Kaieteur News

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Energy Dept.'s oil NEWS sale plan may be dead on arrival - Chris Ram

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

August 10, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 31

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 100,778

By the busloads…

More than 100 Haitians, Cubans stamping in at Brazil

border checkpoint daily

- Brazilian Immigration

Runway lights Granger, Jagdeo malfunction at begin meetings Airlines 'new' CJIA - American flight diverted on way forward Harvesting of Albion Estate's second crop hit by strike Procurement notices now being published in Indigenous languages Outgoing AA passenger fainted Thursday night after flight diverted

Court denies bail for convicted Muslim scholar

Papua New Guinea to increase take in LNG deal with ExxonMobil, Total ...but APNU+AFC govt. refuses to do same

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Runway lights malfunction at ‘new’ CJIA - American Airlines flight diverted

The runway lights at CJIA malfunctioned Thursday night forcing an American Airlines flight to divert to Trinidad.

Passengers awaiting an American Airlines (AA) flight on Thursday night had to wait until yesterday after the plane was diverted. The management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) later confirmed that the runway

lights went down.

According to the airport, the incident occurred at approximately 23:30 hours. “…the Airport Runway Lighting System experienced a failure due to a slack cable connection. This temporary cable was

installed to facilitate the works currently taking place on the extended section of the north-eastern runway,” it was explained.

C J I A’ s w o r k e r s immediately worked to deploy portable runway lights along the entire length of the runway, which facilitated the departure of Suriname Airways at 12:12 hrs.

“Caribbean Airlines flight BW 605 arrived from Port of Spain and landed at

02:12 hours. These portable runway lights comply with ICAO standards,” the airport disclosed.

The main runway lighting system has since been repaired.

Passengers turned to social media to complain of the delays.

One passenger explained that the AA flight to Miami was scheduled to leave after 12.

“For hours, we did not get any communications.

The scene at the airport on Thursday night. (Photos courtesy of the Guyanese Critic Facebook page)

After a few hours we were rerouted to the Arrivals area to wait for our luggage. We were told to come back today (yesterday) for a flight at 3:45pm.”

Passenger said they were told the runway lights had malfunctioned and the AA aircraft that had to pick them up could not land.

There were photos of one passenger fainting.

There were also clashes between the AA workers and passengers.According to one passenger, he was detained along with another person by security after being accused of taking photos of the scene.

A number of photos were circulated on the Guyanese Critic page on Facebook.

The passenger said he was threatened by a staffer with legal action.

The airport has been in the news for several years now.

The reason is simple. A major expansion that should have involved the building of a brand-new terminal building and longer runway has ended with Guyana getting far less than what it is paying for.

Funded and constructed by the Chinese, the project is seeing a renovated existing terminal building.

Wo r k s h a d t o b e abandoned from the north side of the runway to the south after the Chinese contractor ran into soil problems. There are complaints about the inflated price on the Bill of Quantities on the contract and even about the quality of work.Though Guyana has ended up paying the same money - US$150M for an grossly altered project, there is little evidence of sanctions against the contractor.

The airport was recently flooded in some sections because of rains.

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 10, 2019

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Granger, Jagdeo begin meetings on way forward

[from left] Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger at State House yesterday

P

resident David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday met at State House to discuss the current political situation, and matters relating to the holding of General and Regional Elections.

The President on Thursday last had explained, after Government’s meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), that Government’s efforts are aimed at keeping with the Consequential Order of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), that deliberations between the major stakeholders moving forward must assume a consensual overtone, and move away from unilateralism.

President Granger was accompanied by DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, and Jagdeo was accompanied by the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali. During the talks, the President maintained that GECOM has to advise him of its readiness before a date can be named for elections.

Reference was reportedly made to the Consequential Orders of the CCJ and their respective interpretations. Jagdeo stated his position and that of the PPP that elections should be held by September 18 – three months after the CCJ’s ruling.

The President said “I made it clear that it is

impossible if not impractical for me, even though in the final analysis I have to proclaim a date, I could not do so without the advice of the Elections Commission.”

“I will continue to abide by the Constitution and pay attention to the Chairman of the Elections Commission who will advise me,” the President said.

The President said he is hopeful that Chairman of the Elections Commission Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, would communicate the Commission’s position to him in a week’s time.

“We agreed that it is the Elections Commission which is central to this process; it is an electoral process; it is not a governmental process or parliamentary process. It is

an electoral process which is entirely in the hands of the Elections Commission,” the President stated at the conclusion of the meeting.

Furthermore, the Head of State maintained that the Official List of Electors (OLE) has to be credible.

There has been much public disagreement between the two sides on what exercise should be implemented. House to House Registration is underway and over 150,000 persons have already been registered.

The Government contends that it is the only process which would produce a credible list for the upcoming elections.

But the Opposition has strongly advocated for a period of claims and objections to refresh the list which expired on April 30 last. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has said that this is possible.

Jagdeo said yesterday that the two sides also spoke about the resignation of Cabinet. The Opposition would like to see Cabinet resign immediately, but Government has already indicated that it will not resign until it is time for the new Government to assume power after credible elections.

Jagdeo said that, with the way House to House is going, elections will be held in 2020, as he contends that

House to House will not be concluded any time soon. He said that the Government will be an unconstitutional one after September 18, 2019.

Harmon said “The President made it clear that he would like to see early elections and that he has provided all of the resources that the Elections Commission required for them to work…it would not be in our interest to superimpose any coercive measures on the Commission that they cannot meet.”

The President explained that there is a “zone of convergence” in that both sides have maintained their existing positions.

While there wasn’t agreement on any of the issues discussed, the President said that the meeting was beneficial.

“It helped to clarify issues which still exist within the two sides. There has been no agreement but greater clarity on the positions of the two sides,” President Granger said.

“We referred to our meeting with the Chairman of Elections Commission on Thursday and we feel that her request, to be given an opportunity to hear the judgment of the Supreme Court and meet with the members of the Commission, was a reasonable one.”

The Head of State said that Government will engage with her after the judgment.

Government and Opposition have agreed to meet again after both the Chief Justice’s ruling scheduled for August 14 and the meeting of the full Commission.

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Kaieteur News

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

Excessive wealth disorder Nobel Prize-winning economist, Paul Krugman, in an opinion piece in the New York Times of June 22, captioned, “Notes on excessive wealth disorder” noted “the problems and dangers created by extreme concentration of income and wealth at the top.” Extreme wealth disorder: just how does it harm?

Dr. Krugman advanced that, “While popular discourse has concentrated on the “1 percent,” what’s really at issue here is the role of the 0.1 percent” or the “really tiny group of people, but one that exerts huge influence over policy”.

He went on to question: “Where does this influence come from? With “campaign contributions…only one channel.”

Dr. Krugman identified at least four ways in which the financial resources of the 0.1 percent distort policy priorities: First: “Raw corruption” which is more than “simple bribery of politicians” and “it’s almost surely a much bigger deal than we like to think.” It is enormous in Guyana.

Second, “Soft corruption…which are the various ways short of direct bribery politicians, government officials, and people with policy influence of any kind stand to gain financially by promoting policies that serve the interests…of the wealthy.” A secretive, but formidable presence locally.

Third, “Campaign contributions.” And those are being handed over (solicited) right here, right now.

And fourth, “Defining the agenda… where the 0.1 percent has an extraordinary ability to set the agenda…in ways that can be sharply at odds with both a reasonable assessment of priorities and public opinion…”

Why should any of this be important or strike some degree of resonance in Guyanese? Because it can be asserted that this is exactly where matters stand in the domestic sphere. Because the extreme concentration of wealth in Guyana, A PARTICULAR KIND OF WEALTH, wreaks havoc with clean governance and, by extension, national social welfare. Undoubtedly, there is old money and blue-chip wealth influence on politics in Guyana.

But the particular kind of extreme wealth pinpointed is the bottomless, hence measureless, amounts of cash that are traceless, and which have served the money masters well. How so?Using Dr. Krugman’s metric of 0.1%, in Guyana that is approximately the 750 individuals that wield unimaginable power behind the scenes. Or to take to the extreme (the 0.01% he pinpointed) the less than 100 citizens who outweigh and overpower events for their own perverse purposes.Though buying influence to craft legislation a certain way (consultation, it is called when public; influencepeddling when underground); or to slow down implementation; or to escape sanction for breaches of watered-down legislation.In this election climate, it is widely heard, and largely believed that the political coffers of the major political groups have been generously replenished by the individuals with untold quantities of suspect money.

Campaign contributions have not been refused; even actively solicited. Gone with the wind are any anxieties about source of funds, the givers of those funds, and potential national exposures.Dr. Krugman argues that, “What happened, essentially, was that the political…establishment internalized the preferences of the extremely wealthy.”

Prioritize is the more operative word. Too often, the hard enforcements that have to be applied to the noncompliant have not happened. As an example, tax collections are over 60% in the last few years. Thus, the question: where was the political and bureaucratic will to demand same before?

Word is that political interference and official taint hampered heavily. Money talks. Politicians pressure.Another example from today is adherence to regulations now implemented.

There is stalling by the money powers and reaching for political friends to slow or reverse the flow. Only the handovers made possible by excessive wealth enable that kind of access and result. As articulated earlier, the money (and wealth) dominant here contain grave repercussions for Guyana. Local political actors pretend nonchalance and ignorance, with national peril promised.

Krugman concludes that negating the priorities of the extremely monied is”a necessary step toward a healthier political system.” Good luck, Guyana.

Saturday August 10, 2019

Country over partisanship DEAR EDITOR, I am interested to know what drives our current crop of political leaders (from both major parties) when they make decisions on how their party will approach a national issue.

Do they think of Guyana first? Or is it party over everything?

According to a recent article, Mr. Joseph Harmon stated that President Granger and his Cabinet would not be resigning after being requested to do so in writing

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. We are witnessing a battle of two clauses of our Constitution.

Article 106 (6) states that the Cabinet and President of a sitting government must resign if defeated by a vote

of No Confidence. This is Mr. Jagdeo’s main weapon, and it is a good one since it is very clear. The government is however using the next clause, Article 106 (7) which states, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office to hold an election within three months,” or for a longer period supported by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

Three months from the vote of No-Confidence would have been on March 18, 2019.

Then we had the CCJ Appeal, which pushed the timeline out to June 18, 2019.

Therefore, elections should be held by September 18, 2018, three months after the CCJ ruling. This does not look like a reality given that GECOM

is still in preparation mode.

Since Parliament has not met, there has been no official approval to extend the date for holding General Elections.

The APNU government seems to dismiss the word ‘interim’ and interpret it as implying that the sitting government would still be in charge. Alluding to this, Harmon also added that the Government ‘will attend to matters which are considered urgent and in the public’s interest’, I wonder what could be more urgent and in the public’s interest than national stability?While the government continues to run out the clock, and the PPP continues to protest and rev up their base, we are starting to head into ‘silly season’.

This time around, with so much at stake given our incumbent oil revenue, it could be extra silly if our leaders do not put country over party. I am hoping to see the APNU government follow the constitution and stay within the timeframe set to resign and hold elections, and also for the Opposition PPP to avoid riling up their base to oppose everything the government tries to do.

If you cannot come together and do this for our country, then it is time for both sides to step aside and let new blood guide our nation forward.

Sincerely, Shazaam Ally The Citizenship Initiative

Why the procrastination?

DEAR EDITOR, On paper, retired Justice Claudette Singh is as qualified and suitable as any, for the appointment as the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

I personally witnessed her taking the Oath of Office. I heard her pledge that “… I will faithfully execute the office of the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission without fear or favour, affection or ill will and that in the execution of the functions of that office, I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

In a Facebook post, I stated that all I expect is the faithful discharge of that oath, nothing less and nothing more.

I cannot imagine any rational Guyanese harbouring a different expectation.

Perhaps with the exception of the former Chief Justice, Ian Chang SC, I do not think that there is another Judge in Guyana who has delivered more written judgements on matters touching and concerning the Constitution over the past three decades, than Justice Singh.

Justice Singh bears the distinction of being the only Judge in post-independent Guyana to have conducted a trial of an elections petition, culminating in both an expansive written judgement, as well as consequential orders, which included, fixing a timeframe within which Regional and General Elections must be held: See the elections petition filed by Esther Pereira: a challenge to the 1997 Regional and General Elections . In that trial, Justice Singh had the opportunity of forensically examining and analysing Guyana’s electoral machinery at work, from the

start to the end, and all the legislative and constitutional provisions attendant thereto.

Justice Singh took the Oath of Office on the 30th July, 2019, and having regard to the current constitutional exigencies, I am compelled to express my disappointment that the first meeting of the full Commission is scheduled to take place over two weeks hence.

The legal proceeding filed

by Christopher Ram, pending before the Chief Justice (ag), cannot and does not affect or impede the Commission from meeting and discharging its constitutional mandate, having regard to the consequential orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In all the attempts to distort, misinterpret and misrepresent what those consequential orders are, no one can dispute that the CCJ ruled (para 9 f): “Upon the passage of this motion of no confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106 immediately became engaged,” and that all the actors, including GECOM, are bound by the Constitution and must obey it.

With her Judicial experience and axiomatic forensic legal acumen, Justice Claudette Singh needs no assistance in interpreting the judgment and consequential orders of the CCJ, their implications, and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. She is capable than most of so doing.

