Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR

Influx of Haitians… Saturday Edition

A case of 'massive people-smuggling'; Pres.

Granger should break silence - PPP

NEWS

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

August 03, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 30

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 129,298

ExxonMobil thrilled with US$3.1B second quarter earnings 400,000 ounces of gold declared in first 7 months - salary increase announced for GGMC's staffers

Tripletail, two other prospects to be drilled on Stabroek Block this year Minibus driver dead, 11 injured in EBD collision - passengers trapped

Suriname, Guyana to strike bridge deal by early 2020 - Patterson

“I going in jail and lay down” - man says after sentencing

Guyana is indeed a gateway for Haitians…

221 arrive in 3 days, none left

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Saturday August 03, 2019

Family of five loses home in Clifton fire

A

couple and their three kids are exploring limited options after their home at Lot 202 Clifton Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice went up in flames yesterday around 11:00 hrs.

Kaieteur News understands that Troy Elias and his wife were renting the wooden edifice for a while.

Yesterday he was not at home when the fire started.

According to reports, Elias's wife was at home with the three children aged eight months, two years and three years old when she noticed the electrical wire connected to the house sparking.

Elias, a taxi driver and part-time mechanic, stated that he was working when he received a call informing him that his home was on fire. He said he immediately rushed home since his main concern was if his wife, Tamara Simon, 28, and their

children were safe.

"When I came home I saw the fire blazing; my wife and children were already out the house. She was upstairs with them when the fire start and she was calling out to the grass cutter man in

the yard to help her but he was not hearing so she run down with the baby in she hand, she told me. “She said that she tapped him on his shoulder and he run up and help save my other two children," Elias explained.

The father of three who is still reeling in shock, told reporters that he will have to stay with relatives until he can find a place for him and his little family since they

lost everything to the unexpected blaze. He has been paying rent and living at the house for the past three years while he worked two jobs to maintain his family.

Elias said that while he has a house lot in the very area which was donated to him by a friend, he has not been financially stable to start building a home of their own, hence he rented the now gutted building to live.

Nearly $1M went up in

flames.

Additionally, the fire service was criticized for arriving when the building was already gutted. It is understood that the fire tender arrived nearly 45 minutes after the inferno

started. Residents opined that if the fire service arrived in a shorter time something from the house could have been saved.

An investigation has been launched to confirm the origin of the blaze.

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil thrilled with US$3.1B second quarter earnings E

xxonMobil Corporation r e v e a l e d yesterday that it earned US$3.1 billion or $0.73 per share assuming dilution for the second quarter (Q) of 2019.

It noted via its Q2 2019 ExxonMobil Corp Earnings Call, that earnings included a favorable identified item of about US$500 million, or $0.12 per share assuming dilution, reflecting the impact of a tax rate change in Alberta, Canada.

Further, it was noted that capital and exploration expenditures were $8.1 billion, up 22 percent from the prior year, reflecting key investments in the Permian Basin.

ExxonMobil stated that oil-equivalent production was 3.9 million barrels per day, up seven percent from

the second quarter of 2018. It said that liquids production increased eight percent driven by Permian Basin growth and reduced downtime, with limited impact from entitlement effects and divestments.

It also disclosed that natural gas volumes increased five percent, excluding entitlement effects and divestments.

Commenting on the performance, ExxonMobil's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, said, “We continue to make significant progress toward delivering our long-term growth plans.

Our new U.S. Gulf Coast steam cracker is exceeding design capacity by 10 percent, less than a year after startup.”

Woods added, “Our upstream liquids production

increased by eight percent from last year, driven by growth in the Permian Basin.

We are preparing to startup the Liza Phase One development in Guyana, where the estimated recoverable resource increased to more than six billion oil-equivalent barrels.”

With respect to its plans to invest for growth, Exxon noted that it has funded the Liza Phase Two d e v e l o p m e n t o ff s h o r e Guyana after it received Government and regulatory approvals. It was noted that the Phase Two startup is expected in mid-2022, producing up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, while Phase One remains on track for first oil by the first quarter of 2020.

ExxonMobil estimates it will achieve gross

production of over 750,000 barrels per day from the Stabroek Block by 2025 while noting that Guyana project plans are on or slightly ahead of schedule.

KEY DIFFERENCES According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports which w er e p er u s ed b y th is newspaper, there are some key differences between the Liza Phase Two Development and the Liza Phase One Development.

In the area of Oil Production Rates, the Phase Two production rate will be approximately 190,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day while Phase One's production rate is 100,000 barrels of oil per day with the ability to operate at sustained peaks of 120,000 barrels per day. With respect to FPSO

Oil Storage Volume, Phase Two storage volume will be approximately 1.6 to 2 million barrels, depending on the hull selected. Phase One storage volume is 1.6 million barrels.

In terms of the number of wells, Phase Two will have approximately 35-40 wells.

Phase One has 17 wells.

POSSIBLE EFFECTS The reports held by the EPA notes that the Liza Phase Two project comes with a fair number of possible effects on people, wildlife and the environment.

The effects include changes in quality of air; disturbance of seabed; changes in quality of ocean water; impacts to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, birds and protected species; changes in food sources for

ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods fish and wildlife; restriction on fishing around drill ships (temporary) and FPSOs; and oil spills which could impact the environment (e.g. coastline, protected areas), indigenous communities, and the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.

Influx of Haitians…

A case of 'massive people-smuggling'; President Granger should break silence - PPP

T

he People's Progressive Party (PPP), the party that is in Opposition, has called for a full-fledged investigation into the issue of the thousands of Haitians

Arrivals at the airport

who are coming in but do not appear to be leaving.

The party, yesterday, was clear about one thing…it involves a massive case of people smuggling with implications for national

security.

In a statement, the PPP noted what it described as the appalling statements made by two senior APNU+AFC Coalition government officials –relative to the daily disclosures about thousands of foreign nationals entering Guyana, with no record of them leaving.

The party called for the disclosures to be openly condemned.

“Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, has been quoted as saying that he believes that the Haitians are using Guyana as a steppingstone to other countries, including Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.

“It is alarming that this is the position of a Minister who should be concerned with the correlated issues of national security and human trafficking,” the statement yesterday said.

The PPP also pointed to recent statement of Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who has been reported as saying: “If I (foreigner) am prepared to cut grass for $1,000, but the native

(Guyanese) wants to cut grass for $1,500, who are you going to employ? Most obviously, the $1,000…I would go for the $1,000.”

According to the Opposition party, that this is the position of the Finance Minister – effectively supporting the displacement of Guyanese from the job market, at a time when Guyana has recorded 30,000 jobs lost in the last four years – is unacceptable.

“The People's Progressive Party (PPP) believes that there is a massive people-smuggling racket and inaction cannot be the order of the day. This is an issue that was raised a

year ago and the APNU+AFC Coalition has refused to address it.”

PPP said that the alarming statistics on the number of Cubans, as well as Haitians who cannot be accounted for, since entering Guyana, caused the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, in 2018, to summon Minister Felix and then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, on June 13, 2018 to answer pointed questions with regards to possible human trafficking.

As a result, the Parliamentary Committee examined statistics provided

by Minister Felix himself for

the period 2015 to April 30, 2018.

“The immigration figures showed that a total of 93,374 Cubans arrived in Guyana, but only 76,663 were recorded to have left.

This meant that 16,711 Cubans were unaccounted for and are probably still in Guyana.

“With regards to the Haitians, for the same period, a total of 6,245 arrived in Guyana, but only 963 were recorded to have left. Again like the Cubans, a large number of 5,282 Haitians were also unaccounted for and probably in Guyana,” PPP (continued on page 19)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 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

The criminal enterprise The reports discourage a jittery Guyanese populace: another accused felon freed. Usually, it is of the more serious violations: murder or attempted murder, or armed robbery, more often than not sophisticated, automatic firearm. Why are so many walking scot-free?

Those who know better, through proximity to the circumstances, shake their heads knowingly; citizens distant from the crimes wonder what went wrong. In Guyana, what went wrong and why many are set free is rarely traceable to honest mistake or detectable incompetence.

What went wrong, too frequently, rises to the alarm and horror of what was made to go wrong. And it is by those hands that one felon after another is granted freedom to main and to kill (again). They usually do.

It must be acknowledged that there are law enforcement and judicial successes against the garden variety felons: rum shop brawls resulting in grievous injury or death; wedding house and dancehall inspired violence; and particularly when the perpetrators are poor.

Catch them, arraign them, convict them, and put them away occurs. If those same standards (dogged pursuit, careful and skilled case compilation, prosecutorial intensity) were visible and credible in-across-the-board criminal misconduct, then there would be no concerns.

In contrast, what is perceived to be arranged and conducted is one long, squalid story, which cannot stand sharp, intelligent scrutiny: the shadows reach far back and keeps lengthening every day. First, the troubling reminders are there, compliments of the media: an individual was previously charged (or fingered) for murder or a gun-related crime; usually following a current mysterious, execution-style killing, or some lethal home invasion or business robbery. Done before. How and why?

The answers lead to long lists of men and women, who through their activities have contributed heavily to the terrors of serial felons loose in society. They include politicians, police, and professionals in the law; reckless and dangerous politicians from both sides recruited and used ready citizen-criminal-soldiers to execute harrowing deeds. At different times, and from the mouths of different political players and groups, stone killers were rebranded crime-fighters and freedom fighters.

The first truth to dash those outlandish falsehoods is that the perps were not bona fide social revolutionaries, but simply cheap political-criminal mercenaries masquerading under the white flags of injustice and resistance. Some of the surviving killers are still out there: dormant, weighing opportunities, and implementing them. In turn, they have attracted many copycats and followers. Thus, the political authors, it can be argued, are the bigger felons for having gifted this harsh reality to all Guyana.

Then, there is law enforcement. None could accuse its uniformed felons of actually pulling a trigger or decapitating with a machete; or plotting an execution. But like a wheelman, or a safe house provider, too many members the state’s protective arm have been reputed to cuddle, condone, or cover for felons (well-paying) by allowing them to a) evade dragnets; b) intimidate witnesses; c) possess neither fingerprints nor proximity nor identity, with the matter pursued.

Who is facilitator and felon? Who now is less guilty, or the bigger felon, when next the chilling felony is recorded? To ask and answer: it must be those who presented matters in a way guaranteed to result in a verdict that goes one way only: out the door and back to the streets.The judiciary has its part to perform in bringing sordid circumstances and reality full circle, through a satisfactory conclusion.

Here operates the professionals practiced in who is playing and who is paying. And who in the fraternity are fellows in the great game of judicial patrimony. Once this used to be a rarity; now only the drudgery of the ordinary.

It is the give and take of the fix: deliberate foul-ups; startling interpretations; irrational rulings. Things do not add up; word seeps out of who is on the take and who is on the make.

Vanishing migrants have become a cause for national concern DEAR EDITOR, During the period when members of the Muslimeen were incarcerated for the insurrection in Trinidad & Tobago, a story is told of seven Haitians being placed in the cells with the Muslim brothers, that same evening.

The Haitians started drawing frantically on a wall of the cell, they were drawing a picture of a large sailing ship “we are leaving tonight, do any of you wish to come with us?” they asked, one man laughingly said “yes, anything to get out of here”.

The next morning, the Haitians were gone, the picture of the ship along with them, and the one man who said he would accompany them…found dead on the floor, no cause of his death ever determined.

Guyana’s Haitian visitors are also vanishing without a trace, and have become a cause for national concern.

In September 2015, after it was revealed that the (then) new APNU/AFC

administration had introduced a policy that Haitians must show cash and return tickets before they could enter Guyana, I wrote that “What pains me however is to see Guyana join that line of oppressors; we should be embracing our Caribbean brethren, treating them with respect and dignity, and dare I say it, some preference.

Instead, I see a denigration of a proud people by hollow men, new to power, devoid of consciousness, the nouveau riche of the Caribbean; how soon we forget.” (S.N 29.9.2015) It would seem that on that occasion my plea did not fall on deaf ears and our Haitian brethren have been accorded more humane treatment since.

We are, however, now faced with mounting evidence that Guyana has become a transit point for Haitian people; this migration in itself is not problematic or cause for worry, what is, however, is the lack of documented exit from Guyana. This undocumented

exit phenomenon points to organized migrant smuggling.

Migrant smuggling is “a crime involving the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident.

Migrant smuggling affects almost every country in the world. It undermines the integrity of countries and communities, and costs thousands of people their lives every year.

UNODC, as the guardian the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Protocols thereto, assists States in their efforts to implement the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (Migrants Protocol)”.

Guyana is a signatory to this protocol.

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix is unconcerned and stated that Guyana is being used as a stepping stone by the Haitians for greener pastures. Of the 8,600 Haitian arrivals in 2019, 13

have left Guyana legally.

The Minister also said “We have found that their intention is to get to relatives in Suriname, Cayenne, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela. We have traced legal departures, but there is a number we cannot account for, and those we suspect left illegally (backtrack)”.

Guyana will probably be placed on some sort of blacklist and sanctions will be applied unless the attitudes in government change quickly.

There is no doubt that the Haitians are willing participants in the smuggling, however, the government must investigate why exits are not being documented; if any abuse of persons is occurring during their stay in Guyana; if false documents of any kind are being produced and issued to these persons during their time in Guyana.

Protection of our Haitian brethren during their time on our shores is a duty that should not be taken lightly.

Respectfully Robin Singh

It is unconscionable for Guyanese to pay income taxes for one of the world’s wealthiest corporations DEAR EDITOR, Guyana still has to contend with the phenomenon of our Governments signing away billions of dollars in income taxes to some of the world’s wealthiest corporations, and in this case, agreeing to foot their income tax bill for them.

Based on new information published in your newspaper on August 02, 2019, we have estimated the amount of losses Guyanese can expect under the current Production

Sharing Agreement with contractors Esso, Nexen and Hess.

It should be noted that our losses are derived from two instances: These contractors not paying any income taxes, and the people of Guyana with the Minister acting on our behalf, having to pay the value of these outstanding taxes for the contractors, as stipulated in the PSA. Based on recent information, Guyana should

Give the people the power to choose, and stop making excuses DEAR EDITOR, The most recent and shocking phrase that was introduced by the PNC, “there must be free, fair and credible elections “, and sung by David Granger, is not in the DNA of such a political party.

In fact, the PNC is more associated with the rigging of General and Regional elections.

There are numerous ways which the integrity of elections can be affected, not only by a “clean” voters list.

Some of the ways in affecting elections results are: - elections results may be improperly tallied or reported; inaccuracies may be

introduced by human error or because of a lack of proper oversight; the vote can be affected if fraudulent voting e.g., multiple voting, illegal voting etc., occurs; elections tallies and reporting may also be affected by malicious actors.

Information to voters may be manipulated to mislead potential voters, registration data can be tampered to disenfranchised potential voters.

Sometimes after the primary reporting of results, evidence that enables verification of reported results may be altered or destroyed (Continued on page 5)

have been receiving US$56.681 billion, inclusive of the US$10.9 billion in income taxes the PSA contractors should be paying, but are not.

However, Section 15.4 (a) of the PSA also stipulates that the Minister pays these amounts to GRA as income taxes on behalf of the contractors.

Therefore, if all revenues under the existing PSA were to be paid into our Natural Resource Fund, Guyana stands to lose a total of US$21.863 billion, since instead of US$56.7 billion, which would have included the US$10.9 billion in income taxes due from the PSA Contractors, the Fund will now only receive US$34.8 billion, because according to the PSA, the Minister has to pay the US$10.9 billion income tax liability on behalf of the contractors.

