Kaieteur News

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China looks Thursday Edition NEWS to rebrand Belt and Road Initiative AIETEUR

August 08, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 32

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

...to the exclusion of failed projects

Online readership yesterday 105,969

ExxonMobil wants investors to forget challenges to lopsided

contracts, but they shouldn't - Analysts Granger tells Jagdeo…

Cabinet will not resign The fate of Parliament rests with GECOM readiness - Harmon

Jealous Rupununi Cops hold suspect Truck driver found farmer kills rancher for murder of taxi guilty of causing death with bow and arrow driver in Mocha of Guysuco Field Supt.

Carberry Commission finds...

Public Service Minister acted unlawfully when she fired staffers - Persons to be reinstated

Kaieteur News

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Thursday August 08, 2019

Guyana's CARIFESTA XIV delegation presents stirring final rehearsal

T

h i n g s a r e certainly heating up in the camp as Guyana's contingent to CARIFESTA XIV readies for their showcase in Trinidad and Tobago later this month.

On Monday, the one hundred-strong contingent presented their final melting pot performance, 'One Year in a Day' against a startling Stabroek Market backdrop and the heads of spectators were nodding in unanimous approval The breathtaking performance which will be showcased on 'Guyana Night' at the festival accurately captured the Government's vision of a cohesive nation.

It portrayed all of Guyana's cultural and religious festivals that showcase Guyana's rich diversity as well as its various cultures and customs.

Addressing media operatives at the rehearsals, Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain said that the performance differs s o m e w h a t f r o m presentations at previous festivals, as it combines drama, dance and music in a colourful, cohesive manner.

She added that this year's

presentations are fine tuned to be ready for the international export market, and “will blow the minds of Guyanese residing in Trinidad”. She said the 2018 showcase was specially orchestrated to bring back fond and vivid memories of the country. She added that they created a special twist to the pieces this time around, which she guaranteed will surprise the audience.

Boatswain indicated that while the official contingent is one hundred-strong, several independent artisans and performers will be accompanying the group to play a role in the performance.

Rehearsals for the various drama, dance and music presentations, slated for CARIFESTA XIV, are said to have begun weeks ago, but the rehearsals for the Guyana Night performance, which will feature the entire delegation, began on Sunday, July 14.

Esther Hamer, Creative Director for the Guyana Night presentation, said that this new direction taken by the Department of Culture, is one she supports, as it helps to bring together the beauty and diversity of Guyana.

She noted that while the team has only conducted six

joint rehearsals and some are working on their individual pieces, they have however shown lots of promise. She opined that with a few tweaks here and there, they will indeed present an amazing spectacle.

Known for his rather enthralling spoken word talents, Keon Heywood (a member of the National Drama Company) will attempt to woo the audience with his lyrics capturing Guyana's exceptional beauty

and arresting diversity.

This year's theme for CARIFESTA is “Connect, Share, Invest,” which according to the coordinators, will focus on both tangible and intangible aspects of Guyana's cultural

A glimpse of what Guyana will be taking to CARIFESTA XIV

heritage and development, even as it attempts blend in with the objectives of the festival The Guyana contingent is slated to leave for Trinidad on August 15 and return on August 26.

Fate of Parliament rests with GECOM's readiness - Harmon

P

resident David Granger's decision to declare Parliament dissolved hinges on the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct free, fair and credible elections, according to the Ministry of the P r e s i d e n c y ' s D i r e c t o r-

General, Joseph Harmon.

On July 20, 2019, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had noted a key aspect of the Orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) following its ruling on the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018. And from that, he stressed that the caveat of Article 106

becomes immediately engaged following the passage of the motion.

In the letter, Jagdeo requested three things - the resignation of Cabinet, elections by September 2018, and the dissolution of the National Assembly. The Government has indicated that Cabinet will not resign until the new Government takes over, following the election. But the other two requests are tied together, according to Harmon.

During the post-Cabinet press brief yesterday, he said “The question of the dissolving of Parliament is a matter which rests with the President. The President's dissolution of Parliament has to; of course, do with advice which he receives from the elections commission about their readiness to conduct

Ministry of the Presidency's Director General, Joseph Harmon elections”.

GECOM is not yet ready for elections. The Official List of Electors (OLE) has (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil wants investors to forget challenges to lopsided contracts, but they shouldn't - Analysts D

By Kiana Wilburg

uring its 2019 second quarter earnings call, ExxonMobil spoke extensively about the progress of its development programmes offshore Guyana and other parts of the world. It also spoke of the billions of dollars it earned in revenue.

But there were several crucial issues it did not address with its investors in hopes that they might simply f o rg e t a b o u t i t . T h i s observation was made by analysts at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

According to Kathy Hipple, a financial analyst at IEEFA and Tom Sanzillo, Director of Finance at IEEFA, challenges to the lopsided deals Exxon struck in territories like Guyana and Papua New Guinea are just two crucial facts the company would probably like investors to overlook. But Hipple and Sanzillo emphatically stated that they shouldn't.

The officials noted that ExxonMobil's contract with Papua New Guinea is being challenged as one-sided and unfair, with the government of that nation being intent on reviewing same. On this matter, Exxon has only said,

“We have a contract...” But IEEFA Analysts stress that such commentary obscures the real risks to its business if countries with “contracts,” express grievances and opt to review them.

Further to this, the analysts said that the same situation is found in Guyana where the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the oil-rich Stabroek Block is deemed to be lopsided. Hipple and Sanzillo reminded that terms of Guyana's contract with Exxon were negotiated with prior governments and appear to be more favorable to the company. They stressed that during Exxon's earnings call, there was no mention of this emerging issue while reiterating that investors should not ignore same.

(IEEFA conducts research and analyses on financial and economic issues related to energy and the environment.

The Institute's mission is to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.)

LOOPHOLES IN GUYANA-EXXON PSA Just recently, Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark

Bynoe revealed that the finishing touches are still being added to the new model PSA which will be used for future licensing rounds. That document is expected to be a significant improvement over the Guyana-Exxon PSA which leaves the nation exposed to massive revenue leakage.

It is along these lines that Chatham House Advisor and Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul expressed that there are at least 12 key elements which must be included in that document to safeguard Guyana from abuse.

These fundamental provisions Paul recommended are contained in a report he wrote on the request of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). That international organisation had commissioned this report for the Government. It was handed over to the administration in 2016.

The Principal Consultant of the Association of Caribbean Energy Specialists Ltd. said that Guyana can readily, and should require in its new model PSA, that all contracts be subject to new laws and regulations and not immune to ring fencing provisions which

Cops hold suspect for murder of taxi driver in Mocha

P

olice have detained a suspect for the murder of taxi driver Owayne Lynch, who was found stabbed to death in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday night.

A senior police official said the suspect is a Mocha resident, and that he was detained yesterday morning.

The individual is believed to be a passenger that the 44-year-old Lynch had picked up in Sophia.

Information suggests that the taxi driver may have been slain during an argument with his passenger. .

Lynch, of Stevedore Housing Scheme, was

employed at Swift Cabs, located at Dennis Street, Sophia. He is survived by two daughters, ages 10 and six.

According to a release, the victim was plying his trade in a black Toyota IST. At around 20.31 hrs, the taxi service dispatcher sent Lynch to an area in Sophia to pick up a passenger, who was reportedly heading for Mocha.

However, at around 21.45 hrs, the taxi driver was seen lying motionless on Cemetery Road, Mocha. His body bore multiple wounds and an ice pick was found near the scene.

The body is at the Lyken

Owayne Lynch Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

Kathy Hipple, Financial Analyst at IEEFA allow costs from unsuccessful wells to be offset against those that are.

Further to this, Paul recommended that Guyana needs tighter cost recovery provisions. In this regard, he said that Guyana needs to determine what can be recoverable and nonrecoverable based on international best practices.

Along these lines, he said

Tom Sanzillo, Director of Finance at IEEFA that there should be transfer pricing controls and suitable sanctions included in the model PSA. Paul also said that Guyana's model PSA needs to have stronger local content and capacity development requirements, and if possible, have it attached as a caveat for being able to keep the exploration or production licence. Furthermore, the

Consultant emphatically stated that Guyana's model PSA needs to have clear rules on the disclosure of the beneficial owners for oil companies involved, capital gains tax, methods to be used for the accounting of all expenditure and where documents should be held, as well as the international benchmarking costs that would be used.

The Chatham House Advisor also said that it would be in Guyana's best interest to tie the model PSA to signature bonuses, aggressive relinquishment clauses, and the right to refusal of farmouts or farm-ins following a thorough evaluation of the technical and financial capability of the firm as well as its strategic fit to Guyana.

Also, the Consultant suggested that the new Model PSA should allow the government to have retained equity or carried participation in all new licences.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 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 incomprehensible and inexplicable This is one strange country. It puts the most testing of issues, matters with national implications, before those in whom there was uncertainty, even lack of confidence and trust.

The word is that the Chief Justice (ag) has indicated that a decision will be announced by her on August 14 on the issue of house-to-house registration. That is both timely and encouraging, if only to move ahead to the next stages in what has been a crippling elections environment.

Here everything moves with the tortured, agonizing slowness of a three-wheeled donkey cart harnessed to a one-legged jackass looking mulishly ahead while going backwards.

Now, regardless of what is embodied in the ruling of the CJ (ag), or for whom, this much speaks for itself.

To begin with, it is that the political leaders of this nation could not summon the courage or the decency or the principle to finalise and decide on this same daughter of the soil (in fact, two of them) for confirmation in the post of Chief Justice of Guyana.

It is why the terrible embarrassment and broad distrust of ACTING remains irremovably affixed to her work title, to the dignity of that office, and to her efforts at filling the role of senior jurist with dignity and decorum.

This is what is customarily inflicted (acting) upon bureaucratic presences considered unworthy or anathema: wrong person, wrong time, wrong job.

Acting for so long raises questions and sentiments about her fitness for the grave responsibilities to the matters that come before her, that demands devotion to unbiased probing and reflecting, and then judging as to what should be, as seen and believed with conviction before law and man.

Acting is indicative of calculated misgivings and suspicions regarding political reliability to deliver in a certain way, in certain times. House-to-house registration is that certain time at this boiling, consuming time. The person that we could not confirm, that we have had the greatest reluctance to trust, we are now appealing to, to confirm our precise thinking on how matters should finalise and materialise.

The political leadership of this nation, as entrusted by the voters of this land, is asking this separator of fact from histrionics (arguments) and as aligned with reality before one and all (numbers) to save us from ourselves, to be activist or originalist. This nation now waits with bated breath for an actor in the most responsible of positions to pronounce on what should offer some form of continuity.

The one to whom we dare not offer the continuity of substantive confirmation, is now being dared to deliver what is desired: a rewarding hearing, successful progressing. Clearly, Guyana and Guyanese politics, at the core, amounts to nothing more than the theatrics and shallowness of one actor after another performing for this or that crowd.

Unfortunately, this passes for real-life in this country.

This is but one of the many long running, never-ending political absurdities and tragedies that march across the consciousness of citizens, who consider themselves privileged to be a part of the spectacle that is now a fullblown circus. The things that inflicted so much pain before are now returning to take our heads off and, with that, any remaining claim to dignity and wisdom.

Where does this leave matters post-Chief Justice (ag) ruling? It leaves with no other option, but to maintain the masquerades of more actors acting with cavalier indifference to the fate of a nation, its economy, its quality of life, and at, through it all, its unmoved and unwise peoples.

Truth be told, the peoples themselves are enthusiastic contributors to the pretence of being serious on what is constructive in separating from the charades that menace this society. The peoples are also acting in settled roles; they have lost touch with their own identities. This is one, big screenplay and production, isn’t it?

Free education should not be a sacrificial lamb on the altar of political expediency DEAR EDITOR, August 15, 2019 marked thirty four years since the passing of Forbes Burnham.

Glowing tributes were paid to him by President David Granger who credited him for introducing free education in Guyana from nursery to university.

Free education, desirable as it was, turned out, however, to be highly deficient in terms

of quality as the performance of Guyanese students lagged behind their regional counterparts with Guyana at one time ranked among the worst performing country at the CXC examinations. More than half of the students who sat the CXC examinations failed to attain acceptable pass grades.

The situation got progressively worse as the economy deteriorated to a point where

we were once ranked among the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.

The point I am seeking to make is that there is a strong correlation between the state of the economy and the quality of education delivery. A weak and shrinking economy impacts negatively on the supply of critical ingredients for education success including a strong cadre of qualified

professionals and other resource material.I am not opposed to free education. I support the idea of free education but unless the economy is strong enough to sustain the cost of free education, we could revert to the days when the quality of education delivery became a sacrificial lamb on the altar of political expediency.

Hydar Ally

The public is looking towards the “Iron Lady” DEAR EDITOR, The Chief Justice has set August 14 as the date for her ruling on the matter by Chris Ram, challenging the constitutionality of the ongoing H2H registration.

The focus will turn to GECOM where a newly appointed Chair (Claudette Singh), in her own innate logic, with regards to the CCJ consequential decision, has the power to stop H2H registration if she sees it as an impediment to taking GECOM to a state of readiness for elections to be held in the stipulated CCJ timeline (September 18). Given the gravity of this decision and implications it holds in relevance to abiding with the CCJ consequential decision on the NCM, I would want to think that the CJ would be

hoping that her counterpart at GECOM would make a decision on this matter before the 14th of August, rendering her decision as useless, since GECOM is where H2H registration originated on the decision of an illegal Chair. I see no difficulty in a legal chair demolishing the structures (H2H registration) of an illegal Chairman, if it is not conducive to honouring the CCJ timeline for elections and will disenfranchise more people than the normal claims and objections used in the past to update the OLE. One would have expected a week would have suffice the newly appointed GECOM Chair to familiarise herself with the status of the situation at GECOM and make her decision on the way forward in sync with the CCJ

decision. The second week is ticking and no word to the public as yet. I must confess that being GECOM Chair at this juncture is no walk in the park. Patterson, having paraded aimlessly past the expiration of the OLE on March 31, and then informing the President that GECOM needed funds to carry out H2H registration to produce a credible list for the holding of elections, all the while having the knowledge that an NCM was passed and would necessitate the holding of elections.

Patterson’s failure to keep GECOM in a state of readiness for the holding of elections, in sync with GECOM’s constitutional mandate is conducive to collusion with the Coalition.

Patterson’s appointment,

having been deemed illegal, makes his entire stint at GECOM illegal. After Patterson demitted office being deemed illegal by the CCJ - I see no point in the GECOM CEO executing Patterson’s recommended H2H as if it were a presidential order. Perhaps it was - the President having a knack for usurping independent constitutional bodies!

How else do we explain his starting of H2H when his response to whether the NRR could produce a credible OLE for the holding of elections by a period of claims and objections was, “always have, always will”. Why differ from the orthodox way?

The public is looking towards the “Iron Lady” for action and answers.

Rudolph Singh

AS THE CARNAGE CONTINUESAMERICA IS RUNNING OUT OF REASONS DEAR EDITOR, The truth America can no longer shun - her undying affinity with the gun.

Reasons range from untreated madness to sheer badness, as once more America is thrown into a state of mourning— a condition that she has found herself in more often than she cares to recall due to the regularity. The latest mass shooting in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio is in no way an anomaly, just history repeating itself. America is running out of excuses, while the murderers are gaining easier access to weapons.

The truth be told the problem is dire.

Each new event brings a demand for new laws and regulations.

Excuses run the gamut from the current mass shooting being a symptom of Trump’s embrace of white nationalism, his incendiary language about immigrants, a call for the banning of assault weapons, imposition of rigorous background checks, a profusion of mental illness, along with what can be termed a plethora ad infinitum of inane silliness. The irony lies in the fact that while

among developed countries, America has the weakest gun laws, yet it has the most firearms out of any country in the world—thanks to the combination of the Second Amendment and America’s gun culture. A 2017 survey estimated that there are three hundred and ninety-three million civilian-owned firearms in the United States, a rate of 120.5 guns for every hundred residents, twice that of the second-highest nation, Ye m e n . h t t p s : / / www.washingtonpost.com/ news/wonk/wp/2018/06/19/ there-are-more-guns-thanpeople-in-the-united-statesaccording-to-a-new-studyof-global-firearm-ownership/.

Plainly and sanely viewed, someone hell bent or evil sent will always be able to find a gun to help him accomplish his goal. Black Friday 2015 was touted as the biggest gun sales day in American history https://fortune.com/2015/12/ 01/gun-sales-black-friday/. A 2018 study reported in the Journal of American Medical Association found that the civilian death rate in America is nearly four times that of Switzerland, five times that of Canada, 35 times that of the

United Kingdom, and 53 times that of Japan. https:// vox.com/2018/8/29/17792776/ us-gun-deaths-global. Research has consistently demonstrated that places with the most guns have the most deaths.

Excuses have become the post-shooting focal point, with politics and inflammatory rhetoric currently taking the lead. What about the other mass killings where the perpetrator repeatedly pulled the trigger for no detectable political reason at all.

Every country has among its citizens, its own share of mentally ill individuals, nevertheless only America has almost near-daily mass shootings. Simply because in America victims of violent forms of psychopathology have far too easy access to an incredibly wide range of weapons with which they can act out their murderous fantasies. Hence, talking about mental illness without bringing guns into the discussion is nothing short of a conspicuous dodge. Sad but nonetheless true, is the fact that the gun industry, the recipient of America’s infatuation remains a powerful; but

mostly unseeable presence, sheltered from public scrutiny and protected by laws that prevent lawsuits from the families of mass shooting victims attempting to hold gun and ammunition makers responsible for crimes committed with their products. Congress has protected the gun makers from liability.

In 2012, after the Sandy Hook massacre that killed 26 people, 20 of them children, Congress briefly considered legislation that would have strengthened the requirement of background checks for gun buyers.

The measure died in the Senate.

