Wednesday August 16, 2017
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
The amendments to the Broadcast We urgently urge the Law violate the constitution decriminalization of marijuana DEAR EDITOR, The Parliamentary Opposition, the Guyana Press Association, the owners of almost every media house in the country, the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, the largest amalgam of trade unions in the country, FITUG, the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Reporters without Borders and the International Press Institute, have all expressed their condemnation of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2017, and the failure of the Government to consult prior to its promulgation in the National Assembly. Against this thunderous deluge of criticisms, rather than resort to a review of the Bill, a once champion of press freedom, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, like the proverbial ostrich, buries his head in the sand and attempts a most philistine rebuttal of and justification for it. Expectedly, in his missive spanning five pages, the Prime Minister abysmally fails to address the gravamen of the criticisms raised against the Bill. Instead, he attempts to argue that the Bill only seeks to fill certain gaps in the Principal Act and strengthen its regulatory framework. You will note that none of the concerns raised addressed “gaps in the Principal Act” nor did anyone fault the Principal Act for weakness in its regulatory framework. The Prime Minister, for obvious reasons, did not address the issue of non-consultation. The truth is, he cannot. There simply was no consultation. In the ensuing paragraphs, I endeavour to chronicle the fundamental objections to the Bill with the hope that it will attract an intelligent response from the Government. The most fundamental objection to the Bill is that it violates the constitutional rights and freedoms of broadcasters and the citizenry guaranteed by the Constitution and therefore, to the extent of those violations, the Bill is unconstitutional and unlawful in accordance with Article 8 of the Constitution. Article 8 of the Constitution declares the Constitution to be the supreme law of Guyana and cautions that if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void. Seminal to this discourse is Article 146 of the Constitution. It guarantees to every citizen, as a fundamental right and freedom, freedom of expression, which includes: freedom of the press, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas
and information without interference and freedom to communication ideas and information without interference. That freedom of expression and of the press is sine qua non to a free, civilized and democratic society is incontrovertible. Currently, there are over thirty media outfits which are operating under valid licenses issued by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) under the provisions of the Principal Act. Each of those licenses would have been issued upon the payment of a prescribed fee and would be valid for a defined duration. It is these licenses, that in essence, lawfully authorize these agencies to broadcast. Excepting private radio, all the other media outfits were operating long before the enactment of the Principal Act in 2011; some as far back as 30 years. Without affording any of the operators a hearing, Clause 9 of the Amendment terminates all existing licenses upon the Bill coming into force and mandates all licensees to re-apply for new licenses. The matter is compounded by the fact that the Amendment does not guarantee a reissuance of the licensee. Other provisions of the Amendment empower the GNBA to alter licenses which are to be issued by reducing the spectrum reach which an operator may have enjoyed under his existing license and impose a new regime of fees in respect of each zone, which the Amendment now creates, in which the broadcaster would be licensed to broadcast. This singular clause violates the principles of natural justice, the Constitution and the fundamental rights and freedoms of the broadcasters, the recipients of their broadcasts and assaults freedom of the press in multiple ways. Even for the termination of a gratuitous license the law mandates that the licensee be afforded a hearing. This is trite law. Thus, in Burroughs v Ketwaroo (40 WIR 287), the Trinidad Court of Appeal emphasized that the holder of a firearm license must be afforded a hearing before the license is revoked and that reasons should be provided for the revocation. A failure to comply with either of these requirements would render the revocation contrary to the rules of natural justice and unlawful. These principles apply, a fortiori, to licenses which have an economic value. All commercial licenses such as liquor, trade and mining licenses etc. are considered property Continued on page 6