Since around 1997, Guyana has been having some serious concerns regarding the nature of contracts signed by our governments regarding the net benefit Guyana receives from the exploitation of our natural resources. With BaiShanLin dominating our headlines immediately prior to 2015, this most recent Production Sharing Agreement is something we need to seriously think about as we decide about selecting our next, and future governments.

Because without a doubt, we will be responsible for any and all contracts signed by the governments we vote into office.

Best Regards, Craig Sylvester, Party Leader, Democratic National Congress

The Haitians are coming. Where are they going?

DEAR EDITOR, The Haitians are coming.

In droves. In an election year.

Why? What for? What are they doing? Where are they going? All simple questions which the Minister responsible for Citizenship

has a public duty and responsibility to answer.

If he won’t or cannot answer, then, perhaps, our President will put the matter to rest.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Saturday August 03, 2019

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

House-to-House registration violence: a reminder of a dark past’ DEAR EDITOR, And so it begins, the old political games of the past have once again reared their ugly head. Violence and intimidation - that we expected to be confined to the dustbin of history - are now, once again, part of our democracy.

This past week, reports of GECOM officials being attacked and harassed during their work in house-to-house registration have shocked the nation. There have even been instances of dogs being set upon these poor souls.

What has driven these ordinary folks to display such levels of aggression towards those who want to ensure that they have their democratic right to vote? Well it is the misrepresentation of this process by the PPP, who claim that it is “illegal” and part of some broader conspiracy of

electoral fraud. They are inciting fear and mistrust among the public, making them believe that this process is somehow to their detriment.

The ongoing registration exercise has been a normal part of the democratic process. It is to ensure that those who have turned 18 since the last election are able to exercise their right to vote, and those who are not eligible, including individuals who have sadly passed away or who have emigrated, are not on the electoral roll.

The PPP wants to partake in an election with a list that is not sanitized. This exposes our elections to potentially massive voter fraud.

They have also shown a blatant disregard for young Guyanese voters. By demanding to use the current list, they are preventing thousands of young people

from voting. Democracy is vital to a healthy society, it is important that we must guarantee that every man and woman should be able to exercise their right to choose who governs them.

At all costs, the process must move forward with a list that is both clean and credible.

The worrying attempts by the PPP to shut down the only route to a trustworthy election should raise concerns with the public, businesses and international observers.

But it is their worryingly aggressive intent that makes me question whether they are really the right people to run this nation. Their willingness to sow division and mistrust along racial lines is a cynical tactic that they’ve used before. They present a position of us versus them, a government for IndoGuyanese versus a

government for AfroGuyanese (as though it is not possible for a government to be for all Guyanese), playing on the darkest emotions of fear and mistrust.

The previous PPP government used this tactic repeatedly to help benefit themselves and their cronies - playing on racial division to distract the electorate from the real issues at hand.

Under the previous 23 years of PPP government, we saw our infrastructure crumble, our education system collapse, and crime spiral out of control. The economy was stagnated and there were little opportunities for ordinary Guyanese, with tens of thousands emigrating each year.

Finally, we have a government that is not just working for itself, but working for all of Guyana. They have

confronted the long-running problems of ethnic division through innovative programmes, provided public services across the country, and continue to build a stronger economy so every Guyanese has access to wellpaying and skilled jobs.

Maybe this comes with a coalition government, one that must work together across party lines, and thus collaborate in order to get things done.

To create a nation that works for us all, we must be given our opportunity to have our say, for voting is the one thing that ensures that the next government must listen to not just one group or one community, but all Guyanese.

The absence of a sanitised list would mean a return to cronyism, deceitful tactics, and backhandedness

that defrauded the public and the country of funds and value for more than two decades.

This would not only undermine the long-term business and investment case for Guyana, but makes any argument for the creation of jobs nothing more than rhetoric.

Never before have the risks been so high, particularly as we move forward to first oil production in Guyana. Never before has the requirement for a credible election been so pressing.

Guyana needs to move forward with a government which has demonstrated, since 2015, a capacity to provide a level of development for all Guyanese, not a government that can be born out of trickery and dishonesty.

Donald Ainsworth

Tackling corruption will earn the Coalition better dividends than promises DEAR EDITOR, Corruption has silently slipped onto the back burner of the national debate. The Coalition, having successfully rattled its sabre on the Constitution to delay the inevitable - the holding of General Elections after being defeated in a confidence motion - seems bent on taking the nation into the uncharted waters of a constitutional crisis.

Having had their first vehicle (34 is a majority of 65) for delaying the elections derailed by the CCJ, plan B, House-to-House registration, has been set in motion in an effort to defy the timeline set by the CCJ consequential decisions.

On Freedom Day, the president went deep in his campaign bag of promises – pulling out a plan for free education from nursery to university. With some 90 percent of his promises from the 2015 campaign languishing in oblivion, it is difficult to see this one making an impact on the electorate.

The Coalition’s tenure from 2015 has seen the fees at UG rise exorbitantly, and this after culling the $10,000 per child offered by the PPP. I don’t think the president could convince people to believing in his sincerity to change this 180 degrees. It’s a daunting task. For a start, the president would have score more points tackling the corruption plaguing the Education Ministry.

That Ministry has the largest segment of the budget and touches more people than any other ministry. To have corruption filtering down from it to the lower strata of society is more damaging to the psyche of the nation, because it touches deep into the sinews of the ordinary man and woman in a discriminatory way, irretrievably damaging the morals of the future generation.

Just a few months ago it was disclosed by Kaieteur News that the contract for the printing of exercise and text books were given to Guyana

National Printers Limited (GNPL) in a manner that local printers felt were not compliant with our procurement laws.

GNPL sub-contracted most of the work to Trinidadian company at a high price causing a furore amongst local printers who felt that they could have done the job at a better price. Based on the price the Trinidadian company was paid, it could be inferred that GNPL got a lucrative deal from the Ministry of Education.

Local printers are still to get details of that deal.

Secrecy in state contracts is suggestive of dishonesty!

The local printers are yet to hear a word about this from the president, despite calls to investigate. Does his silence on this matter put him in realm of not caring about the nation’s education?

Whether it is sole sourcing or competitive bidding, failure of Government officials to seek value for the state’s monies is an act of corruption. The

above action by the Ministry deprived local printers business and their workers’ jobs.

Let’s dress down a little in the same ministry. I understand that there is or was a circular, stating that teachers should not ask parents for monies but should rather seek to raise funds for curricula or activities by fund raising through the PTA. Has that circular been honoured?

Parents are complaining of being asked for monetary contributions on a regular basis by teachers while monies budgeted are being blown away at the top.

We live in an economically depraved society. Fathers, because of the lack of jobs or whatever else, are running away from their obligation to their children. Thanks God for mothers, they constitute 95

percent of the single parents struggling to educate their children. These women and families where one parent work, in most cases earn way below the 60 thousand tax threshold. Why is the Ministry allowing teachers to extract five thousand or over

10 percent of their monthly salary at this time to register their children in a school? If this is policy, free education for nursery to secondary is rapidly becoming a myth! The president’s promise is a mirage on the distant horizon.

Rudolph Singh

Give the people the power to choose...

From page 4 resulting in no external auditing and verification.

The biggest joke is when you have a valid NCM against a Government you suddenly decided to overhaul an electoral system that facilitated the said APNU/AFC coalition Government to win

Government.

The APNU/AFC coalition Government has fallen, elections are constitutionally due, David Granger must give the people the power to choose, give a date for elections now, and stop making excuses.

Regards Zamal Hussain

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate knows what he is talking about DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to respond to an erroneous letter in the Stabroek News (August 1) written by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Public Relations & Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan.

Perhaps in his zeal to defend the GPF, or perhaps because of pressure from the Minister of Public Security, Supt. Ramlakhan felt compelled to respond to PPP/ C Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali’s remarks detailing plans for our men and women in uniform.

This guy is either completely out of touch with the pulse of our men and women in uniform, or he is shamefully deceiving the public, in ignoring the despicable conditions under which police ranks are asked to serve knowing full well that the ‘blue wall of silence’ will protect him from the outrage of police officers who will be disciplined if they dare to speak out.

In his letter, Ramlakhan denounced Ali’s claim that ranks were experiencing political interference, favouritism in career path and advancement, the utilization of obsolete equipment to execute their duties, poor working conditions, limited support for their families, limited community support and limited attention to welfare issues, among others.

Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan needs to get out of his cozy office to know what’s really going on in the Force.

Readers may recall that in a letter dated July 27, 2017, the then Minister of State,

Joseph Harmon wrote to the Police Service Commission (PSC) informing that the President had directed that there be no consideration of promotion for members of the Guyana Police Force until further notice. This political interference by the President was ruled a “breach of the Constitution” on November 22, 2017 by Chief Justice (acting) Roxanne George.

That very month, November of 2017, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud was sent on ‘special leave’ in the ‘public interest’ by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, a controversial move that was considered unconstitutional and smacking of political interference.

The point is, there is documented evidence of political interference in matters of the Guyana Police Force by the Granger Administration and Supt.

Jairam Ramlakhan wants us to believe this never happened.

In his letter, Ramlakhan wrote, “The Guyana Police Force has embarked on a reform programme and is currently engaged in the implementation of a ThreeYear Strategic Management Plan 2019/2021, which is a continuation of a previous Five-Year Strategic Management Plan.”

But while that may be so, this “Strategic Management Plan” has done little or nothing to improve the welfare of ordinary police officers who risk their lives every day to keep Guyana and her citizens safe.

Despite all the elaborate plans in the pipeline to

improve the efficiency of the Guyana Police Force, the Commissioner of Police and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ranjattan have failed to address the main problem affecting every police officer I have spoken to, poor salaries and living conditions. It’s as simple as that! Until and unless these conditions are rectified, it will be almost impossible to stamp out corruption in the Force, something that must be done at all cost!

After conning the Joint Services with the false promise of a 20% salary increase during the 2015 election campaign, police officers are still grossly underpaid and unappreciated. And to make matters worse, the one-month tax-free Christmas Bonus that the Joint Services once enjoyed under previous PPP/ C governments have been discontinued by the uncaring Granger Administration.

On March 24th of last year, I was part of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee of the Security Sector that inspected police stations at Moruca; Matthews Ridge; Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region 1.

To his credit, the Committee Chairman and Minister of Public Security, instructed his police ranks to be truthful and straightforward in answering our questions, and I am satisfied that this was done.

Because of this candid interaction with the ranks, I was able to ascertain the state of readiness of our police force in those communities, and the conditions under which they live and work.

Editor, we demand professionalism of our men and women in uniform who

put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.

They in turn, need to be assured of their government’s support and commitment to provide them with the tools to keep them safe, and to get the job done. Sadly, much is needed to provide the basic level of comfort to those police officers, most of whom have been transferred from locations far away from home.

Police in Region One are challenged to cope with routine criminal activities they are confronted with on a daily basis. Every police station was short-staffed and in dire need of transportation; adequate manpower, and better weapons, mostly small arms.

There was no defined policy guideline to deal with Venezuelans who crossed the border into Guyana, work here illegally and set up gangs and prostitution rings.

Living quarters for police officers were mostly cramped and inadequate. In Port Kaituma, an officer named Sergeant Connell was forced to live in a dilapidated building that should have been demolished a long time ago. I hope he is no longer living there.

Every police outpost needs a reliable communication system, more so, those located in rural isolated areas. Yet the police radio at Moruca had not been working for over a year at the time we visited. Without a telephone land-line, the only form of communication available to these police officers was their personal cell phones. Moruca had been without a 4×4 vehicle since 2012, and one of the two ATVs was non-operational due to smooth tyres.

A common request I heard

throughout this inspection tour was the need for female police officers to deal with cases of rape, domestic violence, child abuse etc. The station at Moruca was without a female police officer and had no female living quarters, compromising not only the gathering of evidence, but the privacy of those women who have been raped or sexually assaulted. I hope these issues have since been addressed.

Throughout, police officers that were transferred from other locations to work in Region One expressed dissatisfaction with the three months they are required to serve before they’re given two weeks’ vacation to return home. Often, because of staff shortage, some were required to work much longer to attend court proceedings with prisoners.

Keeping a police officer away from his family for such a long time will surely contribute to broken homes.

To make matters worse, I was told that unless a police officer is required to escort a prisoner to Georgetown, he has to pay his own transportation to and from home, which often includes costly airfares.

While the Minister of Public Security admitted that he is aware of some of the “harsh” conditions that exist in some locations, it appears that those sitting in cozy offices at Eve Leary are failing to address the basic needs of police officers in the Hinterland Region.

At the Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma Police Stations, basic, inexpensive necessities that were required to improve the living conditions of our police officers were sadly lacking.

These include black tanks to store water; a 4-burner gas stove and kitchen utensils to cook food for police ranks and prisoners.

Also in Matthews Ridge, there was an urgent need for the construction of additional prison cells to accommodate prisoners during court days. At times, police are forced to house between 18 and 26 prisoners in two unsecured “lock-ups”, each measuring about 5×6 feet. I hope these conditions have since been improved for even prisoners deserve to be treated with some level of compassion.

Also in Port Kaituma, the police station was in dire need of a vehicle and a boat with a 200HP engine to patrol the riverine communities in order to restrict the flow of drugs and other illegal items, as well as to deter crime.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate knows what he is talking about. He has been traveling all 10 regions listening to the cries of a depressed people. He knows what has to be done, and is committed to providing our men and women in uniform with a livable income, incentives, and tools to get the job done.

After all, the security, wellbeing of our citizens and the business community are vital to promote growth and prosperity for all our citizens in a democracy where our constitution is paramount and the rule of law respected by all.

Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament Member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee of the Security Sector

Burnhamism taken to greater heights DEAR EDITOR, When the leader of the Opposition brought to fore the fact that the Coalition has been trying to get Haitians and other foreign nationals fraudulently registered to pad the voters list, some thought that he was just politicizing the issue and casting aspersions just for political mileage. However, he was right on target which has now become his trademark style in exposing the corrupt practices of this Government of which this ‘people smuggling’ racket is the latest one.

He rightly concluded that these foreign nationals will form part of the new voters’ list if the house to house registration succeeds. It must be noted that the Leader of the Opposition made this claim of smuggling Haitians some 2 years ago in the

National Assembly. He knew the intention of the Coalition since then!

It is quite revealing when a media house exposed the fact that during the last seven months 8,600 Haitians arrived in this country while only 13 departed back to their home country. It also unearthed a well-coordinated scheme to facilitate entry of Haitians which involves key stakeholders at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

This case of the vanishing Haitians was solved when it was discovered that they have been issued with fake documentation and are working and living right in the City. It was reported on social media that these foreign nationals are given monetary and other incentives to become registered in order to

vote for the Coalition.

Thus far, statistics have shown that more than 16,000 Cubans and 8,000 Haitians are still in this country. And this is only 2 groups!

Burnhamism is being taken to a higher level! In Burnham days it was fraudulent overseas voting, now it is foreigners becoming Guyanese illegally and being allowed to vote! The overseas rigging is now brought home by the APNU/AFC. It must also be noted that according to Article 159 of our Constitution, only Commonwealth Citizens domiciled in Guyana and above the age of 18 may be registered and vote.

Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela are not part of the Commonwealth, so once again the Coalition is violating our Constitution.

Therefore the registration of these nationals is fraudulent and criminal. It shows the depth to which this Government has descended in order to remain in power.

The seemingly gratuitous offer to grant 6 months stay to Haitians was simply to legitimize the entry to facilitate the electoral fraud.

Burnham must be so proud of his disciples.

In conclusion, Guyana is being illegally ‘recolonized’ not only to kill democracy, but to herald the advent of the worse dictatorship in the Western hemisphere, unless Guyanese now stand up and say in one voice that General Elections must be held by September 18th. The house to house registration scam must be aborted NOW! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Saturday August 03, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Minibus driver dead, 11 injured in East Bank collision A head on collision yesterday between a minibus and a 4x4 pick-up vehicle has left one dead and 11 seriously injured. The injured persons have all been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where several of them have already been taken into theatre for urgent surgeries.

Dead is 59-year-old Oswald Roberts of Kuru Kururu, Soesdkye District.

He was the driver of a Route 42 minibus, which plied the Georgetown/Timehri route.

The accident is said to have occurred just after 6:30 this morning in the vicinity of New Hope Village.

Reports suggest that the minibus BWW 2940 was

heading to Georgetown when a 4Ă—4 motor pick-up GRR 1909, driven by a 45 year-old Lusignan, East Coast Demerara male, heading in the opposite direction veered into the lane of the minibus, causing the head-on collision.

Eyewitnesses said that after the collision publicspirited citizens set about rescuing screaming passengers from the minibus wreckage. One lady was trapped in the front seat of the minibus for a lengthy period before persons were able to pry open what was left of the mangled door and rescue her.

Persons at the scene of the crash said the driver of the 4Ă—4 pick-up appeared to have been under the

Guyanese man gets 40 years in prison for attempted murder New YorkThe Schenectady man convicted of attacking three people in Saratoga Springs last summer was sentenced Friday to 40 years in prison for attempted murder.

Cendno Rahaman attacked the people on Caroline Street while drunk last August.

Jurors decided that the 29-year-old man was trying to kill one of the victims, Jake Ponessi.

Rahaman, whose family comes from Guyana, claimed he heard someone shouting racist slurs at him and his brother before the confrontation. (wnyt.com)

Jailed: Cendno Rahaman

Public spirited citizens worked feverishly to get the injured from the mangled minibus influence of alcohol. They said the smell of alcohol was all over his breath as they sought to render assistance.

He was said to be in the company of a female companion, Ashley Persaud, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara at the time of the accident. Both were treated at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown and admitted with abdominal trauma and a fractured right arm, respectively.

Some sources said that the pick-up was seen speeding and swaying along the roadway moments before the crash. The injured persons were rushed to the Diamond Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Hospital.

At the GPHC anxious relatives of the injured were seen pacing the floor of the Accident and Emergency Unit, as they awaited word on the fate of the many injured victims.

Amongst the injured were

Fatema Murray, of 273 Kuru Kururu, who suffered trauma to the head, a fractured left hand, and right foot as well; Cherry Ann Millington of the same area suffered a fracture of both hands, and also a fractured left foot.

Liloutie Deolall sustained multiple fractures of the left leg, blunt abdominal trauma, a fractured left ankle, and blunt chest trauma.

Rawle Glasgow suffered multiple trauma, a fractured right hand and right elbow, and spinal injuries. Gina Chin (no address given) suffered a dislocated left hip, while Kellon Campbell of 4102 Well Road, North Ruimveldt, sustained multiple fractures to hands, a fractured left hip, and a fractured left leg.

Candasci Vickerie of the

Kuru Kururu District received multiple fractures to the hands, and a fractured left hip, and left leg.

Marissa Mc Pherson of 355 Kuru Kururu was diagnosed with a fracture left hip, while Gilmax Adams was

40

said to have multiple poly trauma, according to hospital sources.

Dave Taylor, 22, on the other hand complained of agonizing pains to the back, while Shemia Chin, 23, sustained a fractured left hip.

PAGE 8

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

400,000 ounces of gold declared in first 7 months - salary increase announced for GGMCs staffers Gold declarations for the first seven months this year has touched 400,000 ounces.

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, to date it shows an increase over similar declarations for the same period (January-July) 2018. The trend points to another record-breaking year for production and declarations

in 2019.

This was disclosed by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, on Wednesday, as he joined the board members and staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to celebrate the entitys 40th anniversary.

Minister Trotman took

the opportunity to list some of the recent achievements of the mining and mineral sector that included the latest reports.

At the end of July, production of almost 400,000 ounces of gold had been declared, represents an approximate average of 55,000 oz. per month.

“Other good news for celebration was that Guyana now boasts three ongoing bauxite operations at Linden and Aroaima in Region Ten, and at Bonasika in Region Three.

This is as a result of First Bauxite’s entry to the fold of bauxite producers alongside Bosai Minerals and Rusal,” the Minister said.

The Minister also lauded the exemplary work of the Petroleum Division of the GGMC in preparing the nation for ‘first oil’ within the targeted period, and he commended GGMC’s embracing of Information Technology to digitize the process of applications for prospecting and mining permits and overall land management.

All these achievements, the Minister opined, have been made in the face of attempts at disruption of operations of the institution, challenges brought on by changing weather patterns that hinder effective hinterland road maintenance, and unhelpful criticism, which seek to define the GGMC as an inept and inefficient state agency.

GGMC, he said, has defied its critics and continues to stand strong.

The GGMC was established as a statutory body by an Act of Parliament on May 14, 1979 to, among other things, “promote interest in mining and mineral exploration, the development of the mineral potential of Guyana, and the production, supply and sale of minerals and mineral products.”

According to Trotman, although gold declarations decreased slightly in 2018 (613,072.96 oz. compared to 653,754.41 in 2017), it is obvious that there is a steady and pleasing upward trend for 2019, being higher than projected for the period January

Minister Raphael Trotman to June (300,673.80 oz.).

“As at the end of July, we are almost at the 400,000 oz. mark, which represents an approximate average of 55,000 oz. per month. Only yesterday, we were able to review the latest reports that show 74,000 oz. produced by Aurora Gold Mines, which tells us that it has shaken off its internal issues dogged it for many months and is returning to full strength and viability.”

He said that he was particularly pleased to see the vision of modernizing the Commission through the utilization of IT tools, take a quantum leap when a presentation was made by Husgra Technologies Inc. to show progress on digitizing the process of making applications and managing the grant of prospecting and mining permits.

“This will make for a more efficient and transparent process of land management. You continue to defy the naysayers and continue to carve a path forward as all of our successes are done under your watchful eye.”

Trotman said that so far, GGMCs commitment and dedication have helped to

complete the National Mineral Policy Framework and Plan of Action that covers the period 2019-2029, complete policy reforms for mining and policy briefs that speak specifically to the bauxite industry and review the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Act and the Mining Act to bring them in line with current and future goals.

“We have also completed a review of the mining regulations as well as legal reforms at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB).

“While we still grapple with strengthening the internal efficiency at the GGMC, I believe that the gains we have made so far are important pillars that ensure that a firm foundation is set for the growth and development we envision in the industry over the next forty years.

“This will be facilitated by the restructuring of the Commission, and I am pleased to announce that the consultancy for the restructuring will be awarded within the new week. This will realign the Commission with its core functions, whilst preparing it for a future where the environment, conservation and sustainable extraction of our mineral resources have to be carefully balanced.”

He also announced a salary increase for staffers.

“On an even brighter note, we have also responded to a request by the Commissioner, on your behalf, for salary increases for 2019, and after discussions with the Ministry of Finance, I am also pleased to announce that Ministry of Finance has agreed that staff members will receive an increase in salary retroactive to January 1, 2019.

“This should make all of you very happy and remind you that we hear you and we are busy responding.”

GGMC is celebrating 40 years with much to be proud of, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman says.

Saturday August 03, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana is indeed a gateway for Haitians…

221 arrive in 3 days, none left The influx of Haitians, without any clear actions from the Coalition Government, continued yesterday with 94 of the nationals arriving via the Copa Airline flight.

As of yesterday, there has not been an official statement from the Government since Kaieteur News broke the story earlier this week.

Since January, more than 8,600 of the citizens of that country have been coming to Guyana.

While there have been tickets confirmed for the Haitians to return home, more than 99 percent were noshows for the Copa flights which connect through Panama to Haiti.

From all indications the door has been thrown wide open with Haitians and locals both working together to pick up the arriving passengers.

Government has not said it has taken a policy to accept all Haitians. Most of Guyana is in the dark to what is happening. Haiti has been ravaged by a number of natural

disasters which led to CARICOM countries, including Guyana, relaxing immigration regulations to allow skilled Haitian workers and other professionals to enter CARICOM. The nationals are allowed an automatic six months on entry to Guyana.

Reportedly, a special desk has been set up at the Arrivals area at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The Haitians are being collected by persons who have their photos in their phones.

They are clandestinely then taken to various spots around the city and later moved. There are no explanations for what exactly is happening to them afterwards.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix earlier this week said that the majority of the Haitians leave Guyana for Suriname, Brazil and French Guiana. From all indications, the arrival of the Haitians and their subsequent movement from the Cheddi Jagan Inter-

national Airport (CJIA) came with the collusion of airport staffers including Immigration officers, taxi drivers, and even police ranks stationed there.

Persons working at the airport have admitted that the operations have been wellorganised involving several persons and with the blessings of likely Government officials.

During the last seven months, 13 Haitians returned on Copa flights.

On Thursday, 25th July, 18 persons confirmed intentions to return home. On the Copa flight, no one turned up. The next day, 78 persons were scheduled. Only one person went back.

On Tuesday, 30th July, 87 Haitians who came to Guyana booked to return home one went back.

There was none leaving Thursday.

However, 83 Haitians entered Guyana that day. No one booked to leave.

At the airport, reporters (Continued on page 24)

Dem boys seh ...

Guyana give away it lottery number suh anodda man can draw When you buy a lotto ticket and give somebody then de person win you does feel like if you get rob. Even if de person give you de money to buy de ticket and write down de numbers you does still feel that you get rob because just in case, you could always give dem back de money dem give you to buy de ticket.

Guyana had de winning lotto numbers all de time.

Exxon come and Guyana give dem de numbers because all de years dem playing those same numbers dem never win nutten; not even a free ticket.

Exxon cannon; it still striking winner after winner.

De odda day it announce

how de oil reserve grow from five billion barrels to six billion barrels. That news hurt dem boys but wha hurt dem de most was when Exxon boast how it draw US$3.1 billion in de second quarter that just done.

And that money ain’t got nutten to do wid wha de company draw down during de first quarter. Exxon mekking money using Guyana numbers and what hurting everybody is that Guyana ain’t getting none of that money.

Imagine US$3.1 billion in three months. That could build de Harbour Bridge, de bridge across de Corentyne River, de road to Lethem, and pay off de money we owe

China fuh de Skeldon plant.

Old people got a saying that Jacob steal Esau birthright. Exxon steal de Guyanese people birthright and now dem using it fuh keep Guyana poor. That is wha this country been doing all de time. It do de same wid bauxite; it do that wid sugar and it did de same wid timber.

Dem boys seh when you give away wha you got because you don’t believe in youself, you gun always end up wid white mouth. Exxon eating big and Guyana getting lowra. Ask dem old Indian people wha lowra mean.

Talk half and don’t give away you birthright.

One of the organizer directing a Haitian women to a waiting minibus.

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Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

English horror: Thank God, it wasn’t non - white people In February last year, on the 20th, I did a column captioned; “Australian horror: Thank God it wasn’t a Black family.” For those who didn’t read it, here is a lengthy extract; “An extended ItalianAustralian family of twentysix on the liner terrorized the rest of the passengers for three consecutive days. This extended family of men, women and younger family members did not physically harass a few passengers.

They went around the ship just picking at people at random and hitting them.

On day three, what you see in the movies and the novels was nothing compared to what happened. Passengers were running for safety in all corners of the ship. Innocent

passengers were being beaten up in front of children. People locked themselves in their cabins. Security and staff had enough and began to intervene but they too were attacked with the women folks of the extended family jumping into the fracas The ship made an emergency landing at a port where Australian police intervened and escorted the family off into a small, waiting boat. They were not handcuffed.

One of the philistines could be seen showing his middle finger to the cruise passengers. Do you know what would have happened if that was a Black family or a non-white group? They would have been in foot chains and handcuffs and

manhandled off the ship. Do you know what the Australian and white press would have carried if it was a Black family or non-white group.”

What you read above occurred on a Carnival cruise liner, one of the top names in the cruise liner business. Last week, the English version of the Australian mayhem took place. The ship, Britannica, saw a huge outbreak of terror while sailing back to the UK after a visit to Norway.

On the 16th level, a massive brawl (brawl was the word the media used) occurred in which furniture and wares were used as weapons.

It was the Australian terror show all over. Guests locked themselves in their rooms, while other hid under tables. Objects were flying across the floor and people were running to save themselves. Can you imagine people hurling furniture at each other in a fight? There is bound to be serious injuries.

Can you imagine people pelting each other with wares?

There could have been horrific eye injuries in such a situation. None of the perpetrators on the Britannica were non-white people. I grew up in a Third World (TW) country where I saw, like billions of other TW people, how stereotypes were born about the non-white races. If a white American or European attend a sporting event and violence broke out, we were described as hooligans.

These stereotypes still exist among the Caucasian race. White people have a condescending attitude toward the non-white peoples of the world. We are seen as less mannerly, less urbane, violence prone, lacking social grace. These are the stereotypical portraits that colonialism perpetrated on the colonized. And the colonizer internalize these negative values and accept them as revealing truths (see Edward Said’s fascinating book on the role of colonialism in the Orient titled, “Orientalism” – it is a good read)

What happened on those two cruise ships would have been reported for weeks and weeks if Nigerians or Guyanese or Pakistanis had behaved like that. Obviously someone may think of making a movie out of the Australian horror. Think of a cruise ship where for three days, dozens of drunken families have terrorized the entire crew and guests. You only see that in the movies.

It is interesting to note that one week after the terror on the Britannica, it was revealed on tape that Ronald Reagan while governor of California used a terrible word to describe African people. And he was describing them to the President of the US, Richard Nixon, who was on the other end of the phone line. I refuse to identify the word. It is better left unwritten.

This man went on to become president of the most powerful country in the world, and ruled it from 1980 to 1988. Obviously while he was president, he had little

Frederick Kissoon use for the African continent.

The stereotypes invented by colonial hegemony will not go away. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if white tourists in Kenya or Jamaica or Honduras see a brawl in a cinema, they would be terrified at the way “these locals behave.”

No vivid portrait of the uncivilized descent on the two cruise ships would have any effect on them.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

Joint Services warn of informal pronouncements of members welfare The Joint Services Coordinating Council has warned about recent public statements about the welfare of its members.

The Joint Services comprise of the police force, the army, the prison service, the City Constabulary and the Guyanas Peoples Militia.

The Council, in a statement, said that it has noted commentary in various sections of the media regarding the administration and welfare of members of the Joint Services.

It said that it wishes to urge that no one, except the heads of the respective services, are authorized to speak on matters relating to the provision of services to ranks including education, career development and other benefits.

“Informal pronouncements by anyone should not be the medium to try to sway or influence members of the services at this critical juncture, lest these informal efforts affect the morale of ranks and contribute to the compromise of discipline and security at this time.”