After that (and subsequent mass shootings), it became hard to imagine what might end the paralysis. Congress enacted the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) in 2005, an unprecedented decree that swamps state tort law and rules out most claims that might otherwise be brought against gun manufacturers and retailers.

A few courts had permitted cities to sue gun sellers under a theory of (Continued on page 5)

Thursday August 08, 2019

I believe the government is letting its hand of immaturity show DEAR EDITOR, In a Tuesday’s online news report, I noticed an opinion piece penned by my former high school teacher GHK Lall on the current house-to-house activity. I wrote a letter when the exercise was commencing stating that this exercise will eviscerate my right to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Mr. Lall is claiming that this exercise will take six weeks. I would urge him, as he has urged me many times, to examine all the facts.

Recently I saw a release of the GECOM work plan, showing that the exercise takes us into early next year. After collecting the data, the fingerprints must be sent to Jamaica for processing into the database, which I understand takes two weeks.

Any errors must then be sent back and the person then located to have errors corrected and then sent to Jamaica for a further two weeks.

A list that is current, accurate, credible and reliable

and representative of all eligible Guyanese voters before all Guyanese is the only way to go. I have researched this and doing house to house will not achieve this. My advice to Mr. Lall is to urge those whom he is connected to; to have a period of continuous registration (this is how I have registered) this way all those who are fourteen and above will be added to the National Registrant Registrar Database.

Also simultaneously have a period of claims and objections, so anyone with a dead grandmother on the list can take in her death certificate and remove her. This way people like me who currently live abroad but have intentions of returning home during the term of the next elected government can have a say.

He is calling for political sensibility to prevail, I believe the opposition has been nothing but generous on time, carrying on with a myriad of court rulings. The CCJ has been clear to respect the

constitution. I believe the government is letting its hand of immaturity show, with their desperate cling to power. I call on my fellow young people to observe what is happening.

In 2015, we were promised this government of change and I have observed many of my classmates graduate UG and are still seeking employment.

In concluding, he asked what’s the hurry, well, the way I see it, a motion of no confidence was passed since December 21st last year. We are a few months shy of a year since the constitution dictates ninety days, how many ninety days have since passed?

I urge my fellow Guyanese, especially the youth to see the farce at play; we don’t need a softer approach. We need to hold a hardline and demand the government to call for elections as mandated by our constitution, which was subsequently supported by the highest court of the land.

Regards, Nutana Singh

As the carnage continues-America..

From page 4 public nuisance, the foundation of which was that the defendants had pumped guns into the city via aggressive and deceptive marketing, and had then increased the danger through irresponsible sales to unqualified purchasers.

Congress eventually kowtowed to the NRA, and not only did the law rule out most future claims, but additionally ordered all pending claims dismissed. https:// www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/03/18/lawsuit-mass-shootings225812. In the aftermath of the mass shootings, America should refrain from turning it into a politically motivated sensation and collectively work towards a long -lasting solution that is ben-

eficial to the nation.

Why is America acting as if the solution to mass shootings is outside her range of view?

What are the political powers that be failing to see?

Speaking on the back-to-back mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, President Trump laid the blame for the spate of violence on the Internet and video games, while at the selfsame time urging an overhaul of mental health laws, talking points long advocated by the NRA. Come on America!—Address the truth- It’s time to give the g u n t h e b o o t . Vi e w e d through sociological and historical lens—that is— favouring tighter controls and restrictions on gun ownership is a right-wing position,

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Kaieteur News

an authoritarian one that favours those with power at the expense of the poor, vulnerable and powerless.

The NRA a powerful gun lobby that has been known to oppose any gun control measure, no matter how small, is currently facing its own inhouse woes and this may be the moment to strike.

In addition, the American voters should begin punishing their elected officials for slothfulness on legislation that would make mass shootings less likely or less frequent.

Immediate action must be taken to end the gun violence epidemic.

Failing to do would only mean a continuance of the regular drumbeat of death.

Yvonne Sam

Why the excessive scrutiny by GRA? DEAR EDITOR, This is an open letter of the current dispensation of income tax audit and assessment that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) engages rice farmers in, with particular reference to the Essequibo community. In recent period there has been an increase in audits of rice farmers’ income tax submissions.

Whether it is GRA’s right to perform these audits as part of their responsibility to enforce the preparation of the income tax returns and to make payment of taxes is not debatable.

What is the matter is the increase number of visits of tax personnel to the persons who submit their returns.

GRA needs to recognise two very important acts of compliance by rice farmers. Firstly, if rice farmers take an interest to make submission of their returns it means they are tendering their accountability. It means that they are decent, civil minded, law abiding citizens with a sense of responsibility to their country. Secondly, the ordinary rice farmer does not have the capability to prepare the accounts required for compliance.

The preparation of these accounts would most obviously be done by accountancy services.

More so, the preparation of these accounts will necessitate a fee which is an extra responsibility the ordinary man, without the knowledge of accounts preparation takes to ensure they upkeep their responsibility. So it begs the question why the excessive scrutiny by GRA? Why is it necessary GRA, to have repeated visits and enquiries by your personnel and further requests for the farmers to visit the offices of GRA? Persons are being subjected to high levels of scrutiny repeatedly by GRA staffers to the point where it leads to frustration.

The disclosures persons have to make which includes years of marriage, living arrangements of family members

are ridiculous. In the current context, a number of factors must be taken into consideration in the assessment of income. The small, ordinary rice farmer has no fancy accounting system established to trace every transaction undertaken in the production of crops.

The absence of the elaborate record keeping system required by GRA is nonexistent.

There isn’t a regularized system of preparing taxes for these farmers. When the farmer decides to go and check his crop in the morning, he doesn’t pay himself a salary for this and makes out a receipt.

When he decides, he has to clear weeds, he is not in the habit of asking the ordinary labourer for a receipt of payment.

Nevertheless, the weed has to be cleared for the rice to grow properly anyway. In cases like these where legitimate transactions are not tracked what becomes the requirement especially when looking at historical transactions for a few years back?

There is no established recipe for the production of a bag of paddy. The prevailing circumstances both environmental and economic dictate the outcome of paddy production.

The cost of fuel, the cost of fertilizer, the invasion of pests and weeds, the management of the crop, the effects of the weather such as dry season can see an increase in the cost of production for pumping water for irrigation, land preparation and maintenance

to infrastructure such as roads, the infestation of bug which has recently become one of these circumstances, etc. are some of the issues which impact on the cost of production. All of these are genuine events that will likely be encountered in any rice crop. These events would not affect the farmers even in the same area simultaneously.

Then how does GRA considers these cost factors at time of making their assessment which is done retroactively, as these are some of the areas of heavy scrutiny by their staff who lack the understanding and knowledge of these peculiarities?

Farmers in rural areas have a different concept and culture of their livelihoods.

Their spending and saving habits will likely differ and be prioritized and reserved to improving their lives and this will be reflected in how their income earned is spent. Scrutiny with regards to their standard of living should be accounted by these factors. The hard and fast methods that GRA is subjecting farmers to are burdensome and frustrating and require a re-examination of the audit process. From the above, a certain competency is now required of the GRA staffers. Further, it will be beneficial to both parties if some training can be provided for farmers or some sensitisation programme is undertaken. Without any consideration or corrective measures, it would be rather imposing to regularise a system in such a way.

Sincerely S. Mohamed

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GUYANA OIL SPILL DEAR EDITOR, Almost all will agree that our current increase in political competition, racial tensions, legal manoeuvrings and other recent manifestations in our collective body politic are all premise on our discovery of massive oil deposits and the expected wealth to be derived from these discoveries.

While we hope that we will not have an actual oil spill for a long time to come post commencement of production, we cannot avoid noticing the many “Spills” taking place in our country prior to production.

Based on these observations, I shall be grateful for you to publish these few verses for our consideration.

Guyana oil spill: “Well, we ain’t draw a drop yet, and it done spill!” Thanks to our ingenuity, and our lack of po-

litical will.

This spill, it done contaminate the whole political landscape, and the damage done is so far reaching, none will escape.

We find oil and like we find trouble.

This oil find bursting every political bubble. Look the rumble, look the tumble, like a warfare in the jungle. Now oil spill is death by poison, by drowning, by starvation, And for a bonus, almost permanent contamination. Now don’t underestimate the wealth oil can deliver, but like many mammals, it eats back its placenta.

Now this oil, this oil we talking ‘bout has already produced an avalanche of oil experts, a deluge of pessimists, optimists, idealists, a potpourri of political

adventurists, and our racial, ethnic undercurrent has resurfaced. Expert projections show, we’ll have the fastest growing economy, with the fastest growing disharmony, with the greatest fight for hegemony, and our battleground the judiciary, now this oil spill bring early General Elections.

Touted the ‘Mother of all Elections’, triggered by political defection, infection, and the CCJ’s decisions on the No confidence motion, and the appointment of the new GECOM Chair.

Now country folks, we must not be in despair, we must not be captives of unfounded fear, but let us unshackle ourselves of disunity and distrust and by Almighty God’s help, make it we must.

Yours faithfully, Patrick Hamilton

Is GECOM in contempt of court?

DEAR EDITOR, When two parties are before the Courts on any matter, that matter becomes sub judice.

If one party to the Court action continues to act as if there was no Court action or

acts as if the matter had been already decided in his favour that party is in CONTEMPT OF COURT. GECOM and Mr. Ram are before the courts on the issue of H2H registration but yet GECOM has continued

with doing what is challenged before the courts and therefore acting sub judice.

Would GECOM be immediately cited for Contempt and estoppel?

Paul Validum Ramlochan

Thursday August 08, 2019

The Guyana Chronicle needs to be balanced to cater for all people DEAR EDITOR, I have always staunchly supported freedom of expression and the right to information.

I believe that our ability to express ourselves freely, and to access information, holds the solution to many of our modern day problems.

I also believe that it is by no mistake, that humans are the only organism in the world as of now, that are capable of using language. Yet, there are a few who would try to impede on that biological privilege.

With that being said, one has to look to the media, which without a doubt, plays a vital role in ensuring democracy in countries where such a system exists.

Countries like China and Russia, on the other hand, have tighter editorial control over media publications, and as a result, impartiality is eliminated.

This delivers a fatal blow to both freedom of expression and right to access information. Ultimately, creativity and objectivity is stifled.

The right to express oneself freely seems like a fantasy for media practitioners who op-

erate under these conditions of censorship and political influence.

The media in Guyana has never been immune to these kinds of occurrences. Back in 2015, after the PPP/C was democratically removed from office, there were testimonials published in the Guyana Chronicle by media operatives who praised the David Granger-led administration for rescuing them from years of political influence.

Many told of the creative suppression that existed pre-May 2015, and the many hurdles that were present in conveying the truth.On December 6, 2015, Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited(GNNL), Jean La Rose, in an article captioned, “Guyana Chronicle Rebranding”, stated: “The [Guyana] Chronicle had become a propaganda tool used to attack those in the political opposition and anyone else who dared to share a different view to the former administration [PPP/C].”

Has the Guyana Chronicle changed much in this regard?

I personally do not think so,

especially when we have “Political Sabotage” plastered across the frontpage and headlines that says Ministry of the Presidency “slams Ramkarran for distortion of facts”. Not to mention, the biased reporting that is done on a daily basis.

I have nothing against reporters at the Guyana Chronicle.

I think that Alva Solomon, Vashanti Raghubeer, Svetlana Marshall and Rabindra Rooplall (Roop) are excellent writers.

While I believe that news agencies are not obligated to carry both sides of a debate, state-controlled media has a responsibility to ensure that both sides are given the same opportunity to ventilate issues that affect them.

Stories that involve government “bashing” or “rebuking” persons affiliated with the Opposition, are given more prominence.

The truth of the matter is that the Guyana Chronicle needs to be balanced to cater for all people.

After all, taxpayers’ monies are being used. The Guyana Chronicle is not a Coalitionowned paper.

It belongs to the people of Guyana and Guyanese should demand that equality is represented thoroughly.

La Rose in that aforementioned article stated, “It [Guyana Chronicle] must cater to the needs of the nation as a whole, because the Chronicle is the State’s newspaper and must broadly serve all the people of the State regardless of orientation, choice and conviction.”

I am asking that the Guyana Chronicle broadly serve the people and stop kowtowing to government.

Why should the monies of taxpayers - regardless of political affiliation - be poured into an entity that carries mostly, the government side?

Can it be fair?

Yours truly, Marcus Hope

Thursday August 08, 2019

Public Service Minister acted unlawfully when she fired staffers Carberry Commission finds - Persons to be reinstated Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, was found to have acted unlawfully when she fired three staffers in her Ministry Andrew Grant, Gail Williams and Andre Dazzell.

The Ministry of the Presidencys Director-General, Joseph Harmon, said that the Board of Inquiry (BoI), headed by Lance Carberry, made this finding upon conclusion of its inq u i r y, w h i c h s t a r t e d i n June 2019.

Harmon said that the BoI concluded its work and made several recommendations which were sent to the President.

“The President agreed with the recommendations and, therefore, these are the decisions that have been made by the Board of Inquiry.”

First of all, the BoI recommended that the letters of termination issued by the Minister be immediately withdrawn, Harmon said. Secondly, the board recommended that the three public servants be immediately reinstated to the positions they held within the Department of the Public Service.

Harmon assured that they will continue to enjoy all the benefits and allowances they previously enjoyed prior to the termination of their services.

Harmon said the three persons will be called and briefed of the BoIs findings and recommendations Thirdly, the Board recommended that Minister Sarabo-Halley be advised of the need for due pro-

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Kaieteur News

Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley cess, and that the rules of the public service be regarded with respect to employment, discipline and dismissal of public servants.

“The Permanent Secretary was appointed on the first of August, and the new PS is now following up on these actions so that the employees can expect a speedy action and implementation of these decisions of the commission of inquiry.”

The employees had been dismissed by the Minister shortly after she was appointed, after facing allegations of misconduct.

Appropriately, disciplinary

action should have been taken by the Permanent Secretary, not the Minister, Harmon told reporters yesterday.

However, the Ministry has been without a Permanent Secretary for some time.

On August 1, 2019, Karen Van Sluytman was appointed to the post. She will be handling the reinstatement of the three public servants.

Granger tells Jagdeo…

Cabinet will not resign Although the Government has accepted that it can only conduct routine functions, given its interim status, the President is unwavering that Cabinet will continue to function.

This is according to Director General of the Ministry of Presidency, Joseph Harmon. Harmon explained at a post-Cabinet press conference yesterday that President David Granger, acting in accordance with the advice of Attorney General, Basil Williams, has officially responded to Jagdeo request for Cabinet to resign.

The President has advised Mr Jagdeo that neither himself nor the Cabinet will be resigning and that the constitution provides that a President and Government remain in office until such time that a new President is sworn in.”

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has formally written to the President, with several requests for Government in the period following the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the no-confidence motion In a letter dated July 20, 2019, Jagdeo reminded of the Caribbean Court of J u s t i c e ( C C J ) ’s C o n s e quential Orders based on its decisions rendered on June 18, 2019, in the matters of Zulfikar Mustapha v AG and Others, Christopher Ram v AG et al, Bharrat Jagdeo v AG et al, and Charrandass Persaud v Compton Reid et al.

President, David Granger

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

The Opposition Leader noted a key aspect of the Orders, that the provisions of Article 106 become immediately engaged following the passage of a No Confidence Motion.

Jagdeo formally re-

quested that Cabinet resign, as the Court, in its orders, stated “Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President”.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Judge orders NIS to reconsider widows claim to Survivors Benefit - after refused by Board for late submission High Court Judge Damone Younge has ordered the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to reconsider the claim

by Ismay Lake to Survivor’s Benefit, which she was initially denied due to submitting the claim some 26 years after his death. The judgment was handed down on Wednesday at the High Court in Demerara.

NIS was also ordered to determine whether the reasons proffered by the woman for the delay in filing her claim, together with the specific circumstances of her case, amounted to good cause being shown for delay.

That aside, Justice Younge granted a declaration that

Ismay Lake was not disqualified as a dependent of her husband, since at the time of his death on July 14, 1990, she was a widow captured by Regulation 14 (3) (b) (iii) of the National Insurance and Social Security (Benefits) Regulation.

This was notwithstanding the fact that her claim for survivor benefits was submitted on November 15, 2016, some 26 years after her husband passed away.

The Judge, further, granted an Order of Certiorari quashing the decision of NIS’s General Manager made on January 17, 2017, and that of the National Insurance Board made on May 22, 2018,

disallowing Ismay Lake’s claim to the benefits.

The judge instructed that the reconsideration must be completed within three months of the court’s order.

The widow was also awarded costs in the sum of $75,000 to be paid within 21 days of the court order. The General Manager and National Insurance Board are hereinafter referred to as the number one and two respondents respectively.

Ismay Lake, through her lawyer Daren Wade, had approached the High Court for an Order Certiorari quashing the decision of the National Insurance Board General Manager and the National Insurance Appeal Tribunal

disallowing her claim to the benefits. She had also sought an Order of Mandamus compelling the National Insurance Board to pay the Survivor’s Benefit to her.

According to court documents seen by this publication, Lake was denied the benefit by the number one Respondent on account of the lateness of the submission of the claim. She thereafter appealed the decision to the tribunal which disallowed her appeal. In the decision of the court it was stated that Lake gave reasons for filing the claim decades later.

She asserted that she was unaware of the procedures of NIS and only became aware of her entitlement to Survivor’s Benefit in Novem-

Justice Damone Younge ber 2016.

In defence, the number one and two Respondents relied on the limitation period set out in the Regulations of the National Insurance and Social Security Act, Cap 36:01, in particular Regulation 14 (1) (c) of the National Insurance and Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulation, the (Claims and Payments) which stipulates than an application for Survivor’s Benefit must be made within three months from the date the claimant becomes entitled.

