Friday August 11, 2017
The bite of the scorpion kills people in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The Mabaruma sub- regional hospital (BarimaWaini) is desperately in need of medical drugs to treat patients bitten by scorpions and snakes, since it is a Hinterland hospital. On Saturday the 5th August 2017, little Keishon Campbell, four years old of the Mabaruma township was bitten by a scorpion which carries poison. The male child’s parents quickly rushed him to the Mabaruma hospital but unfortunately the hospital has no remedies for persons bitten by poisonous scorpions, neither snakes. The hospital tried to administer “saline” to the child but his condition worsened which led him to be airdashed to the Georgetown public hospital where he died on the same day. Can the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) say why Hinterland hospitals are not supplied with the drugs to treat patients bitten by scorpions and snakes which are poisonous? The MOPH is responsible for the child’s death and would be responsible for the deaths of hinterland patients bitten by the poisonous scorpions and snakes. But this is happening and the general public does not know about. This is not good at all. A post mortem (pm) examination will be conducted on the body of the little child on
Wednesday 9th August 2017. Now after the PM what is next? Will the Vice President and Minster of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Hon. Sydney Allicock and his Junior Minister Hon. Valerie GarredoLowe assist the child’s parents in returning to Mabaruma with the child’s remains to have a decent burial? In fact the only assistance given by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MOIPA) to the close relatives of poor Hinterland patients when they die in Georgetown is a mere $30,000. After giving this small amount of money to the relatives they are left on their own to do a poor or criminal burial for their loved ones who die at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH). What is this poor or criminal burial? It is just digging a hole at the cemetery in Georgetown, putting the body in a roughly made Coffin, placed in that hole and covered with earth. The grave will be unmarked. The question is; will an innocent four year old, Amerindian child form the Mabaruma Township be given a “poor or criminal burial” in Georgetown by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MOIPA) instead of assisting to take the child’s body back to Mabaruma for a decent burial? I am currently monitoring the situation. Peter Persaud
The central government needs to investigate GWI in Region 10 DEAR EDITOR, I am an unemployed bachelor who resides at 163 Glen Road, Kara Kara since December 2016. In May 2017, my water was disconnected. After investigation I then discovered that the previous occupants had paid a bill in March 2015 and had a balance of $4,000 plus. My discovery at that time is that I owed $28,000. Upon speaking to one of the personnel in the office she then told me I must pay $16,000 - $10,000 on the bill and $6,000 for reconnection. I then went and sought some overseas help and got the $16,000. When I returned to pay the $16,000, I did not meet the same personnel, I met another who started to inquiry who gave me such advice, I then told her it was another who did. She then accepted the money and further told me that I have 2 months to pay the balance $18,000.00, I then told her that I cannot pay that amount of money in such short time, she then told me that is not her problem. In about 7 weeks my wa-
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ter supply was again cut again. Several weeks after disconnection, I came home to find a bill stuck in my gate upon reading it, I the discovered that I have $23,000 for G.W.I. Upon inquiring I was told even though I am disconnected, I still have to pay $1,300.00 per month. I asked her if she crazy. I cannot believe that you have to pay for services that you are not receiving. So I’m asking the competent authorities to look into this matter. Speaking to several others they were complaining about various inconsistencies. So I think this department needs investigating. Another thing, why Linden people have to pay so much for water? Our politicians don’t do their history, they don’t know about the agreement between Alcan and the Mackenzie residents. Also around 1982 under the late L.F.S Burnham, C.I.D.A financed several water treatment plants. What became of them? The citizens of Linden should never suffer the wrath of G.W.I. Derick Bacchus
Upper Berbice Forest & Agricultural Producers Association complains DEAR EDITOR, The main reason for the compilation of this letter is to address the many challenges faced by its producing membership, and dictatorship of a failing system, as concerned members we are asking that the Guyana Forestry Commission along with the Friendly Society Acts address the many issues and challenges laid out in this letter. The U.B.F.A.P.A (Upper Berbice Forest & Agricultural Producers Association) is a wood worker’s association comprising of two hundred or so members producing logs, lumber or other non-timber forest products on its fifteen concessions. This association was a reputable one which is governed by a chairman and executives over a two-year period. Over a number of years, this association has been plagued with numerous fines instituted by the Guyana Forestry Commission for infringements and irregularities
caused by its very members in the tune of millions of dollars and counting. In keeping with the ever changing forest laws and the Low Carbon Development Strategy, market conditions and availability wood working have become a major challenge. The U.B.F.A.P.A is an association that allocates tags to its members for the production of forest products from specific concessions that is deemed viable by its members. As it relates to capacities there are about 70% of its membership who does not cut any wood own a chain saw, tractor, trucks or for the matter does not do any farming. These individuals collect tags which are free of costs and sell them to other members of the said association and non-members also. If (600) six hundred tags was given to the association for a particular concession and they have to be divided among its members that means (3) three tags per mem-
ber in simple calculation 60 people benefitted directly by getting 3 tags legally. This cannot sustain their operations and are forced to purchase the tags from the 140 non-producing members for a huge sum of money. It has been reported and proven on numerous occasions that non-producing members are selling their tags to people who are non-members. They create numerous infringements within our concessions resulting in huge fines by the Forestry Commission. As it relates to infringements; honest producing members are being pressured and cannot pay up for their equipment and run an efficient business. The chairman and his executives are aware of the situation and is doing nothing to address it. There is also a group of financial powerful members that cut down hundreds of logs within concessions and waiting to purchase the tags from the non-producing ones. A specific group runs a lucrative crossing service has
crossed thousands of trucks and smaller vehicles including vehicles for all contractors contracted to the bauxite company, they have done nothing for the community as it relates to the barge and agreements with the community of Kwakwani. During the Baishanlin saga they also owns and operate a logging concession and many equipment, exhaust our concessions as such. This group of individuals should be out of the association as stipulated in the constitution for the association. As concerned members, we are expecting that the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Friendly Society Acts and the Guyana Revenue Authority intervene and address this situation. All information for the crossing of logging trucks can be found in the records of the Guyana Forestry Commission record books at Kwakwani. The charge for the crossing of one truck ranges from sixteen to twenty-two thousand Guyana dollars. Concerned loggers
GOVT. SHOULD ACQUIRE NEW AVIATION EQUIPMENT FROM NORTH AMERICA DEAR EDITOR, We have upcoming oil production with significant cash guaranteed for the national development of the country, therefore the government could look at possibly forming a national aviation department which could be quasi government/private with majority government owned to utilize and offset the costs of operating any new government aviation assets. Trinidad has National Helicopters Services Limited which enables local Trinidadians to be trained to support their oil and gas industry and to enable the government to justify the acquisition and ownership of new helicopters which operate in various missions around Trinidad and Tobago. A visit to the National Helicopters website states; “National Helicopter Services Limited (NHSL) formerly the Air Division (Heli-
copter Unit) of the Ministry of National Security is a joint venture between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) as an 82% shareholder, and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) holding the remaining 18% of the issued share capital. The Company was incorporated on October 3rd 1989 and commenced operations on February 1st 1990.” NHSL was formed for the purpose of providing offshore helicopter services to the oil/ gas sector and other commercial entities as well as continuance of services to Government i.e. support to the National Security forces, Medical Evacuations (Medevacs) between Tobago and Trinidad and Emergency and Disaster Air Support. NHSL is the holder of an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and Approved Maintenance
Organization Certificate (AMOC) issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) to carry out requisite aviation functions. National Helicopters did so well over the years. They were here in Guyana supporting the Government of Guyana when GDF and the Police required security support with their helicopters to fight crime and to support the early stages of the oil and gas exploration projects in Guyana. Never again should our government be bringing in a foreign government’s equipment to support us while our brothers and sisters in the GDF are underfunded with their helicopters and airplanes not working. The government needs to invest more in the GDF and
Guyanese so we can develop the skills and requisites to participate in the upcoming oil and gas industry from all levels. If Trinidad can do it, so can us, as Guyanese. I hope to never to see national helicopters operating on oil and gas projects in Guyana while the GDF Air Corps assets remains old and grounded for lack of funding and support and the Air Corps ranks deprived of opportunities to develop the same capabilities like their Trinidadian brothers and sisters. Maurice Stephens
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We need new leaders with bold ideas in this country DEAR EDITOR, I would like to remain anonymous as I point out some of the pitfalls of our beautiful country and why I believe we may not see a brighter future for our country should we maintain steady on our current course. Politics in Guyana as it is with many countries especially third world countries is like a cat and a ball where one government had the ball and did what they wanted to with it, while a new government has the ball and decides to do the same. No one has stopped to put the state first or the country first. It’s a matter of what you did when you were in power now it’s my turn. I know many have mentioned and will continue to mention the increase the government secretly gave themselves within the first 100 days of being in power. I don’t have a problem with it because that’s the way poor minded people think; what I have a problem with is Guyanese’s laid-back reaction to such and many more horrendous actions of both past and present governments. It is as if some internal fear is driving us to accept inequality, inhumanity, injustice and anything else you can
throw at us. Why are we so laid-back? Why do we accept whatever people feed us with? Where is our dignity and where is our pride? Very few governments care for their people. Guyana is one of those countries where the government doesn’t care about the people. We need new leaders with new and bold ideas to reshape Guyana, but in order to do this we need selfless people in offices and we need to unite. Before I leave I would like to challenge the GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA. Print a list of the salaries of all the MP’s and Ministers and other government employees for all the country to know what you take home from our taxes. Compare it with 1st world countries then ask yourself if we can continue on our course of development when monies are being used to indulge lavish life styles instead of creating more jobs and building industries. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If everyone has a balanced salary scale it means monies can be left over to hire more works-thus creating more jobs, circulating more monies and strengthening our economy. Concerned Citizen
The RAISE ACT will weaken the United States of America DEAR EDITOR, “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” - President Franklin D. Roosevelt “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.” - President Barack Obama The Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act (RAISE Act), introduced by Republican Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and David Perdue (R-GA) at a White House press conference with President Trump recently, is the latest assault on immigrants and our heritage. These misplaced priorities fly in the face that we have always been, and will continue to be, a nation of immigrants! All across America, immigrant communities are selfsufficient, thriving and progressive, and contribute massively to the national economy while hardly seeking any benefits. The Trump administration revealed legislation last week that seeks to drastically
Cemeteries must always be maintained and kept clean DEAR EDITOR, I find it interesting that we, United States) and you, Guyana share this situation with cemeteries (Freddie Kissoon’s column last Sunday on the state of the La Grange cemetery). In Georgia, US, cemeteries are protected by law. Once established, a cemetery must be maintained as such. There is nothing in the law, though, that says how it must be maintained. SO, we spend thousands to bury our loved ones only to allow the burial grounds to return to nature. There are many “perpetual care”
Friday August 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
cemeteries that do exactly that. However, by and large, the cemeteries are maintained by adjunct churches. Others are just allowed to let go. My parents purchased their burial ground, erected stones and prepaid their burial expenses. However, they did not pay for perpetual care (not available). We, the children, must ensure that those burial plots are kept clean and then our children must do the same, into eternity. Rather presumptuous of them, I’d say.
While we, in Georgia, US, don’t have the exact situation as you, it is a problem. Our religions have a lot to do with how we deal with the deceased. Funerals in the US are a great waste of peoples’time. I think a celebration of the deceased life is acceptable but great expense, pomp and circumstance is just a waste. My wife and I have donated our bodies to science. Once science has finished and the body is no longer useful, the body is incinerated. No problems, no worries. Certain religions, though, don’t allow that. You’ve pointed out the problem but haven’t suggested an answer. The government can’t do everything for us. John Rich Georgia,. US
change American immigration, moving away from the family based immigration tradition that has been the hallmark of our immigration policies for centuries and promoted family reunification, in favor of one that reduces people to numbers and rankings through a narrow and rigid point system. This bill will be a disaster, if enacted. It would not create jobs, increase wages, or otherwise boost the economy. The RAISE Act does not increase the total number of employment-based immigration visas, and it cuts family based immigration visas by 85 percent by allowing only for a limited number of spouses and minor children to apply. This would be devastating to both our families and the economy, the very antithesis of America. Bloomberg News editorial sounded this dire warning. “The sharp reduction in immigrant workers in the years ahead would also reduce tax receipts for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the
tripod supporting the nation’s rapidly aging baby boomers — 10,000 of whom retire daily,” the editorial said. Immigrants paid about $328 billion in taxes in 2014 alone, it quotes an estimate. “In effect, the plan would take the demographic headwinds the U.S. faces already and transform them into a gale.” Statistics establish that immigrants account for vital domestic economic growth, play a key role in business development and community improvement, and are among the most upwardly mobile segments of the labor force. Economists agree that one of the keys to economic expansion is increasing the workforce-not shrinking it, as this bill would do. Moreover, the pillars of the American family rests on reunification and family support, which inject positive economic benefits, and facilitate immigrant integration. Ethnic communities and families contribute critical resources for newcomers, including opportunities for employment, access to credit,
and multiple kinds of support. The bill also seeks to eliminate the Diversity Visa, an abrogation of the principle that America welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. It will also eradicate the President’s authority to set refugee admissions and limit them to 50,000 per year. Consequently, this proposal would lead to an overall reduction of legal immigration by 50 percent over the next decade. Taken together, the creation of a point system, the elimination of diversity and many refugee visas will result in the systematic exclusion of nationals from many regions of Africa, Central America, and Asia, all of whom have contributed indelibly to America’s progress as a nation. It will devastate our nation, exacerbate, not cure, labor shortages, undercut our economy, and destroy our values. Albert Baldeo Civil rights activist and community advocate
GPL creating havoc with our lives at Uitvlugt DEAR EDITOR, The treatment meted out recently by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to the residents of Ocean View, Uitvlugt has been reprehensible. For more than a decade, the two western blocks of Ocean View, Uitvlugt have experienced severe problems with the transformer. Since the start of this year, there has been an increasing number of disruptions and explosions of the transformer which have resulted in long blackouts. GPL’s response has become disturbingly slothful and neglectful. The last two weeks have been especially atrocious. Just before midnight on 28th July, 2017, there was an explosion in the transformer. Al-
though numerous reports were immediately made to GPL, the Emergency Response Crew came some 12 hours later to address the problem. The remedy lasted for a mere six hours because the transformer exploded again at 6pm on 29th July, 2017. This time the area endured a blackout of more than 18 hours by the time the crew showed up. This reprieve was brief as it was followed by two successive blackouts to the grid. On Tuesday night, a small explosion was heard from the transformer at 7pm. A report was made and the Emergency Crew came at 9pm. The crew members informed us that they are the Georgetown Emergency Crew and so they
will not fix the transformer. Incredibly, we were advised that the problem will be addressed the following day by the West Demerara Emergency Crew. Editor, at the time of writing, 15 hours later, the Crew is yet to show. I cannot over emphasize the inconvenience and discomfort this situation has caused. Shopkeepers in the area have suffered significant losses. Moreover, extended periods of darkness are especially concerning in these troubled times. GPL should engage the residents on the causes for the frequent disruptions to this transformer and above all should work with the community to remedy the situation. Leo Ramotar
My description of poor construction on Agriculture... From page 4 come out late laze around and work like two hours daily and this man has this audacity to say I am lying about this work that is stopped currently which he claims will last until next month end.
