provide basic training internally. IPIECA said that this approach also has the added advantages of supporting wider skills development in the local economy and promoting the company’s longterm reputation as a good corporate citizen. It stressed that company investments in these areas can even enhance rather than replace statutory funding. To further cement its argument, IPIECA showed how Russia was able to benefit substantially from mandating that companies invest in the development of its training and educational institutions. It pointed out that Norwegian multinational energy
Human Rights Activist, Yesenia Gonzales at the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS seminar on migrant health and rights at Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. PHOTO BY ROGER JACOB
- Guyana, others should look and learn-Industry Analyst company, Statoil, now called Equinor ASA, invested substantially in building the capacity of educational institutions in North West Russia. IPIECA said, “Statoil has invested significant resources in developing the capacity of local education institutions in North West Russia—a region
graduated. Statoil also helped to initiate a technology transfer programme between the Arkhangelsk State Technical University (ASTU) in Russia and the University of Stavanger in Norway.” As a result, in 2007, the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Con-
of growing importance for the company. At Pomor State University, Statoil has contributed financially and in the form of technical assistance to the development of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree focusing on petroleum management.” The Association continued, “Developed in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), this programme also receives funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Emphasis is on building the skills and capacity of Pomor University itself. The first two groups of BBA students have recently
servation Association said that ASTU expanded its curriculum to include technical courses in advanced drilling technology, offshore technology, and seabed and underwater technology. Using this as its premise, IPIECA concluded that oil companies can be called upon to take a leading role in making m e a n i n g f u l contributions to a c o u n t r y ’s e d u c a t i o n a l institutions, which would result in the participation of more locals in the oil and gas sector. It said that emerging oil producers like Guyana can learn from Russia and certainly demand same of operators here.
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
20,000 fewer US visitors’ visas issued last year
The number of visitors’ visas issued by the US Embassy in Kingston last year fell by almost 20,000 last year. However, the number of families migrating has risen sharply. According to figures published by the US Department of State under “Summary of Visas Issued by Issuing Office”, for the Fiscal Year 2018, there were 7,506 immigrant visas issued.This compared to 4,000 during the previous year.In 2017, there were 25,338 visas issued for the B1/ B2 category- these are the socalled non-immigrant visas for temporary visitors who are going to th e U S f o r business or pleasure. However in 2018, this fell to 4,923 Guyanese to whom visas were issued for holidaying purposes, almost 20,000 fewer than the previous year. There are no immediate explanations for the drop in the number of visitors’ visas issued to Guyanese by the
US.The US Embassy earlier this week, during a media engagement with newly accredited Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, when questioned about the visas, pointed to online figures published at the State Department. Last year, too, the US Embassy became even busier after it was handed the job to interview Cubans for immigrants visa.It is unclear whether Guyanese were just not interested anymore or that the number of applicants had hit its peak, or just that the US Embassy has reduced issuing visas.What is known is that the US Embassy has repeatedly said that the number of Guyanese who use the visitors’ visas to overstay is negligible.Guyana and the US have been enjoying a closer relationship especially with the recent discovery of a large quantity of oil. Years ago, there were significant rackets involving visas with Guyanese willing to pay millions of dollars to
go to the US. One US embassy official was even jailed following a visa racket. In terms of immigrant visas, since 2008, the average number of persons who received visas to the US were around 4,500. In 2015, the US issued almost 7.2M visitors’ visas. This went down to 6.9M in 2016 but fell to 6.3M in 2017. For 2017, in the western hemisphere, of 28 nations, Guyana was ahead of 15 other countries in terms of the number of immigrant visas issued.At 4,096, it was ahead of Venezuela at 2,917; Trinidad and Tobago at 1,285; Suriname at zero; Barbados at 1,789 and Brazil at 3,502. Leading the western hemisphere for the number of visas issued in 2017 was Mexico at 86,876. The Dominican Republic was almost 50,000. El Salvador and Haiti also have a significant number of immigrants to the US. So does Jamaica.
Farmer allegedly lures girl with porridge to rape her Yesterday, a 59-year-old farmer was brought before a city magistrate charged with the offence of sexual penetration of a girl who is below the age of 16. Clarence Marques, a farmer of Port Kaituma was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that during the month of March 2018, at Port Kaituma, North West District, he engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age of sixteen. The defendant appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The matter was heard in camera. Members of the public and media persons were asked to exit the courtroom. According to reports, the charge came one year after the child who is said to be nineyears-old spoke out about the incident. The court Prosecutor made serious objections to bail being granted to Marques on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegation and the fact that the child trusted the defendant.Marques was remanded to prison by the magistrate and instructed to return to court next month. Reports indicate that on the day in question, the child’s mother sent her to collect something from Marques. Marques reportedly offered the child a cup of porridge and while the porridge was cooling, he took her into a fowl pen and placed his finger in her vagina. However, the child then went home but before she could have explained what
had took place, her mother dealt her several lashes because she took too long to return home. The child then ran away from home and went back to Marques’s house where she spent the night. Later in the evening, Marques allegedly
placed the child on a bed and placed his penis in her vagina. The following day the girl returned home and told her mother what had transpired. The matter was then reported, an investigation was carried out and Marques was arrested for the offence.
Guyana, TT told to look at ... From page 12 finalise guidance to countries for operationalising the regional framework on migrant health and rights held at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.“The Minister of Health’s announcement could not be more timely as a pivotal aspect of the meeting was the input provided by participants for finalising a guidance document on how to implement the framework on migrant health and rights within country context.“The objectives of the meeting are to share findings of a desk review on models, guidance for operationalising a framework on migrants health and rights, and validate the findings of an assessment of the needs of countries’ health systems to provide service for migrants.”
The US Embassy issued almost 20,000 less visitors’ visas last year.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Friday April 12, 2019
Father, son convicted of killing Arrest warrant issued for hotel owner out on suspended sentence for TIP over farm land at Mahaica A father and son have been convicted for the unlawful killing of Suresh Nandkishore. The incident occurred at Handsome Tree Creek, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara in February, 2015. The duo was both originally charged for the murder but was found guilty of separate offences yesterday. A 12member panel of jurors found 54-year-old Sukhdeo Dharamdat guilty of murder and his son 25-year-old Eshwardat Dharamdat guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter at the High Court yesterday. Attorneys-at-Law, Pamela De Santos, Brandon De Santos and Alanna Lall, who are representing the two men, requested a probation report prior to sentencing. Justice Navindra Singh obliged the request and adjourned the matter until May 7 at 9:00 am for sentencing. The two are accused of the February 3, 2015 murder of Suresh Nandkishore, at Handsome Tree Creek, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, Suresh Nandkishore, his father Bhopaul Nandkishore, and Brother Parmanand Nandkishore, were in the process of erecting a fence on a plot of land
when a heated argument erupted between them and the Dharamdats. This led to a fight. It was reported that the older Dharamdat, with whom the Nandkishores had a land dispute, came as they were working and appeared to have no objection. But Sukhdeo reportedly returned with his two sons, one of whom was armed with a cutlass. The men reportedly picked up two of the posts, which were meant for the fence and began lashing the Nandkishores about their bodies. Suresh reportedly tried to walk away, but was cornered and dealt several lashes to his head, blows that cracked open his skull. On Wednesday, Attorneysat-Law Pamela De Santos, Brandon De Santos and Alanna Lall, urged the jury to acquit the men since the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that their clients committed the act. However, Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy pressed the panel to return a verdict in accordance with the evidence. The prosecutor advised the jury to disregard the evidence of Sukhdeo, who during a
sworn testimony, said that he was acting in self-defence. “It was deliberate”, Hardy noted. Prosecutor Hardy held that the duo intended to cause grievous bodily harm to, or kill Suresh, given the length and mass of the post that was used to inflict the injuries. According to Hardy, both Sukhdeo and his son had a motive to kill Suresh based on the evidence. That motive, she stressed, was because there was an ongoing dispute between the two families over a plot of land. The prosecutor submitted that the defence of the two accused was riddled with inconsistencies and lies. Thus, she asked the jury to rely on the evidence of Parmanand Nandkishore. His evidence, she said, was consistent and was in no way challenged by the defence counsel. Parmanand had told the court that the land was owned by his great grandfather, and was later passed down to his father. He said that the land for which his family has a lease, was the subject of a dispute between the two families. The dispute was settled in court, with his father winning rights to the land.