DEAR EDITOR, We, the members of the Guyana American Patriotic Forum (GAPF), are seeking the immediate intervention of the Government of Guyana to halt the criminalization of Guyanese youths who are routinely incarcerated for smoking small amounts of marijuana. GAPF adds its voice to the many civil society stakeholders inside and outside of Guyana calling for the decriminalization of the use and or possession of a minimal quantity of marijuana. We remain adamantly opposed to the existing practice of incarceration for the following reasons: First, the imposition of a term of imprisonment for the possession and use of small quantities of marijuana is based on an outmoded concept of jurisprudence, which places emphasis on retribution rather rehabilitation, and which has led to an exponential increase in the prison population in the United States of America and Europe. Second, most progressive nations in world today – in North America, South America, Central America, Caribbean, Africa and Asia have decriminalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana used for personal consumption. Third, there is no empirical evidence establishing a causal relationship between the consumption of marijuana and an increase in criminal activity. Fourth, there are several traditions, such as the Rastafarian religion and several indigenous religions in South America and Asia, which regard the consumption that marijuana as a sacred sacrament. And, there is scientific evidence that the Cannabis plant is a prophylactic in the treatment of certain diseases, such as glaucoma and hypertension. Fifth, the imposition of prison
terms on youths leads to their separation from society for a substantial period of time, exposes them to homosexual attacks from adult prisoners in penal institutions, interrupts their normal educational progression, leads to disintegration of families and creates a prison record, which will follow them for the rest of their lives, and prevent them from obtaining gainful employment. Sixth, the incarceration of young people has led to a dramatic increase in the prison population, a congestion of the criminal calendars, an explosive mixture of sentenced prisoners and defendants awaiting trial, which has challenged the capacity of the government to provide adequate prison space for defendants facing trial and has led to prison outbreaks in Georgetown and Lusignan. Seventh, the increased incarceration of young people is clearly contrary to the principles
and policies of the coalition government which has emphasized increased education for young people, increased employment of young people in the productive sectors of the economy, and the utilization of young people in the exploitation of Guyana’s abundant natural resources. For these reasons, GAPF calls upon the Government of Guyana to implement a comprehensive review of the criminal laws, and to eliminate the imposition of prison sentences for the possession and use of small quantities of marijuana. If the Government deems it necessary to impose penal sanctions for these activities, they should explore the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as, psychiatric evaluations, drug counseling, probation, community service and imposition of fines. Colin A. Moore
Wednesday August 16, 2017
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Commercial bank halts lending for home construction As Government moves to jumpstart the once-booming housing sector, there are indications that at least one commercial bank may be saying no to applicants for construction. While the banking sector has been quiet about the housing sector, there has been within the last three years a noted slowdown in construction as lands have essentially run out and quite
a number of private developers who borrowed heavily, have been running into early trouble. Hardware retailers are complaining of reduction in business with persons involved in the spin-off services, like transportation, also expressing unhappiness. On Monday, there were indications from senior government officials that local banks are looking at
Man killed while felling tree Police on the Essequibo Coast are currently conducting an investigation into the death of a 23 year old saw man. The deceased who was identified as Kevin Fredricks of Wakapow, Lower Pomeroon, is said to have been employed with Clinton Alphonso. It was reported that sometime around 11:15 hrs yesterday, Fredricks was cutting trees, when one fell and struck him, resulting in serious injuries to his feet, left arm and lower back. The injured man was rushed to the Charity Hospital by his uncle. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
other ways to raise revenues. The disclosures were made Monday when Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga and other officials hosted a press conference to discuss the country’s half year’s performance. It was not immediately made clear which commercial bank has eased up lending for construction. However, according to Minister Jordan, there are indications that finances have not been closed off for applicants who want to buy a property as against building a new one.
Home owners have been struggling to complete new homes, with officials saying that more than 50 percent of the lands allocated in the last six years or so have remained unoccupied. Still, the absence of enforcement coupled with informal arrangements between house lot owners and contractors have been compounding the problems. Many homes are unfinished because of bad spending and conflicts with contractors, it has been reported. Quite a number of persons have lost their jobs or are unable to keep up with the monthly mortgages.