My question is where he is now and why did he stop the work. I am calling on the current administration to conduct an audit of the expenditures cost of this road and the fees charged by the contractor is K.P. Thomas and Sons Incorporated, the Project Engineer is Anthony A. Haynes, to execute such deplorable work. When this work commenced, we were elated that we would get a road like the road constructed through Market Street. It’s unfortunate the quality of this road is already damaged by the very heavy duty vehicles coming in here like 40 foot containers trucks, sand
trucks, huge trucks transporting Hymacs to the back dam etc etc. The following pictures of this contractor miserable job I have attached here I would like you to print as proof of what I have written. I would like to invite any media house including channel 67, 65,28,11,6,9 to contact me through this news papers to come and carry this road project on National Television. I invite any minister of government to come and investigate if just patching and filling holes can cost an exorbitant $59,031,149. That is not a new road this contractor is constructing. Rev.Gideon Cecil
Friday August 11, 2017
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Tobacco use linked to Deportation for chocolate-stealing Guyanese in Barbados most debilitating NCDs - Minister emphasises Dr. Karen Cummings, flanked by other health officials, delivers her remarks yesterday
It is absolutely necessary that Guyana implement stringent tobacco legislation. This is the opinion of Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who yesterday pointed out that such a move is warranted, given the overwhelming impact that tobacco use has had on the society. Evidence of the impact of tobacco use, the Minister said, is contained in Guyana’s country report. She was at the time making reference to the data in the Guyana 2015 Country Report, which details the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey which was officially unveiled yesterday by the Public Health Ministry at the Kingston, Georgetown Marriott Hotel. The survey is one that the Ministry conducted in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation [CDC]. “If we as a country were to fail to act decisively on the tobacco legislation, we will be leaving generations to suffer the dire consequences of chronic non-communicable diseases [NCDs],” Minister Cummings asserted. According to her, empirical data has shown that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of most debilitating chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and a variety of cancers, including cancer of the cervix, the lungs and more.
It is however fortunate, the Minister noted, that moves are being made to treat tobacco use with the tremendous seriousness that it requires. “Recently, as you know, the Government of Guyana piloted a comprehensive Tobacco Bill through Parliament to ensure that tobacco use is significantly reduced in Guyana, and to further mitigate its harmful effects to nonsmokers exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke,” Dr. Cummings said She added that with the passage and robust enforcement of the tobacco legislation in Guyana “we believe as a government and as a Ministry, the harmful effects of tobacco use will be significantly reduced over time, resulting in further reduction of the prevalence of certain chronic NCDs of which tobacco use is a critical risk factor.” But according to Minister Cummings, the Ministry of Public Health recognises that a tobacco legislation enforced in isolation will not be enough to bring about meaningful behavioural and attitudinal changes towards tobacco use in Guyana. As such, she stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaborations, along with the involvement of civil society organisations, to help educate the population about the inherent dangers of tobacco use. “If we are going to work towards significantly reducing and hopefully eradicating tobacco use in our society, it
is important that we begin to target our youth population,” the Public Health Minister said. She observed too that since empirical data reveal that most young smokers become adult smokers, “we all must work together to address the social, biological and environmental factors that influence young people to use tobacco.” Minister Cummings underscored too that “collectively we must address the physiology of progression from experimentation to addiction, other health effectives of tobacco use, the epidemiology of youth and young adult tobacco use and evidencebased intervention that have proven effective at reducing both initiation and prevalence of tobacco use among our young people.” The Minister noted that even as efforts are made to examine the content of the Tobacco Report, efforts must be made simultaneously to engage in coordinated highimpact interventions, including mass media campaigns and community level changes that can educate and protect the population from secondhand smoke and further promote norms that are effective in reducing the initiation and prevalence of smoking among youths. “As conscientious citizens and health professionals, we must make every effort to educate our society about the dangers of smoking so that we all can enjoy a healthy life,” the Minister underscored.
Barbados (Barbados Today) - A 52-year-old Guyanese man who stole a chocolate, gave police a wrong name, and has been living here illegally for the past ten years, was handed over to immigration officials yesterday after admitting to a theft charge in a Bridgetown court. William Harold King, who resided at Park Road, Chancery Lane, Christ Church, went into the Savings Plus Supermarket on Swan Street, The City, yesterday, and was seen by a security guard and cashier putting the $14.55 chocolate in his pocket. When the police were called in, King, who was given a 47-day stay when he arrived in the country back in August 2007, presented himself as 49year-old Orin Bourne.
Prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Gibbons said there was also no record of King ever having his status regularized. Attorney Safiya Moore told Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant that since her client was in the country illegally, he was scared when faced with the possibility of arrest. “He gave the w r o n g name and he apologizes to the police. He [also] apologizes to the court and the people of Barbados for his actions,” Moore said, adding that King had enough money in his possession at the time to pay for the item. “This has caused some embarrassment [for King] at such a mature age of 52,” the lawyer added. She then made
William Harold King an application for no conviction to be recorded against her client, who previously had an unblemished record. T h a t r e q u est was granted. However, King was still handed over to the relevant authorities.
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Kaieteur News
Guyana receives first portion of US$6.3M forest monitoring grant from Norway Phase two of Guyana’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) project gets underway with the release of funds by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), through CIGuyana to the Guyana Forestry Commission, that will see improved monitoring of Guyana’s forests and land use planning, among the expected outcomes The Guyana Government has received the first tranche of a US$6.34 million grant from the Kingdom of Norway as it enters into the second phase of the MRV. This second phase of the programme will no longer be seen as a means of satisfying a conditionality for funding, but also, as a tool for measuring Guyana’s forest cover to assist in decisionmaking for a range of activities. The funds will be dispersed in tranches through Conservation International in a multi-year arrangement. The announcement was made at a meeting on Monday held at the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Boardroom in the presence of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Jocelyn Dow; Pradeepa Bhlonauth, Head of Planning - GFC, and Executive Director of Conservation International – Guyana, Dr. David Singh, among other officials. According to the ministry, fittingly, it was in Norway, during the attendance of Guyana’s delegation at the Oslo-Redd Conference in June 2016, that the persons gathered began the process of accessing the funds, and this was additional reason for celebration.
From left: CI-Guyana’s Spacial Data Analyst Kerry Ann Insanally, Chairperson of the GFC Board, Jocelyn Dow; Executive Director of Conservation International - Guyana Dr. David Singh; Minister of Natural Resources; Raphael Trotman; Head of Planning - GFC Pradeepa Bholanath, and Programme Coordinator, REDD Secretariat, Nasheta Dewnath. With funding from NORAD, the project entitled, ‘Transforming forest management in Guyana through an effective and sustained monitoring reporting and verification system’, will support the sustaining of a world-class MRV system, as a key component of Guyana’s national REDD+ programme. This programme has received international recognition for its successes, the ministry said. The system will provide the basis for verifiably measuring changes in Guyana’s forest cover and resultant carbon emissions from Guyana’s forests. “Critically, the MRV will also inform improved policies and practices for forest management, including for the operation of the logging and mining industries, to proactively address their impacts on forests.
The phase two implementation period is 2017 to 2021.” The project is aimed also at securing Guyana’s green development path by improving management of its forests, a significant part of its natural patrimony. With MRV data going back a number of years, Guyana now has a good sense of the state of its forest cover which has been changing over time and what the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are. “The MRV will help
Guyana with its integrated natural resource management by assisting in decisionmaking before the issues present themselves on the ground. It can reduce not only cost but also angst and anguish surrounding land use by identifying conflicts between mining and forestry, for example.” Guyana started its work on the National MRV system in 2009, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Guyana and the
Kingdom of Norway. The partnership with Conservation International is now in its sixth year. The MRV has practical applications which may augment the work of the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Guyana Energy Agency, and the Ministry of Communities among other agencies. Minister Trotman expressed satisfaction and
pride that the project has come to this stage. He also expressed his appreciation to the Guyana Forestry Commission and Conservation International for guiding the process and the Government of Norway for making the funding available for the project through NORAD. “We have every confidence that the money is in the right place and in the right hands,” in referring to the Conservation International and GFC arrangement.
GRA admits...Only the boss has ExxonMobil contract, for confidentiality sake The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday confirmed Kaieteur News’ article which stated that only the Commissioner General of the Authority has real knowledge about the content of the agreement signed between ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana. Not even managers know what the contract states. GRA said that this is just the way things have to be in order to maintain the confidentiality of the contract. In a public missive, GRA said that it remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations as one of the regulatory bodies for the rapidly emerging oil and gas sector. The Authority said that part of that commitment involves the imposition of rigid systems to closely monitor companies that are undertaking exploration and extraction of oil offshore in keeping with the contractual agreement between the Guyana Government and
such companies, including ExxonMobil. GRA stated that it is privy to such contractual arrangements. “However in keeping with the law this information is confidential. To maintain its confidentiality and avoid leakages, the Commissioner-General will only share such excerpts of the said agreement with relevant officers in the event that their duties require them being privy to such information in the execution of such duties.” GRA said that its position takes into consideration a number of factors, chief among them, the “sensitivity and confidentiality of the document and the level of caution that had to be imposed as a result of persistent breaches of the Secrecy Oath at the Authority.” GRA continued, “The recent Kaieteur News article “GRA officials ‘sailing’ on EXXON contract” is the latest such breach of confiden-
tiality and further evidence of the need to exercise such diligence.” Kaieteur News was reliably informed that even senior operatives of GRA are at a loss when it comes to the contractual arrangement. This newspaper reported that the situation leaves the tax authority facing a precarious situation. It is preparing to collect revenues from the looming oil industry, but has no idea of how the revenue will flow. Key officials of GRA were recently embarrassed in a meeting the Authority had with ExxonMobil. The officials were essentially sailing. One officer said, “I couldn’t understand the purpose of the meeting, because most of us are not aware of what is going on.” Employees are contending that Exxon is somehow being given the upper hand when the relevant professionals are not given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with
the document. That employee continued, “If this trend continues, the boss will be forced to micromanage. He will have to give orders daily when the unit is step up.” In ExxonMobil’s Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), the company lists GRA as a regulatory body. Exxon said Guyanese will benefit, “through revenue sharing with the Government of Guyana, although the details of this revenue sharing is confidential. The type and extent of benefits associated with revenue sharing will depend on how decision makers in government decide to prioritize and allocate funding for future programs.” It was also noted that a “confidential Petroleum Agreement between Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess, Nexen, and the Government of Guyana defines how revenues from the Project are Continued on page 9
Friday August 11, 2017
Cops capture one in oral sex killing
An asteroid hit Astor Astor Cinema was closed a long time before it was sold. It was not the sale that led to the closure of Astor. What the sale precipitated was the vandalizing of the building. No sooner had it been announced that the Astor Cinema was sold, vandals descended upon the location – private property – and within two days had totally degutted the entire interior of the building, the roof, and the northern and eastern walls, leaving just a small piece of the southern wall and parts of the front façade of the building. The vandals did in two days what it probably would have taken a week for a demolition crew to have done. It was as if an asteroid had struck that cinema. All of this was done, as we are now learning, without the consent of the owner. Now suppose the owners did not want the building demolished. Supposed they had planned to do repairs and to renovate it for some other purpose. Look what has happened, the entire building has been stolen from them by vandals. What is now standing is a shell which can fall at any time and cause injury to pass-
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ersby. And guess who will be held responsible for this? Yes, the very owners who had nothing to do with the stripping of that building in a matter of days. For those who are feeling nostalgic about Astor disappearing, do not blame the owners. Blame the vandals who invaded that property like hawks and stripped it to the bare bones. Guess where most of the materials that were taken from that property will end up? It will end up being used to build structures for persons who want to squat on public lands, including parapets. A historic structure was vandalized. The materials will now contribute to further lawlessness in the country. One building was stripped and is now being used to erect multiple structures on lands illegally occupied. The owners have lost. Even if they had intended to pull down the structure, it is usual for the owners to sell the building – not the land – and to have the person who has bought the building absorb the cost of its removal. The owners have lost millions.
The structure was valuable. The old cinema was not condemned. It was still being managed. It may have needed a coat of paint. But it still was worth tens of millions. There is a total disregard for private property in Guyana. Ownership rights are not respected. There are persons in Tiger Bay who left good properties and went abroad, only to find that it has been invaded by squatters who refuse to remove. Assets worth millions of dollars have been invaded by squatters. An entire block in Tiger Bay has become a squatter settlement. If you make the mistake of going overseas and leaving your local property unattended, you may come back and find that trespassers have taken over the entire property and turned it into a slum dwelling. Many persons have decided it is not worth the trouble to spend years in court trying to remove the squatters. Some owners have returned to find that their properties have new owners. The properties were sold behind their backs.
The new owners even have transport giving them rights to someone else’s property. A lot of people will have fond memories of Astor. The good times will be recalled, as will be the great movies which were shown on the large screen. Astor showed its last movie four years ago. It had indicated five years before that it would end. Astor’s demise, however, was long in the making, decades in the making. Astor went out in dramatic style. The plebs who had long been its most faithful fans, simply took the building apart in a matter of days.
Police have detained a suspect in last June’s bizarre shooting death of Orlando La Cruz, over his alleged refusal to perform a sexual act with one of his drinking buddies. A release stated that the suspect, who is reportedly from Port Kaituma, North West District, was arrested at 13.00 hrs yesterday at Mabaruma. He is likely to be charged. Orlando La Cruz, a 40year-old Pomeroon miner, was shot dead last June, allegedly after he refused to perform oral sex on one of his drinking buddies at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District. Police had identified the alleged killers as Joey Kerr and ‘Eustace,’ who is reportedly from Port Kaituma. According to reports, La Cruz was lying in a hammock
in his camp when the two suspects visited him, after which they began consuming high wine and water. Shortly after, one of the men was heard telling La Cruz to perform oral sex on him, but when the man refused, an argument erupted between the three men. The suspect allegedly collected a cartridge from the second suspect and loaded his shotgun. He then placed the weapon to the right side of the victim’s neck and pulled the trigger. The two suspects then made good their escape in nearby bushes. This newspaper was informed that when a rank visited the scene, the victim was found lying in the hammock, bleeding from the wound. La Cruz was pronounced dead at the Matthews Ridge District Hospital.
GRA admits...Only the boss has ExxonMobil contract... From page 8 to be shared between the parties. The Government of Guyana would begin receiving oil revenues when oil is produced.” While GRA officials acknowledge that the “confidentiality” aspect of this can be understood, they are con-
tending that “this is supposed to be Guyana’s most confidential agency, we deal with taxes. I think that they can even let employees sign specific confidentiality agreements. But the point is these officers need training, how are the men on the front line go-
ing to work if they do not know what they have to do? Dealing with revenue from Exxon is not like dealing the ordinary company, that is why a department has to be set up in the first place. Would the employees manning this department be left in the dark forever?”
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
God has made up his mind; Guyanese are on their own In my Tuesday, April 18 column last year with the title, “God gave Guyanese a chance in 2015; he won’t do it again,” I wrote the following; “As the days pass, Guyanese in and out of the land are seeing dangerous signs of a doomed future. Things are happening in this country that make one feel that we have not left the past behind.” That remark was made because of creeping regressions I saw as early as one year into the new government. If I could have seen the emergence of those tentacles back then, then, fifteen months later either the octopus has gone back to the bottom of the ocean or he has climbed out of the water and is on land. Which one? He is on land.
The essential point of that April 18, 2016 column was that the defeat of the PPP in May 2015 gave us a chance to concretize justice, liberties, moral obligations and civilization in this sad land. From what we have seen in 2017, it doesn’t look like we will use the change of government in 2015 to enhance democracy. I wrote in April last year that May 2015 was a chance God gave us to free ourselves and if we don’t, God will not provide another opportunity. I am convinced from what I have seen since April 2016 that we are not interested in freedoms and liberties in Guyana. We are allowing the sins of past dictatorships to dwell among us in the present, and we will take them with us into
the future. If there is a God that gave us that priceless moment in May 2015 that we are currently throwing away, God will leave this nation to fend for itself. Unfolding realities are daunting to the spirit. We have two leaders who should understand how history comes back to haunt human society. But it appears they don’t. And we, the Guyanese people are just spiritually dead, so these two leaders will continue on their soulless journey. David Granger is a trained historian. He has co-edited a huge volume on African history, but where today is his understanding of history? Granger took some simple grammar in the Constitution and refused to accept its ba-
nal meaning. The words “and any other fit and proper person,” Granger put his own interpretation to, and held on
Frederick Kissoon to it inflexibly. It was a dangerous thing to do, and it wasn’t in keeping with the opportunity to concretize greater freedoms after the loss of power by Mr. Jagdeo. You can literally count on your fingers the number of persons in this entire country who saw the ominous pathway the President had taken and spoke up against it. Even when the Chief Jus-
tice instructed Granger on what, “any other fit and proper person” means, the President’s riposte was that she gave her interpretation, he will stick with his. This is what post-2015 in Guyana looks like. Suppose a crazy man wins the presidency in 2020 and simply emulates Mr. Granger and interprets the Constitution the way he wants to. So he says “on attainment of age 18” doesn’t mean 18; the word “attainment” means you don’t have to be eighteen at the time. That can happen in life and Granger ought to know it can happen. It is the same with Nagamootoo. What makes Nagamootoo think that the PPP cannot return to power in 2020 and give private media owners, its own definition of “public service”. And so under the new PPP Government, every radio and television station has to broadcast one hour of public service, and that includes propaganda which
the government will say falls under the broad scope of public service. I do not agree that private broadcasters must set aside an hour each day for government’s message. But who did Nagamootoo consult? The former GNBA head, Leonard Craig, wrote to say he didn’t agree with the onehour time allocation. He thought it should have been 30 minutes. Was Craig asked for his input? I know several persons in the media, with decades of service, who told me Nagamootoo did not seek their experience and expertise. I have more than thirty years experience in the media, which also takes in television. I was not consulted, but if I were, I would have advised a totally different wording of public service, and would not have agreed to one hour daily. So where do we go from here as 2017 moves on? One thing for sure, don’t expect God to save us.