After a second no show in court, an arrest warrant was issued for Diamond night club owner, Freeman Fordyce, who was charged for the offence of human trafficking. The arrest warrant was yesterday issued by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. In February, Freeman was given a fouryear suspended sentence for being in possession of an illegal gun. However, last month, he was charged again for human trafficking. The defendant, 41, of Lot 99 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, is accused of trafficking two Venezuelans for sexual exploitation at his club. On the previous occasion when the matter was called, Fordyce was not present to answer to the charges; hence, a summons was issued for him to attend court. Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that Fordyce’s whereabouts is presently unknown. When the matter was called yesterday by the court orderly, the accused was, for a second time, a no show. Prosecutor Jeffers indicated to the court that the police attempted to serve the summons however, Freeman was not present at his home or place of work to issue it.He added that Fordyce was released on his own recognizance (self-bail) in relation to the new charges, and was instructed to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), pending his arraignment in court. The court also heard that Fordyce failed to show up at CID and police are now looking for him. Attorney-at-law Ashley Henry, who represented the defendant, related to the court that Fordyce was informed of his court date but she can’t say why he was not present in court. According to information, police carried out a raid at the Club Diamond last month.
Freeman Fordyce That raid which led to the arrest of 15 women, all said to be foreign nationals. This was after a video circulated on social media, which showed a woman jumping over a locked gate to get into the compound. The woman was being assisted by four of her friends who were on the other side of the fence. They were holding up the security barbed wire so that the woman could have gained entry.Hours after the video hit social media, police raided the compound and detained the 15 women, whom investigators suspected to be victims of trafficking in persons (TIP).The woman, Dailyn Garcia, 25, a Venezuelan, who was seen climbing the fence, was later charged for overstaying her time in Guyana. She was fined $30,000 for the offence or in default six months imprisonment. Upon paying the fine or spending the time, (Continued on page 29)
Friday April 12, 2019
Arrest warrant issued for... From page 11 Garcia will be escorted to the nearest port of exit and deported to her homeland. Fordyce was handed the suspended sentence recently by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty on the illegal gun and ammo charge, after he w a s f o u n d g u i l t y. T h e Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions has since appealed the Magistrate’s decision. Fordyce is also currently on trial for assaulting a police officer and r e s i s t i n g arrest. He was charged after a video footage showed him (Fordyce) resisting being searched and then punching Inspector Prem Narine in the face.
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U.S. charges ...
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From page 28 would be purely punitive.” A Swedish lawyer representing the alleged rape victim said she would push to have prosecutors reopen the case, but a retired senior prosecutor and chairman of NGO Victim Support Sweden said that may be difficult. Britain said no person was above the law. “Julian Assange is no hero, he has hidden from the truth for years and years,” British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said. “It’s not so much Julian Assange being held hostage in the Ecuadorean embassy, it’s actually Julian Assange holding the Ecuadorean embassy hostage in a situation that was absolutely intolerable for them.” YEARS OF SOLITUDE Friends of Assange said his solitary existence in the embassy was tough on him. “It was a miserable existence and I could see it was a strain on him, but a strain he managed rather well,” said Vaughan Smith, a friend who had visited Assange. “The thing that was most difficult for Julian was the solitude.” “He was very tough, but the last year in particular was very difficult. He was constantly being surveilled and spied upon. There was no privacy for him,” Smith said. Assange founded WikiLeaks in 2006. The website published secret official information, infuriating the United States and other countries. WikiLeaks said Ecuador had illegally terminated his political asylum in violation of international law. “Assange’s critics may cheer, but this is a dark moment for press freedom,” said Edward Snowden, a former U.S. National Security Agency contractor who fled to Moscow after revealing massive U.S. intelligence gathering. Assange was offered refuge in 2012 by Ecuador’s then-president Rafael Correa, but his relationship with Ecuador has soured under Correa’s successor Lenin Moreno, who has said Assange violated the terms of his asylum. Ecuador accused him of leaking information about Moreno’s personal life.
Friday April 12, 2019
Kaieteur News
Duo freed of murder after Judge upholds no-case submissions Justice Jo-ann Barlow presiding in the murder trial of Mohanball of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice at the Berbice High Court yesterday, upheld a defence no-case submission and directed the mixed jury to return with a not guilty verdict. The two men, Ravendra Ramnauth and Rocky Ramu, after the judge’s ruling walked out from the courtroom and embraced relatives as free men. The trial which lasted for several weeks saw 10 witnesses testifying. Ramnauth and Ramu were represented by the state provided attorney Sasha Roberts while the prosecution was led by Prosecutor Mandel Moore. The men, as they made their way out, expressed thanks to their attorney. "She did a great job". Ramu said, "I feel great; I know how the case was going, I know I would have been freed because I am innocent." Ramnauth who could not hold back his tears, said he feels extremely joyful to have gained his freedom back into society. He also thanked the Almighty and expressed his eagerness to see his two children and wife. "I just want to go back out there and do the things I am supposed to do, the right
Rocky Ramu
Ravendra Ramnauth
things. I come to jail when my wife was pregnant and my children are 9 and two-yearsold. I ain't see them for the year yet so I am happy to go home," he said. On December 29, 2016 the body of 49-year-old Mohanball, of Williamsburg Village, Corentyne was discovered by children who were playing in the area. His remains were noticed by one of the youths who happened to be lingering near the trench in the village not far from where Mohanball lived. The lad rushed to the sister of the dead man and informed her of what he saw. Raywattie Fraser said, then, that her husband ventured to the area to confirm
whether the report was true. His worst fears were confirmed when he saw the man’s lifeless body partially submerged in the trench, with what appeared to be marks of violence. A post mortem examination that was conducted on the body was inconclusive. Ramu and Ramnauth were arrested on January 6, 2017 after eyewitnesses told police that Mohanball was engaged in a heated argument with the duo while they were imbibing. The argument led to a physical altercation and the eyewitnesses had claimed that they saw the two men beating Mohanball and later dumping his body in the trench.