According to the council, while on their bases or stations, members of the Joint Services are not per-

mitted to display on their person in any form, any items or symbols that demonstrate any form of political allegiance.

“Additionally, members of the joint services are not permitted to engage in any type of political campaigning at their places of work or during their tours of d u t y. N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , members of the joint services, like all other citizens of Guyana, have the con-

stitutional right to exercise their franchise whenever elections are held.”

All officers and ranks of these services are entitled to receive voter education and to learn about the process involved prior to casting their ballot for any party of their choice, the council stressed.

Recently, the Opposition s Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, a former Housing Minister, said that

over the last month he has engaged with numerous men and women in uniform.

Among the concerns he said were political interfer-

ence and favoritism in career path and advancement; obsolete equipment; poor working conditions; limited support to their families;

a growing work environment in which political directives are becoming constant and poor salary and benefits.

“Securing our borders, fighting crime, keeping our homes and community safe requires a healthy mix between well trained and highly motivated manpower backed with the necessary equipment, tools and enabling environment that would foster higher level of performance leading to better results.”

He said that his government will ensure affordable housing and support in access to financing; support to families; enhanced training and access to skills development; reinstatement of the annual bonus; career development and merit based promotion without political interference, favoritism and bias and access and support for University education.

Seven Anesthesia Students Leave for US Today Seven anesthesia students will leave Guyana for the United States (US), today.

They will be engaging in lectures, training and other educational activities relevant to anesthesia administration and procedures involving its use.

The training is a collaboration of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

and the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia which has sponsored the students.

The students will also receive advanced training during their stay to boost current knowledge of anesthesia procedures. The students were drawn from Regions One, Four, Five and Georgetown.

The exercise is part of the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporations ongoing training programme for anesthesia nursing students who want to pursue a career in that regard. Training in the US will take place at the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia. Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the administration, Keith Alonzo, said that the training will be beneficial since it will boost the Anesthetic Department as well as aid in the delivery of better surgeries.

He added that not only will they be exposed to new and improved procedures but they will function even more efficiently within their designation in the healthcare system.

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 03, 2019

Public urged to donate to Trust Fund for $200M City Hall rehabilitation

C

ity Hall is daily deteriorating and its administrators from all indications are in a quandary about how they will get restorative measures in motion. The cost of restoring the iconic building is pegged at more than $200M. A City Hall Restorative Committee has been established. It includes members of the private s e c t o r , t h e To u r i s m Authority, the National Trust, among others which has reportedly revealed that when the design and other detailed works are taken into consideration, it would run the Council into the hefty

sum which it can ill-afford at the moment.

Moreover, the Georgetown municipality has been embracing the notion of public support as the way forward.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Council said that it will be making a special appeal to citizens and other interested persons to assist in the rehabilitation of the colonial-style building.

According to City Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine, he is keen on rehabilitating the historic building and would soon be chairing a sub-committee dedicated to its restoration. Additionally, it was revealed that the

municipality will be opening trust fund accounts at local banking institutions to allow for contributions to be made toward the building's rehabilitation.

Mayor Narine said, “We want persons to be able to contribute towards saving City Hall if they wish to.

City Hall is an important piece of Guyana's history and there has been lots of talk about rehabilitating the structure but not much has materialised.”

“I, however, would like to be the one to see City Hall get the attention that is needed so that the structure could be returned to its once prestigious state,” he added.

A section of the deteriorating City Hall (Hilton Chan) Mayor Narine said that all assistance would be appreciated. It is for this reason, he said, donation boxes will also be placed at strategic secured locations [mainly at banking facilities] where people will not be inconvenienced to lend support.

He explained that persons may want to make a donation to the cause but would not want to join long bank lines to do so. This, he said, would mean that persons will be able to drop off a donation in a fast and easy manner.

Just last month, members

of the diplomatic corps visited the municipality on their first city tour since the swearing in of Pandit Narine as Mayor. The objective of the tour was to give the international representatives a first-hand look at some of the historical sites around the city and facilities that are owned and managed by the City Council. The sites visited included the Municipal Abattoir, the Stabroek Market wharf, City Hall, among others.

Mayor Narine noted that during the tour, discussions were had with the international community

about his commitment towards restoring City Hall.

Follow up discussions, he said, are expected to take place at which time members of the diplomatic community will provide information on what assistance they could offer towards rehabilitating the structure.

The Mayor also noted that he would be interested in discussing “city to city” relationships with the international community so that Georgetown could meaningfully gain from the mistakes and advances of First World countries with prize winning cities.

Police suspect Brazil gold heist was planned 18 months ago

Footage of the robbery in play

T

he Brazilian Civil Police suspect that the theft of 718.9 kgs of gold at the cargo terminal at Guarulhos Airport in Greater São Paulo was planned for at least a year and a half.

That's because, in November 2017, four men were arrested in a house on the outskirts of the city with equipment similar to that used in the crime committed last week: Federal Police (PF) cloned vehicles,

bulletproof vests, long guns and lots of ammunition. .

At the time, the arrest was because military police around the area distrusted men at the door of a house, and inside, they discovered vehicles and weapons.

The four prisoners had an extensive criminal record including theft, receipt, drug trafficking and even murder. Three are still detained and one died in jail.

During investigations,

police discovered that the gang planned to rob Guarulhos airport.

Now, investigators are trying to find out if those prisoners are related to the group that carried out the millionaire robbery.

The Civil Police managed to arrest three suspects from the most recent robbery .

Investigators, however, still have no clue to the nearly 719 kilograms of gold stolen.

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

Elections date long gone - Chief Justice

B

ased on her understanding of the judgment and consequential orders by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Chief Justice Roxane George yesterday said that the date for general and regional elections, March 21, has long gone. In fact, Justice George noted that “we” are supposedly in a period of an extension for the timeframe for holding elections, but that extension has not been agreed on.

“We are still waiting on the National Assembly to meet,” Justice George said as she commenced hearing arguments in application filed by Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. Ram is asking the court to order the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to stop its houseto-house registration process which commenced on July 20.

Ram is also seeking a Conservatory Order compelling GECOM to immediately take all steps and actions necessary and requisite to hold General and Regional Elections on or “before the 18th day of September 2019, in compliance with Articles 106(6) and 106(7) of the Constitution of Guyana and the decisions of the CCJ.” During his submissions,

Chief Justice Roxane George Ram's lawyer, Anil Nandlall, insisted that the June 18 judgments of the CCJ means that elections must be held within three months of those rulings—by September 18.

But Nandlall was asked

by Justice George to justify this position. In his explanation, Nandlall said that while the CCJ refrained from setting a date for elections, the court implied that elections must be held three months after its ruling in keeping with the provisions of Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

Article 106 (7) says, Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.

According to Nandlall, the CCJ felt that there was no need to issue coercive orders in relation to a date for

election, since the Constitution is very clear on the timeframe given the successful passage of a noconfidence motion. He added that it is now for the political players and GECOM to act in accordance with the supreme law.

But since the CCJ refused to issue coercive orders, Justice George queried of Nandlall why he was now asking the High Court to issue an order compelling GECOM to conduct elections by September 18.

In response, he reasoned that after the CCJ's ruling GECOM commenced the registration process, despite informing the court that the process could conclude until Christmas Day, December 25.

In any event, Nandlall submitted that the conclusion of house-tohouse registration does not mean that elections could be held the very next day. For one, the lawyer pointed out that there still has to be the conducting of claims and objections, among other things.

He was then asked by the Chief Justice to provide the evidence that there will be no extension to the timeframe for elections. Nandlall acknowledged that while such evidence was not before the court, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo has already declared that there will be none.

In this regard, he insisted that GECOM's decision to embark on the house-tohouse registration will collude with elections.

He argued that in order to (continued on page 23)

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tain motorcyclist dead, daughter-in-law injured in Clifton accident

A

4 7 - y e a r- o l d man of Lot 165 Block 14 Tain Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice is now dead following an accident that occurred on the Clifton Public road, Corentyne, while he was riding his motorcycle.

Dead is Ramdat Yadram.

The pillion rider, Nichola Mangar, 20, of Lot 25 Tain Settlement, Corentyne sustained injuries about her body.

According to reports, some time around 21:15 hrs Thursday, August 1, on the Clifton Public Road, Yadram was heading north on his motorcycle CJ 1009 with Mangar at the back when he reportedly failed to stop and proceeded across Injured: Nichola Mangar the road, turned right on the main road and collided with Mourant Hospital where hire car HC 5542 driven by a Yadram succumbed to his 61-year-old resident of injuries while receiving Canefield, East Canje. treatment.

He was reportedly riding Mangar was treated and at a fast rate, the police said, transferred to the New and as a result of the Amsterdam Hospital and collision, Yadram and a d m i t t e d i n a s t a b l e Mangar fell on the roadway condition. and sustained serious The woman is said to be injuries. the daughter-in-law of the They were both picked deceased. up in an unconscious state A breathalyzer test was and rushed to the Port conducted on the driver who

Dead: Ramdat Yadram is in custody and no alcohol was detected in his breath.

Investigations are ongoing.

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Govt. hands over outboard engine for use

by Pomeroon students

T

he Five Bs initiative, which includes boats, buses, bicycles breakfast and books, was introduced by President David Granger in 2015. It continues to benefit quite a number of school children living in remote areas.

Last Saturday, an outboard engine was handed over to the Regional Administration of Region Two. The presentation was made by the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who was accompanied by Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry.

Within the Pomeroon are a number of remote villages, accessible mainly by boat. Most of the Secondary Schools in Region Two on the other hand are located on the coastland. The cost for transportation is often unaffordable for most of these farmers, leaving some with no option but to keep their children away from school.

Kaieteur News understands that the 200hp outboard engine will be used in the Lower Pomeroon River to transport school children from the Lower Pomeroon to the Essequibo Coast.

Regional Education Officer, Ms. Nicholla Matthews, said that the engine would be installed on a boat to transport some 40 students from the Lower Pomeroon River to schools in Charity and Dartmouth.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan with Regional Education Officer, Nicholla Matthews and others.

A case of 'massive people-smuggling'; President Granger ...

From page 3 said in its statement.

Tip of the Iceberg The party noted that the more recent exposés in the Kaieteur News– detailing the arrival of over 8,600 Haitians in the last seven months – have focused on one group of foreign nationals- the issue at hand involves other nationals, including Cubans.

PPP believed that this may just be the tip of the iceberg.

The party said that in 2018, Minister Felix denied, before the Parliamentary Committee and media, that there was any truth to the information publicly stated by the Opposition Leader that Haitians were being given preferential treatment airside on arrival with special facilitators.

“He refused to check the CCTV cameras at the airport and told the Opposition Parliamentarians to bring the evidence. Needless to say, the recent media reports have exposed the untruth in Minister Felix's comments.”

Further, the party said it is primarily worried that these foreign nationals are being issued with Guyanese documents, which would allow them to be registered as eligible Guyanese voters in the ongoing house-tohouse registration being done by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“The plan afoot seems to be one that envisages the padding of the Voters' List with fictitious persons – an

old rigging tactic reminiscent of the People's National Congress' (PNC) time in office from the 1960's.

“The Party's General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has repeatedly raised this issue of people smuggling over the past year, while the local media corps has advanced its investigative reporting on the issue this week. Curiously, APNU+AFC Coalition officials have remained silent on the primary issues of concern.”

Collusion The PPP said that the magnitude of this operation has to involve the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Immigration Department, the Guyana Registrar's Office

and the airline. PPP called on the entities to come clean on the worrying state of affairs.

“The People's Progressive Party firmly believes that Minister Felix is neck-deep in this matter and is complicit by his refusal to investigate this matter. One may wonder why this Minister is so vociferous in denying this racket, which is so patently obvious. The PPP is not convinced that the Minister is so obtuse.”

The party said it believes that Minister Felix knows who the facilitators are, including those in his Department of Citizenship.

“Minister Felix must be held accountable for what is happening. The party reiterates the call of our

General Secretary for a fullfledged investigation into this matter and calls on President David Granger to abandon his usual posture of silence in the face of the scandals embroiling his Administration and address this matter with urgency.”

In recent days, following complaints of something illegal happening at the airport, Kaieteur News investigated and found that for the year, more than 8,600 Haitians entered Guyana.

That is nothing much worrying about that except that more than 99 percent of them did not return on the Copa Airline flights that they were confirmed to return on.

For this week, scores came but only two went back.

A Haitian woman is escorted to a waiting minibus

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

“I going in jail and lay down”

H

aniff Peters, 34, a Security guard, of Lot 71 Freeman Street, East La Penitence; and Susan D a n i e l s , 3 5 , a cashier/receptionist of Lot 16 North Section Canal # 2 P o l d e r, We s t B a n k Demerara, were yesterday sentenced for robbing the Woodlands Hospital of $1.4M. Peters and Daniels were on trial before Principal Magistrate, Faith McGusty, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts for the offence.

It was alleged that on August 31, 2017, at the Wo o d l a n d s H o s p i t a l , Carmichael Street, North Cummin g s b u r g , Georgetown, the defendants stole $1.4 M cash, property of the Woodlands Hospital.

It was also alleged that, Daniels, who works at the hospital, on September 1, 2017, at the Brickdam Police Station, gave false information to the police stating that she was robbed of a quantity of cash. She made them conduct an investigation which they

- man says after sentencing

Haniff Peters would not have done.

Yesterday, a probation officer gave a report about the life and background of the defendants to aid the magistrate in handing down her sentence after finding them guilty of the offences.

In relation to Daniels, the magistrate took into consideration the report which highlighted that the defendant is always seeking work to solely support her three children

Susan Daniels who were well taken care of.

She also indicated that although Daniels is showing remorse for her actions, it was only recently that she started to show such after the trial started to move towards her being guilty.

The accused then addressed the court saying that she is indeed remorseful for her actions and she apologized to the court for wasting its time. However, she was acting both times in

the interest of her children.

Moreover, despite the good record of the probation report for Peters, the magistrate had some pressing concerns.

She stated that there was a witness who placed him on the scene of the crime twice; first, when he was sitting on a bench at the hospital and secondly when he was running down the steps with a bag.

This witness also positively identified him on an identification parade.

Also, she mentioned that phone records show multiple calls were made by him to the hospital and these being returned. The magistrate added that this continued even after a certain time in which he said his phone was stolen.

Magistrate McGusty said that the caution statement of his co-accused indicates that she had confided in him about going through some hard times and as a result he put the idea to her to carry out the offence.

Peters was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the offence while Daniels was also sentenced to two y e a r s . H o w e v e r, h e r sentence is suspended which means that if she is to be charged again within the next two years then she will have to serve her time.

Down in the courtyard, Peters who was visibly upset started to shout at his coaccused given the fact that he has to go to prison while Daniels was free for the next two years.

To his family he said, “Y'all don't worry I gon hold it up and come out of here soon. I going in jail and lay down.”

The defendants are known to each other as they once shared a relationship.

On the day in question, Daniels was taking the day's money to the bank. Some time later that day the defendant returned to her superior and informed them that she was robbed by a masked man.

The matter was then reported to the Brickdam Police Station and during the investigation it was revealed that Daniels gave the police false information.

Further investigation carried out revealed that Daniels and Peters planned the robbery.

They were both arrested and charged for the offence.