Dem boys seh...
Trying to thief can lef you wid a sore behind Every day people talking how GPL robbing dem. If is not by charging dem fuh lights when giving dem blackouts, is by sending dem light bills that asking dem fuh more money fuh current than dem consume. And when de people go in to dem, some clerk telling dem how de company gun check, but de people got to pay de bill till de check done. Of course de check never show that people consume less. When de people kick up a fuss and go to de Waterfalls paper, some of dem does get a small discount. Then GPL does go and change de meter because de old one got a fault. De other day some gunmen decide that dem gun rob GPL. Dem tackle de office at Mon Repos. Dem tun up wid dem gun and fire couple shots. But de police wasn’t far. Dem respond so fast that de gunmen drop wha dem tek from de people and beat out. If things wasn’t so frightening people woulda laugh. Now people seh dem ain’t going back to de office to pay de bill and if GPL want de
money just like how dem does tun up at de house to cut off de lights, de same way dem can come to de house and collect de money. But dem boys want to warn dem bandits. Dem read bout two bandits in Florida who go in a man house to rob him. This man was a big serial rapist and is not that he does rape women. He does rape men and de two bandits walk right into he house. People didn’t see when dem walk in. Is only later dem hear de hollering, but of course people frighten to intervene. Dem call de police. When de police come dem find de two bandits tie up naked as dem born and dem crying. Dem tell de police is five days dem tie up in de house and de man handle dem round de clock. Dem was two men who was never so glad to see de police. And dem got de nerve to sue de man fuh physical and mental cruelty. Kwame seh he sorry he wasn’t one of dem Florida bandit. He seh he woulda mek de rapist collapse from fatigue. Talk half and watch how you going in people house.
Friday August 11, 2017
Gunmen flee with constable’s firearm, customer’s cash at GPL outlet - fail to breach cashier area
The security guard with the empty holster. (Safraz Nawaz photo) Gunmen snatched a special constable’s revolver and $37,000 from a customer during a brazen robbery yesterday afternoon, at a Guyana
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Power and Light (GPL) customer service centre at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. But they were forced to abort an attempt to breach the
cashier area after alert passersby raised an alarm. The robbers tied up the special constable and a customer, and fired shots while escaping, but no one was hurt. The robbers struck at around 14:15 hrs when the GPL service centre was open for business. Two of the robbers entered and joined the line with other customers. They seemed unfazed at the fact by the presence of an armed special constable who was on duty at the premises. Kaieteur News understands that one of the men then requested to use the washroom. At the same time, his accomplice drew a handgun from his haversack, pressed the weapon to the Special Constable’s head and relieved the rank of his revolver. The gunman then ordered the constable and customers to lie on the floor. A third man then entered with plastic cuffs and tied up the constable and a customer Ravindra Singh, a 40-year-old clothes vendor. The men relieved Singh of $37,000. The bandits then attempted to break into the cashier area, but passersby who saw the commotion raised an alarm. This caused the robbers to flee the building, while dis-
charging two rounds in the air. The bandits then entered a silver-grey Toyota Allion, with licence plates, HC 6216. Kaieteur News understands that while the customer service centre has no security cameras, CCTV cameras on other nearby buildings recorded the drama. A GPL release stated that just after 14:00 hrs, three bandits “stormed our ‘Mon Repos Customer Service Centre in an attempt to rob the Centre. “The Guyana Police Force (GPF) responded swiftly and foiled the attempted robbery. Customers’ personal belongings that were forcibly handed over were left behind as the bandits fled the scene,” the release stated. There were no injuries to staffers nor customers.” According to the statement, Executive Management expressed concern over the threat to the lives of staff and customers. “Consequently, this centre will be closed tomorrow (today), Friday, August 11, 2017 and Saturday, August 12, 2017. This Service Centre will be re-opened on Monday, August 14, 2017 for business as usual. GPL regrets the inconvenience caused. However, the lives of our Staffers and Customers are paramount.”
Houston woman, 69, fatally struck by Canter truck near home
Dead: Chitraykha Sankar Heading home from visiting her daughter, 69-year-old Chitraykha Sankar disembarked from a bus, only to be struck down by a truck while attempting to cross the East Bank Demerara public road. The accident occurred at around 06.11 hrs yesterday, just a few yards from the Lot 61 Houston, East Bank Demerara, where the mother of seven lived. Security cameras from a nearby business place recorded the horrific incident from beginning to end. The CCTV footage shows Mrs. Sankar exiting the bus on the western carriageway. She then begins to cross the carriageway, and almost reaches the other side before the truck, GMM 6594, which is heading north, strikes her and hurls her onto the roadway. It is unclear how the driver failed to see Mrs. Sankar, since the road appeared to be
relatively clear of traffic at the time. Police said that the victim was hurled some 20 feet, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police have identified the driver, who has been detained, as a 58year-old resident of Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. A relative of Sankar’s said that the pensioner had just returned from visiting a daughter, who lives in Diamond Housing Scheme. A neighbour of the victim told Kaieteur News that her father saw when the driver struck down Sankar. She said that the driver appeared to be unaware that he had struck someone, and only stopped after her father repeatedly shouted at him. She said that her father pulled Mrs. Sankar from beneath the vehicle. The woman was reportedly still alive, but succumbed shortly after.
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Govt. takes further steps to improve procurement procedures
In an effort to improve the evaluation process in public procurement, the Government has taken the decision to ensure that all evaluators are paid so as to expand the available pool of these officials. In addition to this, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) has completed the first component of training in procurement concepts and methodologies, and the remaining components will be completed in the second half of the year. This training comes in wake of the fact that Public Procurement Procedures is one of the areas that has been on the front burner for reform. According to the Government, the creation of the Public Procurement Commission is a notable achievement in this regard, as it strives towards transparency and accountability in the public pro-
curement process. Perceptions of corruption and favouritism have for years, sullied the image of Guyana’s public procurement system. However, the APNU+AFC Government and even top officials at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) have made it clear that while there remains room for improvement, they are very satisfied with the progress they have made in arming the system with effective anti-corruption mechanisms. This was supported and reiterated by NPTAB Head, Berkley Wickham. Wickham had informed this newspaper on some of the key initiatives and interventions made since he assumed office as Chairman of the NPTAB. He said that every initiative or intervention undertaken thus far was aimed at changing the long held perception of a tainted public procurement process. He said that the difficulty of this task was never underestimated, but its success is rooted in the need to achieve
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan transparency, accountability, fairness, integrity and efficiency. The NPTAB head said, “We are not there yet but significant advances have been made. Some of these are; increases in the Threshold limits for Regional, Ministerial/
NPTAB Chairman, Berkley Wickham
Agency Tender Boards; work in progress in developing debarment procedures; the Bid Protest Committee has been established and is functional; the Public Procurement Commission has been established; and we have been an active participant in the Task Force for the development of the Caricom Public Procurement Regime”. Wickham said that NPTAB has also been working with the Ministry of Business to facilitate the participation of small businesses and women-owned businesses in the Public Procurement process. Pursuant to Section 17 of the Procurement Act 2003, Wickham said that the National Procurement and Ten-
der Administration Board has been organizing training in public procurement. Furthermore, Wickham said that the existing legislation does not provide for eprocurement. He said that an upcoming legislation review will provide for this. He promised too that a debarment procedure will be fashioned for implementation. The NPTAB Head said, “There was further training in February in contract compliance and management. As you can see, we have been very busy this past year. In my opinion, we are poised to take procurement out of a long period of stagnation.” Wickham said that moves are being taken to ensure that
the Procurement system is elevated onto a pathway where electronic government procurement is the major tool to build a world class procurement process in Guyana. Additionally, at a national consultation on Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Public Procurement System requirements, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had outlined that a number of changes are in the pipeline. The Finance Minister said that under the Public Procurement Modernization Project for which funding has been provided by the Inter-American Development Bank under a Technical Cooperation Agreement called Public Procurement Modernization and Financial Management Strengthening in Guyana Component One will provide support to improve efficiency and value for money in public procurement through strategic planning and introduction of e-government procurement. Jordan said that the successor initiative by the CSME is Development and Implementation of the Infrastructure and Instruments for an Integrated CSME Procurement Regime. He explained that the deliverables include the Procurement Bill and Regulations, Procurement Software and Hardware Installation, Development of Training modules and the ability to roll out these modules online. He said that more will be said on these issues at a later time.
Friday August 11, 2017
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Study shows aviation sector contributes $20.6B to GDP A study done by Oxford Economics Limited has found that the aviation sector in Guyana contributes $20.6B to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This represents 3.2 per cent of GDP. The firm was contracted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to assess the impact of the sector on the country’s economy. The findings of the report were presented to the media yesterday at the High Street, Kingston office of the GCAA. According to the Director, Air Transport Management, GCAA, Saheed Sulaman, the objective of the study was to describe both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact of civil aviation on the economy of Guyana. He said that the economic impact as it relates to the GDP has to do with jobs and labour income of air operations and the spending by foreign tourists. He said that the amount of tourists that arrived by air was calculated using a standard input output economic impact framework. Sulaman said that the input output table was provided by the Bureau of Statistics to arrive at the calculation. He said that the model structure used is a very stan-
dard one used to assess impact. “They assess first the direct impact of the sector; that has to do with direct employment and spending by the industry’s business operations. They look at the indirect impact; that is, the supply chain effect stemming from industries operations. For example, as a result of investing in the airport (Cheddi Jagan International), GPL will benefit because they provide electricity. The telephone company will benefit because they provide communication.” Further, Sulaman said that there is induced impact, which has to do with the impact resulting from employees when they would have earned money working in the aviation sector and later go and spend in the retail sector. In quantifying the direct, indirect and induced impact of aviation operations, the study revealed that $1.6B, $3.8B and $1.3B respectively is contributed towards the nation’s GDP. This totals $6.8B. Further, Sulaman explained that the investment operations that were considered during the study were all domestic investments that were made in the sector. “It didn’t look at foreign
GCAA Director General, Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field (left) and GCAA Director, Saheed Sulaman
investments, because GDP has to do with nationals of Guyana, what are the investments made in Guyana.” Regarding employment, Sulaman said that the study showed that directly, in areas of trade, transport and communication, approximately 900 jobs are created by the sector. In terms of indirect jobs, in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, trade, transport, communication, hotel and restaurant, finance, real estate, education, health and personal services, about 2,010 jobs are supported by the aviation sector. Moreover, for jobs created due to induced impact of the sector, 570 jobs are supported in the aforementioned areas including utilities.
Therefore, combining the findings, the aviation sector is responsible for creating 3,490 jobs in the local economy. This was determined from information provided by the local airports and operators. Meanwhile, quantifying the value of labour in the sector, the study revealed that the direct impact on the sector is $1.6B; the indirect impact, $1.2B and the induced impact, $437,200 which totals $3.3B. Further, Sulaman said that a substantial number of foreigners visiting Guyana do so by air. This is estimated above 80 per cent of the total. He said that every foreigner spends money in the economy, and this was captured in the study.
According to Sulaman, the study also quantified the impact of tax revenue provided by the sector which is estimated to be $2B annually. Further, he explained that it was estimated by the firm that a foreigner spends roughly US$25 per night after arriving in the country. “What they did to come up with that figure was to find an average of all the travellers. Now, some people when they travel, they come for business, and that spending may be US$160 per night, but then you have a large percentage of visitors coming back for friends and family, at Christmas, at Easter, at Mash, and other selective periods within the area such as the July-August period.”
He said that using the average of US$25 per night, works out to $23B being spent by foreigners and visitors in the economy on an annual basis. “It tells you how important the aviation sector is right away, because without the sector providing connectivity, you could not have had those visitors coming, or at least the impact would not have been so significant.” According to Sulaman, of the $23B, $13B goes towards the country’s GDP. Together with the $6.8B from aviation operations, the sector holistically contributes $20.6B to GDP. As it relates to the tourism sector, the study showed that some 8,500 are created in the tourism sector or are impacted by the aviation sector. This brings total employment to approximately 12,000 jobs. The cost of the study was US$50,000. Despite receiving information conduct the study, information was not used from the aerodromes in the interior locations due to the lack of proper records being available. However, it is hoped by the GCAA that the necessary information can be provided in the future when another study will be done.
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Concern over powers given to Minister in Petroleum Act Many citizens who are following the development of the local oil and gas industry are concerned by the amount of powers given to the Minister of Natural Resources via the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill. While a few persons have expressed their concerns in the letter pages of Kaieteur News with their names attached, others chose to speak confidentially to reporters. The fear is that Guyana seems to be recreating a situation that it is simultaneously trying to address through Constitutional reform—vesting too much power in one individual. Some seem to think that the current Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, is well equipped to handle matters fairly and effectively. But even those persons are concerned about who may be the Minister coming next. One highly respected professional who spoke on the grounds of anonymity said, “Minister Trotman is all nice and dandy for now, but you know what power does to people? And even if he keeps his integrity, what about the next minister that takes that chair?”
Another professional said, “We are already dealing with the amount of powers given to the President in the Constitution and we are calling for Constitutional reform to address that problem. But why, if you are going to bring a have a new bill, continue in the same vein of something that we are trying to change?” The general recommendation seems to be that the National Assembly should have oversight of the Petroleum Commission. A few weeks ago, Attorney Nigel Hughes delivered a presentation at an academic forum held at the University of West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. At that forum, Hughes spoke about the many dimensions of Guyana’s embryonic oil and gas industry. When he turned his attention to the legal aspect, Hughes said that the existing legal and regulatory framework for the industry is thirty years old. He noted that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act was passed on the 14th April 1986. The respected attorney said that it is evident that not only did does Guyana have to update its legal and regulatory
architecture “but we would rapidly have to develop capacities where none existed.” Hughes told the academics who gathered that in the last quarter of 2016; the Government introduced the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill to the National Assembly. He explained that the Bill provides for the establishment and the functions of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana. The Commission will have to, among other things: review and recommend to the Minister for approval, amendment or rejection the plans, proposals, reports, analysis, data and any other information submitted by an applicant for the granting or renewal of a petroleum prospecting licence and/or a petroleum production licence and when required by the Minister, conduct bid rounds for the grant of licences. The Commission will be responsible the enforcement of the conditions of exploration and production leases, concessions or exclusive permissions, or any licence, permit or production sharing or joint venture agreement entered into or deemed to be granted or entered into under the Petroleum (Exploration
Attorney Nigel Hughes’ concerns are now being echoed by a wide crosssection of society and Production) Act Chapter 65:01. It is also tasked with the collection and recovery of all rents, fees, royalties, penalties, levies, tolls and any other charges payable under the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act Chapter 65:01 and any other revenues of the Commission. Hughes then said, “Per-
haps of considerable importance are the powers to be vested in the Minister under the new Bill.” He noted that Section 8 of the Bill provides that the Minister may give to the Commission directions as to any policy to be observed and implemented by the Commission in the performance of its functions. The Minister may direct the organization of the Commission to enable it to discharge its functions under this Act, including the size of the establishment, the employment of staff and the terms and conditions of employment, the provision of equipment and use of funds. The Bill explicitly states “and the Commission shall comply with such directions.” It does not end there, the Bill says, “In carrying out such measures of reorganization or such works of development as to involve a substantial outlay on capital account, the Commission shall act in accordance with a programme ap-
proved, from time to time, by the Minister.” Even a simple training programme has to be approved by the Minister. The Bill states, “In the exercise of its functions in relation to training, education and research, the Commission shall act in accordance with a programme approved by the Minister.” The Bill went on to state, “The power of the Minister to give directions to the Commission under this section shall include, but not be limited to, giving to the Commission directions as to – (a) the disposal of capital assets; (b) the application of the proceeds of such disposals.” The Bill creates the post of Director of Petroleum who has to be appointed by the Minister. This is provided for in section 20. Hughes told the gathering in Trinidad, “The Bill is still in the House and hopefully will make its way to Committee, a location where greater consensus.”