Bloomfield woman, 63, pushed... From page 18 daughter and then she start holler fuh dem neighbours but by time then dem man bin done break in the window downstairs and jump in meh kitchen and run upstairs," she recounted. The pensioner disclosed that when she saw the men running up the steps, she got scared and jumped through her window and landed on the shed but the two of the perpetrators followed her and demanded that she return the same way she jumped out. "Dem tell me jump back in the house but me bin so frighten so me refuse and then one of dem jump out and push me off the shed and me fall in
meh daughter yard and leff right deh because like me jook meh back how meh fall", she said. According to her, it did not end there. One of the bandits also jumped from the shed and proceeded to break the fence to return her into her yard. "Dem break the fence and then drag me back in the yard and dem tek off all me jewellery me had on. “Then dem drag me again in the house downstairs and tell me give dem the money but me tell dem me na got money; (that we are) poor people and meh husband sickly. Then dem leff". Bhagwandin stated that the men carted off nearly $60,000 in phone cards, which
she sold and the day sales from selling beverages. This was in addition to her jewellery. Her nine-year-old grand-daughter who stays with her was sleeping when the men barged in but she was not hurt. She added that only one of the bandits was armed with a gun while the others had nothing in hand, but were all masked. The police arrived shortly after the men escaped with the loot. No one has been arrested but residents in the area told the police that they noticed some boys lingering around the street earlier that day along with a strange car, a police source revealed. Police are investigating.
All my certificates are out there... From page 13 that when he completes those studies, he will release the certificates to the public as well. Ali said that he has seen persons try to use his qualifications as “political football” and that he does not want to continue along that vein. “As I said before, I have put all my qualifications out there. I work hard for my academic qualifications. I stand by them. They are out there. And you could scrutinize them.” He said that a number of persons whom he considers independent, have already gotten the chance to verify the authenticity of his certificates, including the President of the
Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI), Troy Thomas, and that they have already adjudged his credentials to be authentic. Further, Ali told the press that he will in any case, not be working alone but with an entire team. “I am surrounded by the best team, surrounded by skills, surrounded by people who are interested in the development of Guyana,” he stressed. “This is an issue that I’ve answered before he said. “And I’ve issued a statement on it. I know what I said. I know that I’ve released my certificates. There is nothing more to add.”
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Anderson’s unbeaten 59 trumps Savory’s... GFF Elite League Season 4 - Two more From page 38 Anderson and Henry had other ideas; with Anderson cutting Khan behind point for a glorious boundary before repeating the shot against Kwasi Adamsfor a similar result before Henry smashed Vyfhuis back past his ankles for four to post the 50 in the seventh. Both batmen played several delightful shots and another good turn-out saw the pair build their partnership nicely before Henry fell to Vyfhuis at 117-4 and although Adrian Welcome (5) departed at 124-4, Anderson remained to the end to see him team home. The afternoon produced a mauling for ‘E’ Division in steaming conditions as they were bowled out for 54 in 9.2 overs with only Garfield Moore (22) and Anthony Adams (15) reaching two-digit scores as Devon Joseph (4-2), Quentin Sampson, who got the prized scalp of ‘E’ Division’s most accomplished batsman, Adams, caught behind, finished with 3-26. Lennox Andrews and Leon Crawford made light work of the target after the burly Michael Jobe (2) swung Adams to deep mid-
wicket at 14-1. The pair blasted the bowlers to all parts of the field and thrice out of the ground to gallop to 57-1 in just 4.5 overs. Crawford clobbered Garfield Moore for a couple of huge sixes in the first over. Andrews finished on 37 from just 11 balls with sixes boundaries which included two hits into the Red Cross compound over the Road from the ground. Crawford took just five balls for his unbeaten 18 (1x4 2x6) for a victory that was always going to be an easy one after six ‘E’ Division batsmen failed to score and two of them were run out including Moore, who seemed a bit unfortunate to be given out. Today, in the last two quarter finals games, favourites ‘B’ Division take on ‘A’ Division while in the afternoon match-up defending champions President’s Guards (PG) face another powerhouse unit in Headquarters (HQ) lead by their brutal opening pair of Andrew Lyght and Kevin Boodie who both scored centuries in the only double century opening stand in the history of this tournament. Matches are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs and 13:30hrs.
Friday April 12, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Money matters could prove obsessive today, Aries, as you might be trying to make an important purchase and need to revise your budget in order to do so. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you should be looking especially good and feeling particularly passionate and sensual. This is a great day to buy new clothes, as your fashion sense is probably right on target.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A friend you may not have seen for a while could awaken strange new feelings for which you're unprepared, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The formation of a new business partnership might transform your working life, Scorpio. The benefits may not appear for a while, so don't quit your day job.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your imagination should be flying high today, Gemini. Words, images, melodies, or whatever your artistic media are probably popping into your head faster than you can keep track of them.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Unfinished job tasks might have you wanting to pitch in and get them done no matter what it takes, Sagittarius. This is likely to earn you a few brownie points with your colleagues, but take care that you don't stress yourself out.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your financial goals are probably on the verge of becoming reality, Cancer, but it might seem as if the few tasks remaining are too monumental to face right now.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you're apt to feel very sensual and passionate, Capricorn. Sexy clothes, racy novels, and romantic movies could be more appealing than usual.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Conversations with a friend whose good sense you trust could open your eyes to new career possibilities, Leo. You might think about transforming your working life.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A powerful desire for a current or potential romantic partner might come over you today. This person could live far away or be on a trip, so you might have to be satisfied with a phone call
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Strange dreams, insights, or visions could upend your spiritual orientation, Virgo. These new ideas could have your mind going a thousand miles an hour and shake up concepts that you've embraced for most of your life.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A powerful need to reach someone either for business or personal reasons could have you spending a lot of time on the phone that may come to nothing. You might call every place that you can.
matches today at Camp Ayanganna Current table toppers Western Tigers, one of only three unbeaten clubs will be going after their third win of the season when they take on new kids on the block and old rivals Santos in the first match of this evening’s doubled header at the GDF Ground, Camp Ayanganna. Its action in season-four of the Guyana Football Federation Elite League and the Tigers, on 7 points along with the GDF but ahead on goal difference will hope to keep Santos in the fifth position on six points, having
claimed the same amount of wins as their opponent tonight. Western have displayed clinical finishing so far this season with eight goals in three matches (2 against) as opposed to Santos’ three and four against. Andrew Murray will hope to continue his form against Santos this evening as the West based team goes after full points. Tonight’s feature match pits the Guyana Defence Force against Den Amstel which was wounded by Western Tigers last Friday evening at the same venue.
The West Demerara based lads will hope to have a change in fortunes but will have to come good against the confident Army which will be gunning for their third win as well in four matches which will boost their position on the points table. The GDF is just behind Western Tigers on goal difference, both, along with Fruta Conquerors, the undefeated clubs so far. Game time is 18:30hrs and admission is $500 with children Under-12, free of charge.