The proceeding instituted

by Ram, was done at a time when there was no Chairman of GECOM. Yet, the Chief Elections Officer chose, on the 20th July, 2019, to begin the execution of an order of the erstwhile Chairman, which was clearly overtaken by the consequential orders rendered on the 12th July,

2019, by the CCJ. I cannot imagine that the learned Chief Justice will make a decision that will detract from, defy, frustrate or undermine the clear prescriptions of the CCJ. GECOM can, lawfully, do no different, either. So, why the procrastination? Of course, the decision of the Chief Justice scheduled to be delivered on the 14th August, 2019, ought to add further guidance on the matter. However, awaiting the same cannot be the basis of non-action by GECOM. The fundamental truth is that the consequential orders of the CCJ will not change, nor lose their efficacy; neither will the clear language of Article 106 (6) and (7).

They aggregate in mandating elections to be held by the 18th September 2019. GECOM has one of two clear courses of action open to it.

Firstly, to proceed with the current house-to-house exercise, or secondly, to refresh the last valid Official List of Electors with a claims and objections exercise and use same for the purpose of holding an elections.

As regards the former, following GECOM’s own ‘Work Plan’, it will result in elections being held sometime in June 2020, earliest.

This will not only render the No-Confidence Motion passed nugatory, but will violently collide with the consequential orders of the CCJ and the clear language of Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution, rendering the process unconstitutional.

Additionally, the legality of the process itself and the contention that it will result in the deprivation of tens of thousands of qualified Guyanese of their right to vote, are all live issues to be determined by the CJ.

The matter is further compounded by the main political party supporters boycotting the process, which will result in half of the electorate being excluded from any list that the exercise may eventually generate.

The above mentioned factors will clearly provide formidable basis to challenge the legal validity of any elections held in those circumstances, not to mention the social disorder that such an election may excite.

In relation to the latter, the list to be used is a list under which the current Government won a majority in the 10th Parliament at the 2011 elections, then won the Government at the 2015 elections and the same list was used, successfully, for two Local Government Elections, held under its tenure, without a single serious allegation ever being made against its integrity, until after the No-Confidence Motion was passed. Concomitantly, the legal advisor of GECOM advised that the list can be used, once it is refreshed with a claims and objections exercise and she further advised that to proceed with house-to-house registration, will run afoul of the CCJ ruling and the Constitution.

Lastly, the Chief Elections Officer, himself, disclosed to the press, a week ago, that the list is not “bloated” and can be used for the next elections, after a claims and objections exercise, which will allow for all those who are not on the list, to get their names thereon.

I cannot conceive of any difficulty in GECOM determining, to which option it must resort, in the circumstances.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP, Attorney-at-Law

Saturday August 10, 2019

The Executive and GECOM DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to front-page news on President Granger (Executive) meeting GECOM (KN Aug. 9). The President seems to have indicated that he is willing to compromise on house-to-house registration and on a date for elections. The matter is now in the hands of the judiciary and GECOM to decide on both issues. I applaud the President’s action that trends towards compromise.

This is the way to go and the President has received endorsement from his coalition supporters as well as from the opposition. People want elections to settle the issue of governance because the instability affects business and lifestyle. However, in my interactions with people, questions were raised about the President’s motif in meeting GECOM. GECOM is an independent agency that is not subjected to the dictates of government (and by extension the official opposition) although four of its seven members are appointed by the government (President) and three by the opposition. Not surprisingly, a lot of eyebrows were raised when the President invited GECOM members and the body’s CEO for consultation (meeting) in his office. This is highly unusual.

It may be the first such meet

by GECOM in the country’s history. Many, particularly lawyers and academics, felt it was inappropriate for the Executive to meet with GECOM. Even ordinary business people and ordinary folks who I spoke with felt it is not the President’s responsibility to meet with GECOM. The executive meeting with GECOM was seen by some as “intimidating the body” towards election objectives especially when the body has begun preparations for elections.

Nevertheless, the President explained that his meeting was simply to assure GECOM that the government is willing to provide the necessary resources for the preparation of elections that are due as a result of the successful passage of a no confidence motion against his administration.

The President assured that his government would not hinder the work of the elections commission, and he also stated he would respect decisions of the body. The President also called on all Guyanese to respect the independence of GECOM and its decisions. One commissioner is reported to have described the meeting as a waste of time. The public is divided on the meeting on party loyalty with some supporting the President meeting with

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Kaieteur News

GECOM and the others opposed to the meeting.

The President and his coalition government partners say they want house to house registration in preparation of a new voters’ list, but he says he would accept the decision of GECOM (really the new Chairwoman Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh) on the issue. The President did not instruct GECOM on its work.

However, there is one problem on the President’s position on a date for election. The President has insisted that he would not call (announce a date for) elections unless GECOM tells him it is ready for elections. And GECOM insists that a date is the prerogative of the President. GECOM does not have a constitutional date to set a date for elections. Even lawyers for GECOM and the Attorney General are in agreement that GECOM cannot fix a date for elections.

The procedure is the President fixes a date in accordance with the laws laid down in the constitution.

Whatever date, the President proposes, GECOM would respond and inform the Chief Executive if it can pull off credible elections by that date. In 2001, GECOM informed the President that elections were not possible on a proposed (Continued on page 6)

Insulting the intelligence of the Foreign Envoys/Diplomats DEAR EDITOR, I read with keen interest the speech that ‘caretaker’ President Granger had given to the Foreign Envoys/Diplomats that he is following the Consequential Orders of the CCJ and the Constitution of Guyana. It is a joke. In clear language – Law or otherwise – the judges of CCJ said that the Constitution must be the Guiding Force that the Government must follow. Yet the Attorney General is saying that the Consequential Order handed down by the CCJ doesn’t say that the Presi-

dent and Cabinet must resign.

What “hog wash”....it’s written in the Constitution. All they have done is try to insult the Intelligence of the foreign diplomats.

After all the shenanigans, this government has displayed, what moral authority does this government has to demand credible elections, when all of its actions are less than credible since the NCM. If any diplomat, including Caricom, believes that the President is following the Consequential Orders and the Constitution then I have some

oil leases in “La La Land” that I am willing to sell them.

At this stage, the International Community should demand (not request) that the government comply fully with the Constitution and the CCJ’s Consequential Order within a week. If the government fails to do so, the International Community should consider applying some soft sanctions at this point, e.g. revoking the President, Cabinet members and other government officials’ visas.

Regards Sukhdeo Singh

Looking forward to a statement from the Roman Catholic Bishop DEAR EDITOR, In 2014 when President Ramotar had prorogued Parliament and there was some political confusion, His Lordship, Bishop Francis of the Roman Catholic Church made a statement on that prorogation. His Lordship said on 20th November, 2014: “The proroguing or suspension of: Parliament has put Guyana into unchartered territory… It is true in former times the Catholic Church was in the forefront to promote justice and peace in Guyana, and we sought to give life and mean-

ing to Jesus’ exhortation to have a life and have it in full.

We have worked on many national issues from elections to domestic violence to trafficking in persons. . .

I therefore call upon all Guyanese and their leaders to ensure that we navigate these unchartered times peacefully, honestly and respectfully with a view to the earliest resumption of Parliamentary Democracy”.In the last halfa-year, a similar type of constitutional crisis has arisen in Guyana but this one is more acerbic owing to the seeming

lack of constitutional knowledge and silly legal gyrations of certain politicians.

Members of our church were expecting His Lordship’s intervention as he did during the Ramotar Presidency since such intervention increased the prestige of the Church and sent the message to the people that the Church cared for their welfare. We therefore look forward to His Lordship’s very early statement on this issue.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

THE PNC’S HISTORICAL PROBLEM WITH MATHS DEAR EDITOR, The PNC, which has hegemonic control of the APNU+AFC Coalition, seems to always have a problem with mathematics. This is a historical problem.

In the general elections of 1968, 1973 and 1985, the PNC claimed over 60 percent of the votes when everyone knew that these were rigged elections.

The 1978 referendum, which was boycotted, most tellingly exposed the PNC, with empty streets and polling stations; nevertheless the PNC recorded 80 percent turnout at the polls and unabashedly gave themselves two more years in office to introduce a new constitution.

More recently, the PNCled government went all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice to try to prove that 34 is the majority of 65 elected members of the National Assembly; their mathematical gymnastics failed and Guyana was made a laughing stock in the entire Caribbean region.

More recently, no less than the President stated that there were “200,000 incorrect entries” on the voters’ list, the “list was corrupted and needed to be sanitised”, hence the need for a new National House to House Registration and a new national identification card.

No evidence or even “anecdotal stories”, quote Minister Felix vis a vis the Haitian smuggling ring, were tendered to enlighten the population.

Where did this figure of “200,000” come from? How did the President come up with this figure? No one knows but again the PNC like a magician with his magic wand conjured up 200,000 – another example of “PNC maths” at work.

The fact that the Chief Elections Officer of the GECOM, when questioned by the media recently reference this astounding figure, disavowed that he had advised President Granger that the list was “bloated” with approximately 200,000 extra names.

Lowenfield cited that the 200,000 figure is speculative.

Understandable maybe, as how could he describe the voters’ list he oversaw for the 2015 general elections, as well

as the voters’ list for 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections be “bloated”?

“Bloated”, he admitted, “was not a word he would affix to it”. Only a few months before, he had described the same list as “clean and credible.”

If one takes the “PNC maths” seriously then let us examine this proposition by the President. The list of Guyanese registered for the last General and Regional Elections in 2015 was 570,708.

This election put the PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition in office, a list that it did not complain about then. If you reduced that List of 570,708 by Granger’s 200,000 you end up with 370,708 voters. This 370,708 is less than the number of people who actually voted at the 2015 General and Regional Elections; a total of 412,012 Guyanese voted at the 2015 Elections.

The 2018 voters’ list has 633,155 eligible voters. If one subtracts Mr. Granger’s 200,000, there are 433, 155 voters, a mere 21,143 voters more than in 2015. So is this how the PNC intends to disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters presently on the voters’ list? There is no doubt in my mind that this is the plan.

Now we have the “numbers game” with the Houseto-House Registration, and again like the man with the “chic chic” board, the aim is to deliberately confuse and distract the audience.

First, we have the announcement by GECOM that 20,000 people were registered at the end of Day 2, July 22, 2019.

Then GECOM announced on July 31, 2019 that 69,547 were registered in the first 11 days.

Next, the Department of Information on August 4, 2019 announced that 108, 814 persons were registered by August 2, 2019. When the PRO of GECOM was asked to verify this she is quoted in the media as saying that “as of the weekend (August 3-4), it was 70,000 so it should be around 100,000.”

Clearly, the race is on; the GECOM secretariat is rushing to prove that this exercise can be done in 3 months, by October 20, 2019.

However, no one believes that 108, 814 persons over the age of 14 have been so far registered. The fact that GECOM has not provided any data on the numbers registered by region or by the 29 Registration Offices only increases the suspicion. The fact that the CEO issued instructions to the Registration Officers to not give the permanent PPP/C scrutineers access to that information is also suspect.

The 2008 national houseto-house registration exercise was done in six months, January 7, 2008 to July 4, 2008.

430,745 persons were registered 14 years old and above; 33,000 were not registered as they did not have birth certificates at the time. General and regional elections were held in December 2011 after at least four continuous registration cycles and a claims and objections period.

In the 2008 house-tohouse registration exercise an average of 2,393 persons were registered per day; in 2019 GECOM would have us believe that 7,254 were on average registered per day in the first 15 days. GECOM knows that this is not accurate.

Readers may need to be reminded that on June 14, 2007, the Government of Guyana, GECOM and all of the existing Parliamentary Political Parties agreed to the conduct of the 2008 House-toHouse Registration. The agreement, which was signed by the GOG, PPP/C, PNCR-1G, AFC, GAP-ROAR, and the United Force (TUF) stated as follows:“That, prior to the holding of the forthcoming Local Government elections, a national 2007 House-to-House Registration, of all eligible registrants aged 14 years and over, will be undertaken

by GECOM and this will constitute the country’s new National Register of Registrants NRR)….

That all of the abovementioned Parties agree that the procedure of Continuous Registration will, thereafter, be used by the Guyana Elections Commission to update the NRR, on an ongoing basis, to ensure that a Voters’ List could be readily extracted for the holding of future elections.”

The 2008 house-to-house registration exercise was called the “Mother of All Registrations’ that would provide a new National Register of Registrants Data Base and ensure that GECOM with statutory continuous registration cycles would be in a state of readiness to hold elections at any time.

Over the last eight months, GECOM has refused to prepare for elections; this

is the first time that elections have not been held within 90 days as required by the constitution. In actual fact, it is GECOM during this period that has been an integral part of the subversion of constitutional rule in our country.

How can GECOM complete this exercise in half the time that it took to do so in the 2008 registration and with a larger population base now?

This becomes even more dubious when one remembers what Vincent Alexander, one of the three government- appointed members on GECOM told the media on February 11, 2019 that “July 2019 and February 2020 are the two dates Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will consider for the hosting of General and Regional Elections.”

According to Alexander, “…if claims and objections begin soon then you can host elections in July. If House to House registration is done, then elections would be February 2020…” Even Attorney Marcus, SC, for GECOM told the CCJ on July 1, 2019 that the house-to-house exercise would end on December 25, 2019!