Boiler fire affects Aurora Mines operations Large-scale gold producer, Guyana Goldfields Inc., which has operations at Aurora, Region Seven, on Wednesday evening suffered a fire. The blaze at the elution circuit boiler was quickly put out with no injuries sustained by workers. “No injuries were sustained by employees and emergency response procedures were immediately initiated and the fire was quickly extinguished. Mill operations were suspended for four hours for safety precautions and to determine the cause
of the fire. The mill is fully operational with the only impact being the inability to strip loaded carbon.” According to the Canadian company, the incident resulted in damage to the boiler and adjacent cables. “All spare parts are located on site and are immediately being utilized. Management expects repairs to cost approximately US$300,000 – $400,000 and take up to 21 days to complete.” Based upon the current carbon stripping capacity, the company said it will need to store the excess carbon con-
taining approximately 3,500 ounces of recoverable gold, which will not be available for sale until the fourth quarter. Scott Caldwell, President and CEO, according to the statement, said that thankfully his company’s emergency response procedures were in quick effect and the fire was contained immediately and no injuries were sustained. Guyana would have been nervous about the situation as the company’s production has been helping to push up declarations. Already for this year, gold production is on track to surpass the 700,000-ounce target set by the authorities. According to the Natural Resources Ministry, some 367,861 ounces of gold was declared as at July 31, 2017. The target set for 2016 was 600,000 ounces.
Friday August 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
Troubling nexus between ads and tobacco use among youths - 2015 Global Youth Tobacco Survey Report reveals Close to half of the youths who participated in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey [GYTS] in 2015, revealed that they were not prevented from buying cigarettes because of their age. From a sample of 1,697 youths between the ages of 13 and 15, 48.9 percent made this disclosure. The 2015 survey saw its sample being drawn from 69 classes in 25 public schools, and in fact, represented the fourth round of GYTS conducted by Guyana. Guyana is one of four countries in the Regions of South America, Latin America and Caribbean to have ever accomplished four rounds. Surveys in this regard were conducted in 2000, 2004, 2010 and 2015. The surveys were conducted by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there have been some good trends detected during the most recent survey, Dr. Morris Edwards, the PAHO/WHO Consultant for the GYTS 2015 Report, said that there are also some that are very daunting. Based on the data accumulated through the survey, it was found that 61 percent of the children were able to purchase cigarettes by the pack while nine percent were even able to buy the product by the cartons. In sharing this daunting state of affairs Dr. Edwards took a jab at the Demerara Tobacco Company [DEMTOCO] which has had issues with aspects of the recently passed Tobacco Control Legislation, which among other things, is intended to bring an end to the sale of tobacco products to minors. DEMTOCO has claimed that the legislation could in fact serve to reduce its sale and by extension its payment of some $4 billion in taxes. “So maybe that is where DEMTOCO is getting a lot of its sales from, if you could be selling cartons to children,” said Dr. Edwards, who went on to reveal that almost 12 percent of the students, or one in every nine, was offered a free tobacco product from a tobacco company. In fact, he revealed that boys were more than twice the ones who were targeted. Added to this, one in every five students were said to be the owners of an item with a tobacco brand. According to Dr. Edwards, the tactic is, “You give these gifts to the children
PAHO/WHO Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow [right] hands over the GYTS Report to Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. and that’s an inducement for them to actually consider, wittingly or unwittingly these products….25.6 percent of those who never used tobacco products said that they were likely to own a branded item that had a tobacco logo on it, because of effective marketing that made it look sexy.” Dr. Edwards said yesterday that more than two-thirds of students assessed, admitted to noticing someone use tobacco on television, videos or movies. Added to this, less than one-third of the students claimed that they noticed tobacco advertisement or promotions at points of sale. When compared to 2004, the 2015 data revealed that the proportion of students who were able to purchase cigarette from shops more than doubled. This might very well be linked to the effective marketing. Given the impact of the media to draw attention to tobacco, Dr. Edwards added, “now with new Bill let us see whether these numbers actually will change.” Once enacted, the tobacco legislation will serve to clampdown on the advertising campaigns that have been launched by tobacco companies. According to the GYTS Report , the use of tobacco products during adolescence and teenaged years has been associated with significant health problems which can be amplified during adulthood.
It was further pointed out that earlier use is also associated with heavier use, as those who begin to use tobacco as younger adolescence are among the heaviest users in adolescence and adulthood. Such users are in fact less likely to quit. According to PAHO/ WHO Resident Representative, Dr. Williams Adu-Krow, who delivered brief remarks at the launch of the GYTS Report, although he was of the opinion that an individual had to be a smoker for a prolonged period in order to become addicted, his perception changed when he came across research in that regard. The research in question, Dr. Adu-Krow said, revealed that “with children, they get hooked much, much earlier.” This, according to him, means that children who smoke can become addicted soon after engaging in smoking activities. But according to Dr. AduKrow, if children are exposed to enough information, they are more likely to begin to see themselves as susceptible and take precautionary action. Such a tactic is important to employ ahead of the point of addiction, since according to the PAHO/WHO Representative, “if you are addicted to something, irrespective of how severe you perceive it to be, irrespective of how susceptible you perceive yourself to be, you are powerless to taking action.”
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Kaieteur News
Law amendments cancelling broadcast licences offensive
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has described recently passed broadcast legislation as a flawed amendment to a law that was flawed in the first place. Joining calls yesterday for President David Granger to hold off on signing the legislation into law, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it has noted the increasing concerns over the passage of the Broadcast (Amendment) Bill 2017 last Friday. It will soon be presented to Granger for his assent. “The Bill will now amend the Broadcast Bill 2011 which itself, though it did not invite much public attention at its passing, is, in the opinion of the Commission, far from adequate in a number of critical aspects in delivering a Broadcasting Authority and Law meeting certain fundamental provisions for administering and regulating broadcasting in our country,” PSC said yesterday. PSC would be joining a number of local and international bodies that have been calling for the bill not to be signed.
Over the weekend, the Guyana Press Association among other bodies, criticized the bill, warning against measures to force television and radio stations to air public service advertisements as an abuse of authority. Also criticizing the bill and the lack of consultations were the respected International Press Institute and Reporters Without Borders. The Opposition has since announced it will be challenging the bill. According to the PSC, the previous Bill of 2011 had established a Broadcasting Authority, entirely composed of persons appointed solely by the President, completely compromising the independence of the authority. “The precedent has long been set in the United Kingdom, Canada and the majority of Commonwealth Countries and in the USA, to ensure that, even though Broadcasting Authorities are appointed by the government, in practice there is extensive and widespread consultation with the political opposition and civil society as to their composi-
- PSC on passage of new Bill
President David Granger tion.” PSC said it holds the view that this government has missed a golden opportunity to have revisited and revised the 2011 Broadcasting Bill which did not, at the time of its passing, receive full and adequate consultation with licenced broadcast owners and the general public. “Instead, the government has used its majority in Parliament to enforce amendments of a bad Bill which bring into question the government’s intention with regard to the Amendment’s real purpose
and the government’s commitment to freedom of expression in the broadcast media.” The business advocacy body said that this new bill “offensively” provides for the cancellation of all current broadcasting licences in place immediately before the commencement of the Act, forcing operating licencees out of business with no option but to reapply for a licence in a totally unreasonable period of time. “The Commission wishes to point out that these licences were issued under the law, however bad the law, to broadcasters who have made considerable investment and accepted in good faith that they will not be arbitrarily cancelled without cause.” In fact, the Amendment to the Broadcast Bill has been introduced by the government without any serious prior consultation with Broadcast Licencees, never mind public hearings. “The Commission finds this to be totally unacceptable and a complete departure from internationally accepted norm and practice.” PSC noted that the amendment of the Broadcast
Bill also, again without any consultation, provides for the Broadcasting Authority to enforce the provision of broadcasting time on licencees of a minimum of one hour per day at times which include prime time commercial broadcasts for the purpose of “public service programmes”, whatever that may be, entirely at the discretion of the Prime Minister who, in any event, has ultimate direction over broadcasting content under the 2011 Bill. “The Commission, while acknowledging that there is legislative precedent for government to place public service programmes on private commercial broadcast stations, the nature and content of this material is usually very carefully defined in Broadcast Regulations to ensure against programmes involving political and/or controversial material intended specifically to serve the interest of any political party outside of an election period.” PSC urged the President to send the Bill amending the Broadcast Act back to Parliament for extensive public consultation with the Broadcast-
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo ing licencees, and, indeed, the general public. “The Commission further encourages the President to consider amendment and revision of the 2011 Broadcasting Act to reflect a broadcasting policy and philosophy for using the airwaves which will serve the public i nterest and convenience subject to the constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression.” Attention was placed on the issue of television, cable and radio licences after it became known in 2011 that former President Bharrat Jagdeo issued several to close friends and party members, at the same time sidelining established media houses.
Amerindian body seeks Parliamentary meeting on Petroleum Bill As the administration continues to face pressure to ensure it has the best deal possible with US-owned ExxonMobil and its partners, at least one Indigenous group has signaled intentions to learn as much as possible. The National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) in a released letter dated yesterday indicated that it has written Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, calling for a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Petroleum Commission Bill. “The Indigenous Peoples representatives – the National Toshaos’ Council along with our sister organizations, the Indigenous NGO’s, are seeking an engagement with the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Petroleum Commission Bill,” Chairman of NTC, Toshao Joel Fredericks said in the letter. The Toshao explained
NTC Chairman, Toshao Joel Fredericks that his organization was seeking to do a presentation to the Committee on this issue to satisfy the “inclusive consultative process” on this very important Bill. “We are furnishing this request in recognition of our rights under Article 9 and Article 13, respectively, of Guyana’s Constitution. We are kindly requesting your most timely response to this
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
request to better guide our next steps.” The Bill provides for a legal framework for regulating and monitoring efficient, safe, effective and environmentally-responsible exploration, development and production of petroleum in Guyana. It caters, also, for the establishment and functions of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana. The Commission will deal with all petroleumrelated matters. The Bill contains 51 clauses and is divided into 6 parts. Exxon is preparing to start production on the Liza-1 well, on its Stabroek Block concession, by 2020, paving the way for Guyana to have it first commercially-produced oil. However, the good news has come with questions about what exactly Guyana is getting. According to the deal, Guyana will collect a two percent royalty on every barrel and share the profits 50/50. However, there are concerns about the mechanisms to determine that profit share.
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Friday August 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
“Govt.” wins Youth Parliament debate
Best Speaker Sherlyn Semple
Best Debater Tyriq Scott
The “Government” successfully debated four motions in the National Assembly yesterday at the third annual sitting of Youth Parliament. Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, the chief judge of a panel of three judges which included Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack and Dr. Valerie Leung, announced the winners, but pointed out that the decision was not unanimous. Before announcing the winners, Minister Henry said she was impressed with the
quality of the presentations by the 40 secondary school students from nine administrative regions. “You all are winners in your own right, and we noted that you displayed intelligence, confidence and communication skills,” Minister Henry said. The government side successfully defended the capping of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, combating suicide, and the establishment of a local oil refinery. These motions were brought by the opposition side of the House.
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, commending the Youth Parliament participants for their exuberance. The House was unanimous in its support, however, for the United Nations Secretary General to move to the International Court of Justice to bring final settlement to the longstanding Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. This motion was moved by the government side of the House. Minister of Public Health Tyriq Scott was awarded Best Debater. He told the Depart-
ment of Public Information (DPI) that the win came as a surprise, but the experience was “very informative”. “I hope to be a mentor next year,” Scott said. However, the aspiring lawyer said he does not foresee a future in the National Assembly. Meanwhile, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Sherlyn Semple was adjudged the Best Speaker. She said she was “elated” by the win. “It did not come easy, because I worked really hard I did not sleep last night at all,” she told the DPI. Semple said the experience has rekindled her passion for debating. The New Amsterdam Multilateral Sec-
ondary School student is an aspiring lawyer. “Impressive”, “sharp”, “proud”, were the words that were repeated by Members of Parliament and the general public when the sitting concluded. “You did an excellent job,” DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, said in her congratulatory remarks to the students, while Dr. Leung was impressed with the level of preparation and detail that was put into the presentations. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, commended the students for “the exuberance that was displayed” while Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira praised them for ex-
hibiting “wisdom beyond level of comprehension”. Opposition Member of Parliament Harry Gill said the students’ performance during the sitting was proof that “the future of Guyana is indeed in good hands” and MP Pauline Sukhai said she was impressed with how “sharp” the presentations were. An emotional Rob Bobb Semple, an observer in the public gallery, told the students he was “extremely proud of each and every one of them”. This year ’s sitting of Youth Parliament was held under the theme “Our Generation, Our Voice to Inspire, Encourage, Impact”.
Teen accused of armed robbery spared jail time “I am not going to send you to jail. Jail is not going to help you,” said Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore to 18year-old Mawali Clarke before sending him to undergo counseling for narcotics and substance abuse. Last month, Clarke, of Lot 564 Section D, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, had appeared before Magistrate Azore, and pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery underarms. He admitted that on July 6, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, while armed with a knife, he robbed Joelle Ramsarran of a Samsung Galaxy S4 cellular phone valued $45,000. Clarke further admitted that on the same day, while armed with a knife, he robbed Sally Khan of a Samsung Galaxy S5 cellular phone valued $120,000. According to Police Prosecutor Simone Payne, on the day in question Khan and Ramsarran were walking through a passageway in the compound of Game Express
Mawali Clarke when they were accosted by Clarke, who was armed with a knife. Clarke demanded that the women hand over their valuables, and they gave him their cellular phones. Clarke was caught on CCTV robbing the women and also admitted to the offences in a caution statement given to police. Clarke had told the Magistrate that he committed the robberies while he was “high” as a result of smoking marijuana. He had disclosed that
he was hungry at the time and promised that he would never rob anyone again. Magistrate Azore had deferred sentencing for Clarke until Wednesday pending a probation report. In the probation report it was highlighted that Clarke was raised by his mother since his father died. The Social Worker said that although his mother tried her best to take care of him, she lacked the necessary parental skills to supervise him. According to the probation report, Clarke has been given numerous opportunities to do well with his life, but insists on doing otherwise. Clarke in his address to the court insisted that he only does bad things when he is under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. Nevertheless, the Magistrate imposed a $25,000 fine on each of the charges with a default imprisonment of six months. Clarke has to meet with a probation officer twice monthly for the next six months.