MS Dhoni fined 50 per cent of... From page 33 umpires over a contentious no-ball call. Super Kings had begun the over needing 18 to win, and Dhoni was bowled by a Ben Stokes yorker off the third ball. With eight needed off the last three balls and new man Mitchell Santner on strike, Stokes bowled a full toss. Umpire Ulhas Gandhe signaled a no-ball for height, only for his square-leg colleague Bruce Oxenford to overrule him. That led to heated arguments in the middle, with
Smalta/Icool U-14 Indoor... From page 39 robin stages. In the first two girls’ semifinal matches that will be played simultaneously at 16:30hrs, Marian Academy will oppose Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Slayers while SHC Snipers will match sticks with Saint Joseph High School (SJHC) Divas in the other match. The Boys’ last four games will hit off at 17:00hrs, SJHC Gladiators plays SHC Supreme in semifinal one while Team Uzzi will be pitted against SHC Scorpions. The finals of tournament will be played at 18:00hrs followed by the presentation at 18:30hrs.
batsmen Ravindra Jadeja and Santner getting involved. Dhoni also marched onto the field and got involved in an animated discussion with the umpires. The delivery stood as a legal one, but Super Kings clinched a thrilling win, with
Santner hitting a six off the last ball. Chennai Super Kings 155 for 6 (Dhoni 58, Rayudu 57, Stokes 2-39) beat Rajasthan Royals 151 for 7 (Stokes 28, Buttler 23, Jadeja 2-20) by four wickets.
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Windward Islands Championship - Grenada are new champions Kingstown, St. Vincent, CMC – Grenada were crowned the new champions of the Windward Islands Championship, though they were led on first innings in their drawn, key final match against St. Vincent & the Grenadines on Wednesday. A stroke-filled hundred from Keron Cottoy propelled SVG to first innings points
over the Grenadians in their third and final round match of the two-day competition. In the other contest, Alick Athanaze staged an impressive all-round performance, but Dominica had to settle for first innings points in a draw with St. Lucia. The results meant that the Spice Islanders finished on
top of the standings with 21 points, three more than SVG, with Dominica third on 12 and St. Lucia bringing up the rear on six. At Park Hill, Cottoy slammed 11 fours and eight sixes in 105 from 58 balls in just over 1 ¼ hours at the crease, as SVG were bowled out 364, in reply to Grenada’s first innings total of 334. Romano Pierre supported
Reifer, Haynes appointed to bring back passion says Skerritt St John’s, Antigua, CMC – New Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt said the decision to appoint Floyd Reifer and Robert Haynes to interim positions of head coach and chairman of its selection panel respectively, was designed to try and bring back a “sense of pride and aspiration” to the West Indies team. Skerritt said these two key features too often appeared absent from the Windies team in recent times and the moves were in a bid to try and reignite the passion among players. “West Indies cricket, at its best, has always been a representation of the hopes and aspirations of the Caribbean, and an illustration of the heights of excellence that our West Indian people can attain when we work together as one,” said Skerritt before he confirmed the appointments during a media conference which was webcast “live” from the Coolidge Cricket Ground on the CWI website. “That is why West Indies cricket has been aptly described as a ‘public good’ that belongs to millions of West Indian people all across our region and the world. “When our cricket teams and gifted individuals showcase excellence on a world stage, we walk taller as a people, and we beam with pride as we look at our own young West Indians face up with confidence and Godgiven talent to the best competition from across our globe.” On the decision to appoint Reifer, Skerritt said: “Our landmark decision to introduce a well-suited, young West Indian professional as our men’s team coach is, therefore, a clear indicator of the seriousness of our West Indian first policy and represents a commitment to celebrate the best of what it means to be West Indian. “This decision also underscores the need for fresh thinking and an even
Floyd Reifer (left) and Robert Haynes more urgent need to embrace our new all-inclusive selection policy and in the midst of change, we have no doubt that our West Indian players, led expertly by Jason Holder, will be well prepared going to the World Cup.” He continued: “He has lived up to the same principles of West Indian excellence that we now insist must prevail. Up to the end of last year, Floyd had been identified as the outstanding, emerging [West Indian] coach. “Our performance record overseas under international coaches has been dismal at best. All of our victories in ICC tournaments have been with the help of [West Indian] coaches. That is also why we have decided to give the opportunity to a young, but seasoned professional, who lives among us, and who has dedicated his life to developing our young people and teaching them our cricket culture. “With a focused team that will be led by the new No.1 all-rounder in the world, Jason Holder, and filled with a collection of our best possible available [players], I have no doubt that coach Reifer is the right man at the right time.” On the appointment of Haynes, Skerritt said: “He is the most experienced and best suited for this responsibility at this time. We are confident we have found an interim chairman who
shares the philosophy of inclusiveness and our belief in the new selection policy. “Because of his impressive record of good relations with players and past players, we have no doubt that [Robert] will engage with players everywhere, strictly in the interest of what is best for West Indies cricket.” The widely-expected appointments of Reifer and Haynes followed a CWI board meeting on Tuesday. The two are expected to remain in the roles through the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 England & Wales and the Windies’ home series against India in July/ August. As a result, Richard Pybus, who held the position of interim head coach for the team’s rece n t , h i g h l y successful home series against England, is to return to his substantive role of high performance director, and the previous selection panel, headed by Courtney Browne, will be replaced. Haynes, Reifer and team captain Jason Holder, currently playing for Northamptonshire in the English County Championship, will form the selection panel for the Windies team that will take part in a One-day International series next month in Ireland, ahead of the World Cup.
with 67, Dillon Douglas made 56, Atticus Browne added 46 and Windwards Volcanoes player Obed McCoy got 32 to lead the strong reply for SVG. Browne and Pierre shared 90 for the second wicket before Pierre and Douglas added 59 and Cottoy dominated a stand of 96 with McCoy for the ninth wicket and was last man out. Veteran left-arm spinner Denis George was the most successful Grenadian bowler, taking three wickets for 73 runs from 14 overs. West Indies Test pacer Sherman Lewis and fellow Windwards Volcanoes pacer Preston McSween took two wickets apiece. Grenada’s batting was propped up by a top score of 78 from Volcanoes wicketkeeper/batsman Denis George and 67 from allrounder Ryan Johnson, after they decided to bat. They shared 140 for the fourth wicket after the Grenadians stumbled to 110 for three. Lindon Lawrence made 48 and fellow opener Keone George 46, also putting on 60 for the first wicket. Spinner Kenneth Dember was the pick of the SVG bowlers, bagging five for 105 from 30.3 overs. Grenada were 22 without loss in their second innings when the match drew to a conclusion.