What made GECOM in June this year half the time for the house to house exercise when it had projected in its work plan dated February 25th 2019, two months after the No confidence motion, that the House-to-House exercise would take from June 2nd to December 18, 2019, a total of 199 days or 6 months and 16 days? Now that the exercise started one month and 18 days later means that the date would most likely be pushed to early February 2020. Add to that the other consequential processes such data verification, cross matching of fingerprints, the production of a Preliminary Voters Lists, then a Claims and Objection period, followed by the production of the Official

List of Electors, and you could very well be holding elections well into mid-2020.

This is a travesty unheard of in any democratic or democratic aspiring nation.

But no matter how GECOM rushes, skips people’s houses and threatens people with being locked up if they do not register, it cannot escape the timeline of article 106 (7) of the Guyana Constitution and the CCJ June 18th ruling and July 12th consequential orders.

Make no bones about it, September 18, 2019 will come and the government will be illegal. It cannot remain in office in defiance of the Constitution and the Caribbean Court of Justice.

But there are 2 options that can prevent Guyana from becoming a pariah state: i) If the Court rules on August 14, 2019 that the House-toHouse exercise must be halted, elections preparations start immediately and elections be held as close as possible to the September 18 deadline; OR, ii) The Guyana Elections Commission decides to halt the House-toHouse exercise by mid-August; within 10 days commence a three week Claims and Objections period using the November 2018 voters’ list, elections could be held as soon as early mid-October.

Both options would knowingly be past the September 18 deadline but not too distant.

However, it is highly unlikely that the Granger caretaker government will deviate from its plan to remain in office for another year following the No Confidence Motion.

The PNC-led APNU+AFC government is obsessed, and has been since 2015, when they won with only a hair breath of 4,000 odd votes, despite the largest ever turnout of their supporters. This pre-occupation has become

more entrenched after their loss at the 2016 Local Government Elections and even more worrying after the 2018 Local Government Elections when it lost its mandate to govern. The PNC’s objective is to ensure that the voters’ list guarantees their victory, or, as they call it a ‘credible election.” This can only be done with padding the list with people not eligible to be voters and disenfranchising thousands who are entitled to vote, and the House-toHouse exercise allows for those objectives to be met.

The PNC predictably is also counting on threats of violence, veiled and overt, by its leaders, as per Basil Williams recently at the American Chamber of Commerce’s panel discussion. We have experienced all of this already; in 2015 when the PPPC was calling on GECOM to do a recount, the APNUAFC Coalition threatened that results had to be announced urgently or they would burn down Georgetown. GECOM capitulated. The PNC once again is counting on the use of fear and threats as it did in the 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2015 elections to suppress their opponents, and intimidate the middle roaders, sections of the middle class, foreigner investors and the international community, into compliance.

But once again, the PNC has the maths wrong: June 18 + 3 months = September 18, 2019; the government is illegal; House-to-house registration + 3 months = a flawed list; the government is illegal; elections in December = the government is illegal; 633,155 voters + claims and objections = APNU/AFC out of government. Whichever way it chooses the APNU/AFC Coalition caretaker government’s days are numbered.

Sincerely Gail Teixeira

The Executive and GECOM

From page 5 date and it was adjusted upon agreement by all parties.

GECOM usually needs three months. The constitution also caters for three months as indicated in the Article relating to the successful passage of a no confidence motion. Thus, GECOM must be in perennial preparation for elections just in case a government loses a no confidence motion. In fact, every country with a parliamentary system is always prepared for elections with a month’s notice.

GECOM’s hands are tied on house-tohouse registration until the court rules on August 14. GECOM meets on August 15 to review the court’s ruling. GECOM is likely to accept the ruling. Justice Claudette would not want to defy the court or the CCJ’s ruling using September 18 as a deadline for elections even though it is impractical.

The court does not have too much wiggle room on the issue on registration and an election date. The law does not cater for house-

to-house registration in light of the no confidence motion in which elections are constitutionally due by September 18 as interpreted by our country’s highest court, the CCJ. That ruling supersedes all other decisions made by GECOM or lower courts or the government.

The CCJ’s ruling is final law that cannot be reversed or defied in a democracy. Will the High Court (Justice Roxanne George) thread into the request of the opposition on powers of the executive to resign, dissolve the assembly, and fix a date for elections? The court is an independent branch of the government and can’t thread into the powers of the Presidency. The court can only interpret the law as indeed the CCJ did. The court is likely to repeat the judgment of the CCJ for the executive to follow the constitution, which states the government resigns and serve in a caretaker role as is the norm in any country where a government lost a no confidence motion.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Saturday August 10, 2019

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

Papua New Guinea to increase take in LNG deal with ExxonMobil, Total ...but APNU+AFC Govt. refuses to do same

I

n April last, three of the world’s leading oil majors, ExxonMobil, Total and Oil Search, were able to clinch a most profitable LNG deal with Papua New Guinea. But following the installment of a new government in May, the new Prime Minister, James Marape, said, “Not so fast!”

The new leader, who also served his country as a Finance Minister, said that he wants to relook at the oil deal to ensure there is m a x i m u m l o c a l participation and the country gets what it deserves. Even though concerns were expressed that the move by the new PM would delay the project by some two years, Marape insists that it is his right to “look into maximising gain from what God has given this country...”

He also acknowledged that while the US$13B project is critical and could double its exports of gas, the country could not go forward with same when there are outdated laws. He said that

this has to be corrected first, while noting that there must be equitable distribution of the nation’s spoils.

In the case of Guyana, President David Granger has taken a different approach.

Despite unrelenting criticisms of the Stabroek Block contract and calls for renegotiation, the Head of State made it clear that the lopsided deal will be honoured.

Since the release of the Guyana-ExxonMobil contract, many industry analysts have said that there are numerous weaknesses, which Guyana should address at the earliest o p p o r t u n i t y, w i t h t h e renewal period for the deal being one of them.

The paltry two percent royalty is just one of the many provisions considered by industry analysts to be abnormal and in urgent need of regularization.

Specifically, University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, recently pointed to absurd provisions which allow expatriates and subcontractors’ salaries or

income to not be subject to tax. The Petroleum Consultant noted that under Section 15.12 of the PSA, expatriates’ salaries are not subject to Income tax if they don’t spend more than 183 days in country.

Mitro said that this is an old trick in the book as the company simply gets many expats to be in rotation to avoid going over the 183 days. The Consultant stressed that most countries have plugged this tax avoidance loophole that companies have been abusing, while noting that Guyana should too, in all of the existing PSAs. With respect to subcontractors’ income, Mitro highlighted that Section 15.10 of the PSA allows for it to be exempted from Corporate Income tax during the exploration period.

The Consultant categorically stated that this is somewhat bizarre and should be corrected in Guyana’s model PSA. Mitro had also told Kaieteur News that many

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape countries have recognised how much they are losing in this regard, and are already imposing the tax. He recommended that Guyana do the same.

Other issues Mitro said must be corrected include paying the contractor’s income tax out of the

President, David Granger

country’s share of profits, rectifying the unusually large size of the blocks, upgrading the work obligations contractors have to meet as licensed holders, increasing the size of signing bonuses, implementing ringfencing provisions to prevent costs of

unsuccessful wells being carried over to that of successful wells, removing clauses which allow insurance premiums to be recoverable, and removing the troubling provision that allows the operators to fully recover interest and financing costs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday August 10, 2019

Shuman’s challenge to house-to-house NOAA increases chance for above registration for hearing Tuesday -normal hurricane season

A

Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram is challenging the constitutionality of the house-to-house registration exercise.Ram, through his lawyer Anil Nandlall, is asking the High Court to order GECOM to stop the house-to-house registration process, since it is not in keeping with the recent rulings of the CCJ, and more so the Constitution of Guyana, the supreme law.

n application filed by Lenox S h u m a n , Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, challenging the validity of an order signed by former Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) James Patterson for the holding of house-to-house registration, comes up for hearing next Tuesday, August 13, before Chief Justice Roxane George at the Demerara High Court.

Shuman, through his lawyer Sanjeev Datadin, contends that the order signed by Patterson on June 11 for the commencement of house-to-house registration is void, since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that his unilateral appointment was unconstitutional. About a week after the court’s ruling, Patterson officially resigned from the post.

House-to-house registration commenced on July 20, and according to Shuman, the exercise is expected to conclude on October 20. According to the Presidential hopeful, the

Lenox Shuman No-Confidence Motion was passed way back as December 21, 2018 when government collapsed and elections were due within three months of that date in accordance to Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution.Shuman is thereby seeking an order of certiorari quashing the order of June 11 signed by P a t t e r s o n f o r commencement of houseto-house registration. He is also asking the court to award him costs and any other order which the court deems fit. That aside,

Ram is also seeking an order compelling GECOM to immediately take all steps and actions necessary and requisite to hold General and Regional Elections on or before the 18th day of September 2019, in compliance with Article 106(6) and 106(7) of the Constitution of Guyana and the decisions of the CCJ. Ram contends that the registration process will collide with the elections timeframe.

The Chief Justice will deliver her ruling in that matter on Wednesday, August 14.

WASHINGTON (CMC) – Forecasters monitoring oceanic and atmospheric patterns at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say conditions are now more favourable for abovenormal hurricane activity since El Niño has now ended.

NOAA said El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of what is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which is a scientific term that describes the fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and atmosphere in the east-central Equatorial Pacific.

NOAA said that two named storms hAA administrator.

“Armed with our nextgeneration satellites, sophisticated weather models, hurricane hunter aircraft, and the expertise of our forecasters, ave formed so far this year, adding that the peak months of the hurricane season, August through October, are now underway.

“NOAA will continue to deliver the information that

the public depends on before, during and after any storms throughout the hurricane season,” said Dr. Neil Jacobs, acting NOwe are prepared to keep communities informed to help save lives and livelihoods.”

Seasonal forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 45 per cent, up from 30 per cent from the outlook issued in May. NOAA said the likelihood of near-normal activity is now at 35 per cent, stating that the chance of below-normal activity has dropped to 20 per cent.

The number of predicted storms is also greater, with NOAA now expecting 10-17 named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater, of which 59 will become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater, including 2-4 major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

NOAA said this updated outlook is for the entire six-

month hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.

NOAA also said that the current El Niño in the Pacific Ocean has ended and neutral conditions have returned.

“El Niño typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity but now that it’s gone, we could see a busier season ahead,” said Dr. Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

“This evolution, combined with the more conducive conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes that began in 1995, increases the likelihood of abovenormal activity this year.”

On average, NOAA said the Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, i ncluding three major hurricanes.

N O A A’s h u r r i c a n e season outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast.

“Landfalls are largely determined by short-term weather patterns, which are only predictable within about a week of a storm potentially reaching a coastline,” NOAA said.

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

South of the Border, down Brazil way!

T

he government’s numbers relating to the arrival and departure of Haitians give rise to more questions than answers.

The government says that a little more than 1,100 of the Haitians who arrived for this year have departed, and not 13, as was claimed by this newspaper.

The government was a little late in responding to the concerns expressed about a possible people-smuggling ring involving Haitians.

And, therefore, one has to also examine closely, and not take for granted automatically, the numbers which the government have thrown out as representing the departure of Haitian nationals for this year so far.

The government says there is no evidence of people-smuggling involving the movement of Haitians.

But this does not account for the thousands of Haitians and Cubans coming into the country, and for whom there are no records of departure.

If thousands of Haitians are coming to Guyana via airlines, they are coming mainly with return tickets.

Therefore it is reasonable to expect that having spent all of that money to come to Guyana – some persons place the sum as much as US$1,900 – that they would be returning via air.

Now if they were planning to go to Brazil overland, and if they had

valid visas to go to Brazil, there would hardly seem to be reason why they should be expending all that money to buy a return ticket.

Let us suppose that, with our overzealous immigration officers, the majority of those Haitians decided that it was necessary to arrive with a return ticket to show an intention to return. Fair enough. But from where did the just over 1,100 depart? Did they depart with their return tickets or did they depart through Lethem?

And, if so, why then have a return ticket?

The point is that it makes little sense for the government - in response to the concerns being expressed - to provide the departure numbers, without indicating how many of these departures were overland and how many were by air.

Reports in another section of the media quoted Haitian arrivals as saying that many of them do not pass through immigration at our borders.

This means that they leave illegally and the act of providing any form of assistance for illegal entry or departure amounts to smuggling.

And this is the issue which needs to be addressed.

Of the 7,000 persons who are not recorded as having left Guyana for this year, how many are believed to have

left illegally across our borders? And how many are estimated to still be in Guyana?

What measures are being put in place to ensure that there is no ‘backtracking’ across the Guyana border into Brazil.

The authorities have also not indicated whether they are in contact with their Brazilian colleagues about monitoring the situation.

This is all the more important, given that the traffic does not appear to be only Haitians - but from the numbers provided by the opposition last year, there would seem to be a case, also, of large number of Cubans making their way to Brazil.

Last April, a representative of the Cuban government met with local officials and urged a rethink of the no-visa policy for Cubans entering Guyana.

The Cubans contended that this is not intended to slow the traffic of Cubans, but to ensure a smooth legal flow.

In other words, the Cubans are concerned about the risk of their countrymen becoming involved in illegal migration to other nations.

Cuba recognises the damage to its image, which can result from a mini-exodus of Cubans to South American states.

It is for this reason that the Cubans asked for information about Cubans passing through Guyana.

Dem boys seh...