Friday August 11, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Thirty Guyanese benefit from surgeries performed by HERO The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is usually visited by different teams of the medical professionals in an effort to provide help to persons in need. The Health and Education Relief Organization (HERO) is one such team that has visited Guyana and recently provided its much appreciated services. This was acknowledged at a press conference held at GPHC’s Conference Room that was attended by Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Brigadier George Lewis, Director of Medical and Professional Services Dr. Sheik Amir and Chairperson of GPHC Board, Kesaundra Alves and Public Relations Officer, Mitzy Campbell. HERO, according to CEO Lewis, is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides free high quality health care and education support to countries throughout the Caribbean to achieve its primary objective by conducting an-
(From right) General/Trauma Surgeon Dr. John Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer (ag) Brigadier George Lewis, Director of Medical and Professional Services Dr. Sheik Amir, and Chairperson of GPHC Board, Kesaundra Alves nual medical and educational outreach programmes with volunteer staff, as well as specialists within various fields of medical and surgical areas. Dr. John Mitchell, General/ Trauma Surgeon and member of the HERO team in his remarks, said that the team is really happy that GPHC has supported their initiative. He said for a total of 12 years the team has been visiting
Guyana. The surgeon explained that the most complex surgeries he has performed in Guyana have been on children since they have “small structures”. The visiting team comprises four surgeons, inclusive of plastic and vascular surgeons. It also includes nurses, physicians, nursepractitioners, medical students, pharmacists, radiolo-
Indian company offers stone expertise help to GGMC Acting Commissioner of GGMC, Newell Dennison, examining some of the stone samples in the presence of Chairman of Gem Group, R. Veeramani.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) yesterday received semi-precious stone samples from Indian stone mining giant, Gem Group of companies. Chairman of Gem Group, R. Veeramani, and the Director of Gem Granites, R. Gunasekaran, paid a courtesy call on Acting Commission, Newell Dennison, yesterday and made the donation. Veeramani, who also chairs the Development Panel for Granite Industry within India’s Ministry of Industry, told Commissioner Dennison that his company has assisted
other countries with the promotion and development of their stone industries. “We help other countries in establishing the market and to promote their material,” Veeramani said. Dennison, according to a release on the visit, posited that establishing this collaboration would help to improve the GGMC’s lapidary section which remains underdeveloped and under promoted. “Perhaps this is a good time to see how we can raise the profile and get the lapidary back on proper footing,” Dennison said.
Verramani is credited with promoting India’s stone industry, whose export market is valued around $2B. India has identified 200 varieties of stones and Gem Group has branded more than 70 varieties of those stones. A sample of these stones was presented to be displayed in the GGMC’s library. “Those varieties that they are going to leave with us will certainly put it on a different platform,” Dennison pointed out. Gem Group is on a fiveday scoping mission to explore investment opportunities in Guyana.
gists, etc. The surgeon mentioned that most of the members of the team are Guyanese. Dr. Mitchell noted that the team had visited Region 10 for the past four days, as well as Georgetown, and they are currently helping children
in Providence and Mocha who are reading below the grade level. This year, four programmes were introduced under the name ‘HERO kids’. The team has been trying to reach out to children and “get a better understanding of their
needs and better understanding of their facilities…” Of the 30 operations of different varieties that were performed, 28 were executed at the Georgetown Public Hospital and two at the private hospital, Medical Arts. Dr. Mitchell noted that despite they had anticipated doing some 45 operations, he is thankful that they were able to accomplish 30. During their one week stay, the teams were “spread out” across Guyana’s administrative regions. Sessions were also held with some of the transplant staff at GPHC in order to teach them new skills and make “better determinations” according to the doctor. The team is expected to visit again next March, as well as August, since they normally visit the country twice a year.
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Kaieteur News
Friday August 11, 2017
Friday August 11, 2017
Jamaica remains open to investments from China – PM
Prime Minister, Andrew Holness (right), and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Niu Qingbao (3rd left), display the agreement for the J$564.7-million (US$4.4-million) Barbican Road improvement project, which was signed at Jamaica House on Wednesday. KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness is reassuring the country that the Government will act in the best interest of the Jamaican people while remaining open to foreign investment including from China. “We have to be receptive to investments not just from China. Jamaica wants to see a diversified portfolio of investors coming into this country. We want investors from all over to come here and invest. We want people to choose Jamaica to invest; we want people to choose to make their homes in Jamaica and so the Government of Jamaica has, not just with my government but with the previous government and the government that I was a part of before that, developed a strategic relationship and partnership with the Government of China,” the prime minister
said. Holness made the comments as the Government signed a partnership agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the Barbican Road Improvement Works project. “The Government is very sensitive to what has been happening. I want to reassure the people of Jamaica that the Government of Jamaica will always act in the best interest of the people of Jamaica,” said Holness. He also noted the country’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China which dates back to 1972; and that Jamaica continues to support the One China policy. Holness outlined that as the largest provider of Foreign Direct Investment, China represents a window of opportunity for Jamaica to gain true economic independence.
He explained that economic independence can only be accomplished “when we have good infrastructure, good institutions and a Gross Domestic Product that can stand with the world’s progressive countries”. “I want to give you the guarantee that we are not wasting this money. We are leaving major legacies behind that your children can say that the engagement of your government with the People’s Republic of China left long lasting benefits that showed the partnership and the spirit of the engagement because, as China develops and attains first world standard, which they will do within a generation so too Jamaica wants to develop and attain first world standards and we can’t do it by shutting off ourselves from the world,” said Holness. (Jamaica Observer)
Cooking gas shortages force Venezuelans to turn to firewood PUERTO ORDAZ/ CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan homemaker Carmen Rondon lives in the country with the world’s largest oil reserves, but has spent weeks cooking with firewood due to a chronic shortage of home cooking gas - leaving her hoarse from breathing smoke. Finding domestic gas cylinders has become increasingly difficult, a problem that oil industry analysts attribute to slumping oil output in the OPEC nation - which is struggling under an unraveling socialist economy. State oil company PDVSA says the problem is due to difficulties in distributing tanks amid four months of
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Kaieteur News
anti-government protests in which its trucks have been attacked. “I’ve spent three weeks cooking with wood and sometimes the food does not even soften properly, I can’t stand it anymore,” said Rondon, as she lined up to buy a cylinder under the scorching sun in the city of San Felix in southern Venezuela. More than 100 people were ahead of her in line. Nine out of 10 Venezuelan homes rely on cylinders for
home gas usage, with only 10 percent receiving it via pipelines, according to official figures. The government launched a plan 12 years ago to bring some 5 million households onto the natural gas network but was unable to follow through. Venezuela’s socialist economy has been in free-fall since the oil price collapse in 2014, creating shortages of everything from diapers to cancer medication and spurring inflation to triple-digit levels.
Barbados will not tolerate underworld justice system – Prime Minister BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has called for the elimination of what he has called the underworld justice system. The Prime Minister expressed the view that while noting his deep regret and profound sadness over an incident earlier this week when 20-year-old Tareid Rock was killed and several others injured on Spring Garden Highway, at the climax of Grand Kadooment. “One thing is very clear to me; if those who say gun violence is an incident of the drug trade and the existence of gangs in Barbados, it is clear that we now have two justice systems running parallel with each other. “There is the mainstream justice system, beset with complaints about delays, adjournments, the amount of time it takes to get decisions and that kind of thing; and there is the underworld justice system in which there is no scope for
Freundel Stuart delay or adjournment of any kind. Once guilt is established justice is swiftly and ruthlessly dispensed and the question that we will ultimately have to ask ourselves is whether we can continue to have two justice systems running in our society.” “I do not think that the bulk of the Barbadian population has any interest in having parallel systems of justice. I think most Barbadians still believe that our mainstream justice system is to be preferred
even though they think that it needs to be markedly improved and needs to be more responsive to their needs.” Stuart said there was a certain amount of passion, intensity and determination seen in the activities of persons involved in the underworld. “We cannot allow the passion and intensity of those who are committed to doing the wrong thing to outdistance and outpace our own passion to do the right thing and allow that underworld to take over Barbados.”
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
WANTED Cosmetologist: all rounded, experienced, further training provided. Call: 647-1773 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Senior Diesel Mechanic to work in G/Town. Call: 2181455
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Mature, experienced salesman/driver, able to work flexible hours, apply with reference/police clearance @ Key Food, Mc Doom
Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
Mature maid to work 3 Days weekly, must know to cook . Apply with recommendation @ Key Food, Mc Doom Village.
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045
One trawler to buy with shrimp / seabob licence. Contact # 609-5123
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822
One Full Time Mechanic. Previous experience would be an asset. Call 626/8698 Canter truck drivers to work on W.C.D -$30,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231 Need experienced garbage drivers & labourers. Call: 6707920
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 6924649 Experienced waitress. Apply at Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street (Day Shift only)
CAR RENTAL
Need 1 interior welder (3) years experienced and must be able to fabricate. Call: 6234242
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Immediate vacancy exist for one checker to work @ Meadowbank Ice Factory, good handwriting. Call: 2311408/ 642-9191 (8am-1pm)
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 6987807
Friday August 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
VEHICLE FOR SALE
FOR SALE
2012 Nissan Bluebird: reverse camera, low mileage, unregistered. New model Allion coming -$3.3M negotiable. Call: 655-3400
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 -$1.7M, MF-135 - $1M, MF-265 -$1.9M, 165 Loader tractor -$2.2M. Call: 682-5230/615-4414 2005 Tacoma from Canada bull bar -$2.3M, Ford F150 sport $1.2M, Ranger sport -$1.4M. Call: 682-5230/ 615-4414 2010 Nissan Juke, PWW series, alarm -$2.9M negotiable. Contact Dewan: 223-1332/6137542,Alok:347-617-7582 (2) 2010 Vitz - $850,000 each, 2010 Suzuki swift & Nissan March - $850,000 each (all unregistered & duties to pay). Call: 649-7771/699-3942 RZ bus, good working condition, 2006 bluebird, 36,000KM, PVV 6406, 2009 unregistered Bluebird, 31,000 KM. Call: 265-2171/ 682-7589 Toyota Premio 2005 with AC, music and alarm, PTT series, price negotiable, good condition. Call: 617-5257/ 6199894 1 RZ minibus, excellent condition. The price is right, one wooden lathe machine. Call: 616-3288/233-0269/6908247
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365
Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon $3.5M, BMW 316 $2.7M, Toyota Hilux Vigo $4M, Owner leaving country. Call 222-0675, 699-9214 Fluffy puppies. Call:6997077/ 619-6086 Fox tail, palm plants (three feet tall) price -$100 (one hundred dollars each). Call: 638-8858 C-T Cummings Engine starter for sale (foreign used). Call: 649-8449/ 615-6683 One LT 15 wood mizer sawmill with Perkins generator. Contact: 689-5059 5 lots in Blankenburg, back of the gas station @$2.9 M each. Contact: 650-0402\6031402 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
One data entry clerk, must be computer literate & have passes @ CXC Maths & English. Apply PO BOX12118 1 Counter clerk, must have a decent handwriting & passes in Maths & English. Send handwritten application to PO BOX 12118
Tacoma V6. 2011 automatic, 4WD, cover to back tray, excellent condition. Phone. 694-2197
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
House/land at Durban Street, 3rd house between Victor/John 73X43 -$10.5M Call: 646-9997
Live in or live out babysitter/ Property @ Covent Garden, domestic. Call: 223-7500 E.B.D. Call: 265-3586 Monday-Saturday 8:15Transported 2 story with 4:15pm shop ideal for business, E.B.D 1 live in couple & 2 males to Soesdyke, Public Road. Call: cook @ outdoor grill, driver’s 625-8589/ 688-0882/518-859license+, weekend included. 5313 Call: 656-9313/675-2550 Grades 5 & 6 teachers, retired teachers are welcome @ Josel Educational Institute, 120 Peter Rose & Laluni Streets, Queenstown. Call: 226-7868/ 678-0652 American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street Georgetown: experienced cashier, apply in person with application. Female & Male fish cleaners @ Shakoor’s Seafood, Eccles. Call: 233-2546 2 Salesgirls preferably from East Bank, 1 Farm worker. Call: 265-3586
TO LET FURNISHED TWO BEDROOMSAPARTMENT, SHORT/LONG TERM. CALL: 222-7891/ 609-9202 1 & 2 Bedroom tiled apartment@ Charlestown, decent working single/ couple -$40,000 & 50,000. Call: 225-1415/601-1585 from 8am-5:30pm (no children) Fully furnished apartment $95,000-$140,000. Call: 6445151
LAND FOR SALE 26 Happy Acres, East Coast, 5,830sq (53X110), 25 Million, negotiable. Call: 614-4358 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D - $1200USD. Call 6471773
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Property @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda, 1 building in front & 2 storey house at the back, L 120X B 30- $50M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183
1 Bedroom apartment, single persons only, semifurnished. Call Elsa Reid: 6579372
CK2 Lancer – 134,000km $740,000 negotiable. Call: 613-5645 One Leyland DAF55, dump truck. Call: 621-4740
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Cook/ Baker for interior. Transported property @ Applicants must be Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 experienced. Call: 618-2020
One 2006 Vitz -$1.350M Negotiable –Call: 639-1997
1 Maid for East Bank area; 3 days per week, must know to cook. Call: 614-4358 Sell us you land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Zeelugt. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402
VACANCY
1 Bedroom apartment, well secured for working couple or single person -$35,000 monthly, light & water included. Call: 638-8858 3 Bedrooms upstairs with toilet and bath, kitchen @ 16 Station Street Kitty. Call: 2255977/673-1872 Bottom half for rent @ 258 Section ‘Y’ Block X Grove Diamond, E.B.D. Call: 6944276 or 680-6399
Land for sale in Tuschen, Phase 1. Call: 679-1096 Land @ Amelia Ward Linden 50"X100". Call: 692-0500 Tuschen Phase 1 -$2.5M, Zeelugt 1st New Scheme$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie$1.6M. Call: 642-1252 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.4M & $1.6M, Amelia’s Ward (100ftX50ft) concrete fence, farm (East Bank) -$2.8M. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969 Uitvlugt New Scheme (100ftX50ft) - $2.8M, First Street (20ft Reserve). Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969 Titled land: E.B.D River @ Loo Creek, Linden Highway, 85.6 Acres, water source, farm land, etc. Call:625-8589/6880882/518-859-5313
Friday August 11, 2017
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Kaieteur News
CJ orders SOCU to return seized $9M to Dataram’s brother Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George, last month, granted an order instructing the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to return $9M it had seized from Troy Dataram, the brother of convicted drug trafficker, Barry Dataram. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the money has already been returned. The CJ’s order comes nine months after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was granted permission by Magistrate Judy Latchman to forfeit the monies which were suspected to be proceeds from a criminal enterprise, belonging to the brothers. Sometime after, Attorneyat-Law Glenn Hanoman, who represented the brothers, filed an action in the High Court challenging the grounds for which SOCU had seized the cash. It was reported that the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) was in possession of the money after it was found by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks during the raid of a house occupied by
Barry Dataram at 661 Fourth Avenue, Block ‘X’ Diamond, East Bank Demerara, on April 16, 2016. CANU ranks also unearthed some 100 pounds of cocaine during the raid. However, Kaieteur News was informed that the money was found in Troy Dataram’s home, several months after the raid. Law Enforcement officials had suspected that the money was acquired by Dataram, who had given his brother to keep. During the High Court proceeding, several arguments were raised by Hanoman and lawyers from the Attorney General’s Chambers which represented the state. Hanoman contended that the $9M belonged to Troy Dataram, and was in no way connected to the drug bust. The Chief Justice ruled in favour. The matter, for which an application was granted to the DPP to forfeit the money by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, came up yesterday, during which Magistrate Latchman and Attorney-at-Law Dionne
McCammon, Deputy DPP, said that they were both unaware of the Chief Justice’s order. McCammon explained that she was not aware of the order since Attorneys-atLaws from the DPP’s chambers were not involved in the High Court matter. The court was enlightened of the order by Hanoman who stated that he had served a copy to the Magistrate’s clerk. Nevertheless, Magistrate Latchman adjourned the matter until August 14, for reports. Barry Dataram is currently serving a 60-month jail term after he was found guilty by Magistrate Latchman of narcotics trafficking, over the cocaine bust. He was also fined $164M. Dataram is also serving another jail term of two years and 24 months after pleading guilty to charges of attempting to defeat the administration of justice; forging a Republic of Guyana Passport and departing Guyana without presenting himself to immigration officers.