At Cumberland, Athanaze, a former Windies Under-19 star, followed up a spell of five for 69 from 21 overs with a solid 102 off 135 balls that included 12 fours and three sixes, as Dominica declared on 287 for eight, in reply to St. Lucia’s first innings total of 203. Kershaki Jno Lewis cracked 53 for the Dominicans, Kelvin James made 41 and Tahj Tavernier added 35 to play key roles in a solid reply. Dominica were wobbling on 49 for three, but Athanaze was the glue in successive stands of 94 with Lewis, 55 with Tavernier and 65 with James. Dornan Edward bagged three for 28 from 4.5 overs to be the leading St. Lucian bowler and Volcanoes left-arm spinner Larry Edward bagged two scalps. Jamaal James led the way with 68 for St. Lucia, after they elected to bat. The two Edwards, Larry and Dornan, made 41 and 23 respectively. James and Larry Edward shared 59 for the seventh wicket, but there was no stability from the rest of the St. Lucian batting, as Athanaze undermined their batting with his off-spin. Little-known Ackeem Auguste made 92, Kimani Melius and James 31 each, as St. Lucia were bowled out for
205 in their second innings, leaving little time for Dominica to embark on a chase. Volcanoes veteran Tyrone Theophile grabbed four for 60 from 18 overs, Kelvin James captured three for 23 from 10 overs and Kharmal Hamilton took two for 38 from 11.4 overs for Dominica. Summarised scores: At Park Hill: Match drawn. GRENADA 334 (Denis George 78, Ryan John 67, Lindon Lawrence 48, Keone George 46; Kenneth Dember 30.3-6-105-5, Asif Hooper 2-87) and 10 without loss. ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES 364 (Keron Cottoy 105, Romano Pierre 67, Dillon Douglas 56, Atticus Browne 46, Obed McCoy 32; Denis George 3-73, Sherman Lewis 2-12, Preston McSween 2-63). At Cumberland: Match drawn. ST. LUCIA 203 (Jamaal James 68, Larry Edward 41, Dornan Edward 23; Alick Athanaze 21-3-69-5, Vincent Lewis 2-19) and 205 (Ackeem Auguste 92, Kimani Melius 31, Jamaal James 31; Tyrone Theophile 4-60, Kelvin James 3-23, Kharmal Hamilton 2-38). DOMINICA 287 for eight declared (Alick Athanze 102, Kershaki Jno Lewis 53, Kelvin James 41, Tahj Tavernier 35; Dornan Edwards 3-28, Larry Edward 2-81).
MS Dhoni fined 50 per cent of match fees for umpiring outburst MS Dhoni reflects BCCI
ESPNcricinfo - MS Dhoni has been docked 50 per cent of his match fees for a Code of Conduct breach after Chennai Super Kings’ match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur yesterday. Dhoni admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.20 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction. Article 2.20 deals with “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game” and “is intended to cover all types of conduct that is
contrary to the spirit of the game and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere” in the IPL’s Code of Conduct. Article 2.20 also states that “when assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered. Further, the person
lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence).” In the last over of Super Kings’ chase, Dhoni had walked onto the field of play to remonstrate with the (Continued on page 32)
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Department of Health Region 5 are Inter Agency Dominos Champs Department of Health Region # 5 won the Inter Agency Dominos competition which was organised by the Officer and Ranks of Sub Division No.3 (West Berbice) of ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force. The one-day competition was held on Wednesday last at the Fort Wellington Police Station Canteen. Although three of the teams (GPL, GWI, GECOM) showed timidity and suffered cold feet, failing to appear, fierce competition ensued amongst the three teams that played. Those teams were Guyana Police Force No. 3 Sub Division, Regional Democratic Council Region No. 5 and eventual winners, Department of Health, Region # 5. After a very intense competition the results were as follows: Department of Health 82 games, Police 71 and Regional Democratic Council, 69 games. Samantha De Freitas copped the Most Valuable Player award by scoring 15 games. The activity was coordinated by Officer in Charge of the No. 3 Sub Division Superintendent Wayne De Hearte who informed that the gathering of the agencies brought about closer collaboration since they are required to work hand in glove.
Samantha De Freitas receives her trophy from Coordinator, Superintendent Wayne De Hearte.
Lusignan East, Ogle, Buxton among victors The SPR Enterprise/East Coast Cricket Committee 40 Overs and the inaugural Neville Ramotar T20 cricket competitions continued last Sunday with several matches. In the SPR tournament, Lusignan East defeated LBI SC by 28 runs at Ogle. Lusignan East batted first and made 183 all out in 36 overs. S. Sahadeo made 34; N. Khan claimed 3-41 from 8 overs. LBI SC were dismissed for 155 in 34 overs, in reply with N. Khan and S. Jaikarran scoring 45 and 34 respectively. P. Appana took 4-24 for Lusignan East. Ogle CC defeated Better Hope A at the Betterhope ground. Better Hope A made 92 all out in 24 overs. Ayodha Joseph captured 4-16 while Rudranauth Kissoon and Dmauka Ngondo had 3-8 and 31 respectively. Ogle CC reached their target for the loss of six wickets in 18 overs with K. Dindyal scoring 23. Buxton SC got the better of Better Hope Sixers by five wickets at Fairfield ground. Better Hope Sixers were dismissed for 125 from 30 overs, batting first. R. Merrell took 4-22 and Clive Andries 3-7 from 5 overs. Buxton SC then responded with 131-5 from 21 overs with Andries getting 29 not out. Lusignan B made light work of Beehive SC at the Lusignan. Lusignan B batted first and rattled up 336 all out from 37 overs with Navin Persaud stroking 108, K. Franklin 52 not out and R. Daterdeen 32. N. Ragnauth took 2-50 from 8 overs for Beehive SC, who then
The winning Region #5 Health Department team.
WDCA Beacon Cafe 50 Over
Persaud, Bandoo hit centuries in latest action Travis Persaud struck a fine century as Mc Gill of Canal N u m b e r Tw o d e f e a t e d h o s t Wi n d s o r Forest by 123 runs when play in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50-over competition continued on Sunday last. Mc Gill batted first and posted 208 all out in 41.3 overs with Persaud scoring an even century which included four sixes and six fours. He got support from
Chanderpaul Singh responded with 58 all out. Navin Persaud snared 4-11 and K. Persaud 3-15. Mahaica cavaliers defeated Cane Grove SC at the Cane Grove ground. Meanwhile, two matches were played in the ECCC/Neville Ramotar Memorial T 20 knockout competition at Enmore. In game one, Fairfield SC defeated Golden achievers SC by 5 wickets. Batting first, Golden Achievers SC scored 147-6 from 20 overs with D. Wilson scoring 47; R. Chatura took 3 wickets for Fairfield SC, who then reached their target for the loss of five wickets. R. Lindo made an unbeaten 36 as Quacy Cummings took 3-29. In game two, Enterprise Busta SC defeated Lusignan A by 10 runs. Batting first, Enterprise Busta SC were restricted to 98-8 from their allotted 20 overs with Vivian Albert scoring 29. Rajpaul Basdeo took 4-18. Enterprise BSC were then led by a fine spell of leg spin bowling by veteran Chanderpaul Singh, who took 5-16 from 4 overs as Lusignan A fell short of their target by 10 runs by virtue of being bowled out in the 19 overs. K. Deosarran offered resistance with 26.