Some big ones trying to bruk up de police force De police force can never get good because while de big ones trying to mek de lower ranks behave, dem got others who does put pressure pon de lower ones to mek dem lef de wuk. Some of dem does even mek good ones run and lef de wuk because of de power de big ones got.

A traffic rank stand up outside de Ruimveldt Police Station watching traffic to mek sure dat people obey de law. He see a car coming wid de number plate partially obscured. Dat mean dat something cover part of de number plate.

He pull over de vehicle and he see de tint. He tell de driver of de offence and order him to correct it. Then he hear a voice and dis is wha get dem boys vex. De lady

was sitting in de front seat but she lean back de seat suh de traffic policeman couldn’t see she at de start.

Dem boys seh when de policeman done warn de driver she raise up and ask him if he ever own a car.

Then she ask him why he harassing de driver. De poor policeman tell she and de driver to have a good day but de woman, who is a big woman in de force, tell him dat she gon move him out of traffic.

True to she word, de man now driving prisoners. And he was a good traffic cop. No wonder de police can’t get and keep good people.

Dem boys seh dat dis senior cop does mek life rough fuh dem policemen who got pretty gyal. De woman and de men does

compete fuh any young females.

But wha tek de cake was anodda traffic rank in Lethem. An old taxi driver transporting some passenger in Lethem. De road bad suh he swerving from de potholes. Dem boys see a policeman ride up and pull over de driver. He is a corporal.

Is then de shock come.

He tell de old man how he gon charge him fuh dodging potholes. “You got to drive in de potholes. If you don’t do dat, you committing an offence.” Dem boys never know it against de law to refuse to drive in a pothole.

Dis is one traffic rank who don’t have wuk to do.

He should get transfer.

Talk half and feel sorry fuh some young police.

They recognise that apart from coming for shopping and permanent visaprocessing to the United States, Cubans may also be using Guyana as a chute to get into other South American nations.

More than 2,000 Cubans have reportedly applied for asylum between last November and last April, according to “The Rio Times”, a Brazilian news source. Brazil is also offering Cubans a permit to stay in Brazil once they are part of the Doctors for Brazil

programme, a version of which the Brazilian government, ironically, discontinued last year.

Cuban professionals are therefore going to head towards Brazil, and Guyana may be part of their in-transit travel plans.

All of this suggests that the government has to get serious about immigration controls.

No country should have slack controls when it comes to the movement of foreign nationals across its borders.

Judging from the number of

unaccounted-for Cubans and Haitians who arrived in Guyana, there is a need for those controls to be looked at again.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday August 10, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Nagamootoo and Ramotar: Lie, yuh hear lie?

I

was coming out of Giftland Mall and this gentleman came up to meet me. He was with his family and said he was from Whim, and will be going back there the next day.

He wanted to talk about

Nagamootoo. The conversation got going and it turned uneasy for me, because his wife and two little girls were kept waiting.

I wasn’t interested in talking about Nagamootoo, but then he told me something interesting.

He said that during the 2015 election campaign, there was an APNU+AFC rally at Whim, and people were taken there from other locations in several trucks, wearing APNU colours and waving palm trees. He said it was a disaster for

Nagamootoo, because the people of Whim didn’t like how the APNU supporters were behaving. And that played a large part in the loss of Whim to the PPP. He said that during the rally, he spoke with Nagamootoo.

What Nagamootoo said caused him to change his mind, and the days after he told several persons in the village, including two relatives of Nagamootoo, who were shocked at the revelation. Nagamootoo told him that he had no part in the planning of the rally. He looked at me with vexed eyes and intoned; “Freddie, that is your home town, you have a rally there and you didn’t plan it?”

Before we parted, I enquired about the election campaign coming up. He said that one of N a g a m o o t o o ’s c l o s e relatives told him that in 2015 she voted for him, but not this time. I laughingly said that Nagamootoo is always writing these words, “they look set to pick Naga’s bones in Whim.” This is how he reacted; “We gun pick more than he bones this time.”

Moses Nagamootoo has had a weekly column for years now in the Chronicle.

He tackles all of kinds of issues, and some he avoids like the plague. He has refused to pen even one sentence of response to David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis. Both men contend that he was a willing participant in the decision to stop their Chronicle columns.

It is unacceptable that no journalist has ever asked him to answer these men.

Nagamootoo is like Granger; after four years of power, Granger held only three press conferences; Nagamootoo not one. So as we come up to a general elections, journalists have to do their research. They have to pursue questions that must be pursued. Nagamootoo has the moral obligation to voters to explain his role, if any, in the Chronicle imbroglio.

If he ever holds a town hall meeting during the upcoming campaign where questions are allowed, even if it is Port Mourant or Lethem, I will travel there, and as a voter, demand that he explain why these two men were removed. The issue reverberated all over Guyana, yet Nagamootoo has avoided the story like the Ebola virus.

Of course, he may not hold a town hall meeting at all, because he may not be on the campaign trail. I am convinced that he will not get the PM slot. I was speaking with one of the AFC’s decision-makers last Monday and this vexation came up.

He said the AFC recommended Ramjattan for the PM slot. APNU cannot hope to keep the election coalition intact if they choose Nagamootoo over Ramjattan. These were his words – “then the coalition will break up.”

As we countdown to the election date, questions from the voters and the media must cascade like a fountain.

Donald Ramotar and Nagamootoo have the same corrugated, twisted, political culture that they inherited from the PPP since they were

Frederick Kissoon in short pants. Both men are barefaced, in that they write and speak often, but evade the truth.

Ramotar, in reply to Eusi Kwayana, uttered one of the sickest asininities that can ever come out of the mouth of a politician.

He prorogued the House in December 2010 knowing full well that his minority government would have fallen with the noconfidence motion that was on the Order Paper. He wrote recently that the prorogation was done so as to facilitate dialogue between the ruling party and opposition.

What idiocy! How can any former president write such nonsense? How can you stop parliament from functioning and expect the opposition, which has a majority in the very parliament, to open talks with you?

Nagamootoo told me in 2014 at the Christmas lime on the premises of David Patterson’s company in D’Urban Backlands that he was writing his memoir. He said it would be out shortly. I was told Ramotar is writing his own. There is a famous calypso with the line; “lie, yuh hear lie?”

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

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

By the busloads…

Days after the Government admitted that from evidence, Haitians were making it across the borders after landing legally in Guyana, there are indications that daily, up to seven vehicles are making it to Lethem.

Lethem is the Region 9 town that borders Guyana with Brazil and connects via a bridge across the Takutu River. It has checkpoints on both sides of the river, with Immigration and Customs personnel manning the facilities.

The bridge has been helping Lethem with Chinese

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

More than 100 Haitians, Cubans stamping in at Brazil border checkpoint daily - Brazilian immigration stores springing up in recent years, attracting scores of Brazilian traders and shoppers daily.

The crossing has also attracted something else…people who wanted to get across at all costs.

Over the years, they included Chinese, Venezuelans, and now Haitians.

There are also strong indications the Cubans, too, are capitalising on the novisa entry to Guyana to make their way to Brazil.

“It is by the busloads. We

have people here who are moving them to Brazil. It is good business,” one resident said Wednesday.

There is no problem. The Haitians and Cubans are entering Guyana legally. They go to Lethem legally.

Somehow, they make it across the river to the Brazilian checkpoint. They are not checking in on the Guyana side.

The problem is, on the books, they are not leaving legally. It meant Guyana is a transit point.

The Government is not

too concerned, with little evidence that smuggling is a major issue, a statement from Government said this week.

However, on the Brazilian side, officials this week confirmed that on average up to 100 Haitians and Cubans would stamp in daily. Of that they are sure.

Cubans and Haitians are also using planes from Ogle Airport.

Like in the city, where persons are coordinating the arrival and movement of the nationals from the Timehri airport, at Lethem, there is an open system where drivers vie for the business.

It is ready business…that pays well in a place where trade with the Chinese is the biggest thing.

There are bars where the Haitians can freshen up, and even a bus service that is ready to take them. They are brought to certain homes and places, and at specific times are moved to Bonfim, the area across the Takutu River, on the Brazilian side.

The situation of the

volume of persons who were moving through the checkpoints daily has increased in recent months. It has largely been kept quiet.

BENEFITS The transportation services have been benefitting. The planes from Ogle Airport are filled.

The situation only came to light recently when the Opposition continued to complain that it has information that thousands of Haitians and other foreigners are coming to Guyana and not leaving.

An investigation by Kaieteur News found an unusual number, indeed, daily from the Copa Airline flight from Panama. The Haitians, more than 50 of them, were landing here per day.

They are picked up in minibuses and whisked to city spots.

However, from checks, it was discovered that five to six minibuses were making it to Lethem daily from the city.

The Government has denied that the situation is

human smuggling or trafficking.

In a statement, following the reports in Kaieteur News, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Monday confirmed that for the year more than 8,400 Haitians arrived but Government can only account for a little more than 1,100 leaving.

In his statement, Felix, a former Commissioner of Police, was also highly critical of media entities which he said were promoting xenophobia of Haitians.

The issue had triggered a bitter debate with the Opposition accusing the Government, which is facing early elections, of using the Haitians to register them on the voters list.

Minister Felix, in an interview with the Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency, said it is clear that there is a sinister agenda afoot, aimed at using the arrival of Haitians in Guyana for (Continued on page 13)

There is no smuggling of Haitians in Guyana, Government says.

The Brazil checkpoint, called “The Federal”, which houses the Immigrations and other services.

Saturday August 10, 2019

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

More than 100 Haitians, Cubans stamping in at Brazil...

From page 12 political mileage through falsified information to deceive and sow seeds of discord among Guyanese.

Instead, he said, during the first seven months, 8,476 Haitians arrived in Guyana and 1,170 departed the country. Forty-eight were refused leave on landing.

“No one would deny that Haitians are one of the higher numbers arriving in Guyana from around the Caribbean, but the records produced…are grossly incorrect and cannot be trusted to guide the public as to what is really taking place,” Minster Felix said. Records from the Department show that in 2013, 188 Haitians arrived in Guyana with 99 departures; in 2014, 227 arrivals and 113 departures; in 2015, 770 arrivals with 136 departures; in 2016, 722 arrivals with 451 departures; in 2018, 3,515 arrivals with 291 departures and in 2018, 1,238 arrivals with 85 departures.

In 2019, there was legislative

adjustment to Schedule II of the Immigration Act, Cap. 14:02, to include Haiti as a beneficiary to the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME), which facilitates free movement within the Region and automatic entry and stay of six months in the CARICOM countries.

Prior to the amendment, the Act had facilitated the six months automatic stay to other CARICOM member states including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Montserrat, Grenada, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago with the exception of Haiti, whose nationals had required a visa and were only allowed to stay for up to 90 days or three months. Since then, Haitians no longer need a visa to travel to Guyana and are afforded the same treatment and welcome that other CARICOM nationals have enjoyed.

FREEMOVEMENT Further to this, Minister Felix said, Haitians have

capitalised on free movement within the Region to travel to Guyana and other states.

“I know in some instances; the Haitians have walked over mountains to the Dominican Republic to catch flights to Central and South America using whatever airlines are available. This, along with the relaxation of the visa requirement, has allowed for freer movement of Haitians around the Region.”

He said that many of the news outlets have been making heavy weather of the Haitians who cannot be accounted for.

“We have large and unprotected borders on the East with Suriname, on the West with Venezuela and on the South with Brazil. It is very easy to travel from certain parts of the Rupununi to Brazil because of the porous borders. For Suriname, there is the decades-old back track, which the Haitians utilise to travel across and then onward to Cayenne,” he said.

“This position resembles

The Lethem checkpoint at the Takutu Bridge

xenophobia and is even practiced by certain people in power. I cannot see why a CARICOM state, which has now gotten CSME status can be so vilified for passing through Guyana.

They are just passing through and yet they are attracting all the

negative thoughts and actions of people who are seeking power.

The Minister of Citizenship pointed out that the Guyana Police Force has made checks and to date, has found no evidence to indicate even a single instance of people

smuggling or Trafficking in Persons (TIP), relative to the Haitian travellers.

As a matter of fact, he said, the Force, since 2014 has not found a single case of Haitians being victims of either of the alleged crimes.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday August 10, 2019

Energy Dept.s oil sale plan may be dead on arrival - Chris Ram Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe recently disclosed that Government has taken the decision to hire a consultant who would be in charge of helping Guyana sell its share of the crude from the Stabroek Block. But Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, in his recent writings, opined that Dr. Bynoe may be way in over his head on this one.

While the official did not go into details, Ram said that Dr. Bynoes proposition for Guyana to sell its own share of crude has substantially overestimated what will be collected. He said, too, that whoever the buyer is, will find the unit cost of transportation quite high. As such, Ram alluded that Dr. Bynoes plan may very well be dead on arrival. To prove his point in this regard, the Chartered Accountant delved into some estimation, using the sketchy

plan disclosed by Dr. Bynoe.

Ram said, “According to the Doctor, Guyanas crude oil will be sold in million barrel cargos and a crude cargo lift will be used every eight to 10 days...Let us test Bynoes figures against the certainty that Guyana will receive only 14.25% of production for up to the fourth year.”

The Chartered Accountant continued, “We know too that in the first and second years, production will be 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. From this we can easily calculate that over an eight-day period, production will be 960,000 barrels and over a ten-day period, production will be 1,200,000 barrels.”