Local banks and the New Building Society have not come out openly saying that mortgage lending is in trouble. However, recent financial reports have pointed to an increase in nonperforming loans and mortgages. Once a big spinner of the economy, financing for housing is now being handled carefully by banks, which are fearful of unmanageable losses if the situation gets out of control. Mortgage interests have been contributing significant
revenues for the financial institutions. According to the Central Bank Governor, banks operating are only allowed to a certain percent of nonperforming loans and mortgages. In any case, says Minister Jordan, it could be a case that banks are looking at other alternatives to make money. He pointed out that the situation could open up opportunities for other competing financial institutions offering the same services.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
17-month-old toddler sexually molested while in father’s care A 17-month-old baby girl is hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was reportedly raped while in the care of her father. It is unclear whether the father is the perpetrator or whether it was one of his relatives. Kaieteur News understands that the child’s parents are separated. On Saturday, the man went to his estranged partner ’s West Coast Demerara home and collected the child to spend the weekend with him and his spouse. Yesterday, the victim’s mother confirmed that her daughter had been sexually
assaulted, but the nurses at the hospital prevented her from speaking to the media. The woman’s grandmother explained that the child’s father was paying child support and when he asked for his daughter to spend some time with him, the woman did not object. The man collected the child on Saturday and took her to his Diamond, East Bank Demerara home. According to the child’s great grandmother, on Monday, the father called and asked for his daughter’s birth certificate and clinic card since he wanted to take her for a medical examination.
The mother reportedly found this suspicious and went to uplift her child at Diamond—it was then that she discovered that her baby was in the hospital. When the woman got to the hospital, she learnt that her daughter had been sexually molested. It is unclear if any arrest was made, since the Childcare and Protection Agency was not informed of the incident as of yesterday afternoon. Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman, when contacted, said that he too was not aware of the matter.
NDC office near Police Station broken into The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at Grove, East Bank Demerara, located a stone’s throw away from a police station was on Monday broken into, during the wee hours of the morning. It was reported that the brazen burglars made off with $5000 cash along with a camera. Chairman of the Grove NDC, Bharrat Narine said that the thieves seemed to have made their way through the back door of the building which was secured with grills. He explained that they “wring out the grill and the backdoor,” and were probably of the opinion that they had a safe which contained money, but were presented with the sobering truth after searching the building. Narine
noted that the building was not fitted with surveillance cameras. The Chairman referred this publication to the “overseer”, Richard Mohabir, who said that he was unable to share further information into the matter since he was instructed by policemen not to do so. Kaieteur News understands that the security guard of the premises was allegedly awakened and raised an alarm, which eventually led to a report being made at the Police Station. Ranks arrived at the scene at approximately 11:00 am and dusted for fingerprints. Investigations are currently ongoing.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Traffic ranks strip tint from 18 police vehicles What’s unlawful for the civilian is also removal exercise. “Are family members and close friends of unlawful for the cop. That’s the message that Traffic Chief Dion police officers exempted as well? Do these Moore seems to be sending out to ranks who officers have tint permit for their privately have tinted vehicle windows when they are owned vehicles? Why is it that we cannot see into their cars from whatever angle we stand? not unauthorised to do so. Yesterday, 18 junior ranks were caught in Why are they allowed 5% tint or any a city crackdown and had their private vehicles percentage of tints on the glass of all four doors, as well as the back and front stripped of the unauthorised tint. Traffic Chief Moore said that three of the windscreens? I know this current exercise is vehicles were at Police Headquarters, Eve to assist in identifying criminals so my question is; are the Leary. police and their family “If we are taking “If we are taking tint off civilian members and close tint off civilian vehicles, vehicles, then equally police friends hiding the then equally police ranks (who are unauthorized) criminals in their darkly ranks (who are unauthorized) should should take theirs off as well…” - tinted cars?” Another civilian take theirs off as well,” TRAFFIC CHIEF also in a letter to the Moore told Kaieteur media, said that he was News. Aside from private police vehicles, he arrested and taken to a station having an revealed that his ranks will also be targeting illegally tinted vehicle. The civilian alleged that the arresting police patrol vehicles that are tinted. But he explained that some vehicles that are officer “has a red car which is heavily tinted conducting intelligence work are exempt from and has his name on it, and it was parked at the station at the time. Nevertheless, he the crackdown. Moore revealed that the campaign is a wanted to charge us for breaking the law. I countrywide one, and Divisional Heads will asked him to whom the red car belonged, to be authorized to check on police vehicles in which he replied that he didn’t know and didn’t care! their districts. As it seemed we were getting nowhere I The campaign comes in the wake of concerns by civilians about the prevalence of decided to remove my tint and hand it to him, police ranks driving private vehicles with and I was charged for doing the very same thing he is doing without consequences. I left tinted windows. In a recent letter to the Kaieteur News, a him and his friends sitting under a shed civilian who was charged for having tinted chatting, and as I looked around this station I windows, queried if police officers’ privately- saw several tinted vehicles owned by police owned vehicles are exempted from this tint officers.”