Beepaul Bandoo
Troy Persaud 32 and Daniel Basdeo 20. Ravi Kadarnauth picked up 4-34 and Mahendra Chaitram 346. Windsor Forest were limited for 85-8 in reply. Travis Persaud had 2-12, Balram Aaron 2-15 and Abdul Razack 2-21. At Zeeburg, Cornelia Ida managed 206 all out in 10 in 32 overs, taking first s t r i k e w i t h Vi c k e s h Dhaniram scoring 54 and Akshaya Perasud 32; Paul
Travis Persaud S h i w r a m a n d Ty r o n Carrington took three wickets each. La Grange were bowled out for 165 in 35.1overs. Jurmin Ramroop scored 56 and Greg Singh 25; Muhammad Wa z i d a l i bagged 5-41 and Akshaya Perasud 4-8. At Joe Vieira Park, Independence A piled up 400-9, batting first. Beepaul Bandoo struck 129 with 10 fours and three sixes while Clevon Williams made 40 and Safraz Esau 36; Avinash Bhario claimed 464. Players SC were sent packing for 38 in 14.1 overs i n r e p l y ; Safraz Esau grabbed 4-4 and Rickey Sergeant 3-9. At Wales, New Windsor defeated Zeeburg and at Belle Vue Christ Ambassador overcame All Youths B. The competition continues on Sunday.
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Guyana face US in debut match, Jamaica host El Salvador Los Angeles, United States, CMC – Minnows Guyana have been handed a monumental game against powerhouses and titleholders United States in their debut match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup while Jamaica will host El Salvador in the first-ever such fixture on Caribbean soil, in the fixtures for the continental showpiece announced here Wednesday. Bermuda, another Caribbean Football Union side making their first appearance at the Gold Cup, take on French neighbours Haiti in their historic opener, as they bid to make their mark at the June 15 to July 7 tournament. This year’s Gold Cup will be played under an expanded format featuring 16 teams for the first time, and will also see matches played in the Caribbean and Central America, also marking the first time games will be staged outside of North America. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani described the new developments as a “watershed moment” in the confederation’s history. “The love for football is demonstrated with every passing edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup. Bringing the 16-team Gold Cup to Costa Rica, Jamaica and the United States is a watershed moment for football in our Confederation,” Montagliani said. “This 15th edition will make the tournament more competitive and compelling for players and fans, while showcasing our region’s unity, passion for football and talent on the field.” Guyana, who finished seventh in Nations League qualifying, will contest Group D along with Trinidad and Tobago and Panama. Known as the Golden Jaguars, Guyana take on the US at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 18 before travelling to Cleveland to clash with Panama at FirstEnergy Stadium on June 22.
Guyana close out their preliminary round campaign when they come up against CFU powerhouses T&T at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City on June 26. Trinidad &Tobago, meanwhile, who gained automatic qualification, clash with Panama in the opening Group D fixtures before doing battle with the USA. Bermuda will also make history after they were installed in Group B with the likes of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. They clash with the Haitians in their opening encounter in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 16 before travelling to Texas to take on Costa Rica on June 20 at Toyota Stadium. Their final match will be against Nicaragua four days later at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. Jamaica, finalists at the last two Gold Cups in 2015 and 2017, compete in Group C with Curacao, Honduras and El Salvador. The highest-ranked CFU side in FIFA at 54th, the Reggae Boyz host Honduras on June 17 at the National Stadium in Kingston before clashing with El Salvador four days later at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. They wrap up their preliminary round campaign on June 25 against Curacao at Banc of California Stadium here on the US west coast. United States won the 2017 edition of the Gold Cup, beating Jamaica 2-1 in the final at Levi’s Stadium to claim their sixth title. 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup fixtures Saturday, June 15 – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA (Group A) 4:30 pm Canada v Martinique 6:30 pm Mexico v Cuba Sunday, June 16 – Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica (Group B) 4:00 pm Haiti v Bermuda 6:00 pm Costa Rica v Nicaragua Monday, June 17 – Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica (Group C) 6:00 pm Curaçao v El
Salvador 8:00 pm Jamaica v Honduras Tuesday, June 18 – Allianz Field, St. Paul, MN (Group D) 6:30 pm Panama v Trinidad and Tobago 8:30 pm USA v Guyana Wednesday, June 19 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO (Group A) 6:00 pm Cuba v Martinique 8:00 pm Mexico v Canada Thursday, June 20 – Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX (Group B) 6:00 pm Nicaragua v Haiti 8:00 pm Costa Rica v Bermuda Friday, June 21 – BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX (Group C) 6:00 pm El Salvador v Jamaica 8:00 pm Honduras v Curaçao Saturday, June 22 – FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH (Group D) 5:30 pm Guyana v Panama 7:30 pm USA v Trinidad and Tobago Sunday, June 23 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (Group A) 6:00 pm Canada v Cuba 8:00 pm Martinique v Mexico Monday, June 24 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ (Group B) 6:30 pm Bermuda v Nicaragua 8:30 pm Haiti v Costa Rica Tuesday, June 25 – Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (Group C) 5:00 pm Jamaica v Curaçao 7:00 pm Honduras v El Salvador Wednesday, June 26 – Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS (Group D) 5:30 pm Trinidad and Tobago v Guyana 7:30 pm Panama v USA Saturday, June 29 – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX 6:00 pm QF1: 1B v 2A 8:30 pm QF2: 1A v 2B Sunday, June 30 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA 5:30 pm QF3: 1C v 2D 8:00 pm QF4: 1D v 2C Tuesday, July 2 – State
Linden Town Week U-19 Schools B’ball bounces off tomorrow The Linden Town Week Under-19 School Basketball tournament will bounce off tomorrow afternoon with a double header at the Mackenzie High School Basketball Court, Retrieve, Mackenzie, Linden. The tournament’s opening fixture pits
Christianburg Wismar Secondary against New Silvercity Secondary from 14:30hrs while the second match from 15:30hrs will see Linden Foundation Secondary against hosts Mackenzie High School. The contesting schools are Group A New Silvercity,
Christianburg Wismar and Wisburg in group A while Group B has Linden Foundation, Linden Technical Institute and Mackenzie High. This venue is being used since the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court remains in an unplayable state.
- CONCACAF Gold Cup
Emery Welshman celebrates scoring against Belize in the match that re-wrote the history books of Guyana’s football. Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ 7:00 pm SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 Wednesday, July 3 –
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN 8:00 pm SF2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4
Sunday, July 7– Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 8:00 pm F: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2
Archery Guyana now affiliated to GOA
GOA President, Mr. K.A Juman Yassin flanked by Archery Guyana’s President Mr. Mohamed Khan and Secretary-General, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. Archery Guyana has become the latest affiliate of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and according to Archery Guyana it is an historic moment and big achievement for Archers and members of Archery
Guyana. On Thursday April, 4 last, President of Archery G u y a n a , M r. M o h a m e d Khan and SecretaryG e n e r a l , M r s . Vi d u s h i Persaud-McKinnon attended the first Council
Meeting where the Council was brought up to date with their activities. Archery Guyana in a press release said that they are looking forward to working together with the GOA to further promote the sport.