He added, “In other words, Guyana would have to take all the production to permit one million barrels every eight days: and that is gross production, without deductions for petroleum used for

Energy Dept. Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe fuel or transportation in the terminal system.”

Taking 14.25% of the eight days production, Ram noted that Guyanas share is

136,800 barrels while its share over a 10-day period will be 171,000 barrels. Put another way, for Guyana to earn one million barrels as its share of

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram production, Ram said it would need to accumulate its share over approximately two months. In conclusion, Ram said that not only does Dr.

Bynoes numbers and his plan not make any sense, but it is also embarrassing to leave then out there as part of Governments policy.

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 10, 2019

PAGE 17

Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital appoints first Guyanese Embryologist - as institution aims to become leading Infertility Centre in the Caribbean

I

n its quest to become the leading Infertility Centre in the Caribbean, Dr. Balwant S i n g h ’s H o s p i t a l h a s appointed the first Guyanese embryologist in the person of Ganesh Persaud.

Embryology is the field of medicine concerned with the study and development of embryos.

The India-trained embryologist will work in the East Street, Georgetownlocated private hospital’s in vitro fertilisation [IVF] lab under the supervision of Dr. Madhu Singh, Guyana’s only infertility specialist.

Persaud’s appointment, which was first announced on Thursday, is expected to help boost the hospital’s goal to expand its IVF operation.

But his elevation to this post was not unexpected.

Originally from Essequibo, Persaud, at the age of 17, moved to Georgetown to commence studies at the University of Guyana. He completed his Bachelor ’s in Medical Technology there, after which he began working in the laboratory at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital. He worked

Guyanese Embryologist, Ganesh Persaud

there for six years before being appointed Head of the Lab. He was privileged to work with a number of visiting embryologists at the institution and was also tasked with doing preparations for the infertility procedures at the hospital. This exposure caused him to become inspired to specialise in the field of Embryology.

Ganesh Persaud in work mode

P e r s a u d , m o r e o v e r, decided to apply to Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital for a scholarship, which he received. This allowed for him to complete training at the Craft Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India. Just returned from India a few weeks ago as an Embryology specialist, Persaud is expected to lend support to the hospital’s agenda to grow

tremendously over the coming years, with a view of i t h a v i n g t h e l a rg e s t Infertility Centre in the Caribbean.

Infertility is said to be the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 or more months of unprotected sexual intercourse.

The most common factors causing infertility are a low sperm count, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [PCOS], other hormonal disorders including endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and waiting to get pregnant or delaying infertility treatment.

According to Persaud, “in Guyana it is very common for patients to delay infertility treatment, and to wait until they are in their late 30s or early 40s before they start the process.” He noted that “with increasing maternal age, the quality of eggs released by the ovary decreases and this makes pregnancy very hard.”

Before the hospital began to advertise its infertility services, Dr. Singh had started to speak on the issue, and found that a number of patients would never seek treatment, and weren’t even attempting to deal with this issue through the proper channels.

Persaud said that “patients who are not getting pregnant with simple treatments like clomiphene, can move on to more advanced treatments like intra-uterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation.”

IVF is a process whereby fertilisation of an egg and

sperm is completed in the laboratory, after the eggs have been harvested by the gynaecologist.

The new embryologist’s specific area of speciality is in vitro fertilisationintracytoplasmic sperm injection [IVF-ICSI].

In vitro fertilisation is a process in which the eggs from a woman are retrieved and then combined with the sperm in a laboratory.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection involves directly injecting the sperm into the egg, and this is a highly technical procedure which is (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

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Saturday August 10, 2019

DMRC’s renal failure pilot study finds...

Dr. Azim Gangji

Hypertension, diabetes common risk factors for Guyanese

H

ypertension [high blood pressure] and diabetes have been found to be two of the main factors causing persons to be vulnerable to renal failure here in Guyana.

This has been substantiated through the first phase of a study conducted by the Doobay Medical and Research Centre [DMRC] at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, in collaboration with Canada’s McMaster University.

The pilot study was done

by Dr. Azim Gangji, a Canada-based Transplant Physician, who has been volunteering his services to DMRC for close to a decade.

He said the study targeted the predominant races –

African and Indian Guyanese. A sample of 100 individuals – 50 AfricanGuyanese and 50 IndianGuyanese – was randomly selected for the study.

Renal failure [also known as kidney failure] is said to occur when an individual’s kidneys lose their ability to sufficiently filter waste from the blood, control the body’s fluid balance, and keep the right level of electrolytes.

A number of medical conditions can cause an individual to develop renal failure, but as Dr. Gangji noted, of the sample studies there are two common risk factors – hypertension and diabetes – among Guyanese.

There is no cure for renal failure, so the best options for those so diagnosed, once

their condition becomes chronic, is to be dialysed [have a machine remove the waste from the blood at least three times weekly] until they die or undergo a kidney transplant surgery once they are able to find a willing donor.

But according to Dr. Gangji, the possibility exists that the potential of developing renal failure could be reversed if the necessary measures are taken, once persons are found to have the preconditions.

“A lot of people don’t know they have these conditions,” said Dr. Gangji, as he disclosed that “we had a 50 percent split between Indian and African Guyanese, so that we can get a full spectrum.”

As part of the research, the medical expert, who is an Academic Clinician and Professor of Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, said that those selected for the research had their blood and pressure tested.

If these were found to be elevated, he explained that “we started them off on medication free of charge from DMRC.” The project is currently in its follow-up phase.

According to Dr. Gangji, in another seven to eight months the outcome of early treatment to reverse the effects of the pre-conditions, and by extension renal failure, is likely to be published and shared with the Ministry of Public Health.

“If we can identify their conditions and treat them very quickly, then we can prevent all of these kidney failures and even cardiac

complications, neurological complications such as stroke and amputations and so forth, from occurring,” said Dr. Gangji.

He however noted that treatment must go hand in hand with proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes. Although DMRC was introduced to provide dialysis to a growing renal failure population here back in 2011, the facility’s operation has since evolved.

This has seen the facility seeking to ascertain, through the study, what are the primary contributory factors, with a view of helping to reduce the number of renal failure patients.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Budhendranauth Doobay, Head of DMRC, the study was therefore designed to target persons unaware of conditions they have that could contribute to renal failure. This is in light of the fact that many people present when they begin to manifest symptoms of renal

failure.

“This assessment is to determine whether they [participants] have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, and we at the centre will provide this service free of cost to them,” Dr. Doobay had said when the study was launched in November of last year.

Programme Manager at McMaster University’s Population Health Research Institute, Ms. Dipika Desai, said then too, “It is important to study the actual risk factors of what brings people to end stage renal failure.”

She pointed out that such information is currently lacking in Guyana, adding that “We did a little bit of literature review and we try to understand what we can, to see what published research there is about Guyana, but unfortunately we didn’t find much, and so we said that’s what we have t o d o . . . b u i l d a baseline...before we start on a wider scale.”

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Harvesting of Albion Estates second crop hit by strike

The Albion sugar workers on strike Thursday On Thursday, the first scheduled day of harvesting of the canes of the second crop, workers of all the gangs of Albion Estate, East Berbice, downed tools, severely affecting operations.

The workers are calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) to address an increase in pay.

“It cannot be forgotten that sugar workers wages have been frozen since 2015.

The naked discrimination against this hardworking group of the states employees manifested through denials of pay increases and attacks on other long standing benefits and conditions coupled with an ever rising tax burden, among the other hardships of contemporary Guyanese life, have severely eroded the

workers and their families purchasing power and by extension, their standard of living,” the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said yesterday of the situation.

The workers also are peeved over the arbitrary hiking of the estates weekly production targets. “They contend that the increase in the estates targets from 2,100 tonnes sugar to 2,140 would be disadvantageous and will prevent the estate from realizing the target and thus affecting incentives arising on the attainment of the target.

The workers argue, quite correctly, that the inability to achieve target through the arbitrary increase could well daunt their commitment and belie the notion of the incentive in the first place.”

Additionally, workers engaged in the mechanical loading of canes said they are upset regarding what they believe is an unnecessary change in their hours of work.

“The bell loader operators as they are known would usually work from 06:00h to 18:00h during the cropping period, however, the corporation, without rhyme or reason and in ignorance of the workers concerns, are requiring the workers in question to work from 10:00h to 22:00h.” GAWU said that another issue regards the workers engaged in the mechanical tillage tasks who have rightly disagreed with the arbitrary downward adjustments of their pay rates pertaining to certain tasks.

“The union is awaiting a (Continued on page 22)

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

Court denies bail for convicted Muslim Scholar Chief Justice Roxane George refused to grant an application for bail, pending appeal, made by Attorney Glenn Hanoman on behalf of Muslim Scholar Neezam Ali, who was convicted earlier this year for raping a nine-year-old boy and was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment.

During a bail hearing yesterday, Hanoman advanced that his client has certain medical conditions and jail was not the most suitable place for him to be. Justice

G e o rg e , h o w e v e r, h e l d that this was insufficient ground and refused the application.

In March, Justice Navindra Singh sentenced Ali to 45 years behind bars after a 12member mixed jury convicted him of the offence with a unanimous guilty verdict delivered at the High Court in Demerara. The court heard that Ali, between December 5, 2011, and December 31, 2011, engaged in sexual penetration with a child under

the age of 16 by abusing his position of trust while being an Imam at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown Masjid.

That aside, Ali has appealed the conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal where he argues among other things that the conviction cannot stand, taking into account that which was adduced at his trial.

The convict also argues that the sentence was excessive in all the circumstances. “The learned trial

judge utilised a mathematical formula in passing the sentence of 45 years that is without legal basis, and failed to take into account established sentencing guidelines, and passed a sentence that was inco n s i s tent with the current sentencing practice,�

Ali contends in a Notice of Appeal.

Eight other boys have alleged that Ali had penetrative anal intercourse with them while they were minors. The incidents allegedly took

place when the boys were attending classes at an East Coast Demerara Masjid.

The allegations of abuse first came to light when the Child Care and Protection Agency received an anonymous tip and officials there began an investigation that led them to the boys, who were then between the ages of four and ten.

Ali is still to be tried for eight more counts of child rape at the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

Neezam Ali

Miner allegedly steals 8 ounces of raw gold to buy clothes A 28-year-old miner was yesterday released on bail after he was charged for stealing a quantity of raw gold. Oliver LaRose did not plead to the charge after he requested to have his matter be tried in the High Court.

It was alleged that on August 6, last at Machala Backdam, Mahdia, LaRose stole eight ounces of raw gold belonging to Joseph Maloo and valued at $1,872,000. The unrepresented LaRose, who hails from Diamond/Grove, East Bank Demerara, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

According to information received, the men are known to each other, as LaRose is an employee of Maloo. On the day in question, Maloo left LaRose cooking in the camp kitchen and went out.

Upon his return, the employer found an empty kitchen with the food burning and La Rose gone.

A search of the camp revealed that the gold was missing. A police report was made which prompted an investigation and led to the arrest of LaRose.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield indicated that only four and a half ounces of raw gold was recovered on the person of LaRose after he was arrested.

He was also found with $57,000 and a quantity of clothing in his possession. He reportedly told the police ranks who arrested him that he used money from the sale of the raw gold to buy the clothing.

Prosecutor Mansfield had no objections to bail being granted to the defendant, however he asked that conditions should be attached.

Magistrate McLennan then released LaRose on $200,000 bail under the condition that he report to the Mahdia police station every Friday pending the outcome of matter.

The case was then transferred to Mahdia Magistrates Court where a preliminary inquiry will be conducted before being sent to the High Court for trial. LaRose is expected to return to court on October 15.

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

Dr Balwant Singh’s ...

From page 17 still only being offered by the most advanced IVF clinics around the world. The success rates with IVF-ICSI are higher than those with IVF alone, where it is indicated.

According to Persaud, “Dr. Madhu’s infertility clinic

has brought relief to many Guyanese, and is now frequented by patients from neighbouring countries like Suriname, and the neighbouring islands, because for the Caribbean, this hospital offers the best price”.“The success rates produced by the clinic

are on par with that of the clinics in Barbados and Trinidad, and the price is a fraction of that being quoted at those clinics,” added Persaud, who is optimistic that with his help, “the IVF lab will continue to grow and eventually become the largest in the Caribbean”.

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

Harvesting of Albion...

From page 19

SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

450-Honda ATV, Cat 215 Excavator, Cat 215- Excavator spares, Cat 428 Back-hoe #683-7225/275-0367

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966

Double steel wheeled 8-tons roller, 9 wheel pneumatic roller.

Mack concrete Mixer truck- 8 cu. Yds, 650-Gals spray kettel. #683-7225/275-0367 Mix breed pups, Rotweiler with richback. Contact# 2533114/692-0126 For sale:Pure bred German Shepherd puppies(Male only).Contact:697-1141,6126672.