The Respondents therefore argued that their decision was reasonable and grounded in law, because the application was made out of time and the Applicant (Ismay Lake) was disqualified from receiving it by operation of the law. That aside, it was for the court to determine if the Respondents’ decision to disallow Lake’s claim on the ground of late submission was reasonable.

According to the written judgment of Justice Younge, based on the provisions of Regulation 14 of the National Insurance and Social Security (Benefits) Regulations, Ismay Lake is entitled to benefit through the contribution of her late husband.

The Respondents, the court found, admitted that Vibert Lake made over 1000 contributions, a number far in excess of what is required to satisfy Regulation 7 (1) (c) of the Benefit Regulations to entitle him to invalidity pension, and as such entitling his dependent, on his death, to Survivor’s Benefit, pursuant to Regulation 14 (1) (c) of those Regulations.

Further the court found that, “The Applicant was not disqualified as a dependent under Regulation 14 (3) (b) since at the time of her husband’s death, she was a widow with the care of a child of their marriage under sixteen years of age—two facts which are undisputed. The Regulation clearly contemplates the age of the child at the time of the deceased’s

death, rather than at the time of submission of consideration of the claim. That being so, the Applicant falls within the exception set out in Regulation 14 (3) (b) (111) of the Benefit Regulation.”

Moreover, the court had to consider whether the grounds in which the Respondents disallowed the benefits to Ismay Lake was unreasonable. The widow, herself, contended that the Respondents acted unreasonably in disallowing her claim because they failed to consider that she may have good reason for the delay in submitting same.

According to Justice Younge, “Having regard to the express provisions of the quoted Regulation, it is immediately apparent that the decision maker has a fairly wide discretion to consider submissions beyond the stated limitation period on good cause being shown for the delay.”

The court said that based on the evidence in the matter, it was pellucid that neither of the Respondents in coming to a decision to disallow the Applicant’s claim, gave any consideration to the reason proffered by her for the delay in submitting her claim. The court also said, “It is equally evident that the decisions were taken based solely on the timing of the submission, which all can agree was far outside the prescribed period.”

In the circumstances, the court said it found it difficult to agree with counsel for the Applicant’s argument that the Respondents failed to exercise the discretion conferred on them by the proviso to Regulation 14 of the C&P Regulations. The court, however, held that there was no doubt that National Insurance Board did not address its collective mind to whether the Applicant had given a good reason for the delay in submitting the claim.

The decision of the Tribunal states, (Continued on page 12)

Thursday August 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Hey, Mommy, there’s a nightclub next door!

I wrote the column below ten years ago. Tell me what has changed!

There is always a benefit in being left behind the pack. We can learn from those who are ahead, see their mistakes and ensure that we do not repeat these.

This is just one of the benefits of a country trying to catch up with the rest of the world.

Many of the problems that we are now facing were experienced before by other countries, and therefore we ought to look at those countries that have undergone the pains of development and try to ensure that we avoid the same pitfalls.

The more I look at our

capital city, the more I am convinced that we are not learning from others. In fact, we are not even learning from our own mistakes, something that is far more important than learning from the mistakes of others.

There was a time when Georgetown used to be an orderly town with ordered development. It was never perfect, but there was at least a degree of central planning that allowed for ordered development.

There used to be a time when residential areas were separated from commercial areas.

There used to be a time when you could buy a home in one of these residential areas and not fear that one day

you would wake up and find a huge nightclub or gym or business premises next door.

Yet, despite our growing affluence, instead of achieving an improved level of urban planning, what we have is total chaos. And I will not just blame the city’s municipality alone, even though it has contributed in no small measure to the problem.

I remember the Bourda Mall which used to be an area of green; I remember Regent Street without vendors; I remember when this vendor problem developed and how it was allowed to grow into a monster, resulting in the city having to compromise standards.

One of the compromises made was that an area of

Dem boys seh ...

China want Guyana dance to Chinese music Whoever believe rich people don’t care when people talk dem name got to think again. Dem boys know rich people who always believe that dem money mek dem bigger than anybody.

Then when dem hear wha people really think about dem, some of dem try to show how dem got de biggest heart in de world.

That s when dem start to give away things to people who dem feel in need. Of course dem got some who does try to meet odda rich people who think and behave like dem. De only thing is that those aren’t too many.

China is like de last set.

It so rich that it can buy any country it wants. Money in de bank really don’t have value and China know that,

so it investing its money in countries that got resources but can’t develop dem.

Guyana was one of dem countries that grab de money when de Chinese Vice President pass through. That is because poor people don’t like see money. We woulda tek more if dem boys didn’t talk.

De first tekking was done in secret; nobody didn’t know.

That is de money that start de airport. But dem had countries that tek de Chinese money and build some big things that tun white elephant.

Of course, since money didn’t come from de project, it mean that de project tun a white elephant and de country still owe China. And China didn’t mek joke. Like Shylock in de Merchant of Venice, it

demand its pound of flesh.

Unlike Shylock, he cut he pound and he carry blood wid it. Nuff people talking bout that, so China want dem odda countries to sing how de Chinese Belt and Road money is a great thing. But dem boys see something else. Dem see how China want Guyana and couple odda country to advertise how Belt and Road good.

That is a case of tekking de money and dancing to Chinese music.

Dem boys want to know who paying Guyana to do that and wha de country must seh bout dem projects that lef like white elephant since China ain’t include that in de talking.

Talk half and watch how China want Guyana to dance.

Truck driver found guilty of causing death of Guysuco Field Supt.

The truck driver who reversed his truck out of his yard and struck and killed a passing motorcyclist, has been found guilty of the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mohandass Meenkum called “Marvin”, 36, of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh in the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

Meenkum reversed motor canter GWW 1831 onto the Betsy Ground Public Road on the 21st September, 2018, in the process crashing into 52year-old Rajendranauth Haralsingh, called “Jerry” of 28 Reliance Abandon, East Canje, Berbice, thus causing his death.

Prosecutor Inspector

Althea Solomon during the trial called a number of witnesses, including policemen.

She argued that the actions of Meenkum were what caused the death of Haralsingh. She noted that on the day in question, he did not observe the Five C’s, and did not take due care and consideration when he reversed his canter in a manner dangerous to the public on the Betsy Ground public road. As such, he crashed into Haralsingh, who was passing at the time on his motorcycle.

Haralsingh, a father of two, was attached to the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) of the Rose Hall Estate. He was on his way home around 12:30 hrs on motorcycle CF 1615 when he was struck.

Meenkum was repre-

sented by attorney-at-law Ramesh Rajkumar.

Haralsingh had just finished supervising workers in the backdam and was heading home when he was struck by the Canter. He was hurled to the opposite side of the road. He was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed.

A post mortem examination conducted on the body gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries.

Magistrate Singh after finding the accused guilty told him that it was his actions on the day that caused a dangerous situation by reversing into the main road.

She remanded him to jail pending a probation report.

the Bourda Mall, which was Guyana’s equivalent to Woodford Square in Port of Spain, was converted into a vendors’ market, even though not many people do shopping there.

I thank Yesu Persaud and the Indian Immigration Committee for having converted that green strip opposite the St. Rose’s High School into a garden.

Had he not done that and fenced the area, it would have been overrun by vendors or vagrants, or both.

At least through his initiative, a part of the city has been protected from the encroaching concrete jungle which is now defacing the once Garden City.

I, however, do not blame the municipality alone. I also lay blame on the Central Housing and Planning Authority for the ill-conceived expansion of commercial development in the city. Today it is difficult to distinguish between what is a residential area and what is not.

Schools are being opened up in areas which do not have the requisite space and parking to accommodate such develop-

ments.

Night clubs, churches, businesses, car sales agencies are all popping up in traditional residential areas, and this is making a mess of urban planning.

One day you move into a quiet neighborhood and the next thing you know is that vehicles are honking their horns and parking outside your home and in your gap, because some business place was given permission to open an outlet in your area.

One day you are living in a peaceful neighborhood and the next, you find that a church has been established next door.

Somebody has to stand up and say that enough is enough. There is no way that Georgetown is ever going to be the beautiful city that it ought to be if this trend continues.

The fact is that these things are not confined just to Georgetown. They are happening all over.

How can any country develop if simply in this the eighth year of the twentyfirst century it cannot have a consistent policy of central planning?

Something must be

done and be done quickly to end this chaos. One of the things that I would urge is for a freeze on commercial expansion in residential areas.

Whatever businesses for example there are in areas such as Queenstown and South Ruimveldt should be allowed to continue, but these areas which are traditional residential areas should see no new expansion.

If someone wants to open a new business, he should do so in the traditional commercial district of the city. But please, let us try to bring some order to the city. This means that residential areas must be reclaimed. The sooner we do this the better for all concerned.

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

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Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Sorry, Gerhard, this is not the reality I see in Guyana Gerhard Ramsaroop is a dear friend and, like Charandass Persaud, will remain a close friend of mine that I am fond of. I believe Gerhard has a lot to contribute, and whichever government is formed after the imminent general election, there should be an offer. He should come home from Berlin and serve the country that on countless occasions he told me he loves.

I now conclude my polemical discourse with Gerhard, with the definitive declaration that I reject his proclamation that in the absence of constitutional reform, the PNC embodies the greater possibility of reaching out to all strata of

the Guyanese class structure.

I have seen not a scintilla of evidence of that the past four years, about the PNC’s inclusiveness.

I will offer snippets of proof that the PNC and the PPP are trapped organisms that cannot come out of their inherent ethnic prison. The PPP and the PNC have never grounded across the racial divide. The result of that omission was a one-sided evolution. This is the reality of their respective ontology since the mid-fifties.

Could Hoyte have transformed the PNC and Guyanese sociology simultaneously? I think he wanted to,

but he didn’t get the time. His tenure lasted seven years.

Jagdeo was brand new without baggage. But because he was handpicked as the solution to a volcanic confrontation among the top leaders in the PPP to succeed President Janet Jagan, he accepted to be a surrogate. By the time he was his own man, the culture of the PPP so rubbed off on him that he couldn’t nurture a transformative vein in his political anatomy.

The PNC today has nothing in common with the PNC under Burnham, Hoyte and Corbin. I think all three leaders were better thinkers in how they approached different constituen-

cies. Corbin, of course, wasn’t president. Burnham and Hoyte were innovative presidents, and though the results were not phenomenal, they were not banal either. The present PNC has no such personalities in office or the party at the moment.

Space will not allow for a discourse on these three PNC leaders, but I think a PNC government under Corbin would have been more inclusive. Nothing has been written about him, but I think Corbin from 2009 had ideas about the PNC’s directions that could have put the PNC as a far better entity in the eyes of the Guyanese people than it is seen today.

The fulcrum of Gerhard’s thesis is that of the two Leviathans, the PNC is more capable and ready to reach out to diverse dimensions of the Guyanese nation. The PNC, like the PPP when it was in power (forget the AFC), practices exclusion, racial preferences, incestuous politics and corrupt governance.

In his embrace of the potential positives of the PNC, Gerhard uses the words; “the PNC is the party most inclined to reach out to others and give them real power.” This is a formidable endorsement of

the PNC. But from where I stand. I do not see even tiny specks of that power generosity from the PNC. I will conclude with some, just a few (I stress the word “few” since space would not allow for dozens of examples) situations that paint the opposite to the canvas Gerhard painted. The teachers have been in a constant stand-off with the government, with attempts by the latter to impose an arbitrator on them.

None of the unions at UG have even the remotest contact with the opposition, yet their just struggle to bring democracy to UG was not supported by the governmentappointed members of the UG Council.

About 95 percent of the teenagers serving three years for possession of small quantities of marijuana come from traditional PNC constituencies throughout Guyana. An AFC-sponsored legal amendment was not sanctioned by the PNC leadership. There has been no substantial salary increase for state employees since 2015, a majority of whom are traditionally inclined to vote for the PNC. I find it unforgiving that David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis could have been removed as col-

Frederick Kissoon umnists from the Chronicle - no doubt because of their outspoken views, a political frankness that both men used against the rule of the PPP. One can add to this the fact that the Chronicle is the same ragged mouthpiece it was under the PPP. From 2015 onwards, WPA stalwarts, Tacuma Ogunseye and David Hinds, have written countless recriminations against the PNC contending that the WPA has been locked out of policymaking. David Hinds has reasserted that statement as recent as a month ago. Surely, Gerhard, they excluded their own coalition partner that helped bring them to power.

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

Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

Venezuela govt. to skip Barbados talks to protest U.S. sanctions CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s government will skip a round of Norwaybrokered talks today and tomorrow to protest a new set of U.S. sanctions meant to force President Nicolas Maduro from power, the Venezuelan information ministry said yesterday.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday imposed a freeze on Venezuelan government assets in the United States and blocked U.S. citizens from conducting business with Maduro’s government, increasing pressure on him to quit.

Maduro’s government said its delegation was withdrawing

from the round of talks in Barbados aimed at resolving Venezuela’s political crisis with allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The two sides began meeting there in July to seek a resolution to the political stalemate.

“Venezuelans have noted how the leader of the opposition delegation, Juan Guaido, has celebrated and promoted these actions that are harmful to national sovereignty,” the information ministry said in a statement.

“Venezuela is willing to review the mechanisms of this process such that its continuation is effective and in tune with the interests of the

people.”

Guaido, who has been recognized by more than 50 countries including the United States as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, at a rally yesterday said the sanctions are “penalties for those who steal and profit from misery.”

In January, Guaido invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency on the grounds that Maduro’s 2018 re-election was fraudulent.

He said yesterday that Maduro could help the country by abandoning the presidential palace, Miraflores, “that way the sanctions will be lifted tomorrow.”

Grenada revises alert on Ebola to “guarded” ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada CMC – Grenada yesterday said it had raised its alert level to “guarded” following the second largest outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“Represented by the colour blue, the alert level “applies when there is a general threat of increased infectious diseases transmission… activity with no specific threat directed toward the country,” according to a government statement.

Last month, several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries responded to a warning by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) that regional countries should seek to enhance disease surveillance at ports of entry and at health facilities following the categorisation of the current outbreak of the EVD as a public health emergency.

St. Lucia and Barbados were among regional countries that have indicated that steps had been taken to en-

sure that their populations were not put at risk for the disease the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The WHO statement was in reference to the current EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Grenada said additional public health threats security measures may be necessary, “and if initiated they should be maintainable for an indefinite period of time with minimum impact on normal business or expenses”.

The statement said local health authorities have agreed that border surveillance, timely and regular information sharing among key taskforce members such as St. George’s University, Immigration Department, air and seaports officials, will be the key focus areas at this time.

“Public education and awareness will be heightened along with the partial activation of the Ebola Response Plan.”

Health Minister Nickolas Steele is quoted in the statement as informing senior managers that given available resources, they should strive to ensure that the country is in a state of readiness to effectively respond, should it become necessary.

Among some of the immediate measures to be undertaken are the reactivation of the advanced infrared fever sensing system and the installation of a second device, at the Maurice Bishop International Airport, as well as quarantine facilities.

“The Ministry acting on sound advice from its local, regional and international public health experts, assures the Grenadian public that there is no immediate threat of Ebola Virus Disease to the tri-island at this time.”

The deadly Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. It spreads to people through direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from the disease.

Judge orders NIS to reconsider...

From page 8 “Appellant (Ismay Lake) appeared in person. Survivor’s benefit was not paid. The Benefit was disallowed for late submission. The insured person died on the 14th day of July, 1990 and the claim was submitted on the 15th November, 2016. This period of 26 years is inordinately late, and therefore this claim cannot be granted or allowed. This appeal is therefore disallowed.”

Justice Younge, nevertheless, held that the Respondents were obliged to give consideration to whether or not the Appli-

cant was an appropriate case for the exercise of their discretion under the proviso to Regulation 14 (2) of the C&P Regulation. The court further found that the failure or omission by the Respondents to exercise the power given to them by the Regulations rendered the determination of Ismay Lake’s claim unfair.

“The court also holds that the failure of the Respondents to consider the reasoned proffered by the Applicant for the delay in submitting her claim, as well as refusing her claim solely on the ground of lateness,

also rendered the decision to disallow her claim unfair and unreasonable,” Justice Younge underscored in her judgment.

Justice Younge noted that the role of the court is not to become the decision maker, but to ensure that the decision makers act properly, fairly, and within the ambit of their powers.

The judge noted, too, that it was not for the court to look at the merits of the case and determine if a different decision ought to have been made, but to ensure that the authority follows due process and acts fairly.

Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

2%

GUYANA'S VS 35 Countries!

There are 35 countries which demanded oil companies like ExxonMobil, Total, Tullow and Hess, pay royalties that go as high as 30%. Yet, Guyana continues to accept a mere 2% royalty for the Stabroek Block. Below is a chart showing the names of those oil-producing nations and the royalty they demand.

COUNTRIES 1. Abu Dhabi 2. Algeria 3. Argentina 4. Brazil 5. Bolivia 6. Brunei 7. Cameroon 8. China 9. Colombia 10. Congo 11. Eq. Guinea 12. France 13. Gabon 14. Ghana 15. Korea 16. Malaysia 17. Morocco 18. Myanmar

ROYALTY (%) 12.5 to 20 12.5 to 20 12 10 11 to 19 8 to 12.5 9 to 12.5 10 to 12.5 20 to 25 14.5 to 19 10 12 20 12.5 15 10 12.5 to 14 10

COUNTRIES 19. Nigeria 20. Pakistan 21. Peru 22. Syria 23. Thailand 24. T&T 25. Tunisia 26. Uganda 27. USA 28. Australia 29. Ecuador 30. India 31. Kazakhstan 32. Kuwait 33. Libya 34. Romania 35. Venezuela 36. Guyana

ROYALTY (%) 12.5 to 20 12.5 5 to 20 11 12.5 to 15 10 to 12 10 to 15 12.5 16.6 10 to 12.5 12.5 to 18.5 10 to 12.5 5 to 18 15 16.67 13.5 20 to 30 2

WHEN WILL THE PNCR, PPP & AFC START DEMANDING OUR FAIR SHARE?