(Trishan Craig)

Saturday August 03, 2019

Centenarian DHARMSHALA oldest resident

Miss Iris Agatha - oldest resident

L

iving to be 100 years old is a mere imagination to some people but this is not the case of one of Guyana's centenarian, Iris Agatha, who celebrated her 100 birthday last January.

Abandoned by her family at the Dharm Shala for over fifty years, Miss Iris had to fend for herself. She give birth to four children whom she suffered to send to school and whom she provided with the best education to secure their future after the tragic passing of her husband.

The man died after a four-year of marriage when her children where very young.

Miss Iris who appeared to be very happy to have company at her bedside was able to recall most things. “I know everything; I don't forget anything no matter how long ago it was. I miss my children but I am very happy to hear your voice today. You can ask me anything I will tell you.”

She said that living to be a centenarian is something everyone should try to accomplish but without taking good care of your health few people will be able to succeed.

When asked to share her secret Miss Iris whispered, “Come back next time and then I will tell you my secrets.” Miss Iris at her age has no health issues and never complained, no matter what she may be going through or if she is having a bad day.

When something bothers her she would start singing praises to the Lord, thanking Him for long life, health and strength.

According to the nurse at the Dharm Shala,” Miss Iris

got blind some fifteen years ago because of old age and although she is blind and very elderly she still would argue to feed herself. But usually the staff at the home would bathe and dress her.”

The nurse also stated that when putting on her clothes one must never forget to tie her head with her pink head tie.

“She does want to fight you if her head is not tied after having her bath.”

For almost 100 years the Dharm Shala located at 126 Sussex and King Edward Streets, Albouystown, and operating as a Charity organization has been caring for a number of abandoned, elderly and disabled people.

The Dharm Shala was established by Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj because of his vision to help neglected and elderly people to live comfortable and contented lives no matter if families and relatives don't love or want to care for them.

The home which appeared to be very clean is a safe place for the residents because of high gates and well fenced compound. The yard is concreted and scrubbed clean. There are flower pots with bright coloured roses and a variety of flowers situated all over the compound which resulted in the compound looking very beautiful.

Manager of the Home, Mr. Lindsay Erskine, stated, “All the staff at the home are doing voluntary work. We don't get paid for our labour but we are not complaining because we love what we are doing.

“We are willing to care and love these people. Not because their children and family abandon them means (continued on page 24)

Saturday August 03, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Coalition will take GECOMs East Canje African Group decisions “into consideration” Norton Emancipation celebrations on today Minister of Social Cohesion and Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) Vice Chair, George Norton, has assured that the coalition Government will take into consideration the decisions made by Justice Claudette Singh-led Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

During a PNCR press conference at Congress Place, yesterday, Norton congratulated the new GECOM Chairwoman on her appointment to the post, and lauded her for her record as an independent and impartial actor.

The Minister said, “The appointment of Justice Claudette Singh means that the Elections Commission has a Chairperson again. It is properly constituted and can continue to prepare for the conduct of free, fair, timely and credible elections.”

The Commission can now reconvene statutory meetings and make decisions on pressing issues. The most pressing one is the question of when General and Regional Elections will be held. And on top of that, the commission

As emancipation activities continue around the country, the action switches to East Canje for a parade and road show, today. The parade would be along the East Canje public Road The East Canje African Association has organized a packed programme of activities in observance of this year’s Emancipation celebrations.

The group has been making considerable strides over the years and this year’s celebrations are expected to be the biggest so far.

PNCR Vice Chair, George Norton could decide on whether to suspend the current House to House Exercise.

Due to the passing of the No Confidence Motion and the subsequent rulings last

by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) elections must be held as soon as possible.

Chief Justice Roxane George has acknowledged that (Continued on page 22)

Tripletail, two other prospects to be drilled on Stabroek Block this year

Even with a sizeable oil recoverable resource underpinning the Liza and Turbot Complex, the Stabroek Block operators have three

other prospects in their sights for drilling this year. Making this disclosure recently was Hess Corporations Chief Operating Officer (COO), Greg

Hill. He was at the time responding to questions from participants during his firms second quarter (Continued on page 23)

Some years ago the need arose for the community to have its own activity after members of the area had to trek to different parts of Guyana to be a part of the yearly emancipation events.

According to the organisers this is the 12th year that the activity will be held in the East Canje district.

The day’s activity is expected to kick off at 09:00 hrs with a Road Show and parade through the villages of East Canje. It starts at Cumberland village and proceed to Betsy Ground to

end at Goed Bananen Land.

At the venue a formal programme will include a number of cultural activities and a stage show.

The gathering will indulge in reliving the folk lore of the African culture through drumming, African dancing, storytelling, folk songs, skits, and poems among others.

All of the activities will be free of charge, but whatever funding is realized during the day will be used by the group to help in the enhancement of the African culture in the area.

PAGE 22

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

Coalition will take GECOMs...

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Contact Info: chungsvacancy@gmail.com LEGALNOTICE 2019 DEMERARA IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION. In the matter of the Deceased Persons’ Estate Administration Act, Chapter 12:01 -and- In the matter of the Estate of CHATERGOON CHATERGOON also known as CHATERGHUN also known as CHATERGOON also known as LACHMIN also known as LUTCHMIN CHATERGOON, both

From page 21 elections should be held

by September 18, 2019 three months after the CCJs final ruling.

But GECOM embarked on a process of House to House Registration from Saturday, July 20, last.

Kaieteur News is in possession of the work plan which shows that the process will culminate in February 2020 with the distribution of identification cards. The Opposition contends that a period of claims and objections will suffice to prepare the current list for free, credible and timely elections. The Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, has reportedly said that the list can be refreshed.

But the Government argues that House to House is the only process that will produce a credible list for the next election.

All of this is on the table of the Commission.

If elections are held before September 18, that could be done by way of a suspension of House to House registration.

Whatever the commissions decision is, Norton said, “The Coalition government has demonstrated to all and sundry that it is a lawabiding Coalition.”

He said that as the commission is about to meet, “we will certainly take into consideration decisions that are made by the Chair of the Commission who we support.”

LEGAL NOTICE contd Deceased.

–and- In the matter of an application by LILOWTYCHATERGOON LET DENANATH MISIR of Lot 2 Public Road, Riumzeight, West Coast Demerara, Guyana and UMRAJI MISIR of Lot 2 Public Road, Riumzeight, West Coast Demerara, Guyana witnesses to the Last Will And Testament of C H AT E R G O O N CHATERGOON also known as CHATERGHUN also known CHATERGOON, deceased, who died on the 21st day of November, 2002 at Queens, Jamaica Hospital L A T C H M I N CHATERGOON, deceased, who died on the 27th day of August, 2016, at Brooklyn, 275 Etna Street, New York, New York 11208 to call at the chamber of MR. YOGANAND PERSAUD, Attorney-at-Law, whose address for service and place of business is at Room D7, First Floor, Maraj Building, 185 Charlotte and King Street, Georgetown, Demerara, Guyana.

Dated this 25th July, 2019

Saturday August 03, 2019

Bar owner freed of assault charge The owner of the Liquid Love Bar was yesterday freed of an assault charge by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty after being on trial before her in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

The bar owner, Savita Persaud, 33, of Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was crossed charge along with Revelana Smith, 25, called Ducky, of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, for assaulting each other on April 23, 2019 at the East La Penitence police outpost.

Four days ago Smith was sentenced to serve nine months in prison after she was found guilty of the charge. Persaud later led her defence in the matter and yesterday the ruling was handed down.

Magistrate McGusty in handing down her decision said that based on the injuries she had seen on the parties and given their explanations she was of the opinion that Persaud was merely defending herself during the altercation with Smith and as such she dismissed the case against her.

On the womens first court appearance, both pleaded guilty to the charge that was read to them individually.

However, a not guilty plea was entered on their behalf by the magistrate given their explanations.

According to Smith, she was at the Berbice Prison at a church service when she asked Persaud to find out what time the vehicle was coming to transport them to attend court and Persaud

Suriname, Guyana to strike Bridge deal by early 2020 Patterson The Governments of Guyana and Suriname are currently in talks for the establishment of a crossing, to bridge the two countries.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that it will be the final bridge that would allow one to drive around the con-

tinent.

Patterson said that the governments have already signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to work on the project, and that talks are currently focused on the location of the proposed bridge. Currently, there (Continued on page 24)

Elections date long gone - Chief...

Savita Persaud (foreground) and Revelana Smith started calling her names.

This led to an altercation between the parties and they ended up before the matron of the prisons where the matter was dissolved.

Smith further stated that when they arrived at the East La Penitence Police Station, Persaud approached her and they started to fight after Persaud again used obscene language against her.

On the other hand, Persaud indicated that she was only trying to defend herself by scratching the

other womans face after Smith attacked her causing her to receive a black eye.

Smith was previously charged with attempted murder after she allegedly cut off a policewomans finger and dealt the woman several chops to her head and hand during a fight over her child father.

Persaud is currently in prison with five charges against her before the courts.

In June, last, she was sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for human trafficking.

Bus tout gets two years in prison for armed robbery A minibus tout was yesterday hauled before a city magistrate where he was made to answer a charge of armed robbery.

He allegedly held up a foreign visitor at knife point and relieved him of his cell phone.

Tw e n t y - s i x - y e a r- o l d Ernie Reid, of 185 B Field Sophia, Georgetown, was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts where at first he denied the charge when it was read to him.

The charge alleged that on July 31, 2019 at Parade Street, Georgetown, the defendant while armed with a knife he robbed Connor Haynes of an IPhone valued at $290,000.

Facts of the charge were presented by police prosecutor Christopher Morris.

On the day in question Haynes was walking on Parade Street when the defendant came from behind

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Jailed: Ernie Reid and held him at knifepoint.

Reid then attempted to relieve the victim of his phone however, Haynes held onto it.

The defendant then said, “If you dont give me the f**king phone I will bore you.”

Scared for his life the victim handed over the phone.

The defendant during his attempt to make good

his escape was caught by public spirited persons red-handed with the phone in his possession and the knife.

After the prosecutor related the facts of the charge Reid decided to change his plea and offered an explanation for his actions.

He stated, “I was working a bus because the conductor get lockup so we headed to Eve Leary. I left and while walking down Parade Street I see the man.

I dont know what fly in me head but I snatch the man phone.

“I didn t mean to do it but I got financial problems and I didnt use the knife I just had it on me.”

Magistrate McGusty then sentenced the defendant to two years in prison leaving him to ask if the offense is bailable. She responded with a laugh and reminded him of his guilty plea.

From page 16 complete this house-to-house registration within an impossible timeframe will result in thousands of Guyanese being unlawfully deregistered and will omit to register thousands of qualified registrants, thereby resulting in the loss of their right to vote at the next elections. This, he said, would include persons who are temporarily overseas.

In fact, Nandlall submitted that the elections commission deliberately embarked upon the house-to-house registration process to further violate and aggravate the Constitution.

What makes a huge part of the registration process unconstitutional, according to Nandlall, is that GECOM is looking to scrap the exiting voters' list which he dubbed a 'wholesale collusive violation.”

Nandlall reminded that GECOM's Legal Adviser (Excellence Dazzell) on several occasions advised that the house-tohouse registration exercise is unconstitutional and unlawful, but the advice has been ignored.

He submitted that Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith

Lowenfield had told reporters that that very list could be revised and used for polls. Lowenfield's lawyer, Roysdale Forde, however, was in disagreement. As a matter of fact, Forde submitted that he is not aware of any other process other than house-tohouse registration for the updating of the voters' list.

But Nandlall explained that apart from house-to-house registration, other mechanisms can be taken to update the voters' list.

For example, he said that persons can go to their regional elections office, among other things.

Forde said that there was nothing in the CCJ's ruling which suggests that elections must be held by September 18. Against this backdrop, Forde put forward that the political actors must now act in good faith in keeping with the rulings of the regional court.

He also contended that no evidence was produced by Ram to support that the house-tohouse registration process is unreasonable or unlawful. According to Forde, the situation at hand has nothing to do with the fact that a no-confidence motion was successfully passed, but

what GECOM considers best for conducting free, fair and credible elections.

While it is an offence for a person to refuse to register during the current house-to-house registration exercise, Nandlall reasoned that logically there must be a sanction for deregistering persons. Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus, on behalf of GECOM, agreed with submissions made

by Attorney General Basil Williams that it is now for Parliament to extend the deadline for elections.

Senior Counsel Marcus told the court that the Constitution makes provisions for the eventuality of elections not happening by March 21. He noted that it is now left up to the National Assembly to extend such time.

The Senior Counsel in concluding said that it is for the President and Leader of the Opposition to get together and act with integrity.

Arguments in this case will continue on Monday at 9:00hrs.

The Bar Association and Attorney General are among the parties expected to make submissions then.

Tripletail, two other prospects to...

From page 11 earnings call. During that discourse, Hill said that the one can expect three or potentially four additional wells being drilled this year starting with Tripletail first and then two or three other prospects along that southeastern seaboard of the block.

The COO said, “...As we look forward between now and the end of the year, we are going to do some more exploration drilling really along that northeastern part of the Stabroek Block between Turbot or southeastern block between Turbot and Liza.”

Hill said that these drilling prospects are being better defined in development studies. Further, Hill noted that the Liza Complex is

expected to be a multi-FPSO kind of situation given the amount of volume discovered.

The COO was also questioned about the Hammerhead well results.

This well was first drilled on August 30, last, and it marked ExxonMobils ninth discovery offshore Guyana.

Exxon had said that Hammerhead-1 encountered approximately 197 feet (60 meters) of high-quality, oilbearing sandstone reservoir.

It said that the well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 meters) depth in 3,773 feet (1,150 meters) of water and is located approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) southwest of the Liza-1 well.

In providing some details on the appraisals of the Hammerhead-1 and other

related wells, Hill said, “The Hammerhead well results for both Hammerhead-2 and Hammerhead-3 really demonstrated three things: first of all, both had highq u a l i t y reservoirs...Hammerhead-3 showed very good mobility.

“And finally, very good connectivity. And the connectivity is actually between all three wells. So, all three wells are in pressure c o m m u n i c a tion so that bodes well for a development.”

He added, “Now were rolling all the results of this obviously into the development planned studies for that area. So, were just not ready to announce anything but we are rolling all the data in earnest into the studies as we speak.”

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Kaieteur News

Maduro says he ‘repudiates’ Trump statement on possible Venezuela blockade CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro yesterday said he rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement about a possible blockade of the South American country, adding that its seas would remain “free and independent.”

Maduro said he had asked Venezuela’s ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, to denounce the “illegal” threat to the U.N. Security Council.

“All of Venezuela, in a civic-military union, repudiates and rejects the statements of Donald Trump about a supposed quarantine, of a supposed blockade,” Maduro said in a state television broadcast. “A blockade, why would he announce that? It is clearly illegal.”

The United States has applied sanctions and diplomatic pressure to try to get Maduro, whom it accuses of human rights violations and stealing the Venezu-

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro elan election last year, to step down.

On Thursday, when asked by a reporter whether he was considering such a measure given involvement by China and Iran in Venezuela, Trump said: “Yes, I am.” He gave no

details.

On Friday, a senior U.S. official said Trump’s word on the issue should be taken “very seriously” but that the administration did not want to give away “the element of surprise.”

PAHO wants maternity protection laws implemented in the Caribbean WASHINGTON (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging Caribbean countries to implement laws to ensure that working women are given the time and support needed to breastfeed.