Rottweiler & German Shepherd mixed breed puppies $60,000 Tel# 2202277/220-8904/629-1471 1-3408 Cat Block & Crankshaft (std) 2-3408 Cat head (New) Call: 622-8265

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: PROPERTY FOR SALE FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, House and land available at FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific TEL#629-4946,225-4822 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 CAR RENTAL 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 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Property for sale at Lot 271 Thomas St, North Cummingsburg. Contact Info: Dennis James #676-1337/2170208, Winifred James #6699969/225-7286 @200,000 Negotiable Sale of Lot 87 Albert St, Albertown Cottage. Land and Property 80x20. Tel#669-8701 LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 6683043 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

FOR RENT

WANTED

VACANCY

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 E-Field Sophia, One bedroom apartment unfurnished $25,000, Water & Light included. Tel#219-3566/6970389

Urgently need one land to buy in Eccles and on the East Coast Demerara. Tel#656-0701

Operator (Electrical & Mechanical Knowledge an asset), Labourer. Apply with handwritten application, Police Clearance. Wieting & Richter Ltd 10-13 Water St, G/ town

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

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 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 1 Female Driver/Expediter with experience. Call: 226-9492

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

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

Diamond 4th Bridge, 3 bedroom house. Tel#6496569, 621-9929

Wanted land in parfaite or anywhere on the West Coast.

Tel# 697-6311

Fully furnished 3 bedroom executive style house, Grove EBD. #652-1234 $1500 US

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

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

VEHICLE FOR SALE 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.

1 Welder, gas welding & arc.Age 25-40.Apply@ 21 Broad street, Fat Man Welding shop.223-5595/6439125.

1 Chowmein machine operator.

Apply in person to R.P’s Enterprise, Area ‘K’ Le Resouvenir, ECD

Furnished, Airconditioned one bedroom apartment E.B.D Light & water included No security deposit.Price$80,000 Call:6680306/694-7817

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

Tel#676-9562 $1.450M

VACANCY

One 2014 Honda Vezel, Special Edition, Halo Light $4.2M Neg. #689-5103 New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered $2.3M , Toyota Vitz 2010 Black unregistered $1.8M . Tel#2235615/600-4212 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool table. #6519039

1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 2450 yrs old. #225-1429/641-5075 Pump attendant & cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) Shell Service Station Providence EBD. E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com 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

TO LET

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.

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

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

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 Male Bond Staff & Experienced Salesgirl with 2 yr experience CXC maths & english. Attractive Salary, Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact#2278529

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

Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/600-8457 Canter Drivers- must be able to read & write, must be to assist Sales Reps on Canter.

Call: 617-1809 Room attendant 25-45 years 233 South Road Lacytown #225-0198 Waitress & Cook preferably carnegie trained & cashier/ waitress #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street

meeting with the Industrial Relations Department of GuySuCo to address the matter. Indeed, the several matters and concerns which, it seems, are not being sincerely considered by the GuySuCo have deeply upset the workers.

They charged that they continue to give their best efforts and seek, at all times, to go above and beyond and yet, it appears, they are treated in the shabbiest of manners. This is not a healthy development and we are hopeful that the Corporation will, with an open mind and listening ear, consider the workers cries.”

Albion is one of three sugar estates remaining under the state-owned GuySuCo. Four other estatesSkeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales - are up for privatization and divestment.

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 Lorry Driver & Porters for futher information. Contact NS Trucking: 216-3152/5012537/617-5632 Salesgirl. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda.

Mason. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda.

One waitress, One kitchen assistant needed. Apply in person at the Coffee Bean 133 Church St. #223-2222 Vacancy exist for:- One Housekeeper. Ages 40-50, must be clean, vigilant and good with kids. Please call: 678-5206 Two (2) Seamstress to work for an established company, must have experience. Call #672-4695 for more information

Saturday August 10, 2019

Teacher-student sex scandal takes surprising turn …as mother drops matter halting police probe Folks at the Region 3 Education Department are aghast at the turn of events with regards to the case of the West Demerara District teacher that was fingered in a sex scandal involving a 14year-old female student.

While the teacher will appear before the Teaching Service Commission Board on August 14, the case took a sudden turn when the mother of the child recently went to La Grange Police Station and gave ranks there a statement dictating that she wanted no further police investigation, and indicating that she was dropping all charges against the teacher.

While the matter may have been dropped at the police level, the teacher will however appear before an

investigative panel within the Teaching Service Commission.

Credible sources yesterday said the 34 year-old teacher has been doing all he can to quiet the matter since it came to light earlier this year.

The incident had come to light when a close associate of the young girl had told teachers, after the victim had confided in her about what transpired. It is said that the teacher was ‘preening and pruning’ the young girl since she entered secondary school, and apparently having sexual intercourse with her when she became fourteen. Reports suggest that the teacher would often lure the young girl to his home where he seduced her to perform sex acts.

Alleged sexual misconduct by MP…

Police mount probe into claims of cover-up by ranks A special police team has been dispatched to Lethem to probe reports that some ranks tampered with the investigation into sexual misconduct claims that have been leveled against a parliamentarian.

There are said to be claims that some ranks collected money from individuals who are closely associated with the case.

Fingers are reportedly being pointed at ranks who are based at Lethem, where the allegations surfaced.

The MP was detained last week over allegations that he made sexual advances toward a sixteen-year-old boy. Reports reaching Kaieteur News revealed that the alleged accused met the teenager at his sons birthday party.

It was alleged that the MP made advances toward the young boy at the party and later accompanied the teen and other youths to a nearby bar, where they were imbibing.

It was claimed that the MP gave the youth an alcoholic beverage and again made the indecent proposal.

The teen allegedly ignored the advances, but reportedly then fell asleep on a bench at the premises.

Kaieteur News was told that the teen confided in a rela-

tive and a report was made to the police.

While the teens guardian later indicated that she wanted the matter dropped, police have said that they were continuing with their investigation.

During a telephone interview with Kaieteur News, the MP denied the allegation, while suggesting that there was a plot to tarnish his character. He confirmed that a group of teenagers had attended his sons 16th birthday party. “I would never even encourage sixteen-year-olds to drink, much less accompany them to a bar. I gave a speech at my sons party where I told everyone there that although he is sixteen, it doesnt mean he is allowed to drink alcohol.”

The MP said that he was shocked to learn that there was a social media post, the next day, which implicated him as having indulged in sexual misconduct with one of the teens.

“I find this very mischievous. They say that theres some video. I went to the police; they are yet to produce the evidence. I barely know this boy.

We met him for the first time at my sons birthday party. I learnt that afterwards they were drinking; they bought the alcohol at a shop,” the MP said.

Kaieteur News

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Procurement notices now being published in Indigenous languages

P

rocurement Notices are now being published in Indigenous languages on radio stations catering to certain Hinterland areas, as part of efforts by Government to revive respect for and knowledge of Indigenous languages, according to Minister of State, Dawn Hastings.

In region nine, especially in Aishalton, broadcasts have started in the Wapishan and Macushi Languages.

Mervin Williams, who is an advisor to Vice President Sidney Allicock, said that there are also initiatives within Hinterland regional administrations to have village leaders communicate with contractors who have been awarded contracts in certain areas, to work out employment opportunities for the residents.

In-keeping with a statement made by President David Granger that information informs community development, Hastings revealed that Government has so far introduced public radio

stations in the Paiwomak, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Lethem, Bartica, Aishalton and Orealla.

And in addition to the publishing of procurement notices, there are also publications of employment vacancies.

The Minister of State said “Radio broadcasts in the hinterland provide an opportunity for indigenous peoples to connect and preserve their languages while informing the population.

We believe that an informed population is an educated population.”

Williams added that Indigenous Languages all around the world are being threatened.

He explained that, when a language is lost, an identity is lost, “and a people [stand to] remain without an identity.”

That’s why the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been promoting the teaching of Indigenous languages.

As a matter of fact, Williams said that when

communications are being done in certain Indigenous areas, it is a preference for the communication to be done in the First language of the Indigenous community resident there.

There are nine main Indigenous languages spoken in Guyana: Wa p i s h a n a , Wa i - Wa i , Akawaio, Arecuna, Patamona, Macushi, Carib, Warau and Arawak.

Hastings noted that yesterday was International D a y o f t h e Wo r l d ’ s Indigenous Peoples, which marks the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations, in 1982. This year ’s theme was “Indigenous Languages”.

“Languages play a crucial role in the daily lives of people, not only as a tool for communication, education, social integration and development, but also a repository for person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions and memory.”

Hastings told reporters during a press conference

yesterday.

It was also noted that a Patamona dictionary and tourism handbook in the different Indigenous languages will be published.

Modules for teaching of Carib and Arawak languages are being prepared. The total budget this year for

Indigenous language is $30M. Hastings urged Indigenous Peoples around the country to continue consultations with Government and Regional Local Democratic Organs to improve their living standards.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Saturday August 10, 2019

New Scorpions coach Coley hatches plan...

From page 27 September 22, was head coach of the West Indies Under-19s at the 2010 World Cup. He was also senior men’s assistant coach for a number of years throughout the stints of former head coaches Ottis Gibson, Phil Simmons and Stuart Law. He most recently served as head coach of Windward Islands Volcanoes, guiding that franchise to the regional 50-over trophy.

Jamaica’s batsmen have taken stick for not consistently showing the capacity to build substantial innings in four-day cricket, but Coley stressed that it is a common challenge throughout the region.

“I don’t think it [the batting frailty] is reserved for Jamaica, I think it’s a Caribbean

thing. What I really want to focus on is the positives we have some young players coming through in all areas: young wicketkeepers, young batsmen, young bowlers.

“It’s very possible that some of the things we say they need to do, some of the players can already do it. It’s just maybe the environment, it’s just maybe having a discussion in terms of how you go about it. It’s very possible all of that is there and it’s about putting all of it together. It maybe is about getting people in the right roles.

“My plan really is to kind of identify where we are strong, and then look at what we really need to perform in first-class cricket or even interna-

tional cricket and then try to fill in the gaps.

“My thing is to really just identify what we do well already as cricketers individually and as a unit, and then start to fill in the little holes that need filling in and see if we can improve.

We just need to leverage those strengths and then see what we need to add on. I have to observe as well, I have to get the lay of the land and that sort of thing,” he told the Observer.

The 2019-2020 domestic cricket season is expected to begin November. While the Jaguars are reigning fourday champions, Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners are holders of the 50-over trophy.

Saturday August 10, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Get in touch with your vulnerable side today, Aries. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. Realize that you can be yourself and still have a good time without needing to hog all the attention. Stabilize your mind and create space to grow.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't say anything about someone behind his or her back that you wouldn't want to say if the person were standing right next to you, Libra. Feelings are easily hurt on a day like this.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is your day, Taurus, so don't let anyone take it away from you. The key will be to get a head start on whatever goals you wish to accomplish.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) When it comes to decisions, Scorpio, do what's best for you today.

Don't feel like you need to perform certain tasks just because of guilt over a past situation.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Open up and reveal more of your sensitive side, Gemini.

The more willing you are to share with others, the more they will feel comfortable sharing things with you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It's time to settle down from the rapid-fire activities of the past few days and retreat to a quieter state of mind, Sagittarius.

CANCER(June21–July22) Things should go well for you today as long as you can keep the drama to a minimum. You can jump over any hurdle in your way, so don't worry about a thing. You have a sharp, intuitive wit about you that's grounded in the real world.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This is an excellent day in which your thinking is clear and your emotions stable, Capricorn. Use this powerful combination of a solid frame of mind and compassionate feelings to express yourself in a sincere, positive fashion.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may have to bring yourself down to ground level in a rather sobering fashion, Leo. Maybe you're forgetting an important piece of a goal that you've been shooting for.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Turn your energy inward today, Aquarius. Make a detailed list of what you need to get done in order of priority. It's time to take inventory and get organized

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You have a tremendous ability to understand the inner workings of any situation, Virgo. You may need to give someone a reality check to make sure they're on the same page as you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your head and heart are working in concert today, Pisces. Things are coming together just as you expected them to. Have confidence in yourself.

Serena, Osaka advance in Toronto to set up rematch TORONTO (Reuters) Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka advanced to the Rogers Cup quarter-finals on Thursday to set up their first meeting since the Americans infamous row with an umpire overshadowed last years U.S. Open final.

Osaka won her first career Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows but the title match will be remembered for Williams feud with Carlos Ramos, who warned her for a coaching violation before deducting a point and then a game for her behaviour.

Williams, a three-times Rogers Cup champion, overcame a sluggish start on Thursday to earn a 7-5 6-4 win over Russian qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Japanese second seed Osaka then closed out the days action with a 7-6(4) 6-4 win over Polish qualifier Iga Swiatek.

“Ive been actually looking forward to playing her for a while,” Williams said of the Osaka matchup.

Williams, who is eager to get more hard-court matches under her belt before seeking a record-tying 24th career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open, came back from an early double-break down, helped in part by eight double-faults by Alexandrova in the first set.

The American eighth seed, in her first career meeting with Alexandrova, went down a break again and trailed 3-1 in the second but her serve suddenly started to click as she stormed back to 3-3 and from there raced home.

“She played really well.

She didnt really give me any rhythm,” Williams said. “I wasnt sure what would come, if it was going to be hard or soft or a winner or what so it was definitely a challenge for me.”

Osaka also had her hands full and needed to save a pair of set points before grabbing the opener against Swiatek.

The Japanese made a quick start to the second set and seemed in control until Swiatek made a comeback, the 18-year-old winning over the crowd with her versatile play as the match wore on.

Osaka, 21, said she was excited about the chance to play Williams, someone she grew up watching and has beaten in their two previous meetings.

“Whenever I get the opportunity to play her its something that I feel is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity.” said Osaka.