PAID AD

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday August 08, 2019

Cabinet outlines functions of interim Govt.

D

irector-General within the Ministry of Presidency, Joseph Harmon told the media yesterday that Cabinet has met and agreed to list of functions which the Government is allowed to perform given its interim status.

The discussions were as a result of a ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) which outlined that the coalition government - A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) - will function in caretaker mode until the holding of elections, in keeping with the provisions regarding the successful passage of a no-confidence motion.

The no-confidence motion was successfully passed against the government on December 21, last.

During a Post-Cabinet press briefing, Harmon told the media that in its interim mode, the Government shall exercise restraint in a number of matters.

Among them, Harmon said, the Government will exercise restraint by not embarking on any matter considered to be controversial, such as a new policy initiatives, programmes or projects, including the signing of new international agreements or embarking on new major infrastructural projects.

He outlined further that taking into consideration its

current status, the Government will only engage in matters that are urgent and of public interest.

According to Harmon, these would include matters of national security, the maintenance and rehabilitation of public infrastructure; the maintenance of public health delivery; housing and education systems as well as other routine functions.

“We will continue to implement projects and programmes approved by the Parliament with respect to signed contracts and work which commenced prior to the interim period…”

The Director General explained that Cabinet agreed to continuance of such programmes and

projects to avoid any complications—legal, financial or otherwise.

He stressed too that mechanisms are place to ensure that any projects or programmes being carried out will not be difficult to reverse or change, if necessary.

According to Harmon, the Cabinet has also agreed that it will consult with the Opposition as required by law, where necessary.

He said that it was agreed that the government retain its full array of powers as executive, statutory and common law.

“Government Ministers will continue to exercise jurisdiction and responsibility for all Ministries, agencies and

departments that fall within and under their portfolios.

Further, all public service rules remain in force and applicable, and the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force are expected to continue to perform and execute their statutory duties and responsibilities by enforcing the law and lawful instructions received,” Harmon said.

In addition, he said Cabinet has reached a consensus that the interim Government is empowered to ensure the welfare of all citizens; maintain law and order; manage and deliver public service; command the police and army; ensure peace and security and attend to routine functions of the

administration.

The Government Spokesman told the media that Cabinet's guidelines for interim status were based on the internationally-accepted conventions relating to the roles and functions of interim governments.

Harmon noted nonetheless that the President's powers remain intact, except for limitations outlined in the guidelines.

The President will exercise restraint in all the matters which are stated, expect in cases of urgency and public interest.

“So there will be no official business or visits to foreign nations, except in cases of emergency or public interest,” the DirectorGeneral added.

CARICOM's Economic Independence: Role of Foreign Trade

By Elizabeth Morgan

K

INGSTON, Jamaica (CMC Feature) -August is a significant month in Caribbean liberation history.

The Anglo-Caribbean countries commemorated Emancipation Day on August 1, marking the official end of slavery. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago celebrate 57 years of Independence on August 6 and 31 respectively.

The Rt. Hon. Norman Manley expressed the view that his generation brought political independence and it was the task of future generations to deliver

economic independence, termed “economic liberation” by some in Africa. For small developing economies, economic independence, realistically, may not be easy to achieve as past experience with nationalization taught.

The Jamaican government is now encouraging public i n v o l v e me n t t h r o u g h investment in key assets. In 57 years, what the region is really still pursuing is “economic empowerment” – raising standards of living through sustainable economic growth and development and building economic resilience It is said repeatedly that as

small economies, foreign trade, is critical to achieving sustained economic growth and development. Over the years, foreign trade, export and import of goods and services, has contributed up to 100% and more of the gross domestic product (GDP) in Caribbean countries, and their openness put them at risk to global policy changes.

A review of the region's history shows that there was robust growth and wealth accumulation for those in power from about 1625-1800 when a secure market, export of sugar and other agricultural products, and slave labour were dominant in the

economies.

Until there was increasing competition from larger cane sugar producers in the hemisphere and subsidized beet sugar in Europe, the Caribbean was a major producer and exporter. The first industrial revolution (1760-1830) contributed to the end of the slave trade and emancipation. With trade policy changes in Britain after 1845, the Caribbean's position in trade declined heralding 100 years of economic depression, workers' unrest and the move towards selfgovernment and independence.

It also led to economic

diversification with the trade in bananas, growth of tourism, exploring other markets, and the reverse movement of labour as Caribbean people sought work in other countries and territories.

In the mid-20th Century, foreign investment, production and export of oil, bauxite/alumina, manufacturing, and strengthened preferential market access saw a return to vigorous growth. Tourism became a mainstay in island economies.

Since the 1970s, the vicissitudes of trade, imports and exports, with other contributing factors, have determined the countries' fluctuating economic fortunes.

Nevertheless, Caribbean small states, except Haiti, are classified by the World Bank as middle income countries.

It is clear from regional history, that a small country can be a leading world producer of products such as sugar, bananas, bauxite/alumina, limes, but with competition, changing demand, innovation, and diseconomies of scale, that position is easily eroded. In addition, natural disasters stymie real growth. This is where building economic resilience becomes important.

In its 2019 forecast for the region, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees improvement, but generally believes long-term growth is impeded by continuing structural problems. The UN

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecast continuing sluggish growth citing poor export performance among other challenges.

The countries need to focus on increasing economic growth and job creation by improving production, productivity, competitiveness, exports, and investment flows.

The region is also in a fourth industrial revolution where ecommerce and digitization are the future and the future of work is automation. It is also grappling with the economic impact of climate change and the potential of green and blue economies.

In the quest for economic empowerment, the concern is whether CARICOM is preparing for future trade, noting that the CSME remains unimplemented; lack of a CARICOM trade strategy and agenda; and limited private sector engagement. With all that is now happening in global trade, CARICOM, as a region of trade dependent, vulnerable, middle income countries, cannot be disengaged and out of touch.

Elizabeth Morgan, who writes for CMC, is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics.

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

Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday August 08, 2019

Woman appeals to orphanage to return child - claims young boy is exposed to 'molester 'with whom she had relations

S

eedella Blair says she is doing all she can to remove her 9-year-old son from the confines of an orphanage (name provided) at which he currently resides, since, according to her, he should not be at the institution, and more worryingly, he is being exposed to danger, in the form of a molester with whom she had relations.

The 34 year-old mother said that earlier on in the year she traveled to the hinterland region to seek a better life for herself and son, and upon agreement with the child's father, left the child in the care of a family friend of the man. She said she just

recently returned - some six months later - and was shocked to find that her child has been enlisted in the orphanage. The saddened woman said she is even more appalled that the child is being visited by a 'predator', whom she claims, sexually molested a young relative of his, who at the time was a minor. “Things were getting really hard for me out here on the road. I normally do nails and hairdressing, but that was not working out, and my child's father who is a carpenter was really having a rough time as well, so we both decided to try out our hand in the bush for

betterment. I worked at a shop and he worked as a carpenter.

We both decided to leave our son with a close friend of his, who promised to take care of the child until we returned. When I got back, I almost went into a coma when I learnt what had happened to my child. The individual we left him with does not have an answer for his actions, and is refusing to take my calls.

I went to visit my son and almost collapsed‌ He looked frail and is just terrified. He hardly speaks to me and he is definitely traumatised by something.

He also told me that persons

at the orphanage are telling him bad things about me, and would grill him about our conversations after my visit.

What is killing me inside is that a child molester, with whom I once had a relation, has somehow gained access to my son, and is visiting him regularly at the orphanage. I don't want him around my child; I know what he did to his own underage relative.

How could the people at the orphanage just allow him to gain access to my child just like that?

I have broken off any relations with that man a long time ago. I don't even know my child anymore.

Each time I visit him, I have

Worried mother: Seedella Blair to go with a Welfare Officer, and its killing me, because I did not neglect him, but went to seek a better life for us both, since the father was not doing anything really for him.�

She said the child's father has recently returned from the interior as well and has made no attempt to visit the y o u n g b o y. S h e s a i d although she has pleaded with him to do so, he has never heeded her requests, neither has he made any

attempt to remove the child from the institution.

The woman said that she had made enquiries at the institution about removing the child from its environs, but has been told always that such a move is not possible presently, without any proper explanation.

When the orphanage was contacted yesterday, a female representative said that the relative personnel were not present to comment on the issue at hand.

Fisherman accused of raping Venezuelan woman remanded

Rape accused: Jamal Bunbury

A

fisherman was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before a city magistrate on a rape charge. The matter was held-in-camera - members of the public were asked to exit the courtroom when the

matter was called.

Twenty-year-old Jamal Bunbury from North West appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where he was not required to plead to the (continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

PAGE 17

China looks to rebrand Belt and Road Initiative …to the exclusion of failed projects

By Kiana Wilburg

C

hina's Belt Road and Initiative (BRI), which aims to bring infrastructural development to various regions, has developed a reputation among most nations as being a debt trap.

Even though the world's most populated country has formally denied such criticisms, the stain still remains. In light of this, China is now looking to embark on a serious rebranding campaign for the initiative.

This rebranding effort is outlined in a report that was prepared by the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The first meeting of the Advisory Council was held on 16-17 December 2018 in Beijing, with its discussion focused on the Synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in promoting world economic growth; Priorities for the Belt and Road cooperation; and the ways forward in strengthening the architecture and capacity building for the Belt and Road cooperation.

It was noted by the Advisory Council that by the end of March 2019, 125 countries (of which Guyana is one) and 29 international organisations had signed instruments of cooperation with China to promote the Belt and Road cooperation. The Council wants these partners to help China rebrand the initiative to the world in order to garner more public support, boost confidence and address concerns of various stakeholders.

The Council said it will be important to ensure that

the Belt and Road projects are consistently of high quality, sustainable, viable and inclusive so that project delivery matches the vision for the Belt and Road.

It further suggested that better branding could include efforts to accomplish a series of model projects, including both landmark projects that would fundamentally contribute to the socioeconomic development of the host countries and some quickwins that allow people to feel the real benefits of the Belt and Road cooperation in the short run. It said that this would help to increase the sense of gaining for local communities, establish a good reputation of the Belt and Road projects in their host countries, and avoid the risk that the misperception may pose obstacles to the goal of maximising cooperation among countries.

Additionally, it was noted that better branding also needs improved publicity for the Belt and Road projects.

The Council said, “It is suggested that all partners, not only the governments, but also the private sector, c i v i l s o c i e t y, n o n governmental organisations and academia, should be engaged in improving understanding of the Belt and Road cooperation among the general public by raising the profile of success stories and model projects and sharing lessons learned.”

The Council said, too, that it will be important to elaborate on the full story line of the projects in order to cover the whole life cycle of the projects, so as to clear the “misunderstanding” and

present clearly the full impact of outcomes of the Belt and Road cooperation.

It said that research-based thematic papers on the Belt and Road cooperation are also encouraged.

But what the Council stayed clear of including in its rebranding campaign is acknowledgement of the fact that there are several countries which are left chained to years upon years of debt because of the Belt and Road Initiative.

For over a year now, Kaieteur News has been at the forefront of exposing how the debt burden from China's BRI has been breaking the backs of nations which signed up for it.

Sri Lanka, for example, was forced to sign over its strategically important Hambantota port to a Chinese state-owned company on a 99-year lease in 2017. The transfer of the port was to lift some of the enormous billion-dollar debts Sri Lanka owed to

GRA clarifies tax exempt status for interior airstrips

T

he Guyana Revenue Authority has hit back at misinformation being peddled on social media and by certain media houses about VAT (Value Added Tax) exemptions for some airstrips located in the Interior.

In a statement yesterday, the authority noted that it has granted VAT exemption to 53 interior airstrips since 2017, and not August 2019.

Fifty three airstrips had gotten exemptions, effective February 1, 2017. But from August 2, 2019, after representations were made, the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, utilised the powers vested in him under Schedule II – 13 (c) for the purpose of

section 18 of the VAT act, and in so doing, exempted travel to the airstrip of Kopinang, the now 54th airstrip to which that privilege is airstrip is attached.

Pursuant to those, VAT is exempt from airfares to transport passengers or goods to and from any of the airstrips, provided that satisfactory evidence is submitted to the airline that the passenger is resident in the rural area.

It also went on to note that the authority can't simply discontinue a tax or re-introduce a new one without the necessary legislative changes. The work of the body, it states, is to administrate the tax laws in a fair and consistent manner.

Beijing, debts which came from loans that helped fund Hambantota in the first place.

Other countries which have landed in the same boat with Sri Lanka include Pakistan, Djibouti, the Maldives, Fiji and Malaysia.

(See link for further details: https://www.kaieteurnewson line.com/category/chinasmodus-operandi/).

In spite of the revelations made by this newspaper and the international reports warning countries about the BRI being nothing more than

a debt trap, Guyana still signed up it.

Other Caribbean nations which have done the same include Jamaica, Barbados, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and the Dominican Republic.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday August 08, 2019

North Georgetown Secondary receives tablets for E-Library pilot project

N

o r t h Georgetown Secondary School is the recipient of a quantity of tablets to be used as a boost to its E-Library Pilot Project.

The school is celebrating fifty years of existence, and as a result, former students of the institution agreed upon the gift of an E-Library. Two committees were formed to manage the project - a main local committee (established in March 2018) and a second committee in North America.

Fund raisers to propel the project began in November of last year, and yesterday the North American committee handed over the tablets and accompanying a c c e s s o r i e s t o representatives of the school.

The local committee was responsible for creating an E-Library space fitted with internet via fibre optic cable, network connections, and education content.

The E-Library was adopted as a pilot project by the Ministry of Education, the local and overseas committees, and the National Data Management Authority, and is scheduled for a September 17, 2019 opening.

A t t h e c e r e m o n y, Coordinator of the institution Rear Admiral Gary Best introduced the main speaker and overseas

Members of the North Georgetown Secondary School's local and overseas committees after the handing over ceremony representative, Jacqueline Squires, who noted that she was proud on behalf of their forty-member team who had travelled to Guyana for such an auspicious venture. She said it was ultimately important for her committee to give back to the school which played an important role in moulding their futures.

She said that by giving back they were paving the way to heighten the educational experiences of future generations to follow at the institution.

Squires said that their

time spent at the institution has not only moulded and propelled them to their present statuses, but has created and provided an experience that is second to none.

In closing, she indicated that their time spent at the school developed brilliant memories that continued to sustain them even in their darkest moments. She charged the benefactors to use the library with responsibility and purpose, as they acknowledge and take advantage of the services of the E-Library.

Pakistani man charged for forged stamp on passport

A

Pakistani national who the court heard forged a stamp on his passport, was yesterday granted bail for the offence after he appeared in court.

Thirty-seven-year-old Imran Khan, who lives at Lot 'C' Church Street, Enterprise, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where the charge was read to him.

Khan pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between March 8, 2018, and August 5, 2019, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he conspired with persons or a person to forge a

stamponhisPakistani Passport, in favour of himself, so as to show that same was issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that conditions be attachedtothebailifgranted.

The facts of the charge stated that Khan entered Guyana through Suriname and failed to present himself to an immigration officer. He later conspired with persons to forge a stamp on his passport, to show that he presented himself to an immigration officer and that he legally entered Guyana.

However, acting on

information received, ranks made contact with Khan and asked him to present his documents. When Khan presented his documents to an immigration officer it was discovered that the stamp in his passport was forged.

Khan was then told of the offence, taken into custody and charged.

After listening to the facts of the charge, Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the defendant bail in the sum of $200,000 with the condition attached that he report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) every Friday until the completion of his matter. He is expected to make his next court appearance on August 14.

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Labourer in custody following armed robbery at Fyrish home

A

26-year-old labourer of Fyrish Village was arrested yesterday in connection with an armed robbery committed on a couple and their guests visiting from overseas.

Babita Hera, Rayon Monya and Raywattie and Budnarine Tekaram (overseas-based Guyanese) all of Lot 1 Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were robbed of a quantity of cash, cellphones and jewellery, after two armed men invaded their home on Tuesday at around 21:30 hrs.

Kaieteur News was informed that on the night in question, the four persons were in the lower flat patio of the two-storey building, imbibing, when one of the suspects, armed with a gun, entered the yard via the eastern side of the fence, while another entered from the southern side of the fence and held the victims at gunpoint.

They demanded that the four persons hand over their cash and jewellery. During the ordeal, Raywattie Tekaram was dealt a slap to the face by one of the perpetrators and was forced to hand over all that she had in her possession and those of her husband Budnarine Tekaram.

The suspects after grabbing what they could, made good their escape although the Albion Police Station is a mere three minutes away. Residents told Kaieteur News that the police were contacted while the perpetrators were at the house, however they still arrived after the men had carried out the act and escaped.

The labourer was subsequently arrested based on information received. Police conducted a search of his home but nothing was found. He remains in custody.

Stolen from the Fyrish family were six gold rings, a Samsung Galaxy S8 cellphone, a gold chain and an iPhone 8 cell phone. Investigations are ongoing.

PAGE 19

GRDB taking extreme measures to ensure no paddy bug reinfestation A rice plot on the Essequibo Coast

T

he Guyana Rice Development Board [GRDB] is taking extreme measures to ensure that a paddy bug reinfestation within the Pomeroon/Supenaam region does not prevail.

Kaieteur News understands that the sowing of seed paddy for the 2019 autumn crop on the Essequibo Coast, is about 95% completed. The blossoming of the crop will take some two

weeks.

As the crop begins to flower, it is more likely that an infestation may commence, since the aroma from the blossoming plants often draw out the insect.

A few months ago, the Essequibo Coast was plagued with a bug infestation that dealt a severe blow to the local industry.

While some farmers earned merely $300 per bag of paddy, there were those who

resorted to burning their fields, since the cost of harvesting the damaged grains proved unprofitable.