PAHO, in a message marking International Breastfeeding Week that ends on Wednesday next week, said this includes adequate paid maternity leave and sufficient breastfeeding breaks upon return to work.

International Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme “Protect

breastfeeding in the workplace” and PAHO said this is intended “to raise awareness of the need to support parents and create an enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally”.

PAHO said in order to ensure that working mothers are adequately protected, it is calling for regional countries to implement the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 183 and the Maternity Protection Recommendation, 2000 (R191), “and to enshrine this in national

law.

“This states that women should be given at least 14 weeks paid maternity leave, and that governments should endeavour to extend this leave to at least 18 weeks.

It also stipulates that working mothers should be provided with two 30-minute nursing breaks each day upon her return to work, as well as facilities for breastfeeding at or near the workplace.”

PA H O ’s D i r e c t o r o f Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Anselm Hennis, said “maternity is a particularly vulnerable time for working women and their families,” adding that it is also “vital that expectant and nursing mothers are protected by law, so that they have adequate time to give birth, recover and nurse their children.”

Saturday August 03, 2019

President Moise reiterates call for new government to be confirmed PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – President Jovenel Moise has reiterated a call for Parliament to approve the nomination and government of newly appointed Prime Minister Fritz William Michel, saying Haitians expect a lot of its elected people.

Speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony for the new commissioners at the Police Academy on Thursday, Moise said it was imperative that Michel, the fourth prime minister of this Frenchspeaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, since 2017, be confirmed. He said the new government needed to be in office so that it could face the challenges by un-

locking the current situation in the country.

Michel, 38, a former executive in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, replaced Jean Michel Lapin, who had earlier announced that he was stepping down in the interest of the country. He has since named an 18-member Cabinet that is equally divided between men and women.

Moise said that the country has been without a cabinet for more than four months and as a result Haiti is without a ratified government or a national budget voted upon by the Parliament.

“Everyone is affected, both at the public sector and private because without government the coun-

try cannot function normally and the international community of cannot unblock the funds which Haiti needs so much,” he said.

Last week, Moise appealed to legislators to approve Michel saying he made the choice “together with the presidents of the two branches of Parliament to put an end to the political paralysis that harms the citizens of our country.

“The cabinet of Mr. Michel is representative and inclusive. It is time for the Parliament to approve the Government so that together we can meet the urgent needs of our society, in terms of food security, job creation, infrastructure, etc,” he added.

221 arrive in 3 days, none left From page 9 saw the persons had different minibuses to pick up the passengers. There were also a number of different persons who were dealing with the arriving passengers, which again included women and children.

The Haitians and a number of Guyanese were openly hostile to reporters questioning why they were taking photos.

One man, who appeared to be a minibus driver, threatened a reporter of Kaieteur News.

A police officer, who

seemed not concerned with the scores of Haitians who were coming in under questionable circumstances, was more troubled about the photos being taken by reporters of Kaieteur News.

He was asked to explain what sections of the laws were being broken.

He was one of the same policemen who was there on Tuesday when more than 40 Haitians entered Guyana, around 2pm via a Copa Airlines flight.

The Opposition has been accusing Government of bringing in Haitians and reg-

istering them in time for early general elections, which is due in months.

The Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, this week called for an investigation of the Immigration Department over the issue.

Guyana is facing early elections after a shock noconfidence motion by the Opposition against the fouryear-old Coalition Government was carried. Issues like the Haitian arrivals have been especially burning ones for the Opposition, which lost their 2015 elections after 23 years in power.

Centenarian DHARM- SHALA...

From page 20 that we will do the same. When the hospitals transfers them or family members drop them off we would never shut the gate or turn them away. Not only is it wrong to do that but God also would be angry at us.” Ha also added that growing old should be a blessing.

It's an accomplishment to live to see your hair turn gray be-

cause old age is wisdom; old age is understanding and most importantly old age Is a blessing.

“Growing old should not be a curse. Old people should be treated highly because certain questions we have, an old person have stories, answers and advice for a solution to your problem,” Mr Lindsay said.

Mr. Lindsay also stated that presently the home has fifty residents and over one hundred beds. Six residents at the home are fully dependent on the staff. The others only need supervision when doing activities.

He also stated that the oldest resident is 100 while the youngest is 53.

(Anastacya Peters)

Suriname, Guyana to strike Bridge deal by...

From page 23 are two likely locations, Moleson Creek and Orealla.

“Thats where the issue starts,” the Minister said, “to have a location that would be acceptable to both of us.”

Patterson said that he and most of his colleagues would like the bridge to be built at Orealla.

He contends that it would open up connections and development for the Indigenous commu-

nity, as well as all of Guyana.

“So its at that stage whereby were trying to decide where to do the detailed [feasibility] studies.”

The Minister said that the two Governments would have to work out the cost of the bridge and how the cost would be shared.

Patterson said that such an endeavor is a priority for the Surinamese Government, as

many Surinamese products are sold on the Guyanese market.

And because Guyana is about to benefit from oil revenues, starting next year, Suriname has a vested interest in benefiting from that, Patterson said.

He said that a deal should be struck by the end of this year or early next year.

On the matter of the ferry, the Kanawaima, Patterson

said that the Surinamese Government recently ordered the parts necessary to fix it. He said that the arrangement between the governments mandates that Guyanese will do routine repairs and that Suriname will handle major fixes.

Patterson expects that by next week, there should be a meeting to discuss the status of those repairs.

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

U.S. withdraws from Soviet-era nuclear missile accord with Russia WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - The United States formally withdrew from a landmark 1987 nuclear missile pact with Russia yesterday after determining that Moscow was violating the treaty, an accusation the Kremlin has denied.

Washing t o n s i g n a l e d it would pull out of the arms control treaty six months ago unless Moscow stuck to the accord.

Russia called the move a ploy to exit a pact that the United States wanted to leave anyway in order to develop new missiles.

President Donald Trump told reporters he would like to seal a new arms deal with Russia reducing all nuclear forces, and possibly with China as well.

“If we could get a pact where they reduce and we reduce nuclear, that would be a good thing for the world. I do believe that will happen,” Trump said.

The Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) was negotiated by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader M i k h a i l G o r b a c h e v. I t banned land-based missiles with a range of be-

tween 310 and 3,400 miles (500-5,500 km), reducing the ability of both countries to launch a nucle a r strike on short notice.

The dispute is aggravating the worst U.S.Russia friction since the Cold War ended in 1991.

Some experts believe the t r e a t y ’s c o l l a p s e c o u l d undermine other arms control agreements and speed an erosion of the global system designed to block the spread of nuclear arms.

“The United States will not remain party to a treaty that is deliberately violated by Russia,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. “ R u s s i a ’s n o n - c o m pliance under the treaty jeopardizes U.S. supreme interests as Russia’s development and fielding of a treaty-violating missile system represents a direct threat to the United States and our allies and partners,” Pompeo said.

Senior Trump administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russia had deployed “multiple battalions” of a cruise

missile throughout Russia in violation of the pact, including in western Russia, “with the ability to strike critical European targets.”

Russia denies the allegation, saying the m i s s i l e ’s r a n g e p u t s i t outside the treaty. It rejected a U.S. demand to destroy the new missile, t h e N o vator 9M729, known as the SSC-8 by the NATO Western military alliance.

Moscow has told Washington the U.S. decision to qu i t t h e p a c t undermines global security and removes a key pillar of international arms control.

China’s new ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said China regrets that the United S t a t e s i s w i t h d r a w ing from the treaty and expressed doubt about joining the United States and Russia in a nuclear deal.

“The United States is saying China should be a party in this disarmament agreement, but I think everybody knows that China is not at the same level with the United States and the Russian Federation,” he said.

Saturday August 03, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Hamilton fastest overall on damp day in Hungary BUDAPEST (Reuters) Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton lapped fastest overall for Mercedes in Hungarian Grand Prix practice yesterday as rain limited meaningful track action in the afternoon.

Wi t h soggy fans huddled under plastic ponchos and umbrellas, Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen ended the day one-two on the timesheets in the drizzly second 90 minute session with Hamilton third.

The Briton’s morning lap of one minute 17.233 seconds was still the day’s best, with Gasly producing a 1:17.854 effort on the fastest soft tyres in the afternoon when the track

was still suitable for slicks.

Toro Rosso’s Alexander Albon crashed soon after the first spots of rain, the Thai acknowledging driver error after going onto the grass at the last corner.

The incident brought out the red flags briefly.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas had to sit out the opening session while his mechanics changed the c a r ’s p o w e r u n i t b u t returned after lunch to post the fourth fastest lap.

The lost track time was still a setback for the Finn, who crashed out at a wet Hockenheim last weekend just when he looked likely to make inroads into Hamilton’s overall lead and ended up 41 points adrift.

Bottas set his best time on a medium tyre, while five times world champion Hamilton used the slower hard rubber in the second session.

Hamilton, who had said he could not wait to be back in the car after recovering from a bug that laid him low in Germany last weekend, has won a record six times in Hungary including last year from pole.

The championship leader is eager to go into the August break with an eighth win in 12 races after a dismal performance in Germany last weekend.

Verstappen, the in-form driver of the moment with two victories from the last three races, was second on

Saturday August 30, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A position involving power and authority is opening up, and you're the perfect one for the job, Aries. Today's astrological aspect is helping you find the necessary confidence and physical strength.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your opinions might be the focus of conversation all day. You have a very strong will that you aren't afraid to express. You will get that chance. Enlighten others with your wealth of knowledge.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you, Taurus. The problem with today's energy is that there just may be some sticks and stones tossed in your direction.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your sensitive heart may be touched by anger today.

Don't be afraid of hurting other people's feelings as you express this emotion.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Emotionally speaking, things might get tense for you today as others demonstrate a rather selfish attitude. Remember that selfishness isn't always considered negative.

CANCER(June21–July22) You might be quite stirred by the general energy today, Cancer.

"Stirred" may be too light a word.

Put on your armor and get ready to do battle.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Move in for the kill today.

Don't stop until you succeed.

Don't let other people's insecurities become yours. Have confidence in yourself and the way you act around others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Now is the perfect time to say something you've been meaning to say for quite a while. Get it out in the open.

Keeping it inside is only eating away at your internal mechanisms. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might feel a great deal of physical power today. If someone asks you to help move a couch, you're likely to be able to pick the whole thing up by yourself. Don't sell yourself short.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The train is headed out, so you'd better hop on. People won't be too sympathetic to your emotional sob story today, so keep it quiet. Whining will most certainly get you kicked off the train altogether.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Jump into action with energy today, Aquarius. Order others around and delegate tasks for a change. An aggressive approach is what's needed, and you have the ability to deliver the goods.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Guard your heart well today, Pisces. It's a prime target for the abrasive words being tossed around. Your sensitivity leaves you feeling alone and naked in the harsh atmosphere.

the morning timesheets but only a thousandth of a second ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

The Dutch youngster, who spun twice in that opening session, is expected to go well in H u n g a r y, a t r a c k t h a t s h o u l d s u i t h i s c a r ’s characteristics with dry conditions expected at the Hungaroring tomorrow.

Gasly was fourth fastest in the morning, with Danish driver Kevin Magnussen fifth for Haas and Charles Leclerc sixth for Ferrari.

The Monegasque Leclerc dropped to seventh after lunch on medium tyres, with Australian Daniel Ricciardo fifth for Renault and Kimi Raikkonen sixth in an Alfa Romeo.

Exxon Mobil U-14 Football finals set for today - Lodge face Caramel (Boys), East Ruimveldt oppose New C/Ville (girls) Following a Thunder Storm last weekend, which forced a wash out of proceedings at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, the organisers, Petra Organisation, has reset the programme which is fixed for today starting at 1:00pm when the finals of the Exxon Mobil U-14 Schools Football tournament in contested.

The day’s programme opens with the third place playoff which will feature Queenstown Secondary challenging Dolphin Secondary.

That will be followed at 2:00pm by the Girls final

where New Campbellville School comes up against East La Penitence.

Cummings Lodge then take on the challenge of Carmel Secondary School in the much anticipated boys final.

Fixtures: GIRLS 14:00hrs: New Campbellville vs East La Penitence BOYS Third Place 13:00 hrs - Queenstown Secondary v/s Dolphin Secondary 51 Finals 15:00hrs: Cummings lodge v/s Carmel Secondary School 52

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Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

Brathwaite steps up to captaincy role left vacant by Gayle at Patriots There have been a lot of changes in the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots team for 2019, Robin Singh as the new coach, Chris Gayle leaving for the Jamaica Tallawahs, and a very differently looking squad lining up for the new season which gets underway on 4 September.

One of the players who has been with the Patriots from when the franchise was formed in 2015 is Carlos Brathwaite, who will be back in Patriots colours for the upcoming season, and this year he will be captaining the side. He says he cannot wait to get the season underway.

“I’m very excited! I think we had a good last couple of years where we challenged really well on the field, we went to the final and then we made it to the playoffs as well.

So, this year is about trying to continue that same thought process, that same set of game plan and try to be as attacking as we could potentially be. Obviously, we had Chris [Gayle] and Evin [Lewis] at the top, “Chris is now gone so we need to find a replacement for Chris, probably not in the same style that he would play, but with the results that he would normally bring to the team. Obviously, that’s another big character gone in the dressing room as well, so we have to manoeuvre slightly differently, but we need the same results where we challenge for the top four and then once we get to the top four, we challenge for the title.”

Chris Gayle (right) makes a point to Carlos Brathwaite in the last CPL at Providence.

Gayle was a big part of the recent success the Patriots have achieved, but he has now moved back to his native Jamaica Tallawahs.

Brathwaite says he had a huge impact in the Patriots dressing room, and on him as a player.

“I think people look for the shouting and the ‘hurrah’ and Chris is not necessarily that.

He’s more calm, collective, cool.

He leads by example. He has the respect of everyone in the dressing room, so whenever he speaks you know his words are worth the weight in gold. I think a lot of people take his coolness and his calm persona for granted

Cuba have golden punch in Pan Am...

From apge 27 world champion and gold medal winner at the Rio Olympics, took to the ring and breezed past Brazilian Marley Machado, walking off to a standing ovation wrapped in the Cuban flag.

Super heavyweight Danier Pero closed out the men’s card by beating Colombian Cristian Camilo Salcedo Codazzi.

Cuba’s continuing domination in the ring stood in stark contrast to the decline of their northern neighbors the United States.

Once a boxing powerhouse, the Americans had not one single man in the ring at Villa Deportiva Regional del Callao as the titles were decided on T h u r s d a y, although Oshae Jones took the w o m e n ’s w e l t e r w e i g h t (69kg) crown.

T h e w o m e n ’s b o u t s offered up a pair of spicy regional rivalries with Argentina’s Leonela Rosa Sanchez stopping Brazil’s Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu and Jones claiming an unpopular win over Canada’s Myriam da Silva.

After the decision was announced, Jones celebrated with a series of dances in the center of the ring that drew howls and chants of “CAN-A-DA! CAN-A-DA!” from an unimpressed crowd.

but there’s very much a whole heap of respect in all the dressing rooms I’ve been fortunate enough to play alongside him in, everyone in the dressing room gives him maximum respect.”

Even without Gayle, the Patriots have a very strong and experienced squad for

the 2019 season. They have six players who took part in the recently concluded cricket World Cup, including Brathwaite. With the likes of Sri Lankan all-rounder Isuru Udana, Pakistani stalwart Mohammad Hafeez and West Indian talent like Lewis and Fabian Allen, the Patriots will

be looking to make it to the knockout stages for a third successive year.