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MYO chalk three consecutive wins as Inter Jamaat softball continues Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) recorded three consecutive victories when the InterJamaat 15-Overs softball cricket competition organised by MYO continued on Sunday last at the GNIC ground, Woolford Avenue. Following are the results from matches played: MYO vs Tuschen Train Station Masjid - Tuschen Train Station Masjid made 165-7 after they were inserted. Timothy Persaud hit 41 (2x4 3x6) while Imtiaz Hack made 39 (4x4 1x6), Feroze Rohoman got 36 (3x4 3x6) and Azid Ali 32 (3x4 3x6). Bowing for MYO, Timore Mohamed and Shaheed Gittens picked up two wickets each while Bharat Parboo,
Richard Latif and Fazal Nazeem had one apiece. In reply, MYO’s opening pair of Gittens and Javid Kayum added 24 before Kayum was bowled by Azid Ali for 19. Gittens then put on 139 with Latif to steady the chase before Gittens was caught on the long-on boundary for a well played 76 (3x4 6x6), Latif remained unbeaten on 61 (6x4, 3x6) as MYO’s achieved their target 12.3 overs. Azid Ali and Feroze Rohoman had one wicket each. MYO vs New Mosque New Mosque, after being asked to bat first, lost opener Fazal Nazeem cheaply, but fellow opener Shameer Baig made a fighting 61 to rally his team to 151 all out in 15 overs. MYO made light work of the
target, only losing one wicket in the process with Timur Mohamed scoring an unbeaten 66, Richard Latiff 33 not out and Shaheed Gittens 38. MYO vs Corneila Ida/ Hague Masjid - In their third and final match of the day, MYO won the toss and sent in Corneila Ida/Hague Masjid to bat. Aftab Hoosein gave them a flying start hitting the first over which was bowled by Gittens for 21. Unfortunately he was the only major contributor for his side scoring 77 (3x4 6x6) as Corneila Ida/Hague managed 141 all out in their 15 overs. MYO responded with 142-3 in 10.2 overs. Openers Gittens and Kayum added 37
Bounty Paper Towel & Solo Drink Hockey Leagues
Twelve matches on this weekend at Saints ground The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) organised Bounty Paper Towel Second Division and the Solo Under20 Division Outdoor leagues will continue this weekend with a total of 12 matches; six games each tomorrow and Sunday, in both male and female categories. The Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground will play host to all the matches and the size of the Carifesta Avenue facility allows for two matches to be played simultaneously. The feature matches tomorrow will be in the second division league that hits off at 16:40hrs. The unbeaten, GCC The Sequel, plays YMCA Old Fort (OF) Aces that are coming off a 10 loss to Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Savages, on pitch one, while Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Shockwave will play YMCA OF Rusty on pitch two. The first pair of games
Saints’ midfielder Nicholas Nervais (on the ball) attacks during a second division clash against GCC Sequel last weekend. tomorrow will be in the Solo boys’ under-20 division with Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pitbulls playing YMCA OF Generals in match one while YMCA OF Ballerz will plays SHC Storm, both at 15:00hrs. The under-20 girls will take to the pitch in the second
pair of matches that hits off at 15:50hrs, Bingo GCC Spartans will play YMCA OF Bellas on pitch one while Saints that pulled off a 2-1 win over defending champions GBTI GCC last weekend, will match sticks with GCC HerRicanes. Sunday’s fixtures are yet to be decided.
Bingo Spartans midfielder Madison Fernandes (left) gets possession against YMCA Old Fort Wildcats in the Solo under-20 girls’ division last weekend.
before Javid was dismissed for 24 (2x4 2x6). Gittens struck four consecutive sixes off the eight over to reach his half century in fine style before he was undone by a well judged catch on the boundary for 64 (6x4 5x6). Timur Mohamed made 26 not out (2x4 2x6); Mohamed Omar was the pick of the bowlers with 2-28. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals which will be followed by the final under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club on April 27th. Diamond New Scheme are leading the points table with 10, followed by MYO on 8, New Amsterdam 4, Tuschen Train Station 4, Cornelia Ida 4, LBI 3 and New Mosque 2.
Saheed Gittens
Milo Schools’ Football Tournament
CWSS faces off with Lodge in Sunday’s final
Team CWSS needled Annandale on Sunday to reach the final of the 2019 Milo Schools’ football tourney. A new champion will be crowned after Linden’s Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) plays Lodge Secondary in the final of the seventh annual Milo Schools’ football tournament, this Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. Both teams had contrasting paths during their respective last four matchups at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue, last Sunday, but the final is anticipated to be keenly contested. In their semifinal win against Annandale Secondary, CWSS had a scrappy 1-0 win courtesy of a free kick off the boot of Andre Mayers from just over the half. After this early goal against the East Coast boys, CWSS
struggled and were lucky to not concede. In the other semifinal, Lodge didn’t hold back and they thumped President’s College (PC) 7-0. The Georgetown based side seemed to score at will with a brace on either side of the half from Dorwin George (37th & 76th) leading the line with single strikes from Rasheed Roberts (27th), Turston Gordon (44th), Nicolas Trotman (70th), Leroy Sealey (84th) and Marcus Bamfield (90th). Preceding the final will be the third place playoff between Presidents College and Annandale at 14:00hrs while the final will kickoff at 16:00hrs. The tournament is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health through its Stop Gender Based Violence Campaign.
Lodge Secondary didn’t hold back during their thumping 7-0 win over PC.
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Bartica Easter Regatta 2019 Sports
Bydarabo Uprising snare Female Cricket title; Agatash are Male winners
F
irst timers, B y d a r a b o Uprising led by the Most Valuable Player of the Final and the Highest Run Scorer, Ronella
Bacchus waltzed their way to the championship trophy in the final of the Bartica Easter Regatta Female Cricket competition which ended on Wednesday at the
Male champions, Agatash in a jolly mood after collecting their trophy. Sharing the moment are Mayor Gifford Marshall at center of pic, Deputy REO Holbert Knights (3rd left) and Sports Organiser, Michael Dos Santos at left.
Tournament MVP and the Highest Run Scorer, Ms. Ronella Bacchus receives her trophy from Deputy Mayor, Ms Arita Embleton.
Bartica Community Center Ground. Bydarabo Uprising, playing for the first time as unit defeated Kartabo Power Rangers Sports Club to take away the spoils in the sevena-side/5-Overs competition. This was eth second year that Kartabo Power Rangers have ended second best. Captain of the winning team which received a trophy and cash incentive, Lera Carter said that she was very proud of her charges performances which propelled them to the title in their debut tournament. The other members of her winning unit are Alexis Sutton, Keisha Seenarine, Ronella Bacchus, Kristal Sutton, Maxidella
Timberman and Teisha Kenswil. In the male segment, Agatash, led by MVP of the final Andrew Simmons who smashed 27 and Kurt Welcome who lashed 14 guided their team to a commanding 48-1 off their three overs; the quota of overs being reduced due to
fading light. A&L Mining needing to score 49 to win were restricted to 34-4 off their 3Overs; Navindra ‘Kero’ Conhaya leading with 19 and Earl Joseph, 14. The Most Runs in the competition was scored by A&L Mining’s Messiah Joseph while the trophy for the Most Wickets
was presented to Joseph’s teammate, Wazid Husman. Trophies were presented to the top two teams in both the male and female competitions; the top individual players also landed trophies. The sports programme is being organized by Michael Dos Santos.