During this crop, GRDB staffers are now going into the field, where they can get a first-hand assessment of the likelihood of there being another infestation.

Based on information reaching this publication, the staffers are visiting early in the morning and late in the evening; the period of time

during which the insect comes out to feed.

If the bug is detected in any area, they will be instantly terminated by means of spraying.

Kaieteur News was informed that paddy bugs multiply within eight weeks, which makes the pest control programme even more relevant. Farmers on the other hand are urged to report any sighting of paddy bugs to the local GRDB office.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday August 08, 2019

Mackenzie Hospital gets supplies to boost healthcare delivery

R

e g i o n a l Chairman of Region 10, Mr. Renis Morian, at the beginning of this year vowed that he and his Council will seek to ensure that health care remains a top priority of the Region. In light of this assurance, yesterday the Mackenzie Hospital was the recipient of a significant quantity of supplies.

Expectedly taking centre stage at a handing over ceremony yesterday was the Regional Chairman.

In brief remarks, he explained the genesis of the “timely donation”.

Ac c o r d i n g t o M o r i a n , several Lindeners who are residing overseas came together and made available

the needed items including beds, chairs, tables, medicalrelated equipment and other supplies. He pointed out that he and his Council have been aggressively pursuing a number of avenues for support since the start of the year.

“We as a region will utilise these donations in an efficient manner. It is donations like these which will further boost publicprivate partnership, and for that we are eternally grateful,” he said.

But there was even more support directed to the hospital. For instance, the Ministry of Public Health, through Dr. Karen BoyleCampbell, presented several items to the hospital on

Regional Chairman Renis Morian (second from left), Councillors and others, exchange views on the way forward for the hospital behalf of the Ministry. This, Morian stressed, was a true demonstration of unwavering support even as, he added, the region is always appreciative of whatever support it receives.

He said it is imperative if staffers, including nurses and doctors, are to be comfortable.

“We are very grateful that this donation too, could have been a reality. However I am passionately appealing to all to utilise these things responsibly, as it is very important that the staff of the hospital and the public also care these things so that they can last long,” the Regional Chairman said.

The donations received, he said, would help to further enhance the hospital staff's

Dr. Karen Boyle-Campbell (left) handing over some of the items to the Matron of the Mackenzie Hospital.

ability to provide a healthier service for all those who reside in Region 10.

Even as he expressed optimism that future support will be forthcoming, Morian noted that he and his Councillors will continue to seek ways in enhancing the delivery of a number of health services within the region. He noted that as part of its mandate, the Region is aggressively forging ahead with increasing capacity within the healthcare sector so that it can achieve the Public Health Ministry's 2020 vision.

Health Vision 2020 is a post-Millenium Development Goals agenda for Guyana, through expanding universal health coverage and the enabling of

Fate of Parliament rests with...

From page 2 expired. And without a credible list to conduct elections, the Secretariat has embarked on House-to-House Registration, a process which, according to the work plan, will go well into 2020.

The Opposition has suggested a brief period of claims and objections to cleanse the current list, instead.

They contend that that is the only process which could see elections being held by September 18. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, said that that list can be cleansed.

In its pursuit of that, the Opposition has mounted a challenge to House-to-House in Court, requesting that a Conservatory Order be granted, halting the process.

But the process has sped ahead, with over 150,000 persons already registered. The Commission had announced that it is ramping up to ensure the process concludes as soon as reasonably possible.

Yesterday, Harmon said once it is made known to President Granger that GECOM is ready, “then he will make his decision with respect to a date and the dissolution of the National Assembly.”

health-enhancing behavioural and cultural changes through the delivery of improved health services According to Morian, while there continues to be some challenges as it relates to health care delivery in Region 10, he and his Councillors are nevertheless happy with the growth and rate of achievements being made. “ We h a v e s o m e difficulties, but overall we are seeing growth and development, and this is a testimony of the fact that there is success,” the Regional Chairman said.

Moreover, Morian noted that he and members of the Regional Health Committee are seeking to boost the various services being offered at the different heath facilities within the Region.

A move in this direction is to ensure that there is a sustained decentralised system of medical services, so that persons who reside in the region can have ready access to good healthcare.

In addition to Morian, yesterday's handing over ceremony was graced by members of the Regional Health Committee, councillors and a number of nurses and other officials of the Mackenzie Hospital.

Fisherman accused of raping Venezuelan...

From page 16 indictable charge.

The charge stated that August 3, 2019, in North West District, Bunbury engaged in sexual penetration of a woman without her consent.

The court heard that Bunbury broke and entered the woman's home while she was asleep and then raped

her. According to information received, the woman, a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, was at a party with a friend, where Bunbury was also present.

After the party, the woman and her friend then left for home and went straight to bed. Shortly after, the woman was awoken when a bright light was

shone in her face, and she felt someone holding her hands and thighs.

It was reported that the intruder ripped off the woman clothes and then forced himself onto her. The man then engaged in anal and vaginal sex with the woman before making good his escape. The matter was reported, an investigation

was carried out, and as a result, Bunbury was arrested and charged.

After listening to the facts of the charge, Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Bunbury to prison until August 20, when he is expected to make his next court appearance at the Mabaruma Magistrate's Court.

Thursday August 08, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

29 Peace Corps volunteers sworn in With the aim on continuing to fight for their cause of world peace, friendship and building capacities, 29 trainees were sworn in as the 32nd group of Peace Corps volunteers (GUY32) to serve the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The 29 volunteers will now be serving Guyana in different capacities for the next two years.

At the auspicious event which was hosted by United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mrs. Sarah-Ann Lynch, government officials and special invitees came out to support and congratulate the new group.

The volunteers, who all hail from the United States of America, had to undergo ten weeks of training in the county of Essequibo. There, they took part in intense sessions on technical theory, the creole dialect of the country, Guyanese culture, and practical training on model school programmes, all while living with a local host family.

Ten of the GUY32 members will go off to work in education, ten in environment and nine within the health sector. They will be posted to Guyanas ten administrative regions, with 40% of them serving in some of the neediest indigenous communities.

Ambassador Lynch expressed during her speech to the gathering, “Today we celebrate you, the 32nd group, as volunteers in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Your diversity brings in fresh ideas, strengthens tolerance within the group and in your new communities, and empowers each of you to share more of yourselves, explore more, and fully embrace the Guyanese culture.

The Peace Corps special ingredient in Guyana and globally is a people-to peopleapproach to learning, reinforcing, and building capacity at the community level.

First Lady Sandra Granger (seated) with some of the Peace Corps volunteers And 53 years later, volunteers are still serving the people of Guyana, having lived and worked in all ten regions of this beautiful country”.

The diverse group ranges in age from 21 to 50, and hails from small rural towns in the USA such as Silverton, Colorado, with only a population of 400, to the megacities of New York, Chicago and Boston. Some of them are park rangers there is also a camp counselor, a veterinary assistant, and a special education teacher.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Karen GordonCampbell, who spoke on behalf of Public Health Minis-

ter, Volda Lawrence, said, “I have had the privilege to develop relationships with the cohorts on their arrival. Last year we renewed our partnership with the signing of a MOU to help in addressing the important gap in the health of our Guyanese youth.

Our volunteers have been dynamic - forming health clubs, strengthening existing ones in the secondary schools. For the health sector, the GUY32 volunteers would be involved in activities such as community satellite tables, school outreaches, interactive information sessions at the heath facilities and health centre open

days.” GUY32 volunteer Katherine Nace took some time to give her remarks on her thoughts on her journey to becoming a new Peace Corps Volunteer.

“Ten weeks ago we first started this adventure in Philadelphia, coming from unique backgrounds, all with the same mission in mind - to answer to the call of service.

Our first week at Lake Mainstay Resort was a crucial part to our growth, as we had our first language session. We all quickly started bonding with our government-given family, as we were slowly introduced into the culture of our new home.

Well, it turned out that the host family would not only be the water growth for us, but also our sunshine. We are eager to work with the people of Guyana and be part of the communities around us.

Thank you in advance for all of your support that we will see during these next two years.”

Peach Corps Guyana has contributed to the Peace Corps vision of world peace and friendship since 1966, with to date close 1,400 volunteers who have served, lived and worked alongside the Guyanese, sharing their aspirations, helping them to address their challenges and

celebrating their achievements. Over the last 57 years more than 230,000 volunteers have served in 141 countries.

Among special invitees at yesterdays occasion was First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Valerie Garrido- Lowe, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and Peace Corps Country Director, Kury Cobham.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the US Ambassadors Cummings Lodge residence. The volunteers are said to commence their services next month.

Two held with stolen cellphones belonging to E’bo phone dealer Following two separate cordon searches, police on the Essequibo Coast managed to arrest two suspects who are believed to be involved in the burglary at a cellphone stall in the Anna Regina Market.

Sometime between 15:10hrs and 15:50hrs last T u e s d a y, and 05:00hrs and 05:30hrs y e s t e r d a y, a p a r t y o f policemen conducted a search at the home of a 26-year-old man of Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast.

Following the search, eight cellphones, four phone chargers, one p h o n e b a t t e r y, o n e e a r

piece and a RONE Drone were found. Four of the phones were identified

by Anthony Singh, the cellphone dealer whose stall was broken into sometime between the 12th and 13th of July 2019 at Anna Regina market.

In a separate search conducted at the home of a Richmond Housing Scheme resident, one Samsung Galaxy S 10 + was found in the possession of a 21-yearold occupant. The phone was also identified by Anthony Singh. The men were taken into police custody while investigations continue.

The stall that was broken into

PAGE 22

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PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643-5122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM Speedy Auto Rental & Bus Service: Lowest rates guaranteed. Special pakages for overseas customers. Call: 629-2915/616-7351. Email: speedyautorentals @gmail.com

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 Pick up Truck from Canada extra cab, 2005 Tacoma $1.750M, Ford F150 Sport $1.2M, Ford Ranger sport $1.1M, 682-5230/615-4414.

Tractor Massey Ferguson (foreign used) MF165$1.5M, MF135 $1M, MF265 $1.7M, MF165 Loader tractor $2.1M Vreed-en-hoop.Call:682-5230/ 615-4414.

Pearl white Toyota Runx. Lady Driven, very good condition.

Tel#676-9562 1 Model M Truck, Tip top condition with winch. $3.5M neg. Contact#226-9492

Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M, Parfaite Harmonie transferable $2.2M, Tuschen Phase II $1.5M, Providence, Farm. Call: 666-2326 Farm (East Bank) Main road $7.5M and $3M Schnoord $3.6M Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy with fence $2M. Tel#611-7223/651-1969

2 Bedroom apartment top/ bottom @ 575 block XDiamond, E.B.D.3 bedroom, 1 master room single home @ 95-2nd street Craig,E.B.D.Call June:623-1562.

2 bedroom house with AC Unit, Hot & cold shower, garage for 2 cars located in Blankenburg, Gated community. Contact#650-5345

House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 (1) 3 bedroom house located at Stewartville. Tel#625-3299/ 268-3129 1 flat concrete house located at Tuschen. $3.5 neg Tel# 6976311 Property at Eteringbang landing, Region 7, overlooking Cuyuni river.

Tel#226-9492 TO LET Furnished, Airconditioned one bedroom apartment E.B.D Light & water included No security deposit.Price$80,000 Call:668-0306/694-7817 WANTED One full time nanny/maid from the East Bank area, household duties included.

Call: 624-3202 One (1) Male able bodied clerk. Contact# 231-2029/6165954

LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 6683043

1 Kitchen to rent in Albertown. Tel#618-3575

Wanted Young Artists and Craft workers.Call:671-9467.

Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt.

Tel#668-3043 Clerical assistance domestic worker, live-in accomodation for Berbicians and Essequibians. Call between 8:15-4:15 pm. #219-5354 Acoustic Guitar ClassesProfessional Guitar Instructor.

From 5 years and up. Register now: 617-9345 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

CAR RENTAL

Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

EDUCATION Ongoing Summer School.Common Entrance Lessons starts 12th August.Lessons for Primary students & Examination preparation.Call:677-0296.

CAREFORELDERLY, CARE FOR CHILDREN. FIRSTAID & CPR. #227-4881

Wanted land in parfaite or anywhere on the West Coast.

Tel# 697-6311

VACANCY Cat 740 Truck Drivers for interior. Tel#223-7165 Exc/Bulldozer operators for interior. Tel#223-7165 Accounts Clerk with payroll experience. Tel#223-7165 Security supervisor & personnel for interior & G/ town locations. Tel#223-7165 Vacancy exist for a Spanish Teacher- must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information 1 female to live-in with elderly female: cooking, cleaning chores as part of the job.

Tel#626-8055 Waitress,Cook,Cleaner,Bond Clerk,Welder/Fabricator, O p e r a t o r , Labourer,Security,Driver.

Contact Info: chungsvacancy@gmail.com Vacancy exist for a Full time/ Part time teacher, must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information Cook/Manager to work in Charity. Contact# 654-7162

One Lorry driver, Male & Female factory worker.Apply in person to R.P’s Enterprise Area ‘K’ Le Ressouvenir E.C.D

Lorry Driver & Porters for futher information. Contact NS Trucking: 216-3152/5012537/617-5632

Wanted: Teachers. Please send application to P.O Box 101818 Please include Contact number.

One experienced salesman, must be able to write bills neatly, taking stock. Apply @ Keyfood Trading McDoom Village.

General Domestic, must be able to prepare Vegetarian meals. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Sales clerk to sell bicycle spare parts, must have previous experience . Apply at Alabama Trading Operator (Electrical & Mechanical Knowledge an asset), Labourer. Apply with handwritten application, Police Clearance. Wieting & Richter Ltd 10-13 Water St, G/ town 1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 2450 yrs old. #225-1429/641-5075 Experienced Salesgirl with 2 yr experience. CXC maths & english. Attractive Salary, Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact#2278529 Pump attendant & cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) Shell Service Station Providence EBD. E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com Vacancy for experienced and safe Truck Driver double axle and twinsteer def lock. Tel# 649-8888 Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com Vacancies exist for Cashiers & supermarket helpers.Apply in person with written Application @ Nirva Superstore 49 Sheriff & Craig st.Tel:227-5771 PART TIME REGISTERED NURSE, PART TIME EVENING SUPPLIER, M A N A G E M E N T INSTRUCTOR. CONTACT GUYANA TRAINING COLLEGE. #227-4881 1 Residential Field Supervisor. #227-1717 Vacancy exist for welders with experience urgent.

Contact:665-7816 Handyman. Contact# 2235273/223-5274 Diesel Mechanic. Contact# 223-5273/223-5274 Primary & Nursery School Teachers needed-Georgetown Area.Call:690-9378

Jealous Rupununi farmer kills rancher with bow and arrow A jealous Rupununi farmer shot a 37-year-old rancher dead on Monday night after seeing the man with his wife.

Police identified the victim as Pius Ernest, of South Rupununi.

Kaieteur News understands that the 50-year-old farmer has confessed that he had suspected that his wife was having an affair.

On Monday, she reportedly left the house, and the husband, who had armed himself with a bow and arrow, trailed her.

Hiding behind a tree, he then saw the rancher approaching. He then shot the man in his upper body.

The suspect reportedly then confessed to a village leader, who handed him over to the police. Investigators also took possession of the bow.

Thursday August 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Ministry hosts Women in Agriculture Appreciation Day Yesterday, close to 100 female farmers involved in agriculture-related activities such as cash crop farming and poultry and livestock-rearing from the villages Buxton, Haslington, Nabaclis and Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara and Linden were honoured and given a day of relaxation during the Ministry of Agriculture’s first ever ‘Women in Agriculture Appreciation Day’ exercise.

The event, which was coordinated by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Hon. Valerie AdamsYearwood, was held at the Watooka Complex in Mackenzie, Linden.

While offering remarks, Minister Adams-Yearwood said it was evident that female farmers carry equal loads to men and continue to override the many challenges they face by creating innovative solutions to push the sector.

“It is important that we

recognise the significant contributions our women make towards the development of agriculture in rural communities, and the country holistically. You can be assured that your efforts and contributions to your communities’ development, as well as the agriculture sector, are noted and appreciated,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

The Rural Affairs Minister further stated that as leaders, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this generation and generations to come are encouraged and empowered to take the sector to the next level.

In addition to offering a day of relaxation, the event also served as networking opportunity and a means for the women to share their experiences and offer encouragement to each other.

Also present at the event was Region Ten’s Regional Chairman, Mr Renis Morian.

While offering remarks, he

stated that it is time for the female farmers in Region 10 to get into agro-processing.

“We need to move to value added. In the Region we are working on a tremendous project to scale up agriculture and take it back to the glorious place it was 25 years ago,” Mr. Morian said.

During the appreciation day, the women were treated to a host of cultural activities and cuisine while interacting with each other. The day’s activities also saw the oldest and youngest farmer being presented with accolades for their contribution thus far to agricultural development in Guyana. Debbie Ward, a female poultry farmer from Haslington Village on the East Coast of Demerara said she believes that women involved in agriculture are finally being recognised.

“Even though today was a day for fun, we see the effort that is being put into recognising the efforts of

GAWU meets Trotman to discuss financial situation of Forestry Commission Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman on Monday met with the Guyana Agricultural Workers and General Union (GAWU) and the Board of Directors and management of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), to discuss the commissions current financial situation.

GAWU drew the Ministers attention to the regular delays in the payment of salaries and other benefits. The Union pointed out that salary is personal property and the management had no right to delay such payments beyond the stipulated pay day.

GAWU pointed out that in recent times, GFC has been charged with additional responsibilities. Notwithstanding the new tasks, GAWU observed that GFC was not receiving any additional resources to meet its new obligations. With regards to one such obligation, the Union referred to a large number of employees employed by the

Commission who are engaged in tasks reportedly unrelated to the Commission.