Brathwaite says that mix of international and local talent is such a huge part of the CPL for players, with the tournament allowing Caribbean players to develop their game as well as leaving a lasting impression on overseas stars.

“CPL gives you the chance to perform on a big stage. As a local it’s kind of different travelling around and there’s only four spots available for overseas players and you always have to try to be one of the four as opposed to being one of the seven. So firstly, it gives you the opportunity to play in franchise cricket as one of seven, and then it gives you the opportunity to learn from four or five other guys in the dressing room coming from a different background; different culture; different ways of training; different ways of living life.

“It helps to mature one as a person and then on the field it’s good to get ideas and get different ways of thinking and playing the game. So, I think as a person, it’s helped

massively, and I rate it right up there with some of the best leagues in the world that I’ve played with.”

“What I really like about the dressing rooms in the past is that the overseas players leave with two or three favourite local songs, so we more than impart our culture on them which is very important as well because we need people to see the side of the Caribbean that is not always seen, the side away from cricket. So, I think it’s very good for the different islands to spread our culture as best as we can through cricket.

“You also meet up with players that you would’ve played and shared a dressing room with in CPL, in other franchise tournaments as well. And that makes it easier to gel. So CPL has been massive, not only for me and not only for a lot of boys in the Caribbean but for the region as a whole.” Carlos Braithwaite will be playing for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League. The tournament runs from 4 September to 12 October 2019.

Burns’s maiden ton helps England take initiative in Ashes opener BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Rory Burns smashed an unbeaten maiden test century as England gained the upper hand in the first Ashes test by finishing day two on 267-4, trailing Australia by just 17 runs yesterday.

Jason Roy’s first Ashes innings never really got going as he was out for 10, before Joe Root benefited from a stroke of luck after a superb delivery from James Pattinson beat him and clipped the wickets but the bails did not come off.

Root and Burns went on to record the series’ first century partnership, but the England captain failed to make three figures, falling to Peter Siddle for 57, with Joe Denly (18) and Jos Buttler (5) unable to provide support.

Burns reached his century off 223 balls, following nine dot balls stuck on 99. He will resume his innings on 125 not out, alongside Ben Stokes on 38.

“I have done that before in county cricket so do have experience to draw upon,” Burns said. “It was a wonderful experience and hopefully I am not done yet.”

Resuming on 10-0, Roy edged through the slips in

England’s Rory Burns in action against Australia at Edgbaston. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers) just the second over off the bowling of Pattinson, before Steve Smith held on to one off the same bowler in the eighth.

Burns got away with a leg before wicket appeal which replays showed was going on to hit the stumps, before Root’s luck was in in the 21st over as the bails failed to dislodge, much to the dismay of the Australian fielders, who crowded around Root in disbelief.

Root was initially given out caught behind, but another poor decision from the umpires was overturned by the Decision Review

System.

After lunch, Burns clipped the ball fine to the boundary to reach his first half century against Australia as England pressed on.

Burns and Root continued to play their shots, becoming the first pairing to make a century partnership this series, before Root reached 50 off 110 balls.

Root, though, again failed to turn a half century into a hundred as he was brilliantly caught one handed by Siddle, with Denly the next to go, trapped lbw by Pattinson.

A fine catch from Cameron

Bancroft brought an end to Buttler’s stay at the crease but, after a nervy wait, Burns became the first batsman to make a hundred on his Ashes debut since Tim Robinson - this match’s fourth umpire – in 1985 as the day belonged to the inexperienced opener.

“It was just one of those days,” Australia team adviser for this tour Steve Waugh said. “Lots of near misses.

Tomorrow is when it really counts.”

Scores: England 267 for 4 (Burns 125*, Stokes 38*) trail Australia 284 by 17 runs.

Saturday August 03, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Journalist John Ramsingh honoured by Everest - Name affixed to Vnet Media Centre

By Sean Devers The Everest Cricket Club’s President, former Minister of Labour, Mansoor Nadir and his executives have bestowed the honour of having TV and print Journalist and Guyana Amazon Warriors Media Officer John Ramsingh’s name on its Media Centre at its the Camp Road venue.

The Media Centre which also carries the name of it sponsor Vnet Communications of Delph Street Campbellville, is set to have washroom facilitates, Air Conditioning and lightning fast internet.

One of only three venues in the City to host a FirstClass Cricket match, Everest, previously known as East Indian Cricket Club up until Guyana became a Republic in 1970, the Club, is just ‘a stone throw’ away from the Atlantic Ocean beyond its Northern Sightscreen and has produced several Guyana and West Indies players.

Players like Ryan Ramdass and Rajendra Chandrika have played Test, while Clyde Butts, Leonard Bachan and

Shiv Chanderpaul also played for Everest but after they played Test Cricket.

Founded in 1915, Everest which was then located in Queenstown, played its first match in 1915 and won the second division Garnett Cup in 1925, 1926 and 1927 – the first club to do so on three successive occasions.

In 1927 the club’s application to be promoted to the first division Parker Cup was rejected, because the Queenstown ground was not big enough.

They acquired a lease on a large piece of swampy land on Camp Road and have since hosted six First-Class games after Guyana opposed England in 1997 in the first one.

Since then teams like India, Australia and South Africa has played First-Class matches at Everest with the last First-Class game being played in 2009.

Nadir disclosed that plans are in the pipeline to install lights at Everest to play especially softball cricket in the Evenings, adding that the naming of the Media Centre

is one way of showing that the club appreciate what Ramsingh, who is the Club’s PRO has done as a Media worker.

Nadir said honouring people when they are still alive for them to know that are recognised for what they have contributed to the nation, is very important.

“I agree that someone like Reds, who will soon be honoured in Jamaica, is Guyanese and his name should be placed on the Media Centre at the Stadium when he is still alive and it won’t cost that much to that,” the former Minister said.

Calls to put Reds’ name on the Media Centre has fallen on deaf ears since both present and past Governments seem very reluctant to make this a reality.

The 37 year-old Ramsingh has been a member of Everest since 2011 and has been on the executive for the past three years.

He has worked at the state owed NCN TV before going to Guyana Times and was appointed Women’s World T20 Media Facilitator.

Late strikes set back India A as Holder keeps Windies A alive PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Impressive fast bowler Chemar Holder struck twice late to pull West Indies A back into the contest but India A held the upper hand heading into today’s final day of the second fourday “Test”.

Chasing 278 for victory at Queen’s Park Oval, the visitors closed at 185 for three here yesterday, requiring only a further 92 runs to complete victory and take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

They were cruising on 150 without loss behind half-centuries from openers Mayank Agarwal (81) and Priyank Panchal (68) before losing three wickets for 28 runs in the space of 52 deliveries.

Left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer got the breakthrough when he got one to straighten and hit Panchal’s off stump, after the right-hander had faced 121 balls in 2-¾ hours at the crease and struck nine fours and a six.

Holder then had Agarwal caught down the leg slide flicking at a full length delivery, ending an innings that lasted 134

balls, just under 3-¼ hours and included 10 fours.

The 21-year-old Holder capped off a fine spell when he removed captain Hanuma Vihari for one in the day’s penultimate over, caught by Jermaine Blackwood moving to his right at second slip.

Holder ended with two for 34 to follow up his fivewicket haul in the first innings.

Sunil Ambris had earlier stroked an accomplished 7 1 a s West Indies were dismissed for 149 in their second innings after resuming the day in strife on 12 for four.

Crucially, Ambris put on 65 for the fifth wicket with Blackwood who hit 31 before losing patience and edging a drive at a wide ball from seamer Shivam Dube, to be caught at a widish first slip by Easwaran.

He counted two fours and a six off 41 deliveries.

Ambris, yet to score at the start, faced 93 balls in just under 2-¾ hours at the crease and struck 10 fours.

He lost Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for five, driving a return catch to offspinner Krishnappa Gowtham

and Reifer three balls later in the same over, bowled without scoring.

Tottering on 92 for seven, West Indies A benefitted from two small partnerships as Ambris put on 26 for the eighth wicket with Rahkeem Cornwall (8) and a further 31 for the ninth wicket with Romario Shepherd (16 not out).

Ambris was eventually ninth out, taken at leg slip

by Sandeep Warrier off Gowtham who finished with five for 17.

Scores: WEST INDIES 318 (Montcin Hodge 65, Rahkeem Cornwall 56 not out, Shamarh Brooks 53, Kraigg Brathwaite 36, Shane Dowrich 36, Raymon Reifer 27; Mohammed Siraj 3-63, Mayank Markande 3-79) and 149 (Sunil Ambris 71, Jermaine Blackwood 31; Krishnappa Gowtham 5-17, Sandeep Warrier 3-43).

INDIA A 190 (Shivam Dube 79, Priyank Panchal 58; Chemar Holder 5-54, Romario Shepherd 3-29, Raymon Reifer 2-42) and 185 for three (Mayank Agarwal 81, Priyank Panchal 68; Chemar Holder 2-34).

He informed that he was humbled to have his name on the Media Centre at Everest and thanked everyone who were involved.

“I started doing commentary in the 2003 TCL U-19 tournament and the first time I got on air was in December 2002 doing commentary for club matches at Thirst Park for the East Bank Cricket Group,” Ramsingh informed.

Ramsingh played cricket but although he never played for Demerara or Guyana, was still able to stay involved in the game as a member of the Cricket Media.

“I gravitated to cricket Commentary by listening to the late Tony Cosier, Reds Perreira, Simon Crosskill, Fazeer Mohammed, Sean Devers and Andrew Mason,” Ramsingh explained.

“My career took off when I later had the distinct

Ramsingh (left) & Everest’s first Vice-President Saheed Mohamed stand in front of the ‘John Ramsingh Media Centre at Everest. pleasure of sharing commentary boxes in and out of Guyana with all of them.

Like many others, I too think

the Media Centre at Providence should be named after Reds Perriera,” Ramsingh concluded.

Cuba have golden punch in Pan Am boxing ring LIMA (Reuters) - Cuba landed the golden punch in the Pan Am Games boxing ring on Thursday, rolling out a lineup of Olympic and world champions to fight their way up the medal table.

Of the five men’s gold medal bouts on Thursday’s card, Cuba had fighters in all of them and, led by stylish light heavyweight Julio Cesar La Cruz, grabbed four golds and a silver.

Cuba started the night with six golds but finished on 10, vaulting over Argentina and Colombia into fifth place on the medal table, with more titles likely to come with four boxers going for gold yesterday.

The only men’s bout at the Pan Am competition not to feature a Cuban in the final is yesterday’s light flyweight contest, where Colombia’s Yuberjen Martinez Rivas will face Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo for the gold.

There are few sports Cubans are more passionate about than boxing. The country’s fighters are heroes and their achievements a source of immense national pride.

That is the burden every Cuban boxer carries into the ring with them.

“We are the best in the world,” said lightweight champion Lazaro Alvarez, who like many Cuban fighters dedicated his medal to Fidel Castro and the people of the island nation.

“We are always ready to do our best. I feel a lot of pressure because you are

Cuba’s Julio La Cruz Peraza reacts with his gold medal. always preparing to compete and you don’t know if can go wrong.

“There is a lot of tradition in Cuba, we have a lot of champions and the next generation want to become boxing champions.”

The evening began with an upset, though, when the Dominican Republic’s Rodrigo Marte de la Rosa stopped Cuban world champion Yosbany Veitia in the flyweight (52kg) gold medal clash.

But Alvarez, a three-time

world champion, quickly had Cuba in charge with a nononsense win over another Dominican Leonel de los Santos Nunez in the lightweight (60kg) final to earn his third consecutive Pan Am gold.

Roniel Iglesias, gold medalist at the 2010 London Olympics, followed with a narrow decision over the Dominican Republic’s Rohan Polanco Emiliano in the welterweight (69kg) title bout.

Then Cruz, the four-time (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 30

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

OPKO, Gold for Money triumph OPKO and Gold for Money emerged champions of two separate dominoes tournament which were contested recently in Georgetown.

OPKO marked 47 games to win the Emancipation day 4game competition at Turning Point. Turning Point took the runner up spot with 44 games followed by TNT on 41.

Meanwhile, Gold for Money won the Faye Joseph

Guyana Police Force, Harpy Eagle MA Academy triumph

birth anniversary tournament at Dynasty. Gold for Money chalked up 52 games with Imtiaz Ally scoring 11 and Clearance Whitehead 10.

Fresh Cash placed second w i t h 5 1 games and Providence finished third on 48.

Leroy Edwards made 10 for Fresh Cash, while Shawn Davis and Trevor Smith made 11 and 10 respectively for Providence.

The Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy take time out for a photo after success at the recently held event.

The victorious OPKO team.

Quartararo sets pace in practice ahead of Czech MotoGP AFP - French rookie Fabio Quartararo emerged as the quickest in practice yesterday ahead of the Czech MotoGP at Brno tomorrow.

The 20-year-old, who has already scored three poles and two podiums in his first season in MotoGP, was a sluggish 18th during the morning session.

However, he came back impressively in the afternoon to clock 1 minute 55.802secs, edging out championship leader Marc Marquez by 0.023 seconds.

Brno marks the tenth race of the season and the first for a month during which time five-time world champion Marquez has been sitting on a 58-point lead ahead of Andrea Dovizioso who was fastest under the grey skies which accompanied the morning session.

The Italian set the pace with a time of 1 min 56.919

secs but he was outdone in the afternoon by his Ducati teammate Jack Miller who was third quickest overall.

The third practice session takes place this morning and is followed by qualifying in the afternoon.

Combined free practice times 1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 1:55.802 2. Marc Marquez (ESP/ Honda)at 0.023 3. Jack Miller (AUS/ Ducati) 0.269 4. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.269 5. Marc Vinales (ESP/ Yamaha) 0.282 6. Alex Rins (ESP/ Suzuki) 0.423 7. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha) 0.617 8. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/ Honda) 0.641 9. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ Yamaha) 0.725 10. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 0.791

Members of the Berbice Police team who gave an excellent display of themselves at the event.

The Guyana Police Force, in a joint effort with the Guyana Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy has performed outstandingly at the recently concluded White Tiger open Martial Arts championship dubbed ‘Rumble in Berbice’ which was held at New Amsterdam Town Hall.

The duo emerged winner of the championship as they chalked 48 gold, 10 silver and four bronze medals. They also captured 20 gold medals, eight silver and 10 bronze in the Guyana South America Undiscovered championships held on Sunday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

2019 Reebok CrossFit Games, USA

Mahadeo is best Caribbean male - 95th of 148; Delice Adonis first round of competition, Delice Adonis, who found cut down to 75 athletes per places 117th the they both did well on debut. the going tough like many of her division.

Guyana’s Fittest Man Dillon Mahadeo has continued to improved leaps and bounds, making a huge impression at the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games held in Madison, Wisconsin.

While Mahadeo and countrywoman Delice Adonis did not make it past

Mahadeo managed to place 95 out of 148 male athletes and his placing was the best for the Caribbean in the male class.

What makes his performance even more encouraging is the fact that three-time CrossFit Games athlete Tim Paulson did not make the cut also, ending in 107th place.

counterparts, managed to place 117th of 134 females after the first event which was so difficult that only four women actually beat the 20 minute cap.