Wednesday August 16, 2017
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
WHAT A THING! Politicians get away with things in this country that are unbelievable. But even more amazing is the fact that whenever persons in authority do the most inexplicable things, there are legions of supporters who are willing, quite shamelessly too, to jump to their defence. But what beats all in this God-forsaken land is when those who are victims of certain actions which are plainly wrong, simply sit back, and, for reasons they know best, accept the wrong things that are done to them. The government was presumptuous to have written the Police Service Commission asking them to
put on hold promotions without providing a reason for the request. The government had tried this before with the Public Service Commission and had been rebuffed. In fact, that request to put on hold promotions was challenged in the courts and was held to be unconstitutional. Yet, the government had the temerity and contempt to once again repeat this action, this time with the Police Service Commission. How more brazen and contemptuous of legal precedent can one get? It is as if the government has absolutely no regard for the
DEM BOYS SEH...
rule of law. And that is not just crazy, it is terrifying. Does the government have no respect for the law? But what is shocking is to read that the Police Service Commission - appointed to ensure that there is no political interference in appointments; appointed with a mandate to ensure that it acts without any political direction - can go ahead and accede to the request of the government, even though it was said that some members felt that the actions of the government were unconstitutional. Can you believe that? If something is illegal, how can you accede to it? And this despite there being
Marriott robbing dem cleaners Old people got a saying. “Duck got water fun swim; fowl want it to drink.” That mean what is luxury fuh some people is a necessity fuh others. Poor people always got to suffer. Some people got to clean dem schools. Dem does left dem home soon morning and clean dem schools before dem children could start de school in a clean environment. Everybody know how hard dem got to work. Nuff of dem school ain’t got water, suh dem cleaners got to fetch water by bucket from either de canal or from tank in de yard. Now when is time fuh dem get pay dem got to protest. Dem boys want to know how de government can find $40 million every month to pay de few private investors through Republic Bank. That money can pay all dem cleaners fuh de whole year. Instead, de same government can’t even pay dem cleaners. Some get pay fuh one week, but some ain’t get pay at all. Imagine de government finding $12.5 million fuh pay fuh a drug bond in Charlestown, but dem can’t find one-tenth of
that to pay de cleaners. Dem cleaners got children to support; some got rent to pay and of course dem got to buy personal things fun demself. Money is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Yesterday, instead of leffing dem home to go to work in dem schools wheh children got a habit of messing up de toilet and expecting dem cleaners to clean up after dem, de same cleaners had to go outside de Ministry of Education to call attention to their plight. And de same people who had to pay dem just sit down and look down at de people outside in de sun. De Ministry of Finance is de place that control all de money. Jordan know that he release money to de Education Ministry to pay everybody. But dem boys seh that some of that money that he spending pun de Marriott and pun de drug bond could pay teachers fuh a whole year and pay dem cleaners fun ten years. Pay de cleaners. Talk half and don’t forget that a luxury fuh some is a necessity fuh others.
a legal precedent about this matter. What a country we live in. Some persons, of course, have a penchant for defending the indefensible. They have dug up a reason to morally legitimize what is legally unlawful. The excuse is that the government acted correctly, because persons who have appeared before an ongoing Commission of Inquiry into an investigation done by the police were recommended for promotion by the Commissioner of Police? So what? The Police Service Commission does not have to wait on the outcome of any COI before making promotions. If a case is established in the COI that a person promoted was fingered or implicated in criminal conduct or negligence, then those findings can be forwarded to the Police Service Commission for disciplinary action, including dismissal. But that is beside the
point, because it is not for any agency to try to indicate to the Police Service Commission that there is an ongoing COI. The members of the Police Service Commission do not need to be told about this. They must know about it. So they do not need to be told anything. In fact, it was never suggested to them that it is because of the COI that they should not make promotions. The issue about persons under investigation being recommended by a top official for promotion is a red herring. The Police Service Commission is not a rubber stamp. It does not rubber stamp the recommendations of the Commissioner of Police. It conducts its own interviews and evaluation of persons. So, it matters not who is recommended. The fact of the matter is that the government is up to its old games. The previous Judicial Service Commission
had in 2015 submitted a number of recommendations for appointment of judges. The government sat on those recommendations until it had engineered the appointment of a new Judicial Service Commission who reviewed the appointments. The same thing is going to happen with police promotions. The government does not want the outgoing Commission to make any appointments. It wants to put a new Commission in place, one in which it will have more confidence. This is naked self- interest at work, and it is being achieved by running roughshod over the Constitution. And guess what? There are persons in our society who will sit and accept this sort of violation of the highest law of the land.