“On that score, we urged that given the roles of the Commission in protecting a significant natural resource of our people, the State, we felt, was obligated to provide appropriate support to ensure that the Commission effectively discharges its expanded mandate. The GAWU also shared concern regarding the six hundred million dollars ($600M) invested in the High Street (former Radio Station) property as well as other debts, some of which are owed for protracted periods to the Commission,” the Union said in a press release.

The Union pointed out to Minister Trotman that the Forestry Act stipulates any shortfall in the Commissions expenditure be charged to the Consolidated Fund.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the Union and thanked the GAWU for its

presentation.

Minister Trotman committed that he would take the matter to Cabinet with a view to seeking a subvention for the Commission as an immediate relief. He also informed that he would advise the Government to divest the High Street property and repay the GFC its investment. The Minister also committed to further engagements with the Union.

GAWU opined that the meeting was cordial and the workers representatives of the Unions delegation were satisfied that the Minister had listened to their woes and have a better understanding of the situation at hand. On this note, GAWU expressed, “In the coming days, we look to the Minister following through with his commitments with a view to bringing the sad situation that has descended on the Commission and which has significantly hit the hard-working employees of the GFC”.

women in agriculture. I think we can make great things happen for the sector. Things are going to happen, we need to give it time, but I can see that great things are already happening,” Ward said.

Minister AdamsYearwood further stated that she felt the need to host the event after meeting with several groups of female farmers who devoted most of their lives to agriculture.

“After meeting with these women I realised that, apart from being mothers and wives, they have dedicated most of their lives to the sector and were never afforded the opportunity to have a day off. These women did and continue to do so much for the sector and I felt they deserved a day off; after all women are the backbone of any rural economy, especially those in developing econo-

mies,” Minister AdamsYearwood noted.

Over the years, women have played, and continue to play a significant and crucial role in agricultural development in Guyana.

Over the next few months, several initiatives to promote and support rural agriculture will be held across the country in an effort to further develop, recognize and encourage farmers.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Canada authorities believe they have Afghan violence: Taliban bomb kills found bodies of suspects in killings many amid peace talks with US (CNN)Authorities believe they have found the bodies of two Canadian men suspected of killing three people last month, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Wednesday.

The bodies were found on the bank of the Nelson River after a weekslong manhunt focused in northern Manitoba, said Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy, commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP. That was about five miles from where their burned car was located last month, and close to where they were reportedly last seen July 22.

“I’m confident that it is them,” she said, adding that an autopsy will confirm the identities of the deceased.

MacLatchy said she could not say how they died, or how long they have been

dead. Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, are suspected of killing North Carolina resident Chynna Deese, 24, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, 23.

Deese and Fowler were on a road trip through Canada to Alaska, their families said.

Fowler was living in British Columbia, and they were exploring the area while Deese was visiting, RCMP said.

The victims’ bodies were discovered on July 15 on a remote highway in northern British Columbia.

The body of Vancouver university professor Leonard Dyck was discovered on July 19, and authorities believe McLeod and Schmegelsky were responsible for Dyck’s death, as well.

Dyck was a lecturer in the University of British Columbia’s Department of

Botany and worked as a research associate at the university’s DeWreede Lab, where his research focused on seaweeds.

“Over the last two weeks, our officers have worked tirelessly to find the suspects wanted in connection to the homicides in British Columbia,” MacLatchy told reporters. “While there were no confirmed sightings since July 22, we never gave up in our search efforts, following up on every lead, considering all options, and using every available resource.

Officials narrowed the search area after critical evidence was found on the shore of the river Friday. The remains were found Wednesday around 10 a.m. in very dense brush less than a kilometer from where the evidence was discovered.

US mass shootings: Trump visits Dayton and El Paso US President Donald Trump has arrived in Texas as part of a visit to two cities traumatised by mass shootings that took 31 lives.

Hispanic people were targeted in an apparent hate crime when a gunman in El Paso shot dead 22 people on Saturday.

Mr Trump himself has been accused of stoking hatred against Hispanic people.

He came to Texas from Dayton, Ohio, where he visited a hospital to meet survivors of a shooting in which nine people died.

Mr Trump said before leaving Washington that he was concerned about “the rise of any group of hate... whether it’s white supremacy” or any “other kind of supremacy”.

But the Democratic congresswoman who represents El Paso, Veronica Escobar, is

refusing to meet him, saying his “racist and hateful words & actions” had caused pain to her community and her country.

The El Paso shooting is being treated as a possible hate crime. Much of the city identifies as Hispanic and the suspect is thought to be the author of a text posted online which said “this attack is a response to the Hispanic invasion of Texas”.

The text echoed some of the US president ’s l a n guage, with Mr Trump having frequently used the term “invasion” to describe the situation on the US-Mexico border.

Police have still to establish a conclusive motive for the Dayton attack but say they have uncovered evidence “that the shooter was exploring violent ideologies”.

Media caption”’I’m con-

cerned about any group of hate,” says President Trump.

Attempts by Mr Trump and others to link the shootings to mental illness have been criticised by healthcare professionals.

On Wednesday, the president said he did not “want guns in the hands of sick people” and was “looking to do background checks”.

Nine people were killed by a gunman who opened fire in a part of the city popular for its nightlife at 01:07 local time (05:07 GMT) on Sunday.

The president and his wife Melania Trump were greeted at a local air base by Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

“I think he heard me,” the Democratic politician told reporters afterwards. “I don’t know if he will take action... [on] the need for commonsense gun legislation.”

Robbers steal US$2.5 million in coins from Mexico’s mint in daylight heist (CNN)Robbers made off with an estimated $2.5 million from a mint in Mexico City Tuesday, after the vault was reportedly left open.

Police are searching for the perpetrators of the theft, which took place in broad daylight on one of the Mexican capital’s most prestigious avenues, Avenida Reforma, CNN en Español reports.

The brazen heist is the latest development in a crime wave that has struck Mexico City in recent months as the security situation deteriorates across the country. Two thieves entered the mint, taking a security guard’s gun and throwing him to the ground before making off with 1,567 gold coins from the vault, which was left open, police told

Reuters. The “centenario” coins trade for 31,500 pesos ($1,610) each although their face value is just 50 pesos, according to Mexican bank Banorte.

This means the booty is worth around $2.5 million in total.

Police told CNN en Español they are studying security camera footage provided by the mint, which shows the suspects in action.

Initial investigations revealed that security protocols were not followed and the guard and two other staff members who were working at the time have been taken in for questioning, according to a statement from Mexico City’s Secretariat of Public Security.

(BBC) A huge bomb outside a police station in the Afghan capital Kabul has killed at least 14 people and injured nearly 150.

The explosion sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky and left nearby buildings in ruins. Most of those wounded were civilians.

The Taliban say they carried out the attack.

It comes amid peace talks between the Taliban and the US, which aim to bring a nearly 18-year conflict to an end. Both sides say they have made progress.

Afghanistan’s interior ministry said a car bomb was used in the attack, but the Taliban said they had detonated a truck bomb, which is much larger. The Taliban also

claimed they had targeted a “recruitment” centre and had killed a large number of police and soldiers.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the vehicle carrying the explosives had been stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station. It was during these security checks that the bomb was detonated.

One witness told the BBC: “I was driving in the area when I heard a terrible sound of the explosion, and my car was shaking.

Right after that, I saw windows of nearby shops blowing up.”

Despite the Taliban and the US being close to a historic pact, there has been a recent surge in attacks across

the country.

In the last month alone about 1,500 people have been killed or injured. On Tuesday another bombing in Kabul, targeting a vehicle carrying workers from the counternarcotics directorate, killed five people and wounded seven.

The Taliban also called for a boycott of the country’s 28 September presidential election, and threatened to attack election rallies.

Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, told a news conference on Wednesday: “Continued Taliban attacks indicate that they have no commitment to peace, unfortunately. Any Taliban attack will impede the peace process.”

Trump says China is ‘killing us with unfair trade deals’ WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his tough stance on China’s behavior in global markets would ultimately benefit the American economy, even as Beijing signaled it could strike back by curbing sales of critical chemicals known as rare earths.

The U.S.-China trade war escalated sharply in recent days after Washington on Monday branded Beijing a currency manipulator for the first time since 1994, and said it would impose 10% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports, starting on Sept.

1.

The moves have jolted financial markets and fueled concerns about a global re-

cession.

U.S. Treasury yields slumped on Wednesday, with 30-year yields nearing record lows, on growing fears of a global downturn and bets the Federal Reserve would have to cut interest rates further to counter growing recession risks.

Trump told reporters at the White House that the market reaction had been anticipated, but he remained confident in the strength of the U.S. economy.

“Ultimately, it’s going to go much higher than it ever would have gone, because China was like an anchor on us. China was killing us with unfair trade deals,” he said.

White House officials say they still expect Chinese negotiators to come to Wash-

ington in September for talks, and that the latest tariffs could still be averted if the world’s two largest economies make progress on a trade agreement.

But hopes for a deal are dimming. Goldman Sachs on Tuesday said it no longer expects the United States and China to reach agreement before the November 2020 presidential election given the “harder line” being pursued by both sides.

Financial markets have calmed somewhat amid signs that China would not allow the yuan to weaken much further after letting it slip below 7 per dollar for the first time in over a decade.

But China still has some levers left to pull.

Thursday August 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday August 08, 2019

Committee to evaluate bids for refinery Trinidad Express Government has appointed a ten-member committee to evaluate at least 25 bids for the sale or lease of the Guaracara refinery at Pointe a Pierre.

Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) says the evaluation committee will be led by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Vishnu Dhanpaul.

The committee will evaluate all bidders participating in the Guaracara request for proposal (RFP) and make a recommendation to the Cabinet on the preferred bidder.

TPHL stated that the appointment of the committee will remove any requirement for the Board of Directors to conduct the evaluation and selection – the committee will assume full responsibility for the selection of the preferred bidder. “ C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h e Government has indemnified the Board of Directors of Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) from any liability that may stem from the decisions and/or actions

of the Evaluation Committee,” it stated.

The Guaracara Evaluation Committee includes Vishnu Dhanpaul, Chairman; Anthony Chan Ta c k ; C l a i r e G o m e z Miller; Joseph Remy; Ian Welsh; Selwyn Lashley; Dale McLeod; Sandra Fraser; Sahid Hosein; and Terrance Bharath.

Speaking at a PNM public meeting last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the refinery was advertised to the world and 77 proposals were submitted.

But 25 proposals qualified and have been selected to view the refinery’s data room, he said.

Rowley said the government had outlined guidelines to the potential buyers in the search process.

He said the entity would be required to restart the refinery. “Because that is what we want.

We shut it down but we want the refinery to operate because we know if the refinery operates and we escape the burden of finding the oil to put in it, it will be good business for

T r i n i d a d a n d To b a g o .

They have to hire people, hire contractors to service all the needs. It matters not who owns the refinery certain things have to go into it so we want any proposal to consider must involve refinery has to be operated,” he said.

The person putting forward a proposal must have experience in refining. “A refinery is not a chemistry set you have to know what you talking about and you have to work it safely in Pointea-Pierre,” he said.

The proposal must also include an attractive price, either lease or purchase as “if you come with Mickey Mouse number we are not interested”, he said.

And the buyer should demonstrate its ability to meet the financial obligations required to operate the refinery.

Rowley said the process began in January and five months later the non-binding proposals were submitted.

He said site visits began in June and by the end of August the search process is expected to be completed.

Thursday August 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

FIFA dragging its feet in Afghan sex abuse scandal, says coach BERLIN (Reuters) - World soccer ’s governing body FIFA has been dragging its feet and needs to urgently widen the investigation into a sexual abuse scandal involving Afghan women players, national coach Kelly Lindsey said in a letter to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.

The former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF), Keramuddin Keram, was banned from football in June for life after FIFA’s ethics committee found him guilty of abusing his position and sexually abusing female players.

Keram, also a former FIFA Standing Committee member, was accused by at least five Afghan female football players of repeated sexual abuse from 2013-18.

He was also fined one mil-

lion Swiss francs ($1.03 million).

But Lindsey and Khalida Popal, the team’s program director, said in their letter that several other individuals had been named by the players as being directly or indirectly linked to the case and no action had been taken against them.

Victims and whistleblowers were in fear of repercussions, they said. “...the accounts and evidence provided to you named other individuals as well, and referred to a widespread culture of abuse, with complicity at all levels of the AFF,” they wrote in their letter to Infantino dated Aug. 6.

“The accounts mention numerous other individuals, including senior individuals in ongoing positions of

The logo of FIFA is seen in front of its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland September 26, 2017. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann File Photo) power, who committed sexual and physical abuse and/or failed to report abuse even though they knew or ought to have known of the abuse and/or sought to cover up abuse.

“This, and the apparent inaction from FIFA since these concerns were raised, has al-

lowed that culture of abuse to continue to thrive in the AFF.” FIFA said it was looking into the claims.

“As far as the letter sent

by Ms Lindsey and Ms Popal is concerned, we can confirm that FIFA is carefully looking into allegations that have

been made against additional persons,” FIFA said in a statement.

“As stated before, FIFA will not hesitate to impose sanctions if and when justified, just as it recently did in the case of the President of the Afghanistan Football Federation, who has been banned from football for life.”

“We understand that criminal investigations are underway in Afghanistan with regard to some of the matters relating to this complaint and, for its part, FIFA hopes that all those guilty of such crimes will be brought to justice by the relevant authorities and will be held fully accountable.”

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani ordered an investigation after Britain’s Guardian newspaper reported

in November 2018 that senior figures linked to the Afghan women’s team had alleged that some players had been molested by officials from the federation.

According to the Guardian, the alleged abuse took place inside the federation’s headquarters in Afghanistan as well as at a training camp in Jordan in February 2018.

FIFA began its investigation in December when it suspended Keram.

The national women’s team was formed in 2010.

Some conservative-minded Afghans oppose women playing sports.

Afghanistan is ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for women and allegations of sexual contact outside marriage can have deadly consequences.

Trophy Stall backs...

Thursday August 08, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be in a difficult position today, Aries, as if you're being pulled in two directions with little say as to how things are supposed to end.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be aware that you might feel overshadowed or that your efforts won't be recognized, Libra. You could feel like you do all the work for others and get nothing in return.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) It's very possible that the best solution today is to simply give up control, Taurus. When it comes to matters of the heart, other people may be in a whirl of turmoil. Trying to figure out their state of mind will be impossible so don't even try.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Issues regarding love and romance may be confusing today, Scorpio. You should be aware that strong forces are at work to tangle the current situation.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Mind your manners today, Gemini. Make sure your charm is turned up high.

Merging with the group is essential as you keep the momentum of the energy going.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Situations and people with strong opinions about how things are done may impede your trajectory today, Cancer. Issues of love and romance may be the most affected by this tense energy.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your adventurous spirit is noble, Leo, but you might find that this is one of those days in which you're asked to justify your actions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The warrior within may be stirred today. You might also have some self-doubt about your actions, Virgo. Stay confident that you're on the right path at all times.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Focus on the information coming your way today, Sagittarius. Try not to get too emotional about the consequences of the information.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things may get a bit hostile today, Capricorn. No one wants to budge from his or her position. You could be caught between mind and heart issues.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may think that everything is perfect, Aquarius, when suddenly, there's a great surge of unyielding emotional energy. Be on the lookout because such situations are likely to crop up and add intensity to your journey.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Others are apt to play a big role in the events that unfold today, Pisces. It's likely that closely communing with others will be very important. Despite this, you may still feel alone. one other person.

From page 32 furlongs – $300,000.

– L Class for Colts – $250,000 – L Class Philly and Mare – $250,000 Some of the top animals expected to be on show come race day will include Just Call Me Bass, Crown the King (Jamaica), Doublin Fashion (USA), Chameli (Jamaica), Safara (Jamaica), Southern Express (T&T), Silver & Things (T&T), Sitarr (T&T), Kentucky Woman (T&T), Super Easy (T&T) and She’s a Princess.

Apart from the foreign contingent of horses to be on show, several leading jockeys from overseas are also expected to participate, which will add that international flavour to the day’s event.

Fans will be able to enjoy the both the horserace meet and concert for the price of $2,000.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Barbados clinch title after brushing aside Leewards Guyana end third KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – Barbados comfortably disposed of Leeward Islands by five wickets to win their third match of an unbeaten campaign and clinch the CWI Under-19 Championship here Tuesday.

Playing in their final round match at Park Hill, Barbados easily chased down their target of 107, to end on 21.5 points.

Windward Islands, who also played unbeaten, finished second 16.8 points after their final match against Jamaica was rained off without a ball bowled, while dethroned champions Guyana finished third on 14.6 points after edging Trinidad and Tobago by one run.

Barbados entered the final round on top the standings and made all the right moves especially after restricting Leewards to 106 all out in the

The successful Barbados Under-19 side.

39th over.

Opting to bat first, Leewards slumped to 39 for six in the 14th over as seamers Ramon Simmonds (3-10) Matthew Forde (2-13) carved through the top order, before Anderson Amurdan topscored with a patient 33 off 72 balls with five fours to ensure his side reached triple figures.

In reply, Barbados fared little better early on as they found themselves tottering on 47 for five in the sixth over after Paul Miller (2-14) and Antonio Fernandes (2-24) took two wickets apiece to wreck the top order.

However, Forde returned with the bat to hit a fine unbeaten 40, in an unbroken 62run, sixth wicket stand with

Antonio Morris (24 not out) to see Barbados over the line.

Forde, batting at number seven, struck seven fours in a 20-ball cameo.

At Arnos Vale, Guyana managed to finish their campaign on a high note in a thrilling finish after successfully defending a competitive total.

Asked to bat in a contest reduced to 48 overs, Guyana got 42 from Kevlon Anderson and 30 from Junior Sinclair as they got up to 149 for five.

Sachin Singh perished without scoring with a single run on the board but Anderson and Sinclair put on 74 for the second wicket. When both fell in the space of 10 balls with three runs added, Alphius Bookie (25) and Seon Glasgow (24) added a further

51 for the fourth wicket.