Pomeroon boat operators bemoan licensing requirements Speed boat operators in the Pomeroon River, are now in fear as the Maritime Administration [MARAD], has reinforced its will to have all such operations within the Pomeroon licensed. Hire Boat operators believe that the licensing requirement implemented by MARAD, would not only impact boat operators, but by extension all persons living within the Pomeroon. The operators are fearful, as they believe qualification for licensing, would be an added pressure on them economically. “This whole licensing thing is gonna be hard on us, because we don’t work for much. Someday we work for nothing and some other days we get a $5000. From that money we have to take care of operation and maintenance expenses. Most importantly, we have family to take care of with that cash, so it’s little or no money really.” Those were just some of the comments from frustrated operators. Residents in the Pomeroon are bitter because of the high cost of living. As farming gradually declines, the economic tension has become ever more challenging. Residents then depend on their day to day hire boat operations to make an honest
living. One operator reflected, “I used to farm, but the flood water threaten most of the farmlands in the Pomeroon. This left me with no choice but to go into this li’l boat business. The outboard engine use way more gasoline than a car, so it’s really expensive to put back gas into the business.” MARAD on the other hand believes that current $10,550 is a fair price, noting that all other operators outside of the Pomeroon are subjected to pay $20,800. Commenting on the issue, one official from MARAD said, that “licensing is something that must be done.” The official emphasised, “Persons cannot be working on the waterways and they’re not certified. The regulators see it as a measure of greater security. Time and again discussions were held with these operators. When something goes wrong and a life is lost, we have to answer a lot of questions. The crushed family looks to us for all the answers.” MARAD indicates that any
vessel powered by an outboard engine that is more than 5 horsepower (hs), with more than 10 ft. in length, has to be licensed. Residents believe that in promoting safety, MARAD should place more emphasis on cleaning and ridding the Pomeroon River of obstacles. They explained, “The only reason it got boat accident in the Pomeroon River is because all them people throwing coconut husks, and all other obstacles in the river. We want MARAD to look at that, what are they doing to prevent that?” MARAD explained once more that promoting safety to such an extent would require a significant amount of funds. The official explained, however, that MARAD is responsible for deploying navigational beacons, wherever necessary. “While we don’t embark on cleaning of rivers we do deal with the navigation aspect. Sections that need buoys are fitted with buoys and beacon lights for navigational purposes.” (Romario Blair)
Troy Dataram (left)and Barry Dataram
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Friday August 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
Ministry completes assessment into Carifesta Ave. potholes
Army staff sergeant dies after crashing into truck An army rank was killed last night after crashing into a parked low bed truck at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The accident occurred at
around 22.00 hrs. An army official identified the victim as Staff Sergeant Omawale Sibdhannie. He was stationed at the Four Engi-
neer battalion at Camp Stephenson. His body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) mortuary.
Bound body of Chinese restaurant owner found in Tuschen premises The body of a male Chinese restaurateur was found at a house in the Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, late last evening. The man reportedly operates the Paradise Chinese Restaurant in the
bottom flat of the twostorey building. His body was reportedly found lying at the back of the establishment in the washroom. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, the body was found with the
hands bound behind the back and mouth gagged. The discovery was reportedly made around 22:00hrs. The remains were taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home. More details in a subsequent edition.
$6M SLED project launched in Region Nine One of the potholes along Carifesta Avenue which was recently filled with concrete. The holes will soon be covered with asphalt. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has successfully determined the cause of the developing potholes along the Carifesta Avenue and has completed minor rehabilitative works to remedy the situation. In light of concerns on the overall structural integrity of the carriageway, the Ministry, in a statement, has emphasised that the potholes – particularly those which had developed at the bases of light-poles – were as a result of improper compaction of the
white sand that was used as backfill around the pile foundation. “Due to continuous and heavy traffic, the sand had begun settling, thus causing cavities to develop in the median and water to enter it. As a result, the clay median, mixed with the water, got under the road and caused erosion in the sub base, hence the resulting failures,” the statement indicated. This issue was discovered during recent assessments by
the Ministry. In rectifying this fault, the Ministry, along w i t h t h e c o n t r a c t o r, plugged the cavities with c o n c r e t e s l u r r y. These sealed areas will soon be overlaid with asphalt, according to the Ministry’s statement. The Ministry also reassured the travelling public of the structural soundness of Carifesta Avenue. “We would also like to thank the public, as well, for its patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Trump warns North Korea, says ‘fire and fury’ not tough enough
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after a security briefing with Vice President Mike Pence (R) at Trump’s golf estate in Bedminster, New Jersey U.S. yesterday. (Reuters) BEDMINSTER, N.J. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump warned North Korea again yesterday not to strike Guam or U.S. allies, saying his earlier threat to unleash “fire and fury” on Pyongyang if it launched an attack may not have been tough enough. After North Korea disclosed plans to fire missiles over Japan to land near the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, Trump said the move would prompt “an event the likes of which
nobody’s seen before.” He took specific aim at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he had “disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me, he’s not getting away with it,” Trump told reporters in New Jersey. “It’s not a dare. It’s a statement,” Trump said. “ H e ’s n o t g o i n g t o g o around threatening Guam. A n d h e ’s n o t g o i n g t o threaten the United States.
A n d h e ’s n o t g o i n g t o threaten Japan. And he’s not going to threaten South Korea.” North Korea’s army will complete the plans in midAugust to fire four intermediate-range missiles over Japan to land near Guam, when they will be r e a d y f o r K i m ’s o r d e r, state-run KCNA news agency said. The plans called for the missiles to land in the sea 30-40 km (1825 miles) from Guam. “Let’s see what he does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which n o b o d y ’s s e e n b e f o r e , what will happen in North Korea,” Trump said, without offering specifics. Shortly after Trump spoke, U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis told reporters in Mountain View, California, the United States still preferred a diplomatic approach to the North Korean threat and a war would be “catastrophic.” Asked if the United States was ready if North Korea took a hostile act, he said: “We are ready.”
Estimated at approximately $6.3 million, the Ministry of Social Protection has launched a Substantial Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) sheeprearing project. The project was launched on Wednesday in Hiawa Village, Region Nine, by Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally. The SLED project, which gives grants to Cooperatives and Friendly Societies to enable engagement in substantial, entrepreneurial ventures, is headed by the Ministry of Social Protection. This project will be the first of its kind in the region. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Ministry
of Social Protection, along with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Regional Democratic organs, and Ministry Of Agriculture. These entities will be providing support throughout the duration of the project. Minister Ally met with the residents and beneficiaries in an effort to iron out details in relation to the execution and management of the project. Other officials of the Ministry of Social Protection were also on hand to ensure that all the necessary requirements were satisfied. Mr. Andray Pearson, veterinary officer of the GLDA, gave technical guidance to
the residents and certified the viability of the land which will sustain the rearing of sheep. Ms. Danmattie Sahoy, head of the SLED project, was also present at the meetings to give guidance on the Cooperatives Act. The residents of Hiawa thanked the Minister and her team for the SLED initiative and committed their efforts to the success of their project. Minister Ally encouraged the beneficiaries to understand the importance of their role in ensuring the success of the project and committed the Ministry’s continued support to the community of Hiawa.
Venezuela’s Maduro affirms new legislative body as all powerful
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (C), his wife Cilia Flores (centre L) and National Constituent Assembly President Delcy Rodriguez (centre R), arrive for a session of the assembly at Palacio Federal Legislativo in Caracas, Venezuela yesterday. Reuters CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recognized the Socialist Party-dominated constituent assembly as the country’s most powerful institution yesterday in his first appearance at the highly criticized legislative body that was inaugurated six days ago. “As head of state I subordinate myself to the powers of this constituent assembly,” he said during his address.
“I come to recognize its plenipotentiary powers, sovereign, original and magnificent,” he said. The recent election of the 545-member assembly drew international condemnation for usurping the authority of Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress. Critics have said the election cast aside any r e m aining checks on Maduro’s power. Maduro has said the assembly is the country’s only
chance at securing peace and prosperity after four months of unrest and anti-government protests that have left more than 120 people dead. In its first working session on Aug. 5, the assembly confirmed opposition fears that it would seek to strengthen Maduro’s grip on power by firing his main critic within the ruling socialist coalition, chief prosecutor Luisa Ortega. She has been ordered to stand trial.
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Opposition urges Govt. to fix issues affecting haulage contractors KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Government to treat the
standoff between haulage contractors and port operators expeditiously and effectively towards a workable so-
lution given the importance of the operations to the economy. In a release yesterday the
party said that the current standoff at the island’s port could have dire effect on sectors of the country’s economy,
if goods coming into the country continue to face major hold-ups at the point of entry. Haulage contractors have withdrawn their service because of much extended wait to collect incoming goods. The PNP said it understands that there was an agreement between the contractors and port operators that the turnaround time per load would be set at 45 minutes, however, this has been averaging between two to three hours per load over recent months. “This delay has also attracted additional demurrage charges from shipping companies to importers on account of the wait. This cannot be considered fair or reasonable.” The PNP said while on the face of it this is a private matter, the long term impact on the economy can be debilitating, as delayed goods and transportation time wasted waiting at the port not
only affect earning potential but threatens employment and production at various levels. “Over the past six months there have been ongoing meetings to resolve the dispute between haulage contractors and operators at the port. “This delay impacts the earnings of both drivers and contractors as well as affects the delivery of cargo to businesses and communities island-wide.” said PNP parliamentarian Fitz Jackson. “Critical products do not get to communities in reasonable time and unnecessary and extensive delays have a negative impact on business operators and the economy at large,” he added. Contractors, according to the PNP, said the port operators’ inadequate and untimely deployment of straddle carriers and other critical equipment have placed them in an unsustainable situation. (Jamaica Observer)
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Failures for Taylor, Matthews as Vipers win opener Southampton, England, CMC – West Indies stars Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews both failed but Matthews came away with honours as Southern Vipers beat Western Storm by nine wickets in the opening game of the Women’s Super League here yesterday. Sent in at the Rose Bowl, Storm were bundled out cheaply for 70 off 18.5 overs
with Georgia Hennessy topscoring with 22 off 31 balls. With Hennessy and Taylor, who made eight, involved in a third wicket stand of 28, Stormed reached 41 for two after losing two early wickets. Once Hennessy fell in the 10th over, however, Storm lost their last eight wickets for 29 runs. Seamer Suzie Bates (28) and left-arm pacer Tash
Farrant (2-10) claimed two wickets apiece. In reply, Bates struck an unbeaten 47 off 31 deliveries as Vipers marched to their modest target off nine overs. She put on 55 off 34 deliveries for the first wicket with teenager Matthews who made 15 off 18 deliveries with three fours before falling to the offspin of her West Indies captain.
Carter earns shock 400 meters hurdles... (From page 34) U.S. trials race, had led through seven hurdles in lane four. But Carter, who started her athletic career as a soccer player before falling in love with the hurdles, dug deep over the last 30 meters and pulled away from Muhammad. Hejnova was also quickly running out of steam and twice Jamaican champion Tracey took advantage. “I
feel sorry for my performance tonight,” Hejnova said. “I am disappointed. I kicked it too much at the start and I was missing the energy in the last meters. I think I just let myself be blown away by this amazing atmosphere at the stadium.” Muhammad talked of having suffered a “shaky” season even though she had been imperious in Sacramento at the U.S. Championships. “I really wanted to win, of
course, but I’ve had so many ups and downs this season. To come out with a silver, I’m proud of that,” the 27-yearold said. ”I’m just happy to even get on the podium - it’s been a shaky year. I am very proud of Team USA, we come out and show out.”
Hayley Matthews
Friday August 11, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights. You can make major gains if you talk to your boss about your findings. Your partner may be erratic today if you haven't paid enough attention to him or her.
around. Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A new image can be the result if you change your look. You could receive recognition for a job well done. You should get out and meet some of those clients that you only speak to on the phone.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you haven't already, consider starting your own business. You will have a great deal of insight when dealing with others. You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Control those desires to cast your fate to the wind. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. Be careful disclosing information.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can get your point across and make valuable connections. Consider a trial separation if you and your mate just can't come to terms. You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful. Being unappreciated by your boss could make it hard to do your work effectively. Things will be emotional with your mate. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't blow situations out of proportion. Obstacles may stand in your way where career and success are concerned. Be prepared to encounter new friendships that will provide you with valuable information. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. Keep busy and let them fume while you're not
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your partner may be somewhat irritable today. Your self esteem will benefit. Friends will be loyal and caring. Do not expect too much from others.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't hesitate to present your unique ideas. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. Don't jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Not the best day for business trips. Relationships will be emotional today. If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you act with anger you may blow the relationship. You may get upset with peers or relatives. Put your efforts into physical fitness programs or competitive sports.
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Guliyev shocks van Niekerk and Makwala to win World Championships 200m final
Ramil Guliyev upset pre-race favourite Wayde van Niekerk to win men’s 200m gold. It wasn’t the sick boy and it wasn’t the golden boy. Instead it was a largely overlooked Azerbaijani in a Turkish vest who rocked up to the 200 metres final last night and left with the prize. Ramil Guliyev, a 27year-old without a global medal to his name, stole the show and stole the day, beating Wayde van Niekerk and Isaac Makwala along the way. Who called it? Nobody. Who wanted it? That is open to debate, given the serious doubts over the quality of doping controls in Turkey. But what cannot be denied is the magnitude of the shock caused by this result. The pre-race fascination was loaded squarely on two narratives, one scripted and idealistic, the other littered with drama. Would it be Van
Niekerk, the South African heir apparent to Usain Bolt who had won the 400m and was pursuing the first such double since Michael Johnson in 1995? Or would it be Makwala and one of the most bonkers sporting tales of the century? His adventure to reach the start-line, via quarantine for a contagious illness and a heat contested on an empty track, was absurd. With it, he set up a brilliant showdown for Bolt’s crown. But then Guliyev showed up and in 20.09sec obliterated common logic, beating Van Niekerk into second and Jereem Richards into third. Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Britain’s best hope, was fourth and Makwala sixth. ‘This is not a shock but this does not feel real,’
Guliyev said. ‘I am so proud. This title means a lot. ‘This is the best moment of my career. I was competing against some of the best athletes in the world, so it didn’t bother me that the attention was on them. Maybe at the next competition everyone will look at me instead.’ Of course, it will lead to raised eyebrows — Paula Radcliffe in the past week has raised valid questions about doping controls in Turkey. Indeed, four of their nine finalists at the 2012 Olympics have served drugs bans. Against that statistic, it is hard to blindly accept their first gold at these Championships. F o r G u l i y e v, w h o remains the second fastest junior 200m runner in history behind Bolt, it is a
Laura Muir qualified for the 5,000m final despite a disappointing seventh place finish. world title to succeed his best previous accolade, which was European silver in 2016. For Van Niekerk, there were positive words from a face that looked ready to crack. ‘It was a massive rollercoaster for me, this competition,’ he said. ‘I’m coming away with two medals and both a good colour, gold and silver.’ Mitchell-Blake exceeded expectations but said: ‘I am 23 which is an age where I can get a medal. I have been on the highest stage at an Olympics, so this just wasn’t enough. I need to learn from it.’ Earlier, Laura Muir reached Sunday’s final of the 5,000m, but stirred doubts about her medal credentials at the distance after finishing seventh in her heat. With the first five from two heats going through automatically,
the 24-year-old edged through in 14:59.34 as one of the five fastest losers. It was her fastest time outdoors at the distance and she found the pace tough. It remains to be seen how she will fare when greater stakes are on the table, though she denied she was carrying any physical or mental baggage from her stirring run to fourth in the 1500m final. She said: ‘The most pressure I get is from myself. I’m better than I ran today and hopefully I’ll show it in the final.’ She was joined there by Eilish McColgan, who ran a personal best of 15:00.38. In the high jump, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Morgan Lake qualified for tomorrow’s final. It won’t have been lost on JohnsonThompson that her 1.92m
jump would have been enough for a silver medal had she managed it in the heptathlon, where she flopped with a 1.80m clearance. Dina Asher-Smith continued her impressive return from a broken foot by reaching the 200m final, in a season’s best of 22.73sec. S o u t h A f r i c a ’s C a s t e r Semenya, who beat Muir to third in that 1500m final, eased to victory in her opener at her more natural distance of 800m. Britain’s Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, Lynsey Sharp and Adelle Tracey also progressed to the semi-final. In the 1500m, Jake Wightman and Chris O’Hare qualified for the semi-final, while Eilidh Doyle was eighth in the 400m hurdles final. (MailOnline)
Taylor still not happy after winning another world title London, Reuters Double Olympic champion Christian Taylor continued his dominance of the triple jump when he won his third world title yesterday, once again beating fellow American Will Claye into second place. Ta y l o r l e a p t 1 7 . 6 8 meters with his third attempt to win by five centimeters, clinching the title when Claye was given a red flag on his last attempt. Portugal’s Nelson Evora, Olympic champion in 2008, took bronze with 17.19. The 27-year-old Taylor became the first triple jumper to win three world crowns, having also claimed victory in Daegu in 2011 and Beijing two years ago. He
also took gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics with Claye finishing second on both occasions. But he had made it clear beforehand that his ambition was to break Jonathan Edwards’s long-standing record of 18.29 meters, set in 1995. ”I have this watch from my sponsor with 18.30 on it,” Taylor said. “I will try to fight, I will get this number. The record is still on. I am still motivated to break that record. “My motivation is to be the best athlete. This was not the night, I am a little disappointed. But the season is not yet over.” Edwards s aid beforehand that he thought his world mark could be
under threat. In the event, the contest turned into something of an anti-climax with both producing their best jumps in the third round. Claye led after the first round with 17.54 before Taylor took the initiative in the second with a jump of 17.57. Claye briefly regained the lead with 17.63 in the next round but Taylor immediately took it back with the decisive jump. ”Will makes it tough every time,” he said. “If you do not have a rivalry - like I have with Will Claye - then the sport is boring. “One month ago we did a competition in the mountains, we are trying everything to do this n u m b e r, e v e n i n t h e
Christian Taylor mountains.” Claye felt he should have performed better on the night. ”You can never complain
about the silver medal,” he said. “But I felt like I should have executed better today. “With Christian, we both
were in a good shape, he is not unbeatable. He just executed better and I was missing five centimeters.”