“It feels more like I am

showcasing my skills to her like look what I can do. So I will go into the match with that mentality.” Defending champion Simona Halep, in her first event since winning last months Wimbledon, needed 67 minutes to secure a 6-2 6-1 win over Russian wildcard Svetlana Kuznetsova. Halep took a medical timeout in her previous match to have her left Achilles tended to and she said she still felt pain in the area against Kuznetsova but that it was feeling much better. “The fact that Im back in the quarter-finals here means a lot to me,” said Halep. “It feels like Im getting back the

rhythm which I had in Wimbledon.”

Up next for Halep will be in-form Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova, who breezed by former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 62 and has yet to drop a set.

Earlier on Thursday, Czech third seed Karolina Pliskova beat Estonian Anett Kontaveit 6-3 7-5 to set up a last eight meeting with Canadian Bianca Andreescu, who upset Dutch fifth seed Kiki Bertens 6-1 6-7(7) 6-4.

Also securing passage to the last eight were American Sofia Kenin and 2017 champion Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

13th Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships

Fifteen nations pedaling for glory; No female competition due to lack of support

Checking of uniforms and other related documents last evening by the officials.

The 13th edition of the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships which is being hosted in Guyana for the first time ever is set to get cracking today in the Green Town of Bartica with the Time Trials, 15-nations including the host are set to compete for glory at the Juvenile and Junior levels.

Apart from the Bahamas which was expected to arrive last evening and will travel up this morning, Bermuda, Anguilla, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Curacao, St. Martin, Barbados, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Cayman Islands and the United States Virgin Islands all arrived in Bartica yesterday, some by the Ferry and others by river taxi (speed boat).

Mayor of Bartica, His Worship Gifford Marshall met with the nations at the Bartica Town Council and welcomed them to Guyana and his Town in particular. He expressed delight at being selected by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) to host the championships and being subsequently approved by the Caribbean Cycling Federation

(CCF). ”The people of Guyana and Bartica would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you here for this historic event. I know that you have travelled some long hours to get to Guyana and then here to the Green Town of Bartica but I can assure you that it would be worth your while as you will enjoy a different experience, one that you have never before experienced.”

In total there would be about 50 cyclists competing in both categories but there would be no females competing since the CCF Regulations states that there must be at least five cyclists to constitute a race.

Neither of the nations here has a female member as part of their team which underscores the challenges being faced to attract women in the sport, let along at a tender age. The Guyanese duo of Clevecia Spencer and Selena Stephen would naturally be disappointed that they would not be able to race.

The route for todays (Saturday) Time Trials is as follows: Start at the corners of Second Avenue and Third Street, East on Third Street,

Left on Sixth Avenue, proceed to Three Miles Secondary before turning back then proceeding to turn right on the Mongrippa Hill Road by the Arcade, Left on Fourth Avenue, Right on Sixth Street, Left on Second Avenue to finish at the starting point at Second Avenue and Third Street. The Juvenile cyclists will do the course once (8.4km 5.22 miles) while the Juniors will cover the course twice.

GCF President Horace Burrowes said he is happy that the local body has been able to pull off this historic event despite the many hurdles faced.

Burrowes singled out Mayor Gifford Marshall and his team for stepping up to the plate in a huge way to ensure that the event came off and that the teams have a warm experience.

Following todays Time Trials, the Road Race will be contested tomorrow along the same route. The event is being managed and controlled by the CCF and COPACI, the Pan American Federation.The Commissars are Henny Bonafacio and Ms. Neves Viceate.

One positive test so far at Pan Am Games say officials LIMA (Reuters) - There has been one positive test at this years Pan Am Games out of 1,197 antidoping controls, officials said on Friday with three days of competition remaining.

The Pan American Games Sports Organisation said in a statement that the tests represented one of the largest sample sizes taken in the history of the Games, demonstrating the organizers commitment to fair play.

The one adverse finding came from Audrey Joel Perez, a member of the Dominican Republics

mens baseball team who tested positive for the anabolic steroid Oxandrolone.

The athlete was informed of the result and his accreditation was immediately withdrawn.

In the case of adverse analytical findings of athletes competing in team sports, more than two positive cases are required to invalidate the teams result.

The Dominican Republic finished group play with a 1-2 record and did not advance to the medal round, placing fifth.

Solozano leads resilient batting to frustrate Indians

Left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano.

TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC Opener Jeremy Solozano struck his second half-century of the match but fell just short of a hundred as West Indies A produced a resilient display to frustrate India A and force a draw in the final four-day “Test” here yesterday.

Resuming the final day at the Brian Lara Stadium on 37 without loss in pursuit of 373 for victory, the hosts batted the entire day to reach 314 for six, with the left-handed Solozano hitting a composed 92.

Brandon King struck an entertaining 77 while Sunil Ambris chipped in with 69 as West Indies A batted in partnerships throughout to deny India a clean sweep of the three-match series.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem claimed five for 103 but off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham, who took six in the first i n n i n gs, proved ineffective this time around leaving the visitors attack devoid of real danger.

Solozano and Montcin Hodge (25) extended their opening stand to 68 before Nadeem struck, getting the right-handed Hodge to steer a gentle catch to captain Hanuma Vihari at first

slip.

Any hopes India A harboured of quickly making inroads were th e n dashed as Solozano combined with King in a 99run, second wicket stand which took the hosts safely to lunch at 128 for one.

On 58 then, Solozano struck eight fours in an innings which lasted 249 balls while King looked in superb touch in belting 10 fours and three sixes in an 82-ball cameo.

King was beginning to dominate India As attack when he played back to one from Nadeem that scuttled along the ground and hit leg stump.

Even then, no collapse ensued as Ambris arrived to add 60 for the third wicket with the resolute Solozano, as West Indies A continued to flourish.

Solozano looked set for three figures when he tried to cut one from part-time spinner Hanuma Vihari and was brilliantly caught onehanded at slip by Mayank Agarwal, diving to his left.

Unbeaten on 34 at tea with West Indies on 242 for

three, Ambris thrived in the final session to post his 13th first class half-century and pass 3000 career runs.

He lost Jermaine Blackwood, lbw to Nadeem for eight missing a forward defensive stroke and captain Jahmar Hamilton for eight, bowled between bat and pad, also by Nadeem.

And he too seemed set for a hundred until he chopped on to Nadeem after facing 145 balls and striking five fours and a six, with the game already headed for a stalemate.

Scores: INDIA A 201 ( Wr i d d h i m a n S a h a 6 2 , Hanuma Vihari 55, Mayank Agarwal 33, Shivam Dube 26; Chemar Holder 3-47, Akim Fraser 3-53, Yannic Cariah 2-45) and 365 for four dec. (Shubman Gill 204 not out, Hanuma Vihari 118 not out; Chemar Holder 2-88).

WEST INDIES A 194 (Jeremy Solozano 69 not out, Sunil Ambris 43, Jermaine Blackwood 22; Krishnappa Gowtham 6-67, Umesh Yadav 2-29) and 314 for six (Jeremy Solozano 92, Nicholas King 77, Sunil Ambris 69, Montcin Hodge 25; Shahbaz Nadeem 5-103).

Ruiz-Joshua rematch set for Saudi Arabia in December (Reuters) - Mexican-American world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will fight Britains Anthony Joshua in a rematch in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 7, Sky Sports reported yesterday.

Ruiz produced one of boxings biggest upsets by beating the 29-year-old Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at New Yorks Madison Square Garden on June 1.

The Briton, previously undefeated and fighting for the first time in the United States, was defending his IBF, WBA and WBO titles but was knocked down four times in the fight.

Promoter Eddie Hearn had already confirmed three days after the bout that Joshua had triggered the contracted rematch clause for what he called a must-win fight for the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion.

Saturday August 10, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Cornwall poised for Test debut against India PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC Popular offspinning all-rounder, Rahkeem Cornwall, is set to make his long-awaited Test debut after being named in a 13-man squad to face India in the two-match rubber which bowls off later this month.

The burly 26-year-old is the only new face in the squad which includes uncapped batsman Shamarh Brooks, who was a part of the squad for the England series in the Caribbean earlier this year but did not feature.

Regular captain Jason Holder will continue at the helm of the side which stunned England 2-1 in the three-match series back in February, to retain the Ashes for the first time in a decade.

Cornwall has been the regions leading off-spinner in recent seasons, having taken 260 wickets from 55 first class matches at an average of 24, while dominating for West

Indies A and domestic franchise Leeward Islands Hurricanes. He has also scored a hundred and 13 halfcenturies, and averages 24.

However, he had been ignored repeatedly, with many believing his size he stands six feet, four inches and weighed nearly 300 pounds to be the reason behind his non-selection.

But Cornwalls returns have been outstanding ever since he burst onto the first class scene with a scintillating 95 off 94 balls on debut against Jamaica at Sabina Park five years ago.

That season, the Antiguan lashed his maiden first class hundred a breathless 101 not out off 84 balls against Trinidad and Tobago as he finished with 357 runs and 29 wickets at 26 runs apiece, from just seven games.

The following season, Cornwall gathered 367 runs

along with 48 wickets at an average of 22 and followed up in the 2016/17 campaign with 388 runs and 41 wickets.

Picked for West Indies As tour of Sri Lanka in 2016, Cornwall snatched 23 wickets at 19 apiece and was similarly outstanding with 14 wickets when Sri Lanka A toured the following year.

Cornwall was also at his best last year, grabbing 19 wickets at an average of 18 as West Indies A stunned a strong England Lions side in a four-day “Test” series in the region.

Repeated snubs by selectors did nothing to quench his thirst as he claimed 25 wickets from six matches in the 2017/18 domestic tournament and last season, led with 54 wickets and 419 runs.

Interim chairman of selectors Robert Haynes, who took over from Courtney Browne last April in a shake-up of the selection panel, said

New Scorpions coach Coley hatches plan to unseat Jaguars as regional four-day kings Jamaica Observer - The Jamaica Scorpions newly appointed Head Coach Andre Coley says building a competent core of players will be key if they are to break the dominance of Guyana Jaguars in regional four-day cricket.

“They [the Jaguars] have been able to keep the nucleus of the squad together, so once you can keep the nucleus of the players together for as long as they have it’s easier to build a unit,” he told t h e J a m a i c a Observer recently.

The flagship four-day crown has eluded Jamaica which transitioned out several integral, senior players over recent years since 2012, while they last won the regional 50-over title in the 2011-2012 campaign.

Conversely, the Jaguars have claimed the last five four-day titles, mirroring the success of Jamaica between 2008 and 2012.

“I know between [Guyana coaches Esuan] Crandon and Rayon Griffith, they put in a lot of work in developing the players individually and that kind of thing.

“Plus having a unit makes it easier to work on things, [and] the trust builds up in a team. So separate and apart from developing the skills, you have the same core playing together for a while so they tend to get better results,” added Coley, on a three-year contract set to start September 1.

Newly appointed Jamaica Scorpions Coach Andre Coley.

“I don’t know that we are far off. In that time [of Jamaica’s success] there was JB [Junior Bennett] as an experienced coach, you had [captain] Tamar Lambert, an experienced leader.

“Around that time you had Jimmy Adams as director of cricket, you had [spinner]

Nikita Miller in his prime and a couple of other guys. It’s similar to what Guyana have the same nucleus of people and an established coach there, so I think it’s the cycle,” he reasoned.

Coley, a former Jamaica wicketkeeper who turns 45 on (Continued on page 25)

Cornwalls record was difficult to ignore.

“Rahkeem has been performing consistently over a long period of time and has proven to be a match-winner, so we believe his elevation to the Test squad is merited at this time,” Haynes said in a release. “We believe he can provide an attacking option to our bowling attack with his sharp turn and extra bounce.

He can also lend a bit of depth to the batting, so we are looking forward to him coming into the squad and making a valuable contribution.”

Cornwall said recently he was involved in a special programme overseen by

Trinidadian trainer Ronald Rogers, as he sought to address his overall fitness.

Missing from the winning side that featured against England is fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who is recovering from injury, and Haynes said it was important the player be afforded time to make a full return to fitness.

“Alzarri is undergoing remedial work and we are monitoring his recovery, but we do not think he is ready yet to last five days of a gruelling Test match,” Haynes explained.

“He represents a key part of West Indies future and we do not want to rush him back.

We have two important series coming up later in the year in India and we want to be very careful how his recovery is managed.”

West Indies take on India in the opening Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on August 22 before travelling to Jamaica for the second Test at Sabina Park starting eight days later.

SQUAD Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Shannon Gabriel, Rahkeem Cornwall, Keemo Paul, Shane Dowrich, Kemar Roach, Shamarh Brooks.

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Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

NSC supports Cbean S/Boys Rivers View emerge champions & Juniors Boxing tournament in Bartica Football League The Fourth annual Caribbean Schools and Juniors Boxing Tournament is scheduled for August 16-18 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and yesterday at his Office on Homestretch Avenue, Director of Sports Christopher Jones made his contribution to President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle as support for this Event.

Jones, the shadow Sports Minister when this Government was the opposition, said Government will always assist Boxing and other sports.

Defending Champion Guyana has won since the inaugural tournament which was held in 2016 at the National Gymnasium. The Championship will this year be at CASH, home of Boxing in Guyana.

“The Caribbean Schools Boys and Juniors Championships has grown leaps and bounds and that is one of the reasons why we had no hesitation in providing the Cliff

Anderson National Sports Hall for this Event since it has outgrown the National Gymnasium with the increased number of Countries attending this year.”