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Friday April 12, 2019
Police Commissioner B/Day Inter-Division T20 cricket
Anderson’s unbeaten 59 trumps Savory’s 53 as ‘G’ lose 1st game By Sean Devers Despite back-to-back fifties from Essequibo Franchise player Kemol Savory, an unbeaten 59 from
Jason Anderson saw ‘G’ Division suffer their first loss at the knock-out stage while ‘F’ Division crushed ‘E’ by 9 wickets in the Quarter Finals
‘D’ Division’s Jason Anderson tucks a ball past mid-wicket during his unbeaten 59 at Eve Leary yesterday.
of the Commissioner of Police Birth Anniversary Inter-Division and Branches T20 Tournament at Eve Leary yesterday to march into next Tuesday’ semifinals. In the morning game, ‘G’ Division made 138-9 in 20 overs as only the left-handed Savory, who followed his 73 on Wednesday with an attractive 53 (3x4 2x6). But although he added 53 for the third wicket with Oyona Sampson who made 27 (2x4 2x6), no other batsman reached double figures; Boshnarine Lalbachan (219) and Shemar Holder (224) bowled well for ‘D’ Division which reached 1455 in 18.4 overs.
Anderson hit 59 (8x4) and added 80 for the fourth wicket with Denry Henry, whose 39 was aided by four boundaries, one of them a towering six. Ronald Alleyne began the chase by hammering Savory for three scorching boundaries in the first over on bone dry and rough outfield before Fazal Khan had him stumped for 12 at 18-1. Khan trapped O’Donnell Hill LBW for a duck without addition to score in the same over and when Lalbachan (6) was dismissed by Shekel Vyfhuis at 37-3, ‘G’ Division seemed on course for a semifinal spot with their sixth consecutive win. But (Continued on page 34)
Kemol Savory followed up his 73 on Wednesday with 53 for ‘G’ Division who suffered their first loss yesterday.
Sports enthusiast supports Regal teams for Florida Cup double Longstanding supporter of sport in Guyana and softball cricket in particular, Denesh Persaud on Wednesday joined the list of sponsors to throw their weight behind Regal cricket teams, getting ready to defend their titles in the upcoming Florida Cup. Persaud of Ink Plus, who is particularly fond of this brand of cricket that the Regal All-Stars and Regal Masters play, said that he will support a winning team and a winning brand any day. These sentiments were echoed at a presentation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon in Georgetown to Regal Tour Manager, Divesh Ramjattan. Persaud added, “It is not easy to send two teams overseas regularly and to win year after year. I know the challenges and want to be
Denesh Persaud Jr. (left) hands over the sponsorship to Divesh Ramjattan on Wednesday.
part of such a winning team and process.” On accepting the donation from Persaud Jnr. on behalf of the Florida Cup double defending champions, Ramjattan expressed his gratitude and promised to represent the sponsors and the entire country with pride and distinction. Regal Masters and Regal Allstars are the defending champions in their respective categories in the South Florida Softball Cricket League organised Florida Cup which bowls off today in Fort Lauderdale. This year marks the 15th edition of the tournament and more than 30 teams are expected to be on show over the three days. The finals are set for Sunday at the Central Broward Regional Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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GBA/E-Networks/B-Division Easter Tournament serves off today
T
he E-Networks B-Division E a s t e r Badminton Tournament is set to begin today at the National Gymnasium from 17:30hrs. The tournament has been organized for all upcoming players to get a chance to showcase their skills and have an opportunity to medal which will aid in their development. All National and APlayers are barred from contesting this tournament which would be for male and females. The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has also informed that there will be a Consolation Round giving the players who get knocked
Some of the B-Division Players who took part in the International Sports Day for Development and Peace out in the first round another chance to still be in the reckoning.
The GBA is expressing thanks to E-Networks for coming onboard with them
and looks forward to their continuous support towards the development of players.
East Coast Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition
Uprising now the hunted, could they survive? Teams vow revenge With the West Demerara and Berbice zones already completed, lovers of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition will now have the opportunity to place their focus on the East Coast zone which opens this evening, at the Haslington Market Tarmac. Headlining the night’s round of matches will be defending champions Uprising, who made history by becoming the first qualifier to win the zone, while the host village will be represented by Hypers. The champs will face Non Pariel in the final of eight games scheduled for the evening, the Hypers take on the usually tough Buxton Diamond in the penultimate game of the night. Some of the other big name teams that will appear on the night include Melanie ‘A’ and ‘B’, Victoria Church Yard,
P l a i s a n c e ‘ A’ a n d Beterverwagting ‘A’ and ‘B’. The tournament which has enjoyed overwhelming success over the past decade has grown into what can safely be labeled the most popular competition in the shorter version. It has grown both in terms of community and crowd support and these two indisputable features are anticipated to be on show once the tournament kicks off. The East Coast Zone has enjoyed support from as far as West Berbice and while fans from the outlying villages travel to East
Berbice to witness their teams play, they tend to also make the pilgrimage down the East Coast to witness the high quality and rivalry that is usually on display. The Uprising unit that won last year’s tournament was one laden with young fearless players, who were hungry for success, but now that may feel what it is like to be the hunted as teams have already signaled their intentions to exact revenge this time around. However, the champs vow to successfully defend their title so immediately fans can anticipate three nights of exciting encounters that could also see turnout surpass previous years. The Organisers have already indicated that fans and the community will be the real winners of this year’s competition with giveaways planned for each
night activity. Play in the competition continues tomorrow evening, at the same venue with the final set for April 22. The night’s fixtures are seen below: [ 1 ] M a h a i c a Determinators vs Liliendaal Hustlers-‘A’; [2] Melanie‘B’ vs GWI East Coast-‘A’; [3] Belfield Warriors vs BV ‘B’; [4] Paradise-‘A’ vs Victoria-‘B’; [5] BV-‘A’ vs Plaisance-‘B’; [6] Victoria Church Yard vs Melanie‘A’; [7] Buxton Diamond vs Haslington Hypers-‘A’; [8] Uprising vs Non-Pariel-‘B’. Day-2-19:00hrs: Group-A - [9] Winner-1 vs Winner-2; [10] Winner-5 vs Winner-7; [11] Winner 9 vs Loser 10; [12] Winner 10 vs Loser of 9. Group-B - [13] Winner 4 vs Winner 6; [14] Winner 3 vs Winner 8; [15] Winner 13 vs Loser 14; [16] Winner 14 vs Loser 13.
Smalta/Icool U-14 Indoor Hockey League culminates today The curtains will come down on the Smalta/Icool Under-14 Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Hockey League, organised by the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), today at the Marian Academy Auditorium, Carifesta Avenue, with the semifinals and final of both categories.
After two months of keen rivalry among the upcoming hockey stars, defending champions Team Uzzi (boys) and Marian Academy (Girls) will have the opportunity to successfully defend their titles after not so strong finishes in the group round(Continued on page 34)
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The Guyana Football Federation Senior Team, The Golden Jaguars set to debut at the Gold Cup 2019. Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson seen with the Concacaf Gold Cup trophy.
CONCACAF Gold Cup... Guyana face US in debut match, Jamaica host El Salvador
Captain of the Bydarabo Uprising Female Team, Lera Carter receives the winning trophy from Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Ms. Arita Embleton surrounded by her teammates.
Bartica Easter Regatta 2019 Sports
Bydarabo Uprising snare Female Cricket title; Agatash are Male winners Reifer, Haynes appointed to bring back passion says Skerritt Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.