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Friday August 11, 2017
GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power U17 League – Bartica
Second round kicks off following March Pass
NAMILCO’s Marketing Consultant Afeeze Khan and GFF Executive Member Ms. Carmel Williams pictured with five of the eight teams following yesterday’s March Pass at the Bartica Sec. Sch. Ground. The second round of the Bartica Football Association (BFA) leg of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) / National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) Thunderbolt Flour Power Intra Association Under-17 League kicked off yesterday at the Bartica
Secondary School ground. NAMILCO’s Marketing Consultant Afeeze Khan in the presence of GFF Executive Member Carmel Williams who has responsibility for the BFA were on hand to take the salute at the March Pass which was attended by five
of the eight teams that are competing. Khan, in blazing midday sun, e n c o u r a g e d t h e players to always strive to be the best and told them that they can count themselves as part of the developing history of football in Guyana as they can aim to wear national
NBA preparing to approve ‘rest rule’
NBA commissioner Adam Silver The Sports Xchange Fans get upset when a healthy superstar sits out a game for a day of rest, and the NBA apparently plans to do something about it this season. In September, the NBA owners are expected to approve rules designed to discourage teams from benching healthy players for regular-season games, U S A To d a y r e p o r t e d yesterday. The rules will be in effect at the start of the 2017-18 season, and teams will be
penalized for not abiding by them. The specifics of the rules and the consequences remain unknown at this point, however. Enforcing any rules regarding the resting of a healthy player may be difficult to do, starting with the problem of determining whether the player is actually healthy. Earlier this week, the league office announced scheduling improvements designed to provide more rest for players. Teams will no longer play four
games in five nights, and the number of back-to-back games has been reduced. It will require the regular season schedule to start a w e e k e a r l i e r . Commissioner Adam Silver suggested changes might be in store during at April news conference. ”There is an expectation among partners that teams are going to act in appropriate ways, (and) find, as I said, that right balance between resting on one hand and obligations to fans and partners on the other,” Silver said in April, according to USA Today. ”There is a recognition from teams that on one hand a certain amount of resting is just inevitable and appropriate to keep the players healthy, but that they shouldn’t be resting multiple starters on the s a m e n i g h t . ” A n d , i n c i d e n t a l l y, wherever possible, they should rest at home. Because there, while I feel for the home fans, just as much as the away fans, the away fans may only get a chance to see that team once. And of course, the home team home fans can see that team many times.”
colours one day. ”We are very proud to be associated with football in general but this is our baby, the under-17 tournament which we have sponsored. On behalf of Mr. Bert Sukhai, our Managing Director at NAMILCO, we are proud of making opportunities like this
available to you, the future players of this beautiful nation.” ”I want to wish you well, I trust that you play and enjoy your game, it does not matter if you win or lose in your matches, what matters, is how well you play the game. So good luck to you, good luck to
your club and good luck to B a r t i c a o n b eh alf o f NAMILCO.” The teams present at yesterday’s march pass were Potaro Strikers, Rising Stars, Strikers, Lazio and Rivers View. The other competing clubs are Beacons, Ballers and Wolves United.
Carter earns shock 400 meters hurdles win from outside lane Kori Carter of the U.S. competes.
London (Reuters) American Kori Carter pulled off another of the growing number of shocks at the Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p s yesterday, achieving the rare feat of winning the 400 meters hurdles title from the outside lane. All eyes had been on Carter’s U.S. team mate, Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, who had been the strong favorite, but it was the former American champion in lane nine who maintained her form best to race to victory in 53.07 seconds. Muhammad, the fastest woman in the world this year, earned the silver in 53.50 to complete an American one-two while Jamaican Ristananna
Tracey, an Olympic finalist last year, took the bronze in a lifetime best 53.74. Czech Zuzana Hejnova, who had been seeking to achieve an unprecedented third successive one-lap hurdles victory, had to settle for fourth, being overhauled by Tracey on the run-in despite clocking a season’s best 54.20. ”I am on top of the world right now. What a blessing to be world champion. This is just an incredible feeling like I’ve never experienced,” the 25-year-old Carter told the crowd. “When you work so hard and sacrifice so much for something, for it to pay off in the end is so satisfying. It’s a surreal experience right now. ”It’s always great to run
against great athletes because it brings the best out in you, going up against Team USA at trials really prepared me for this.” Few, though, could have expected the Los Angelesbased Carter, who had won the U.S. title three years ago, to prevail from the outside lane where the race becomes a test of blind faith. UNPRECEDENTED FEAT - Wayde van Niekerk, famously, achieved his Olympic 400 meters win last year from that position, breaking the world record in the process, but that was a wholly unprecedented feat. Muhammad, who ran 52.64 seconds this year when she beat Carter into third place in a high-quality (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
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CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifying
Exciting dual expected as Cuba match skills with Barbados this evening at Leonora
The Cuban U-17 Female team ready for battle.
Cuba and Barbados are set to ignite the Leonora Track and Field Facility this evening when the ladies clash in the second Group D match of the CONCACAF Under-17 Female World Cup qualifiers. The mood of the Barbados players would be very high after a very convincing victory over the
Lady Jags in the first group game on Wednesday where they put five goals past Guyana’s goalkeeper Vicky Jonannis. Although playing against a very inexperienced side, it took a superb free kick that curled through the air by Guyana’s Tiandi Smith to penetrate the Bajan defense in the 5-1 victory. The girls
from the land of the ‘Flying Fish’ showed their prowess in defense but their strongest attribute proved to be their eye for goal. Three of the 5 Bajan goals were from outside the box with skipper Tia BriggsThompson scoring two of those, including a shot from close to the center line that sailed over Jonannis’ head.
The Cubans are definitely the strongest team in Group D. In the past year, they have enjoyed successes against teams whose associations have very strong football programmes. Those successes include a 6-0 drubbing of Guadalupe, a 21 win over Suriname and a 10 edging of Jamaica which won the Caribbean Football
Union (CFU) Under-17 title in 2015. In April, Cuba also defeated Canada, 2-1. On Tuesday last, Barbados’ Coach Thomas Jordan when quizzed on his expectations coming against Cuba stated, “We are here to win; we will not be intimidated by Cuba. Yes they’re a powerhouse, yes they’re a good team, we have seen them play before
and we have prepared ourselves to compete against them.” Barbados has a big goaldifference of +4 and all they need is a draw against the Cubans in order to top the group. An enthralling matchup is expected and fans are encouraged to come out and enjoy from 17:00hrs, admission is free.
Habibulla, Mohabir lead RHLCC to EACA final In an age of high impact, fast paced T20 cricket, the execution of the basics is often forgotten. Luckily for Richmond Hill Liberty Cricket Club (RHLCC) this was not forgotten by all. Altaaf Habibulla executed batting basics brilliantly under pressure to deliver his team an EACA semi-final victory on Sunday last. Leon Mohabir’s fourwicket haul lead a resounding RHLCC bowling attack to first restrict Big Apple Cricket Club’s (BACC) power hitting lineup and set up a tense two -wicket victory. Skipper, Trinson Carmichael, chose to take first go at the BACC batting order after winning the toss. Mark Anthony Gomes
escaped with a life off the third ball of the match to reel off a quick 31, losing his opening partner, run out on the way. Gomes welcomed Mohabir into the attack by dispatching his first ball behind square leg for four. Looking to establish his dominance over the w i l y s p i n n e r, G o m e s picked long on as his next target but was taken in the said region. This seemingly set a fire on Mohabir’s wrist. He struck twice more before he ended his first over of the match. This left BACC at 51 for 4 after 10 overs. West Indies first class player Donwell Hector fell cheaply, but Jamal Hickson and Garfield DeRoach saw their team to 72 at the 15 over break before Mohabir
removed the latter in the 18th o v e r . Hickson, zoning in and looking to bail his team out of trouble struck two fours and two sixes in his 32 before he was removed by Carmichael. BACC were eventually bowled out for 128. Mohabir finished with 4-40, Jackman 2-15, Carmichael 2-24 and Khan 1-17. The Blue nation chase of 129 was going along nicely. The early loss of hard hitting Van Tull (12) and later Wahid Edwards (15) were mild concerns with the score in the 60’s. Dominic Rikhi (28) and Trevor Henry (22) combined to see the score to 89-3 after the 17th over leaving a simple equation of 40 runs off 138 balls. However, BACC proved to be very keen on the day
and delivered a string of 5 overs for just three runs, scalping three key wickets in the process; RHLCC 92-6 after 21 overs. Habibulla was at the crease on zero when he was joined by Danesh Deonarain. The diminutive lefty kept his calm amongst the now rampant BACC squad. Playing each ball to its merit he defended as well as he put away the bad balls away. The 23rd over yielded 3, the 24th 3, the 25th 2 and finally some breathing room was allowed when Habibulla took 9 off the 26. RHLCC needed 20. Speedster, Seon Daniels was reintroduced into the attack, but Habibulla saw him off well carrying the score to 119 before a mix-up resulted in the run-out of Deonarain (04). Habibulla, on strike after the fall of the
wicket, was handsomely rewarded for his effort after Gomes delivered four wides to end the match handing RHLCC victory. Habibulla finished unbeaten on 22 off 48 balls. Abdool Raheem led with three wickets, Mark Gomes two while Daniels and Forrester had one each. The win for RHLCC saw them to the
final at the Baisley Cage this coming Sunday against league leaders Everest/ACS who pulled off a tight victory over Galaxy Cricket Club in their semi-final encounter. The 2017 Richmond Hill Liberty Cricket Club is supported by B & R Sheet Metal Corporation, Cricket Helmet Covers, EBS Tax Solution and Mobile Tax.
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Friday August 11, 2017
Regional Under-19 Championship
Jamaica’s Barnes makes Guyana toil, Brathwaite slams hundred Basseterre, St Kitts, CMC – Middle order batsman Brad Barnes stroked a half-century as leaders Jamaica played it safe against their nearest challengers Guyana, on the opening day of their final round match in the Regional Under-19 Championship here yesterday. The Jamaicans batted all day – and slowly – to end on 183 for nine with Barnes topscoring with 64, Rajni Roye, 27 and Andre McCarty, 23. Seamer Ronaldo Ali Mohammed was the best bowler with five for 29 while left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd claimed three for 52. Sent in at Conaree, Jamaica
lost Darren Small without scoring to the second ball of the day with a single run on the board before McCarty, Barnes and Roye rehabilitated the innings. McCarty put on 36 for the second wicket with Carlos Brown (4) but when both fell in successive overs to leave Jamaica wobbling on 39 for three, Barnes then anchored two partnerships to key Guyana at bay. First, he put on 37 for the fourth wicket with Raewin Senior (7) before adding a further 44 for the fifth with Stephan Pink who made 14. All told, Barnes struck seven fours off 147 deliveries. Again, both fell in quick
succession but Roye led a 35-run seventh wicket stand with Dominic Samuels (19) as the inning recovered again. H o w e v e r, A l i Mohammed returned to snatch two late wickets as Jamaica lost three quick wickets for just 17 runs. Jamaica entered the game top of the standings on 55.5 points but just 5.5 clear of the chasing Guyana. At St Paul’s, opener Shian Brathwaite struck a swift hundred as Barbados snatched the advantage against Windward Islands. Brathwaite made 101 off 104 ball with 12 fours and three sixes as his third-placed side
finished the day on 177 for two in reply to the Windwards’ 121 all out. He put on 146 for the first wicket with Nico Reifer who made 41 before Sealron Williams claimed both wickets to end with two for 46. Earlier, in-form opener Kimani Melius struck 52 but the Windwards’ batting flopped after they were asked to bat first. They were well perched on 100 for three after Melius and Dillon Douglas (15) added 46 for the fourth wicket but lost their last seven wickets for 21 runs. Off-spinner Dante Niles ripped the innings apart with four for 12 while left-arm
Shian Brathwaite spinner Camarie Boyce ended with three for 27. At Verchilds, Leeward Islands were solid in racking up 225 after opting to bat first, with Shacoy Floyd stroking an unbeaten 49, Uri Smith gathering 43, Jamie Cornelius, 34,and Dimitri A d a m s , 3 1 . They appeared on course for a much larger total when a 73-run, third wicket
partnership between Smith and Adams pushed them up to 133 for two. But they lost four wickets for a single run as o f f - s p i n n e r Av i n a s h Mahabirsingh (5-69) and seamer Shaaron Lewis (241) triggered a collapse. In reply, Trinidad and Tobago were 54 for three, 171 runs adrift of first innings lead.
Warriors hunt first win tonight against formidable home team By Sean Devers in Trinidad in association with Carib Beer, Ming’s Services & Products, Vnet Communications and Rose Hall Youth & Sports Club After a horror start to their 2017 Hero CPL campaign in Florida where they lost both matches to the Patriots, three-time finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors will hope to rebound by beating Trinbago Knight Riders in their backyard tonight from 21:00hrs at the Queens Park Oval. These two teams have meet nine times in CPL action with Trinidad winning five and the Warriors winning on four occasions since this tournament was inaugurated in 2013. The only time the Warriors did not reach the finals was in 2015 when Trinidad defeated them in the semifinals and their battles have always been epic and attracted sold out crowds whether at Providence or the ‘Oval’ and despite the threat of rain, tonight promises to be no different. In 2014 the two sides played to a trilling tie when both team made 118 before Guyana won in the super over. In the 2015 semi-final Sunil Narine took 1-23 bowling for the Warriors before Jason Mohammed’s unbeaten 18 pushed the Trinidad Franchise to 109-4 for a last over win.
Jason Mohammed ©WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks LaTouche Photo
This time, Narine has returned home while Mohammed is now playing for the Warriors and tonight both are expected to play key roles before what is expected to be the first capacity crowd of this year’s tournament. While the Warriors are yet to come off the mark from two matches, the Knight Riders sit on four points from two wins over St Lucia Stars and a loss against Jamaica Tallawahs. The Warriors, who oppose St. Lucia Stars
on Sunday before returning home for four games at Providence from August 1722, will need to win at least five of their 10 matches to qualify for next month’s final four’ at the Brian Lara Stadium here in Trinidad. On the slow tracks in Florida, the thin Warriors batting produced scores of 123-7 and 128-8 but despite the low scores they threw away both games with carless cricket with victory there for the taking.