In reply, T&T lost wickets in clusters before being dis-

Five outstanding Berbicians honoured at RHTYSC, 6th Annual Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence

Four of the Awardees along with representative Michael De Souza pose with Ansa Mcal Berbice Manager, Mark Bhikhai.

Five outstanding Berbicians with a combined one hundred and forty years of Service to the development of Guyana were honoured on Friday last when the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS hosted the sixth Edition of the Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence. Those honoured were Maureen Bynoe “Educator”, Ravindranauth Kissoonlall “Community Development”, Patricia Tyndall-Park “Health”, Michael De Souza “Sports’ and Shondelle Phillips “Culture”.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence was the second highest award of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club after its Dolphin Award of Excellence. The veteran youth leader spoke of the need of honouring heroes in their lifetime as it was important for them to know that they are appreciated and special.

The main objectives of the Award are to identify and honour heroes in Berbice, to present role models for youths to emulate and to promote the importance of service to Guyana. The Awardees each year are selected by a panel of experienced judges headed by veteran Television News Editor Gregory Rambarran based on the recommendations of members. Special emphasis was placed on the nominated person, commitment to Guyana, personal discipline, length of professional service and role model status to youths. Foster, stated that one of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club main objective is to make sure that no hero in Berbice goes unrecognised as Guyana has a well known tradition of letting outstanding individual feels unappreciated.

Bynoe, a University of Guyana Lecturer at the Tain Campus, has had an outstanding career as an educator. She has assisted the moulding of minds of thousands of youths who

have gone on to serve Guyana at several levels. Ms. Patricia Tyndall-Park is a dedicated and highly professional nurse at the Port Mourant Hospital. Doctor in Charge Dr. Devindra Rahday recommended her to the Awards Committee based on her high standard of work in serving the sick over a long period. Michael DeSouza currently serves as the Secretary (ag) of the Berbice Football Association and over three decades has dedicated himself to promoting sports to youths especially in the Upper Corentyne Area. Shondelle Phillips, an educator with three decades experience was recognised for her dedication to the promotion of Culture in the Ancient County.

A former Deputy Headmistress of the New Amsterdam Secondary School now attached at the Vryman’s Erven Secondary. Ms. Phillips is credited to educating thousands of students on the strong cultural history of Guyana and the promotion of traditional activities for the six races of Guyana.

Ravindranauth Kissoonlall is a founding member of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and has played a major role in transforming the Club from a humble birth into Guyana’s best. He currently serves as the RHTYSC Organising Secretary and Head of its successful Cricket department. Kissoonlall has been actively involved in thousands of activities of the Club and is widely respected for being one of the cornerstones of the success over the last twenty nine years.

Each of the Awardees received a framed Certificate of Excellence, Trophy, Medal and a special gift. Regional Manager for Berbice Mark Bhikhai praised the outstanding work of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and stated that Ansa Mcal was pleased to be associated with the honouring of outstanding Berbicians.

missed for 148 with two balls remaining.

They were two down for 20 in the 11th over before Leonardo Francis (24) and Aaron Nanan (23) posted 47 for the third wicket.

However, both departed in the space of 15 balls with 11 runs added, leaving Mbeko Joseph – who topscored with 41 off 61 balls – to engineer small partnerships of 25 for the fifth wicket with Joshua James (15) and 26 for the sixth with Avinash Mahabirsingh (12) to get his side close.

T&T finished fourth on nine points after winning just once, while winless Jamaica were fifth on 6.6 and Leewards last on 4.9 points.

Scores: At Park Hill: Barbados won by five wickets.

LEEWARD ISLANDS 106 all out off 38.4 overs (Anderson Amurdan 33, Antonio Fernandes 20 not out; Ramon Simmonds 3-10, Matthew Forde 2-13).

BARBADOS 109 for five off 14.1 overs (Matthew Forde 40 not out, Antonio Morris 24 not out; Paul Miller 2-14, Antonio Fernandes 224).

At Arnos Vale: Guyana won by one run.

GUYANA 149 for five off 48 overs (Kevlon Anderson 42, Junior Sinclair 30, Alphius Bookie 25, Seon Glasgow 24; Avinash Mahabirsingh 2-12).

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 148 all out 47.4 overs (Mbeki Joseph 41, Leonardo Francis 24, Aaron Nanan 23; Kevlon Anderson 2-25).

At Cumberland: Match abandoned (rain).

Mix Up, Turning Point, Thunder and C7 registered quarterfinal victories when the Ivanoff Vodka dominoes competition continued recently at Dynasty Sports bar.

Mix Up marked 93 games to beat Players on 68 and C6 with 62. Mark Wiltshire and Gilbert Mendonca were in fine form as they chalked the maximum 18 games each for the winners while Earl Mars and P. Sargeant made 16 each for Players. Turning Point scored 86 games to overcome Gangster with 80 and Phantom on 60. Turning Point were led by Sandra Welch who made the

maximum 18 games while Susan Collymore contributed 16. Dereck Collymore and Sevens Collymore led Gangster with 18 and 17 games respectively; Rawl Peters scored the maximum 18 games for Phantom.

Thunder and C7 were tied on 74 games each in their encounter while Transport ended in the cellar position with 70 games. Faye Joseph scored 17 and Q. Adams made 16 games for Thunder while B. Edwards and R. Cato marked 17 and 16 games in that order for C7; Nichols got 16 for Transport.

From page 29 stage, the 592 Street Kings tournament has plans of moving to the outlying areas of Guyana following the Georgetown leg of the competition.

In its inaugural year, the

‘592 Street Kings’ will pocket $300,000 while the runners-up will collect $150,000. The third place finishers will grab $100,000, while fourth place receive $75,000 and the winners of the ‘Plate’ section will collect $50,000.

Mix Up, Turning Point, Thunder, C7 triumph

592 Lager to power ‘592...

Thursday August 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League –EBFA Leg Friendship All Stars, Agricola Red Triangle and Grove Hi Tech are latest winners

Anthony Ifill (left) and Ryan Roberts - Agricola Red Triangle FC.

A

helmet-trick from Grove Hi Tech’s Rasheed Evans and a hat-trick from Romeo Bradford of Diamond United

were the highlights following the latest round of play in the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League played at the GFF Facility,

Providence, EBD. Evans’ exploits led Grove Hi Tech to a comfortable 6-0 win over Swan FC; he found the back of the nets in the 12th,

592 Lager to power ‘592 Street Kings’ Tournament, launch set for August 19 -Georgetown’s best 16 teams to participate

AnsaMcAl through their 592 Lager Beer brand will be throwing their support behind the ‘592 Street Kings’ streetball tournament which is set for September after the official launch on August 19.

The tournament which will see 16 of Georgetown’s best street-ball teams vying for some $675,000 in prize monies, will be played across three nights (September 7, 14 and 21) with fans witnessing 19 high octane matches. All three match nights will be staged at the Durban Park Tarmac (Square of the Revolution). Thus far street ball juggernauts Gold is Money, Sparta Boss, Leopold Street, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Albouystown, LA Ballers, Future Stars and Sophia are confirmed for the tournament.

It will be a straight knockout competition with eight games on night one (September 7), the eight winners will advance to the quarter-finals on night two (September 14).

The winners of the quarterfinals will then advance to the semi-finals which will be played on the same night while the losers will be eligible for the plate section.

On the final night fans will see the semi-finals and final of the ‘Plate Section’ along with the third-place playoff and final.Meanwhile, 592 Lager Brand Manager Seweon McGarrell noted that this collaboration with the organizer is his brand’s way of giving back and helping to develop athletes at the grassroot level.

Friendship All Stars FC Under-17 Team with their Coach.

19th, 39th and 47th minutes.

Tucking in one apiece were Jomal Thom in the 23rd and Orwin Hunte in the 45th minute.

Friendship All Stars needled Soesdyke All Stars, thanks to Marlon Dey in the 34th minute. Goals from Anthony Ifill in the 8th minute and Ryan Roberts in the 38th minute were good enough to deliver full points for Agricola Red Triangle over Timehri Panthers Sports Club ‘B’ which got their consolation goal from Akel Grant-Stuart in

the 56th minute.

Samatta Point/Kaneville and Diamond United battled to a mouthwatering 4-4 draw.

Samatta Point scored through Dasul Garraway who was on the score sheet twice (13, 74) with one each off the boots of Shawn Moseley (41) and Jadon Forthe, one minute later.

Romeo Bradford took on the Samatta Point team almost single handedly as he fired in three goals in the 22nd, 39th and 46th minutes with the other coming off the boot of Corwin Griffith in the 19th

minute.

Matches will continue this weekend at the same venue with double headers on Saturday and Sunday.

Timehri Panthers ‘A’ will open against Swan from 13:00hrs on Saturday with the second match between Mocha Champs and Timehri Panthers ‘B’ from 15:00hrs.

On Sunday at the same times, Soesdyke Falcons will come up against Grove Hi Tech followed by a clash between Agricola Red Triangle and Samatta Point/Kaneville.

Letter to the Sports Editor There should be consensus support for Bissoondyal Singh as DCB president

592 Beer Brand Manager Seweon McGarrell hands over the sponsorship package to tournament coordinator Michelangelo Jacobus at the Ansa McAl Head Office.

“Our brand was brought out with the intention of targeting our grassroot communities across Guyana, this tournament is just one of our ways of giving back to these communities and the youths, we want to give the young street ballers a chance to

showcase their talent and to be crowned the 592 Street Kings of street ball in Georgetown,” McGarrell stated.At the tournament, patrons will have chances to win prizes and 592 merchandise, although in its inaugural (Continued on page 28)

Dear Sports Editor, I was indeed pleased likewise relieved that finally the Demerara Cricket Board will be having its election of office bearers on 2019-08-11 following a Court Order.

The prolonged absence of a legitimate Board certainly would have stymied the development of cricket in the county. Additionally, there were dire consequences to the effect that a faction of the Demerara Cricket Board suffered tremendously since players from that faction were denied selection either to the Demerara squad and in other instances from the national set-up as well.

It was quite evident therefore, that only a section of the vast pool of budding resources were given the opportunities; an unacceptable motive that seemed deliberate.

In all of this, the East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association stood out admirably in the face of defiance, rejection and deprivation of funds to en-

sure their constituents were playing competitive cricket and being exposed to coaching programmes on a regular basis.

It is in this context therefore that Mr. Roger Harper and Mr. Bissoondyal Singh should be highly commended for their astute leadership and perseverance of the highest order. At this critical time too and with the new dispensation of Cricket West Indies, I am of the firm conviction that Mr. Bissoondyal Singh will be the ideal candidate for the post of President of the Demerara Cricket

Board with his wealth of institutional knowledge, vast experience as an Administrator and generally someone who has the confidence of the majority of stakeholders who would like to see a transformation in the local cricketing landscape and who will lead the fight in ensuring that our cricketers, umpires, scorers, grounds- men etc. are deserving of elevation at the highest level.

I therefore would appeal for consensus in electing Mr. Singh on Sunday.

Yours respectfully, Elroy Stephney.

Young Guns SC to host cricket camp from Saturday Young Guns Sports Club of Zorg, Essequibo Coast will be hosting a cricket camp for male and female cricketers starting from Saturday. The camp will commence with an U19 T20 matches between New Opportunity Corps and Young Guns followed a female fixture.

During the camp the club will also host an U19 team from Berbice in several fixtures. Sessions will be conducted by Coach Forbes Daniels. The business community is urged to support the camp which is geared to help develop the game in the area and can make contact with Daniels on 668-2419.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Esperance declared African champions after legal battle AFP - Tunisia’s Esperance were declared winners of the African Champions League by CAF yesterday following a long legal battle after Wydad Casablanca stormed off in protest during the second leg of the final in May. Wydad “is considered to have lost the game”, African football’s governing body said in a statement.

The Moroccan side walked off an hour into the return leg in Tunis after a VAR malfunction meant a disallowed equaliser could not be reviewed.

“The decision means Esperance are champions,” a CAF source told AFP under the condition of anonymity.

Wydad were issued a fine of $20,000 for abandoning the match and another $15,000 for the use of flares by supporters.

Esperance, who retained their title won in 2018, were fined $50,000 over the use of smoke bombs and projectiles. They were ordered to play two matches behind closed doors — a punishment suspended for 12 months.

Esperance president Mohamed Meddeb was also fined $20,000 for unsporting behaviour towards CAF chief Ahmad Ahmad.

CAF had called for the second leg to be replayed at a neutral venue, but that decision was overruled last week by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Esperance, who led 2-1 overall at the time, were initially handed the title, but CAF later backtracked after ruling that “playing and security conditions were not met”. Both clubs subsequently lodged appeals with CAS. “Justice has been done,” Esperance secretary general Farouk Kattou told AFP. “It’s a fully deserved title. It’s taken two months but finally we have it.”

The fiasco prompted CAF to reduce both the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals from two legs to one match at a neutral venue from next season.

Esperance were confirmed as African champions after a two-month legal battle. (AFP/File / Fethi Belaid)

Private donors revive Formula One race Trophy Stall backs Guyana Cup 2019 in Mexico after government cut funds Guyana’s leading dis- dozen trophies which will be Store and Poonai’s Pharmacy tributors in silverware, the Trophy Stall, continued its support of horseracing by committing sponsorship to the 13th edition of the lucrative ‘Guyana Cup’ horserace meet which gallops off at the Rising Sun Turf Club on Sunday August 18th, with over $20M in cash and prizes up for grabs, inclusive of US$50,000 cash to be handed out on the day.

At the South Road location of the Trophy Stall, proprietor Ramesh Sunich, presented organiser Nazrudeen Mohamed Jr., with half-a-

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the World Championship at the Mexican Grand Prix October 28, 2018. (REUTERS/Andres Stapff/File Photo) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Formula One drivers will rev up their race cars again for the annual Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City’s mayor said yesterday, after a cut in government funding put the future of the widely attended race in question.

Mexico had signed a fiveyear contract for annual Grand Prix races in 2014. But after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in December, he said the deal would not be renewed be-

cause public funds were needed for other tourism booster projects such as building the “Mayan Train” on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said a group of business people would help cover the costs, which local authorities have said are about $45 million (£37.04 million) a year.

“I want to give you all the good news. ... Formula One is staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said in a video

posted on Twitter, adding that the head of the governing body FIA would sign a new contract today.

“The city isn’t investing a single public resource,” Sheinbaum said. “It’s good news for the city, it brings tourism, it brings income.”

Formula One has held the Mexican Grand Prix every year since 2015, drawing a total of 1 million people. The competition previously ran in Mexico between 1963 to 1970, and again from 1986 to 1992.

awarded to top performers at next Sunday’s race meet at Number 6 Village, West Coast Berbice.

Mohamed expressed gratitude for the generous gesture

by Sunich, while the owner noted that he is always ready to support horseracing which attracts fans from all walks of life.

Also showering support on the event that will see patrons benefitting from a mega concert as well includes, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Mazi Night Club, Pure Harvest Guyana Gold Grain cereal, Auto Toy

& Animal Health Care.

A total of eight races are on the cards and the prize money for the races are as follows: – C Class and lower feature race over a distance of one mile for – $2million, – Three-year-old Guyana Bred – $1million – G3 and lower – $400,000 – L3 and lower (open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago) – $350,000 – Two-year-old Guyana bred over – $300,000.

– J3 and lower over seven (Continued on page 27)

Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship 2019

Mexico, British Virgin Islands among big winners on Day 4 Bradenton, Florida – Division 1 had a full slate of action, while several teams from Division 3 also saw the field yesterday at the 2019 Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 C h a m p i o n s h i p .

Division 1 - Group A: Reigning champion Mexico enjoyed a complete performance in a 5-0 win over Curacao, while Reymundo Williams’s brace laid the groundwork for Panama’s 30 triumph against visiting Israel.

Group B: The star of the day in Group B was Victor Valdez, who notched a hattrick in the 4-0 win for the

United States versus Suriname, while a lastminute goal from Widmison Loute (70’) earned Haiti a heart-stopping 1-1 draw with Guatemala.

Group C: It was a convincing 4-0 victory for Canada against Guadeloupe in Group C, while visiting Slovenia squeaked out a 1-0 win over El Salvador.

Group D: Visiting Portugal looked a confid e n t s i d e a s it downed Trinidad and To b a g o 3 - 0 , m e a n w h i l e Jewison Bennette Vi l l e g a s s c o r e d i n t h e 42’ to hand Costa Rica an exciting 2-1 win

against B a r b a dos.

Division 3 - Group J: There were plenty of thrills in Division 3 Group J with British Virgin Islands taking home a 2-0 win over Turks and Caicos Islands thanks to goals from Matthew Stephenson (22’) and Oliver Brown (70+3’).

In the group’s other match, Dominica held off a strong charge from Saint Martin, 2-1 with goals from Adriel Lawrence (6’) and Yhan Timothy (20’).

Guyana will play the C a y m a n I s l a n ds from 9:00am today as the action continues.

Thursday August 08, 2019

Seven Seas supports Archery Guyana “Seven Seas” a brand distributed by Massy Distribution which has been around for generations becoming a household name over half a century ago, has reached out to proudly support Archery Guyana and will be exclusively sponsoring an upcoming Indoor Archery Competition at the National Gymnasium.

The Seven Seas products are the culmination of a continuous process of rigorous and intense research and development resulting in natural products known for their excellent quality and high standards in helping families live their true age by their range of products built on the science of OMEGA-3.

Seven Seas started with Cod Liver Oil known as that yucky fishy tasting liquid our parents fed to us at a tender age and to establishing a range of essential health products.

As we quickly learnt the taste was a small price to pay for enhanced hair, skin and nails, reduced joint inflammation and more importantly, brain development. Helping us to look younger, think smarter and be radiant inside out are some of the benefits of using Seven Seas Prod-

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Kaieteur News

Receiving the cheque from Mrs. Nirvana Thakur is Treasurer of Archery Guyana Mr. Nicholas Hing in the presence of Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. ucts.