Ninvalle thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Government for coming on Board. He also thanked the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Corporate Guyana.

“The Government and NSC are usually in our corner and have missed only a few tournaments but even though they had not given financial supported they would have contributed in other areas,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA head added that even though a miss was as good as mile but if you were to look at which Sports came closest to winning a Pan Am Medal it would be Boxing referring to Keevin Allicocks controversial loss in his Bronze Medal fight in Peru.

“In my opinion Keevin had won a medal but he was

denied that which gives more reason for Boxing to be supported and just with a little more support prove what we can do. We expect Keevin to move forward and qualify for the Olympics…and not him alone,” Ninvalle added.

Training for this most prestigious Boxing card for Schoolboys and Girls in the Caribbean, commenced since June 14 with weekend encampments at the Gymnasium for a 19-member squad shortlisted.

Coaches Lennox Daniels, Clifton Moore, Sebert Blake and Clive Atwell have been putting the youths through their paces for participation in what could be their toughest tournament yet.

Tickets cost $500 for stands, $1,500 for Ring Side and $4,000 for season tickets and can be purchased from any Executive member of the GBA or its President Ninvalle who can be contacted on telephone number 624-6699.

(Sean Devers)

Neymar cleared of rape as case ...

From page 31 Instagram post. Judge Ana Paula Vieira de Moraes ‘accepted prosecutors recommendations and demanded the case be dismissed,’ a court spokesman told AFP. Neymar said he would ‘never forget’ this incident due to the ‘PAIN it caused me, my family and the people who really know me.’

He added: ‘This scar will remain to remind me at what point people are capable of doing good things, but also of doing BAD things.’

Prosecutor Flavia Merlini had argued that the plaintiff Najila Trindade, a Brazilian model, had provided no conclusive evidence of rape against the PSG player.

‘What happened between four walls is impossible to know, we have her word against his,’ Merlini told reporters. ‘We have decided to ask for the closure of the case.’

However Merlini said dismissal was not equivalent to acquittal for Neymar, 27, the world’s most expensive footballer.

The case could be reopened at any time should new evidence emerge, she

said.

Trinidade filed a rape complaint with Sao Paulo police on her return from a trip to Paris in May in which she said she was raped by Neymar following a pre-arranged meeting.

The player insisted that relations were consensual.

The ugly affair has dominated headlines and conversations in football-mad Brazil for weeks and even threatened to derail the country’s Copa America preparations.

The scandal blew up on June 2 when Neymar published a seven-minute video on Instagram, where he had first been in contact with Trindade, revealing that he had been accused of rape.

In an attempt to defend himself against the allegations, Neymar’s video was accompanied by WhatsApp messages and images of his encounter with Trindade without her consent, possibly breaking Brazilian law.

The drama quickly snowballed. Extracts of a televised interview with Trindade, in which she accused Neymar of ‘aggression together with rape,’ aired just one hour before he was about to

play for Brazil in a pre-Copa friendly against Qatar.

Some critics had suggested the allegations would compromise his bid to help Brazil win the Copa on home soil.

But he injured his ankle against Qatar and was ruled out of the tournament, which Brazil went on to win.

In the following weeks, Neymar was questioned by police over the WhatsApp messages.

He also appeared before police in Sao Paulo, where Trindade had filed her complaint at the end of May. As the case dragged on, police filed a defamation suit against Trindade - who was dropped by multiple lawyers - after she insinuated the force was corrupt.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, polls have shown that most Brazilians believe Neymar is innocent.

But he is now embroiled in another off-field drama, amidst credible rumours he’s trying to force a move away from PSG and back to his previous club, Barcelona.

Rivers View winners of the Bartica Football League.

The Bartica Football Association (BFA) this past week wrapped up its senior league which saw eight clubs participating over a period of five months in two roundrobin rounds.

The league, which was started on March 9, was played at the Bartica Secondary School Ground among the following football clubs: Beacon, Rising Stars, Lazio, Rivers View, Wolves United, Mil Ballers, Potaro Strikers and Rising Stars. At the end of fifty-six matches,

River s View FC emerged champions with 32 points from 14 matches.

The Rivers View outfit is a community football club based at Rivers View, across the river opposite Bartica.

Over the co u r s e o f i t s existence, the club has made steady progress to the top of the Bartica football heap, under the guidance of Coach Kenneth Edwards, even going on to r e present the Bartica Association at several national tournaments. The

club has now earned the right to participate in the upcoming GFF CUP COMPETITION in Georgetown.

The Bartica Football League has returned this past season after a long layoff, promoted and managed by the Bartica Football Association, with financial and other support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The next season is expected to commence early in October of this year.

Below is the full points table:

Saturday August 10, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana Cup 2019

Nand Persaud Sprint Classic Horse race meet

Soreidom Shipping makes contribution

One change made to event as NPG Packaging and Plastic Inc. makes sizable donation Over 50 entered

Nishal Sharma of Soreidom Shipping (left) presents Rovin DeSouza of JJTRC with valuable sponsorship ahead if next Sunday’s mega event The 13th annual Guyana Cup 2019 gallops off just in just over two weeks on August 18th at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Rising Sun Village in West Coast, Berbice (45mins from Georgetown) and it is expected to be one of the biggest if not the biggest in the history of the competition with over US$50,000 cash in prize money being handed out on the day and a grand mega concert featuring eight international artistes planned after the event.

This week, Soreidom Shipping made a special contribution to the lucrative event that will see the top performers carting off more than $18million in cash and prizes. In a press release, JJTRC chairman Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., thanked these sponsors and all that have supported the Guyana Cup 2019 this year and in the past.

The event will feature an eight-race programme. The details of the races and prize

money are listed below: 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 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 Shes a Princess.

BCB to host 2nd Annual Dr. Tulsi ...

From page 30 investment been made into their career by the Berbice Cricket Board.

The Coaching Staff would concentrate on improving the cricketers batting, bowling and fielding skills while great effort would be made to establish a pool of wicket keepers for each junior level.

Eleven young females who have been identified as the next generation of outstanding Berbice Players have also been invited to be a part of the Camp as the Berbice Cricket Board strives to retain their two Inter-county Titles at the 20/20 and 50-Overs levels. The young cricketers would also be involved in several classroom lectures on topics such as History of the Game, Rules of Cricket, Structure of Berbice Cricket, Personal Hygiene, Suicide, HIV/ AIDS, Drug Abuse, Importance of Education and Impor-

tance of Discipline. AT the end of the Academy, several outstanding players would be awarded including Best Batsman, Best Fast Bowler, Best Spinner, Most Committed, Most Discipline and Player of the Academy.

The following players are asked to report to the Albion Ground at 08.30 hours sharp for registration. Under-13: Romario Ramdheol, Sadeen La Rose, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Romesh Bharatt, Aftab Boodhoo, Travis Kadir, Khemraj Tika, Raphael Fraser, Deoraj Ramjib.

Under-15: Christopher Deroop, Devon Sobhai, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Mark Ramalho, Braskar Dhamal, Avishkar Persaud, Sanjay Algoo, Kumar Deopersaud, Damion Cecil, Niquan Samuels, Abdul Munroe, Boodram Lakeram, Matthew Pottaya, Salim Khan.

Under-17: Jonathan

Rampersaud, Marvon Prashad, Gourav Ramesh, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Zeymul Ramsammy, Tomani Casear, Daniel Milne, Hemraj Akash Heralall, Quacy Aulder, Insan Shazam, Davendra Ganesh, Surendra Ramcharitar, Brandon Mangal, Vettori Latchman, Brandon Nandlall.

Under-19: Seon Glasgown, Nigel Deodat, Chanderpaul Govindan, Mohabir Sewraj, Ricardo Ramdehol, Shamar Angel, Dave Ramgolam, Aaron Beharry, Doorasammy Mahadeo, Reyad Karim, Darren Brigadier, Gevon Schultz, Leon Swammy, Carl Gilgeous, FawazGafoor.

Female Under-19/Senior: Trisha Hardat, Marian Samaroo, Abigail Kishun, Uma Matadin, Kimmone Thomas, Ashley Ramnauth, Ashmini Munisar, Ameera Adams, Kassie Munroe, Dian Prahalad, La Fona Gilgeous.

General Manager of The Nand Persaud Group of Companies and Event Coordinator Mr. Mohendra Persaud (right) receives the NPG Packaging and Plastic Inc Sponsorship Cheque from staff of the Company.

With just one day to go and being flooded with request to be a part of the programme, the organisers of Nand Persaud Sprint Classic Horserace Meet has made one change to the days activity in an effort to satisfy the needs of the owners as much as possible.

The event which is set for this Sunday, August 11th at the Companys racing facility, No36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice, is being organised by the Companys Sky Plus promotion group. The J and Lower event has been dropped and replaced by one for animals that are classified Cow Horses. That event has so far racked up over 12 entries. The K class event will now accommodate the J class horses.

The Seven race meet has attracted over 50 horses and with a whopping $4M in cash trophies and other incentives up for grabs, an action packed day of racing is anticipated.

Another major sponsor N.P.G Packaging and Plastic Inc of Wellington Park, Corentyne Berbice, through its Proprietor Mr. Surendra Ganesh handed over their sponsorship package on Friday to General Manager of

the Nand Persaud Group Of Companies and Event Coordinator Mr. Mohendra Persaud. The handing over was done at the NPG Packaging and Plastic Inc. office.

The feature event is the E and Lower horses (4 furlongs) for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy. Those expected to participate include, Scores Even, Simple Side, Golden Dancer, T and T and Golden Blue Echo.

There is an event for Guyana Bred 2 year old animals over 3 furlongs for a first prize of $150,000 and trophy.

The other events are the J class race, the K class matchup and three events for animals classified L and lower, for male and female animals and non-winners.

Others horses down to take part are Uprising Star, War Story, Dazzling Girl and Awesome Bandit, Touch the Cash, The Rock, Touch Down and Irish Boy, Cool Mood, Awesome Banner, Plane land, Pinky, Promise, Royal Progressive and Wonder Girl.

Other sponsors on board include Ansa Mc Al Trading, Trophy Stall, 4R Bearings and Belts. The 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 618 5966 for more information.

Coordinator is Mohendra Mohin Persaud.

(Samuel Whyte)

PAGE 32

Saturday August 10, 2019

Kaieteur News

1320 Heat International Drag meet

GMR&SC improving South Dakota’s infrastructure Added infrastructural works are ongoing ahead of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Clubs (GMR&SC) International drag race meet on August 25th at the South Dakota Circuit’s drag strip.

According to photographs seen by this publication yesterday, they began paving what is expected to be an additional piece of road way to allow for cars, who are entering the staging area, a project that cost in excess of $ 3 . 5 m i llion, sponsored b y M o h a m e d ’s E n t e r prise and B.M. Soat Auto Sales majorly.

In addition to that, the club has also begun work on private drag pit areas which will allow teams storage and fixing area for their machines closer to the quarter-mile than the traditional pit area.

According to the GMR&SC President Rameez Mohamed, the need for such an addition is great, considering that cars would have had to cross the track in order to get to the staging area.

“The last time out, we had to stop drag racing to allow cars to cross the track and enter the staging area,” that will not be the case now Mohamed posited.

“Like I said during the last drag race event, we were using it as a dress rehearsal for this international event because we want everything to be on stream. I believe in as little timewasting as possible and having to stop races to allow other cars to enter the strip is time-consuming,” he further posited.

“So far, we have Trinidad confirmed with approximately four cars and there is still interest from Suriname but again, that is dependent on the

Some of the private pits under construction ahead of the International drag meet this month.

The road before the concrete began pouring.

restart of the Guyana/ Suriname Ferry service,” Mohamed concluded.

Meanwhile, sponsor-

ship for the event continues to grow with more clients coming on board.

Sponsors include DEL

CO ICE, R. Kission Contracting, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals,

Mohameds Enterprise, BM Soat, Prem Electrical, ENetworks, Trans-Pacific Auto Sales, Cyrils Taxi,

Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Tropical shipping and Hand in Hand.

BCB to host 2nd Annual Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy next week The Berbice Cricket Board as part of its ongoing effort to unearth and develop new cricketing talents in Berbice would be hosting its 2nd Annual Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy next week. The five days Cricket Academy would start on Monday 12th August and would conclude on Friday 16th August. A panel of Coaches headed by Level III Coach Winston Smith would be in charge of the Academy.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that

the main objectives of the Academy are to improve the players knowledge if the game, to instill in them the importance of physical fitness, to correct faults in their techniques and to improve their all round cricket. Special emphasis would also be placed on preparing the youths to be sports ambassador of Berbice and role model to their peers.

Foster stated that the Berbice Cricket Board was investing heavily into its youth cricketers as it is them who would make sure

that the legacy of Berbice Cricket continues in the future. A list of 60 players has been invited to attend the Academy, which starts at 09.00 hours daily. The list was compiled by Coach Winston Smith and Selector Leslie Solomon based on their availability for Berbice next year at the junior level. The BCB President has made it quite clear that attendance at the 2019 Cricket Academy would be compulsory for all the invited players. Players who are overseas on vacation would be excused

once a written excuse is submitted.

Foster stated that he has observed a superstar attitude being developed among some junior players, once they made the National Team and stated quite clearly that such attitude would not be tolerated once he is the President of the Berbice Cricket Board. The BCB boss noted that no one is too big to learn including himself and as such every youth cricketer would have to take advantage of the (Continued on page 29)