In the first game Chadwick Walton made 60 but no one else reached 25 while Steven Jacobs (2-23) and Rayed Emrit (2-24) shackled the top order before an unfinished 49-run sixth wicket stand saw SKNP to 124-6 in 19 overs. The next day was even worse as Guyana, chasing 132, were 126-5 going into the last over. But after debutant Gajanand Singh who was well set on 28, played an irresponsible shot, the Warriors panicked and lost three wickets for two runs to lose by four runs. Brendon McCallum (58) and Colin Munro (66) powered T&T to 137-1 in just 10.4 overs chasing St Lucia’s small total after Dwayne Bravo and 18-year-old Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan had two cheap wickets for the winners. In the next game Kevin Cooper (3-21) and Bravo (233) limited St Lucia to 118-9 before Khan (30*) and Jason Searles (27*) saw TKR to 120-6 from 76-6. In Wednesday night’s game against Jamaica, Kumar Sangakkara (47) and Lendl Simmons (38) saw TKR to 61-1 in 5.3 overs before they were bowled out for 147 with Munro (41), Darren Bravo (33) and Narine, in the new role as opener, hitting a quick fire 23. Jamaica reached 148-6 for a last over win although Narine, Cooper, Khan and
Skipper Bravo all bowling tight spells. The Warriors were forced to practice indoors due to the adverse weather and tonight they could be again without their Captain and most experienced batsman Martin Guptill who missed the last game due to hamstring injury and will know his faith today. Walton is the only Warriors’ player with a fifty but he is a ‘hit or miss’ batsman and will hope to fire at the top of the order with Guptill, if he plays. Pakistani Babar Azad scored three cons ecutive O D I tons against West Indies last year and along with American Steven Taylor, Mohammed, Singh and the all-rounders will need to play smart cricket with the bat. Left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir, Emrit and Kemo Paul, who conceded just 18 from his four overs in the last game when Gayle made 66 not out, should take care of the pace attack. Off-spinner Jacobs will open bowling and is Guyana’s most economical bowler in this tournament while Afghanistan 18-yearold leg spinner Rashid Khan looked ordinary in Florida and in the practice games in Guyana and will hope to up his game tonight against arguable the best team in this tournament. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy could lose his
place if Guptill returns with Mohammed playing the role of third spinner. TKS’s batting is solid on paper since McCullum, Narine, who could again open, Munro, the Bravo siblings, Denesh Ramdin, Khan, 32year-old South African allrounder Robbie Frylinck, Searles and Cooper are all capable of run in this format. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre could open the bowling with Searles while Cooper and slower ball specialist Bravo offer medium pace support. But the Warriors biggest threat will be the eight overs of spin from Narine and Shadab Khan on a good track and a sluggish outfield from the heavyrain here in Port-ofSpain. Teams: GAW: Sohail Tanvir, Martin Guptill, Chadwick Walton, Babar Azam, Rayad Emrit, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven Taylor, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Steven Jacobs, S Katwaroo, Ali Khan, Kemo Paul. TKR: Hashim Amla, Dwayne Bravo, Kevon Cooper, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Anderson Phillip, Denesh Ramdin, Shadab Khan, Ronsford Beaton, Darren Bravo, Hamza Tariq, Brendon McCullum, Colin Munro, William Perkins, Khary Pierre, Javon Searles, Mehedi Hasan.
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Extra Beer/Ballers in the Summer Street Football – Matches continue tonight
Lot-20 and ESPN knocks out Sparta Boss and Gold is Money When action in the S e c o n d G r o u n d Entertainment / Extra Beer Ballers in the Summer Street knock-out football tournament continued on Wednesday night last at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, two of the biggest names in this version of the sport were sent packing like defending champions, Jetty Gunners. Knocked out were Sparta Boss and West Front RoadGold is Money which lost
two grueling matches on sudden death kicks from the penalty spot to by similar 1-2 margins to Lot-20 and ESPN following 0-0 score lines. Also moving on in the competition were Tiger Bay which needled Brothers United, Dave and Celina’s All Stars schooled Shattaville Gunners 5-0, Champion Boys won another epic against Tajoe’s Admiral United 3-2 on penalty kicks following an
entertaining 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time while Tucville took care of Albouystown, 2-0. Meanwhile, matches will continue tonight at the same venue from 18:00hrs when Silver Bullets match skills with Tucville followed by a clash between Lot-20 and Back Circle before Dave and Celina All Stars throw everything on eth line against Bagotsown Warriors. Match four will see Tajo
Guyana Amazon Warriors boxoffice opening hours extended Management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has informed of the extended opening hours for t h e Ti c k e t O ff i c e s i n Guyana as the Hero Caribbean Premier League matches scheduled for Providence draw closer. Patrons may pick up their tickets between 08:30 and 18:00hrs, Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 13:00hrs on
S a t u r d a y a n d S u n d a y. Patrons are being reminded that it is reserved seating for all matches and fans are encouraged to buy tickets early to avoid the rush. Tickets are; Red Stand $5,000, Green Stand $5,000; Orange Stand $3,000; Grass Mound $ 2 , 5 0 0 . Match Schedule Guyana Amazon Warriors vs
J a m a i c a Ta l l a w a h s – Thursday August 17 at 6 PM Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders – Saturday August 19 at 12 Midday Guyana Amazon Wa r r i o r s v s B a r b a d o s Tridents – Sunday August 20 at 6 PM Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St. Lucia Stars – Tuesday August 22 at 6 PM
Admiral opposing Show Stoppers after which Future Stars will take center stage against Samaroo Dam. ESPN will then seek to move on further in the competition when they come up against Hustlers before Agricola battle Speed Boat in eth penultimate match of the night. The main attraction features Tiger Bay against G u l l y S i d e . Sponsors are Extra Beer, Extra Juice, Two Brothers Gas Station, West Vibz S p o r t s B a r, F o r r e s t e r Lumber Yard, Wayne Tire Shop, Oswin Jones Auto Imports and National Sports
Keon Sears – Dave & Celina All Stars Commission. Full results from Wednesday night’s matches: Game-1 - Tucville-2 vs Albouystown-0. Jermaine Junior-2nd, Dennis E d w a r d s - 1 0 t h . Game-2 - Champion Boys-2 vs Tajoe’s Admiral United-2; Tajoe’s won 3-2 on penalty kicks. Tajoe’s Admiral United scorers: Lexroy Manfield5th and 10th. Champion Boys scorers: Delroy Dodson-6th, Seon Grant-
8th. Game-3 - Dave and Celina’s All-Stars-5 vs Shattaville Gunners-0. Rawle Gittens-3rd and 5th, Joel McKinnon-7th and 9th, Keon Sears-10th. Game-4 - Tigerbay-1 vs Brothers United-0. James M e r e d i t h - 3 r d . Game-5 - ESPN-0 vs Gold is Money-0. ESPN won 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks. Game-6 - Sparta Boss-0 vs Lot-20-0. Lot-20 won 2-1 on penalty kicks.
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GABA/Powerade/Malta Supreme/Rainforest Water Basketball
Bounty Colts and Eagles post Wednesday night wins
Flashback! Eagles’ Travis Belgrave attempts a free throw at Burnham Court. Play continued in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Banks DIH First, S e c o n d a n d U n d e r- 2 3 Division leagues after a one week hiatus at the Burnham Court with two matches on Wednesday night, last. In the first, defending champions Bounty Colts hammered Kobras 74-47. The Colts were not hindered by the league’s brief recess and a picked up with their left off to remain at the top of the Under-23
division. Timothy Thompson was the best player for the Colts with 21 points in the hard court encounter. He was ably supported by Jafar Gibbons who tipped in 13 points. In the feature match, 2015 Second Division champions Eagles continued to soar high with an exciting but edgy 72-69 victory over University of Guyana Trojans. The lead went back and forth between the sides throughout the match but
Eagles showed more grit in crunch time to come out with the win. The break bode well for the Eagles’ Captain Belgrave who buried a game high 26 points as the national youth and senior player led from the front. Shamar Huntley continued to impress with his consistency pouring in a valuable 15 points for the winners. The tournament continues tomorrow night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with three more matches.
Parika Defenders, Amazon Warriors, Regal Allstars triumph
Suraj Boodhoo Parika Defenders, Amazon Warriors and Regal Allstars recorded victories when the Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall and Nauth’s Motor Spares 20-over softball competition continued recently. At the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda, Parika Defenders trounced Liger Masters by 84 runs. Avinash Shradananda struck a fine 104 and got support from K. Persaud 49
as Parika Defenders posted 240-6, batting first. Liger Masters were bowled out for 156 in reply. Amazon Warriors beat Enterprise Legends by four wickets. Enterprise Legends batted first and were sent packing for 87 in 17.2 overs. Lakram Samaroo and Seemangal Yadram made 18 each as Salman Ghanie claimed 3-19, Randy Perreira 2-13, Raymond Bisraj 2-16 and Matadalla
Persaud 2-18. A m a z o n Wa r r i o r s responded with 88-6 in 13.3 overs. Ghanie got 20 and Bisraj 18; Narine Roopdeo picked up 4-24. Regal Allstars got the better of Success by 20 runs. Regal Allstars took first strike and scored 173-8. R. Bissoondyal hit 40 while Sachin Singh made 38. Success was restricted to 153-5 in reply. Suraj Boodhoo struck 51 and Anil Rooplall 38. Ravi Ramnauth bagged 5-20. The competition continues this Sunday. At Bourda at 10:00hrs on pitch one, Ariel will take on Wellman and at 13:00hrs Enterprise Legends will play Fisherman XI. On pitch two at 10:00hrs Liger Masters will face Amazon Warriors, at 13:00hrs Wellwoman will face Glen Eagle’s Warriors and at 15:00hrs 4R Lioness will take on Blue Divas. At Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo, HS Masters will play twice on the day, first against Sunrisers Masters from 10:00hrs before facing Parika Defenders from 13:00hrs.
Friday August 11, 2017
Nia Fraser eligible to represent Guyana at Goodwill games – GASA’s Ivan Persaud President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud said that female 910 age group swimmer Nia Fraser is eligible to represent Guyana at the upcoming Goodwill Swim Meet later this month, here. In response to the Sea Otters Swim Club objection to Fraser who resides in the United States of America, being included in the Guyana team for the 2016 Goodwill Swim Meet in St. Lucia and 2017 here, Persaud told Kaieteur Sport that Fraser participated in the trials and as such she was included in the team. ”She came last year and took part in the trials. We did not had a full team since Dorado Speed Swim Club had pulled out and she asked if she could be placed on the team if she funded her own
Ivan Persaud costs and we decided to place her on the team so we could have taken part in the relay event in that category,” he stated. Persaud added that she came back and participated in the trials held in July last and was one of the better swimmers.
He explained that she is in possession of a Guyanese passport and the eligibility rule does not apply to development meets such as Goodwill, rather it only applies for elite competition such as Olympics and World Championships. When quizzed about the accountability of GASA, Persaud stated that since he took over the association in 2014, all the financial statements from 2014-2016 have been audited. He said that monies from the Government which assisted in athletes travelling to St. Lucia were paid directly to Muneshwar Travel Service and since it did not came through GASA it would not reflect in the financial statements. He further stated that his trip to Hungary was funded by FINA.
Carter Birth Anniversary Domino Competition starts tomorrow at Phantom Sports Bar
Dion Carter (right) receiving the sponsorship cheque from Ansa McAl’s Lindon Henry. Domino fans from all across the country are expected to converge at the Phantom Sports Bar, 76 Meadow Brook Drive in Meadow Brook tomorrow to participate in Dion Carter’s Birth Anniversary Competition, starting at 16:00hrs. According to Organiser Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire,
any team desirous of competing in the competition can make contact with him on 6655855 or Carter on 696-7781. Wiltshire also informed that teams registering before roll call which is set for 15:45hrs will be allowed free entry to the competition, while those arriving after will have to
pay an entrance fee of $9,000. He further disclosed that teams interested in reentering the tournament will have to pay $9,000 to do so. The tournament is being supported by Stag Beer and drinks and food will be on sale throughout the day. Cash and trophies are up for grabs.
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Friday August 11, 2017
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Police Sports Club looking to cop $1M first prize at Kares Boyce/Jefford Classic Davin Fraser is the favourite for sprint double The eighth edition of the Boyce and Jefford Track and field Classic is set for tomorrow and Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. The athletes confirmed to compete are from eight countries, including the United States of America, Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Grenada, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Martinique, and for the first time at the meet, Uganda and Barbados. The clubs will be competing for $2 million in cash with $1 million allotted to the winner; $500,000 to second place; $300,000 to third place and $200,000 fourth place. Once again, Police Sports Club is set to have the highest number of athletes participating in the two-day event in addition to having top contenders for the two most exciting races; the 100m and 200m. Those contenders are Davin Fraser and Owen Adonis. Davin Fraser is the immediate favourite for the Men’s 100m dash with a personal best (PB) of 10.3s.
Frasers nemesis for the past few seasons has been Winston George, the current Guyana and South America 100 m champion who will not compete in the meet this weekend as he is currently at the World Championships in London, England. Fraser is also a strong favourite on paper in the 200m sprint with a PB of 20.58s. Although being the favourite on paper for the sprint doubles, Davin explained that, “It’s a hard task but I’m just going out there to do what I have to do although I’ve not really competed a lot for the year. This is actually my second meet; the first was an AAG (Athletic Association of Guyana) meet in February at Lenora.” Fraser noted that he is at 85% fitness now and due to the fact that he didn’t get to train a lot this year as a result of a painstaking transfer process from his former club GDF to Police Progressive Youth Club. The second of Police
Sports Club’s top sprint entrants at this meet, Owen Adonis, will only compete in the 200m. The 24-year-old Adonis who received a sports scholarship to attend the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica, is a second year Business Management student who has a PB of 21.47 over the 200m; an improvement from his 21.89 that he was clocking while at the University of Guyana before joining UWI in 2016. Adonis told Kaieteur Sport that: “The volume and consistency of training at the UWI Mona Campus Track Club has resulted majorly in my improved timings.” Not only his, but Emmanuel Archibald, who had also received a Track Scholarship to attend the school. Archibald has a season best time of 21.29 in the 200m and clocked 10.5s at the 2017 senior championships; the GDF athlete will be a definite threat for the sprint titles as well.
GABF U19s for encampment ahead of IGG
Head Coach Abdulla Hamid A confident Guyana will be participating in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) Under19 under the auspices and full financing of the National Sports Commission (NSC). The games will be hosted by Suriname from August 2428, next. Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has announced their 12-member team and management team which
Kevon Wiggins would be led by Head Coach A b d u l l a H a m i d , Tr o y Greene as Team Manager and Kirk Fraser as Assistant Coach. The team reads: Stanton Rose (Kwakwani), Jermaine King (Berbice), Akeem Crandon (Georgetown), Timothy Thompson (Georgetown), Kevon Wiggins (Berbice), Shamar France (Berbice), Nigel Bowen (East Coast
Demerara), Jahleel Young (Georgetown), Aton Fileen (East Coast Demerara), Jamal Gilkes (Kwakwani), Akil Vaughn (East Bank Demerara), Andrew Johnson (East Coast Demerara). The team will be encamped from August 16-23 at the National Gymnasium, with daily practice sessions, from 08:00 to 11:00hrs and 15:00 to 18:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall.
Davin Fraser
Owen Adonis
t r o Sp CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifying Warriors hunt first win tonight against formidable home team Exciting dual expected as Cuba
match skills with Barbados this evening at Leonora
Steven Jacobs ©WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks LaTouche Photo
The Cuban team during yesterday’s training session.
GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power U17 League – Bartica
Second round kicks off following March Pass
NAMILCO’s Marketing Consultant Afeeze Khan during his address to the players.
Police Sports Club looking to cop $1M first prize at Kares Boyce/Jefford Classic Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210