According to Mrs. Nirvana Thakur, Brand Coordinator at the simple handover ceremony at the Massy Distribution Office, D4 Starlite Square, East Coast Demerara, last week, at the end of July 2019 Seven Seas Omega-3 products are essential to enable us to become focused and disciplined, which are qualities necessary for anyone to achieve success in Life and Sports.

As such Seven Seas sees itself as a natural collaborator with the Sport of Archery.

This is especially true given the intense level of stability,

precision and concentration required to succeed in the sport. Naturally therefore, Massy Distribution through its Brand Seven Seas look forward to supporting and growing with the Sport of Archery over the years to come.

Thanks were expressed by Mrs. Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, Secretary-General of Archery Guyana, for Seven Seas collaboration as a competition sponsor. Special Thanks to the Management of Massy Distribution and Seven Seas as we move forward to promote the sport of Archery in Guyana, a release indicated.

Fedrick Dacres smashes 36-y-o Pan Am record as Jamaica goes 1-2 in men’s discus

Tariq Brown named Best Student as RHTYSC/Republic Bank Camp ends Foster urges youths to make education a priority Tariq Brown, who recently passed to attend Berbice High School, on Friday, last was named Best Student as the 13th Edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS/Republic Bank holiday Camp ended on a very high note. Brown received a bicycle, collection of educational materials, a trophy and a medal after securing a top performance of 96% at the end of the Camp Test.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the Camp as an overwhelming success and the best in the thirteen years history. The Club had catered for sixty students from Grade 6 but a total of 69 turned out for the Camp, which main aim is to assist students to make a successful transition from Primary School to the Secondary level.

Experienced Educator, Mrs. Junita SewnauthHussain conducted the Camp, while the Club’s nineteen years old Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu was its Director.

The Students were taught Maths, English, English B, Social Studies, Integrated Science and were also involved in numerous lectures using the RHTYSC Youth Information Booklet. Among the topics covered in the Lectures were the Importance of Education, Importance of Discipline, Choosing Friends, HIV/ AIDS, Drug Abuse, Suicide, Table Manners, Personal Hygiene and Alcohol/Tobacco Abuse. The students were also exposed to playing cricket at the Area ‘H’ Ground as part of the Club’s Say Yes to Sports Campaign.

Foster in a passionate speech urged the attentive students to make education the number one priority in life

Best Student Tariq Brown receives his award from Doodmatee Bhollaram of Republic Bank. as it is the cornerstone of a successful life. Education, he stated would open doors of opportunities that would otherwise remain shut. The Medal of Service Awardee urged the students to develop a culture of hard work, research, reading and dedication. A frank speaking RHTYSC Secretary/CEO stated that if a human mind can remember all the words of a Hip Hop song, then it can also have space for Maths and English. He cautioned the graduating students to always say no to the evil ways of Satan and to develop a love for sports as it assists the body and mind to be active.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board stated that with hard work, students can have a highly successful career in both sports and education.

Manager of Republic Bank, Rose Hall Town Branch, Ms. Doodmatee Bhollaram hailed the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club for organising a successful Camp. The Bank, she stated was committed to investing in educational, cul-

ture, youth development and cultural activities as part of its corporate mandate. Bhollaram endorsed Foster’s call for youths to stay in school and to obtain an educational background.

Each of the students at the Camp received a school bag and a collection of educational materials to assist them when the new school year begins in September. Five students selected by the tutor based on their attitude, family financial income and performance, received a $20,000 bicycle each, while every student carried home a copy of the RHTYSC 2019 Youth Information Booklet. Seven other students received awards along with the Best Students, Tariq Brown. They were Best English Student “Sandiyah Shariff”, Best Science Student “Netram Ramnauth”, Best Social Studies Student “Nalyah Ahmad”, Best Mathematics Student “Lenimia Cort”, Best Attendance “Ghanesh Sewnauth, Most Discipline “Naresh Kuman and Most Committed “Darean Thomas”.

NSC Volleyball tourney set for Saturday

Fedrick Dacres and Traves Smikle finished 1-2 in the Men’s Discus.

Sports Max - Fedrick Dacres and Traves Smikle finished 1-2 in the Men’s Discus at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru on Tuesday.

Dacres, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, set a new championship record of 67.68m while winning his country’s first gold

medal of these championships and his second Pan Am title.

He eclipsed the previous championship record of 67.32m set by Cuba’s Luis Delis back in August 1983.

Smikle, meanwhile, uncorked a throw of 65.02m on his fifth throw that propelled

him from fourth to second and the silver medal.

The USA’s Reginald Jagers III of the USA claimed the bronze medal with his best throw of 64.48m.

Dacres had four throws beyond 65m during the competition, each of which would have won him the gold medal.

The National Sports Commission through the Guyana Volleyball Federation will be sponsoring a One day Female Volleyball festival scheduled for Saturday August 10 at the National Gymnasium.

This programme is part of the NSC remembering our past President of Guyana with a sports programme being organised.

In a release from the NSC, since Christopher A. Jones became the Director of Sport in 2015, the NSC adds to its calendar of events every year to remember our Past Leaders and their contributing to Guyana. Early in the year the NSC through its Sports Organiser did similar sports programme for Cheddi & Janet Jagan.

Saturday programme is remembering our First Executive President of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

At stake are Trophies for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th placed teams, while the 1st & 2nd places will also received medals and all of the participating teams will leave the venue with equip-

Christopher Jones ment.

The programme will serve off at 10:00am with the format and drawing of the fixtures.

Director of Sports Christopher A. Jones will be at the matches and also do the presentation.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

Holder wants batsmen to be more responsible as ODI commences at Providence today

By Zaheer Mohamed Following their drubbing in theT20 series, the West Indies will look to rebound in the One Day tournament with a positive result at Providence today.

The players had enough time to put the world cup debacle behind them and they now look forward to a new beginning with positive ideas.

Usually the team that executes better on the day comes out on top and West Indies Captain Jason Holder wants his batsmen to be more responsible. Speaking with the media prior to a practice session at Providence yesterday, Holder said it is one of the areas they want to correct. “We had quite a bit of time to sit back and think of how the world cup went, our batting let us down, the guys batting deep and taking the responsibility, that is defi-

nitely one of the areas we want to correct. We had a few bright sparks in the bowling department, but we weren’t as consistent. We need to captialise and execute, put ourselves in the right situation,” he added.

Holder stated that the players are fresh and they come with different ideas as to where they can improve so obviously they can get better. “I think it’s a matter for every individual to play their role, understand what is expected of them and execute which is important.”

Chris Gayle is 10 runs away from eclipsing Brian Lara Brian Lara’s tally of 10,405 ODI runs, the most by a West Indies batsman, and Holder said his presence is always felt.

“Gayle has done well over the years, it’s great to have him in the squad, he brings a lot to team his presence is always felt when he steps on to the cricket field or in the

dressing room.”

Holder expects a good pitch, stating that they had some high scoring encounters in their last few games here.

He pointed out that they need to take wickets with the new ball in order to restrict India’s batting line up. “The way cricket is going we need to take wickets, we have been outstanding with the new ball in the last two years, so we need to take early wickets and get into India’s middle order.

It’s a good batting line up, but it not impossible to dislodge, it’s just a matter for us to remain discipline with the new ball and take it from there.”

Keemo Paul had a hit on his left ankle in the T20 but Holder said he should be ok for the game.

India defeated the West Indies 3-1 in their last two series, but the home side has shown much improvement, drawing the recent series against England in the Carib-

bean.

Rishabh Pant top scored in the third T20 on Tuesday with an unbeaten 65 and Captain Virat Kohli said they are looking at Rishabh as the future.

Speaking with the media after the T20 series win, Kohli said the youngster needed after two poor outings on the bounce was one innings to settle in. The message was for him to finish the game; there’s a lot of confidence that comes with hitting the winning runs and walking off the field with bat raised, and Pant needed to experience that, added Kohli.

“For the first two games he was disappointed, he made sure he applied himself today and backed himself to hit the big shots when required and really played with the tempo of the innings.”

“He’s got a lot of skill and talent, but it’s about winning and finishing games like these and gaining confidence. It’s

Trophy Stall takes charge of Nand Persaud Sprint Classic Horserace Meet this Sunday -Over 45 entered

General Manager of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich (left) presents the trophies to General Manager of the Nanad Persaud Group Of Companies and Coordinator of the Sprint Classic event, Mohendra Persaud at the Trophy Stall PM location.

With just a few days to go before race day Trophy Stall Guyana with branches at different locations in the country has come big for the Nand Persaud Sprint Classic Horserace Meet. The event is set for this Sunday, August 11th at the Company’s racing facility, No36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice.

The event, which is being promoted by the Sky Plus Incorporated Promotion Group, will see the Trophy Stall putting up the trophies for the events with full sponsorship for the Jockey category. Over 45 horses have entered so far.

The presentation of the trophies was done yesterday at the Trophy Stall Port Mourant Branch, Corentyne.

General Manager of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich made the presentation to General Manager of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies and event Coordinator Mohendra Persaud.

Seven races are on the day’s card with over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

The feature E and lower 4 furlongs event for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy and is expected to include Score’s Even, Simple Side, Golden Dancer, T and T,

Golden Blue Echo among others.

Uprising Star, War Story, Dazzling Girl and Awesome Bandit are among those in the 2 years old Guyana Bred Event for the winning take of $150,000 and trophy over 660 yards.The J class event has a number of entries. While the K class race has the likes of Touch the Cash, The Rock, Touch Down and Irish Boy in contention.

Among those down to battle it out in the L class male race are Cool Mood, Awesome Banner and Plane land.The event for female L class animals will see the likes of Pinky, Promise, Royal

Progressive and Wonder Girl.

The non-earners from the above two L class races will then compete.

Apart from Trophy Stall other major sponsors include Ansa Mc Al through its Stag Beer Brand, 4R Bearings and Belts, NPG Packaging and Plastics INC. Champion jockey, trainer and stable will be rewarded with trophies and other incentives, compliments of the Trophy Stall.

Interested persons can make contact with Mohini on 600-4728 or Amanda on 6185966 for more information.

Coordinator is Mohendra “Mohin” Persaud. (Samuel Whyte)

Rohit Sharma has been in fine form for India about giving him a bit more space to ease himself into international cricket and not putting too much pressure because of the way he’s played in the IPL.” “At the international level, you need to tackle pressure differently and play yourself into the whole set-up. He has come a long way since he started. If he plays like this regularly, we will see his potential shine for India.”

Kohli stated that the priority is to make sure India play consistent cricket, with young players like Pant and Rahul Chahar helping to strengthen the team’s resources.

“I think the priority is to keep Indian cricket at the top, go out there and win games,” Kohli said.

Kuldeep Yadav has taken 93 wickets in 51 ODIs, which leaves him four matches to beat Mohammed Shami and become the fastest from India to hundred ODI wickets.

Following the T20 series, Kieron Pollard who got a half century for the West Indies said he was pleased with his performance but admitted it wasn’t good enough to get his team over the line. “Having said that you always want to come and try to do your

best and at this time it wasn’t different.”

Rotating the strike seems a bit of a problem in the middle order, but Pollard said it’s a work in progress. “It was a consorted effort; we have to work with your strengths and try to improve on our weakness. It’s not going to happen overnight, we don’t want to take away our natural instinct of hitting the boundaries. Sometimes things don’t work as planned but you have to keep working hard.” Pollard added that he always gives his best and share his experience with the younger players.

Teams; West Indies: Jason Holder (capt), Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell.

India; Virat Kohli (capt), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Pools competition set for Grand Central Bar at Grove on Sunday The Grand Central Sports Bar popularly known as Jerry’s at Grove on the East Bank of Demerara is the venue for a grand Pools competition on Sunday starting at 4:00pm.

Keen competition is anticipated and many of the leading Pools players are expected to take part in the action. Entry fee is $3,000 and the players will be battling to win a first prize of $60,000 and a trophy, while second place will collect $30,000 and trophy and third place $20,000 and trophy.

The competition is exclusively sponsored by Grand Central Sports Bar and players are asked to turn up early, before the scheduled start for registration.

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 08, 2019

PAGE 33

Pan American Championships 2019 Abrams sneaks into 400m final - Minister Norton arrives in Peru

A

aliyah Abrams finished fifth in first women’s semifinal yesterday for during day two of the much subscribed Track & Field aspect of the ongoing 18th Pan American Championships here in Lima, Peru.

Abrams, who registered a time of 52.95 seconds in her blistering heat, is Guyana’s last hope of medaling at the games since Nicolette Fernandes won bronze in Squash in the 16th edition; Mexico, 2011.

The 400m women’s final is scheduled to run off today at 16:20hrs.

In the other two events that Guyana competed in namely the women’s 100m hurdles

and the men’s long jump, they didn’t manage to impress with some disappointing performances.

Jenea McCammon, in her second Pan American games, did not finish (DNF) in the 100m while National long jump holder, Emmanuel Archibald managed to finish 11th out of 13 competitors with a jump of 7.2m that is nowhere near his personal best (PB) or 8.12m.

Minister with the responsibility of Sport, Dr. George Norton arrived at the Pan American championships yesterday and he will get the opportunity to witness Abrams attempt to cop Guyana’s first medal at Pan Am games in the event.

Guyana’s Chelsea Edghill, Minister Norton and GOA head Juman-Yassin pose for a photo-op yesterday at the Videna Sports Center.

Aaliyah Abrams (center) during her 400m semifinal where she ran 52.95s in here blistering heat to finish as the second fastest non-automatic qualifier. (Getty Images)

Serena, Osaka top Forbes list Persaud and S&D performance of best-paid female athletes

GMR&SC 1320 Heat International Drag meet

ready for August 25th Shawn Persaud’s Caldina ahead of one of Team T&T’s rail car during the 2018 International drag meet at South Dakota.

Naomi Osaka during the Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball game.

S

hawn Persaud, the principal of the workshop S&D Performance that houses the former eight, nine and 10second champion cars of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Drag Championship, is confident that his machines will be able to regain some of their titles and maybe even give the unlimited class a run for its money come August 25th at South Dakota Drag Strip.

In an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, Persaud; who drives the Toyota Caldina that was the eightsecond champion before the Drag Strip was extended from

1000ft to a full quarter-mile, explained that he will have five cars from his workshop, which is located at Sarah Johanna on the East Bank of Demerara, t by international competition in Drag racing locally has been renewed with the installation of the launch pad for drag racing at South Dakota drag strip and the extension to a full quartermile.

The Surinamese will be eager to finally unleash the full power of their machines to rival the Nissan GTR ‘Godzilla’ from the undisputed Kings of the local drag strip, Team Mohamed’s.

Godzilla is the current strip record holder at 8.09s and the

driver, Terrence Cox, has confidently shared at the last drag meet that the car can go even faster.

The 1320 heat international drag race meet will also feature competitors from Trinidacompeting at this m o n t h ’s a n t i c i p a t e d International drag meet at South Dakota Circuit’s drag strip located in Timehri.

Those machines include two Mazda RX-7s belonging to brothers Peter and Randel Daby, two Toyota Caldinas and a Toyota Supra.

The interesd & Tobago and a three-way battle between the nations will be declared for the overall championship.

(Reuters) - Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam title wins at the U.S. and Australian Opens have helped catapult the Japanese tennis player up to second, behind Serena Williams, in F o r b e s ’ l i s t (https://www.forbes.com/si tes/kurtbadenhausen/2019/ 08/06/the-highest-paidfemale-athletes-2019serena-and-osakadominate/#5216879b2fcc) of the highest-paid female athletes over the last year.

Williams, a 23-times Grand Slam champion, topped the annual list for a fourth consecutive year with estimated total earnings of $29.2 million, the business magazine said.

Osaka’s total income grew to $24.3 million,

Serena Williams, here serving in her Wimbledon finals loss to Simona Halep, tops Forbes' list of sport's top women earners for a fourth straight year.

(AFP Photo/Ben Stansall)

driven mainly by her offcourt earnings, soaring to an estimated $16 million from $1.5 million a year ago, but the Japanese still missed the cut for Forbes’ top 100 bestpaid athletes list.

Williams is the only woman making it onto that list, coming in at No. 63.

Forbes said it compiled its list based on prize money, salaries, bonuses, endorsements and appearance fees between June 1, 2018 and June 1 this year.U.S. women’s soccer player Alex Morgan is the highest-placed non-tennis player on the women’s list at number 12, with Forbes putting her total earnings of $5.8 million.

M o r g a n ’s i n c o m e , which makes her the best-

paid women’s soccer player in the world, is dwarfed by that of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who topped Forbes’ list of the best-paid athletes over the past year with $127 million.

The U.S. women’s soccer team, who won a record-extending fourth World Cup this year, have filed a lawsuit against the country’s national soccer body demanding equal compensation with their male counterparts.

Of the top 15 on Forbes’ list of best-paid female athletes, 12 were tennis players. Indian badminton player P.V. Sindhu came in tied for 13th ($5.5 million), with Thai golfer Ariya Jutanugarn ($5.3 million) rounding out the top 15.

Holder wants batsmen to be more responsible as ODI commences at Providence today

Rishabh Pant (left) interacts with some West Indian players following the T20 series.

Trophy Stall backs Guyana Cup 2019

rt o p S

Chris Gayle is10 runs away from eclipsing Brian Lara’s tally of 10,405 ODI runs.

Pan American Championships 2019

Abrams sneaks into 400m final- Minister Norton arrives in Peru GMR&SC 1320 Heat International Drag meet

Persaud and S&D performance ready for August 25th

Nasrudeen Mohamed jr. left and Ramesh Sunich, proprietor of Trophy Stall at the handing over of trophies for the upcoming event.

Barbados clinch title after brushing aside Leewards -Guyana end third Serena, Osaka top Forbes list of best -paid female athletes

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