Mat Fraser finished out on top on the men’s side, and Tia-Clair Toomey dominated the women’s field after Event 1 following which the field was

The Individual Men competition for the first event consisted of 4 rounds for time of: 400-m run, 3 legless rope climbs, 7 snatches (185 lb) while the Individual Women which was also 4 rounds for time of: 400-m run, 3 legless rope climbs, 7 snatches (130 lb).

Saturday August 03, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Series a testing ground for bigger campaigns ESPNcricinfo - Big Picture One of the things Virat Kohli spoke about in his press conference before leaving India was the opportunity the cricket calendar - with three forms of the game - afforded in getting over defeats that sting. India have had almost a month to lick their wounds after the loss against New Zealand in the World Cup 2019 semi-final.

Now, with the World Test Championship getting underway and the T20 World Cup in 14 months, there are already fresh challenges to prepare for.

Their tour of the Caribbean begins with the three-match T20I series, with the first two matches in Lauderhill today and tomorrow.

The last time these teams played at Lauderhill, one match was rained out, and the other ended in a thrilling manner, with West Indies winning by just one run. Three years on, the current series forms an interesting clash of cricketing ethos. While India have often brought an ODI approach to 20-overs cricket, West Indies played large tracts of the World Cup as if

Sunil Narine is set for a return to international cricket after nearly two years. (AFP) in T20 mode.

These games could be the first ones in which each team begins putting together pieces for the T20 World Cup next year. India have an influx of younger players, with some changes enforced by absence and injury.

West Indies are without Chris Gayle, whose international future even in the medium term seems uncertain at best. That could be a blessing, because it will

allows West Indies to try out a replacement, keeping the T20 World Cup in mind.

In the spotlight You could argue that there is never a moment when Virat Kohli is not under the spotlight, but there are a couple of factors that could intensify the focus on him.

The rumblings about a rift with vice-captain Rohit Sharma had kept swirling, until Kohli emphatically denied them. Whether there

Real Sports Entertainment Group Masters football tourney launched Past footballers will have a chance to roll back the years as the Real Sports Entertainment Group yesterday launched a Masters football tournament at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Stabroek.

The tournament which will commence on August 11 and conclude on August 12, will be played at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Sixteen teams are expected to participate and will be placed into four groups after which the top two teams from each group will go through to the next round.

Speaking at the launching, Real Sports Entertainment Group Director Challus McKinnon stated that since a lot of emphasis is being placed on youth competitions, which is very good, there is also space for the older folks. “We decided to promote football in the Master’s category by forming this group.

We have experienced the challenges involved in

promoting sport, but we can only get better because the intention is to host the tournament annually.”

He pointed out among the objectives of the group are to promote a healthy lifestyle, to encourage past and present athletes to continue playing, to entertain members of the public through competitive sports, to create an avenue for the elderly athletes to participate in sports and to encourage harmony through sports.

He said that they will also be looking at other sports and thanked the Guyana Football Federation for their support, Superbet, Survival Supermarket, Norva Supermarket, Raj, The Discount Store, Junior Pawn Shop and Jewellery and Ansa Mc Al which have come on board under their Lucozade and Carib Beer brands.

McKinnon noted the importance of discipline, stating that it is vital for the older players to set an example for the youths.

Fharis Mohamed, brand coordinator of Ansa McAl, stated that they are happy to be on board and lauded the organisers for the initiative, adding it is important for the older players to pass on their experience which can help to develop the game. He added that he is looking forward to a successful and exciting tournament.

Director Joel Gibson said that after playing at the first division level, there is a need for them to stay active and hence this tournament.

He explained that they still have a duty to help the youths in one way or the other, adding that this competition will help to promote healthy lifestyle as well.

Trophies, medals and cash prizes will be given to the top four finishers, the best dressed team, the most discipline team, the top goal scorer and the most valuable player.

An exhibition game will be played prior to the final featuring over-50 players.

is a rift or not, or a bromance, or a normal disagreement between colleagues that is commonplace and transient there will be extra meaning attached every time Kohli and Rohit come within each other’s radius.

India are without MS Dhoni for this tour. Ever since Kohli became the full-time limited-overs captain in early 2017, he has played just four T20Is and three ODIs without Dhoni in the team. But with

Dhoni’s future uncertain, the Indian think-tank might need to get used to life without the senior pro, and that puts greater onus on Kohli, the captain.

The last time Sunil Narine played for West Indies was back in September 2017. Since then Narine has been part of various T20 leagues - the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, the Bangladesh Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League - but hasn’t played an international match. He’s even played List A matches in the Super50 Cup in the Caribbean.

He opted out of selection for the World Cup, citing concerns about his fitness to last 50 overs and bowl his full quota of 10, but he’s back in national colours for his favourite format. Narine has also evolved as a potent batting force, though he’s unlikely to get to bat in the Powerplay, where his hitting has been at its most effective.

Team news India have some new faces in the squad, but there’s still an abundance of options who are most at home batting in the top three. Regular

openers Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan are back together with Dhawan having recovered from his broken finger, and there’s Kohli. In addition, they have KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey. At least two of those three seem certain to bat out of position, which can be a distinct contrast in a 20-overs game. The wristspinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested, which should give the team management the option to try a number of exciting options.

Andre Russell was expected to be one of the players igniting West Indies’ World Cup campaign, but the only things that flared up were his knees. He has since had surgery and was named in the T20I squad, subject to a fitness test.

On the eve of the first T20I, Cricket West Indies said the allrounder experienced some discomfort during the GLT20 Canada, and has been replaced by Jason Mohammed. Even without Russell, captain Carlos Brathwaite has plenty of power - hitting and bowling at his disposal.

De Souza wins Cheto’s bar Pool competition

The top performers with their cash prizes and trophies.

Sean De Souza held his nerves and executed well to emerge champion of the Cheto’s pool competition which was contested recently at Cheto’s pool bar, Shell Road and Stanley Place, Kitty.

Sunil Mangru took the runner up spot, while Kamil Husain placed third and Antonio Ishmael finished fourth.

The competition was organised by 96.1fm and sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd and Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

Another competition is set for August 24 at the said venue with $80,000 in cash and other prizes at stake. Entrance fee is $2,000.

Interested players can contact Randy on 6177005.

PAGE 32

Saturday August 03, 2019

Kaieteur News

Day 4 KRCA tour to Guyana

Trinis show tremendous improvement, but Khan’s 49 spur E/Coast to 8-wicket win On a day blessed with glorious sunshine during this unpredictable weather pattern, the Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy (KRCA) produced a vastly improved performance at Everest yesterday but while the visitors are getting better accustomed the tracks in Guyana as the tour progresses they lost to the East Coast U-15s by eight wickets.

The Trinidad Academy, who play their last game today, achieved their first target yesterday on a slow track and heavy outfield, when they batted out the 40 overs reaching 112-9 when their overs expired but East Coast reached 113-2 in 23 overs as they chased the small target as Anthony Khan led the fight with six fours in his 49.

Earlier, KRCA were asked to bat and the pint sized 12-

year-old opener Ethon Lalla demonstrated wonderful temperament and sound technique before he was run out for 16 from 46 balls.

Lalla and Aadian Racha, who hit a boundary in his 10, gave the tourists a solid if slow start before Racha was bowled by leg spinner Nicolas Seepersaud before Adam Lutawan who pulled Seepersaud for four, became the second of four run out victims when departed for four at 38-2.

Watched by a fair size gathering, which included parents of KRCA players and members of the Western Union Malteenoes Cricket Academy, Keron Ramoutar (2) was bowled by Josh Alves at 47-4 as National U-17 offspinner Ajay Gainda bowled a frugal five-over spell which cost just two and looked a promising prospect.

Deonarine, who looked

assertive and swept Seepersaud and Khan for boundaries, was just beginning to settle in but was in danger of running out of partners when Alon Roy (2) was bowled by Chanderpaul Ramraj at 80 and although Deonarine, who reached the boundary four times, attempted to ‘up the tempo’ two more run outs resulted in last six wickets falling for 32 runs. When East Coast began their chase, Rasha made an early break through when he induced Mark Suhki (2) to hit a catch to mid-off with just 12 runs on the boards to the delight of fans from Carnival Country. But Khan and Ajay Gainda played an array of delightful shots and added 92 for the second wicket before Khan got a leading edge to Bradly Jagernauth and taken at cover with victory just 10 runs away.

Alves (7*) joined Gainda, who finished not out on 24, saw their team to victory.

(Sean Devers)

DKRCA ‘s Skipper Darius Deonarine played with a positive mind set during his unbeaten 36.

12-year-old Ethon Lalla showed promising temperament in his 46-balls 16 despite being in check by off spinner Ajay Gainda at Everest.

Anthony Khan collects runs off Ubaiduliah Abbdoel during his 49 at Everest yesterday.

Eagles and Botafago collide for title in Divine Entertainment final tonight at MSC

Colwyn Drakes

Duquan Hercules

Donovan Francis

After losing out by a narrow penalty shootout when they clashed in the GT Beer Christmas championship, Botafago FC will feel that they can topple Eagles United when they clash tonight in the final of the Divine Entertainment Summer Super Cup final from 21.00hrs where the first game will also be one of keen interest. Capital FC would want to show that they are in the top tier of football with a victory against the highly ranked Net Rockers from 19.00hrs at the tournament venue the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The Botafago unit comes into this game with an air of confidence especially since they expected the setting to be the same but with a different result. Their president, Colin Moore, said that while both teams are basically made up of an exciting bunch of the best youth players in the region, his side should come out on top.

He mentioned the names of his running front line which has the talented Jamal Haynes, Donovan Francis, the Haynes, while at midfield

is the talented Duquan Hercules, who joined the team lately and has fitted well into the chemistry of their play.

He said coming out from the recent Guyana Football Federation Under 20 tournament some of his players have displayed some level of maturity and will be exposed in this encounter.

Among the youth’s also in this Botafago side will be John ‘Vandyke’ Allicock, Floyd Headley, Tevin David and the goal scorer in their recent game Trevon Archibald.

Wayne Wilson will be doing duties in goal and once their regular Captain Jahshaun Moore is fit he will return to control the scheme of things in the middle.

According to Moore this team has a mixture of youth and experience.

Against this backdrop it certainly looks like Botafago are ready and the fact that Moore said that they have not played their best game as yet makes it most interesting to see what will be the final result.

However, they know that Eagles United will be favoured to win and the confidence that has always been a hallmark of

this youthful Eagles United side remains a factor against opponents.

Their vice president, Aulston Thormond, revealed that their main thrust will be the likes of their stocky forward Colwyn ‘Buck’ Drakes remains critical to their success with their captain Kellon Primo, Deron Charter and Donovan Francis to choose from, certainly gives Eagles United the advantage in head-tohead clash up front, but that would have to be demonstrated tonight since Botafago are coming out running.

He said that they have proven over the past couple of years where they belong and that is on top of the charts in Upper Demerara football.

Their man in goal will be Ryan Roberts and their defence is centered around Benny Neblett, Omar Brewely, Romain Adams and Kendolph Lewis which gives them a formidable lineup indeed.

The losing finalist receives $400,000 and the third place winner $200,000 and loser $100,000.

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 03, 2019

PAGE 33

3rd LBFCC/LonLam Cycling Classic

Jamal John cops feature race; Clivecia Spencer is leading female

The recipients of prizes take time out for a photo.

Top performers in the senior category.

J

amal John of Team Coco’s emerged winner of the feature race when the 3rd LonLam Cycling Classic organised by the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club (LBFCC) was staged on Emancipation Day, August 1 in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.

Competing under the theme: ‘Riding with

Integrity, Investing in Passion’, John was followed to the line by Michael Anthony (LBFCC), Brighton John ( We S t a n d U n i t e d ) , Christopher Griffith (Team Evolution) and Christopher Cornelius (Team Evolution) to close out the top five in that order.

The event which was

#1 Female Clivecia Spencer is rewarded. initially touted as a race for Lindeners only was subsequently opened up to accommodate cyclists from around the country and attracted about 30 starters.

Taking the top podium spot in the Ladies race was Clivecia Spencer (LBFCC) with Bonita Barker (Unattached) coming in second and Abigail Jeffrey

(LBFCC), third.

Elisha Rutherford (LBFCC) was the first to cross the line in the Junior contest and he did so ahead of Anphany Munroe (Unattached) and Julian Gordon of the LBFCC. In the Juvenile class which was an all LBFCC affair, Mark Lewis Jnr. (LBFCC) was golden with

silver going to Jahame Henry and bronze to Kevin Stephens.

The top Veteran on the day was Nigel London (LBFCC) who won from A n d y S p e n c e r ( Te a m Evolution) and Desmond Patterson (Unattached).

LBFCC is extending gratitude to the following sponsors for the making the

event reality: Guyana Water Inc., Gideon Consulting and General Construction, TGI Cake, Michael Williams Foundation, David McDougall Scholarship, Omadeli Catering, MNS Studios, Queen T Events, R&N Consultancy, COTS Foods, Bissoon & Son, The London and Lambert Families.

GCC raising funds for less fortunate members of Cricket Academy

G

EORGETOWN, Guyana — The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) commissioned a Donation Box on July 31 last to raise funds to develop the talents of less fortunate young players at the club’s Cricket Academy.

At an unveiling ceremony at the GCC, President of the GCC Mr. Timothy Tucker explained that the Club’s Cricket Academy had been inspiring young cricketers and helping them to fine-tune their skills for over 150 years.

“The Georgetown Cricket Club has an ongoing Cricket Academy … since the inception of the GCC. The GCC is about 161 years old. The club itself has a programme where we mentor and train young cricketers and bring them up into potential cricketers to play for Guyana,” he stated.

These youngsters are divided into several categories at the academy—including under-13, under-15, under-17, under- 19 and second-division players—and many members have gone on to play for local and international youth teams.

“Some of the under-15 and under-17 players actually represent the West Indies,” Tucker pointed out.

About 120 youngsters are members of the Academy and they practice at the Club twice weekly.

The Donation Box initiative was the brainchild of academy supporter Mr. Keith Moonasar, President of the Star Group of Companies. He explained that he was at a practice session for youth when he had the idea to raise funds to help less fortunate members purchase gear and meet other expenses associated with honing their abilities in the sport.

Moonasar said, “I’ve been coming to the Club for quite a while and I looked at the kids coming off the ground. I came up with this initiative that can see myself and many other donors pooling our resources during the month.”

He added, “We want to do it in a very transparent way so that it could be accounted for and at the end of the day, the right persons get the help.”

The Club’s Cricket Committee will decide which young players will benefit from the donations and what form the benefits will take.

Moonasar took the initiative by committing funds to assist deserving young players for the next year, and he is urging other members of the GCC and the public to get on board.

Keith Moonasar (C) makes his first donation to GCC President, Timothy Tucker (L) in the presence of Vice President, Ramsay Ali.

Series a testing ground for bigger campaigns

t r o Sp Real Sports Entertainment Group Masters football tourney launched

The rumblings about a rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma formed much of the pre-series talk in India. (Associated Press)

Real Sports Entertainment Directors Joel Gibson (left) and Challus McKinnon accepts the balls from Lynden Jones (center) of The Guyana Committee of Services which have also lend their support.

2019 Reebok CrossFit Games, USA

Manager Coach Jamie McDonald (right) with Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis at the Reebok Fitness Games.

Delice Adonis.

Mahadeo is best Caribbean male - 95th of 148; Delice Adonis places 117th

Dillon Mahadeo proudly displays the Golden Arrowhead.

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