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 16, 2017
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Enemy at the gates and leaders on the balcony watching him In three years’ time, whichever female candidate the Democratic Party of the US chooses to contest the presidency, that person will become the first woman president of the US. That fact stares you in the face. There is going to be a tsunamic surge for that candidate and gigantic revulsion against the person the Republican Party puts up. The reason is that the Republicans and Trump will appear in the eyes of the electorate to be enormous failures. What is taking place in
Guyana at the moment is dangerous irresponsibility of the present leadership of APNU and the AFC. It is dangerous in the sense that the leadership of these two parties has virtually dissolved the goodwill the population gave this team after the 2015 election results. The PPP is at the gate, pushing it to open; the APNU+AFC is on the balcony watching this attempt at forced entry and cares not to do anything about it. Why are they standing and watching and
not moving? It is the old story of human self-delusion. They believe the gate will not open and they will forever be on the balcony addressing the masses as the Roman Emperors did. How sad and silly that those on the balcony are not prepared to learn anything from the failings, failures and faults of lost power. The PPP is a colossal dictionary from which we can learn. Not even a third level mandarin thought the PPP could have lost a general election in this country.
They put down the 2011 results as over-exuberance of their supporters, and Berbicians who thought it was not important to vote because their party was unbeatable. In 2015, there was exultation in every PPP cell in every party of the country when the news came out that Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan had joined the perennial enemy of the Indian race in Guyana – the party of Forbes Burnham and Hamilton Green. The PPP leaders were all convinced such a
marriage had let the PPP back into power. The rest is history, as humans are wont to say. The defeated enemy is at the gates, and those who can shut him out do not have even a modicum of strategy of how to save the gates. The APNU+AFC leadership is simply an incredibly naïve and silly formation. No group of politicians makes so many mistakes so often, knowing that the enemy is at the gates. It goes back to June 2015, a mere month after APNU and the AFC came to power. Secrecy and surreptitious movements became their password. They gave themselves a saccharine salary increase and silently gazetted it without any public announcement. Not only was this their true intentions but their blazingly true colours. The music hasn’t stopped since then. Making the news in egregious ways is the silly bravado and semantic chauvinism over the English language’s most banal, overused words, “and any other fit and proper person.” A president with a Masters degree, author of books and former editor of a news magazine, put an embarrassing meaning to those words that must have given the enemy at the gates further energy to battle. And when the second top judge in the judiciary told the president what that jejune phrase meant, the judge was told by the president that her ruling was her interpretation, he has his. This very coalition team when in opposition went to every part of Guyana
Frederick Kissoon screaming to the Guyanese people about secret foreign investments of President Jagdeo, the details of which were precious state formulas. This very team has done the identical repugnancy. No one knows what is inside the Exxon oil agreement. Surely, the enemy at the gates is talking to his supporters about the hypocrites on the balcony. The people on the balcony wrote the media to say that it wasn’t five but four ministers that went to Texas to meet Exxon officials. Whether it was four of five, why was it not made public ? Because secrecy and surreptitious are the passwords of the people on the balcony. The public is not informed of what their elected representatives do. Like the public had to find out from the private media that President Granger went to the Bahamas on a paid private jet. Heads of Government travel all the time. What was there to hide? After reading this article, go and have a viewing of one of the really great war movies of all times. The story of a fantastic duel between the Russians and the Germans inside the USSR during WW2. The title: “Enemy at the gates.”
Wednesday August 16, 2017
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Rip Rap sea defence slated for Regions three and five Bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration for the procurement of works for the construction of Rip Rap Sea Defence at sites in Regions Three and Five. This was done in three lots. For lot one, the type of sea defence is to be constructed at Ruimzigt and Waller’s Delight on the West Coast of Demerara in Region Three, which are lots one and two respectively. Additionally, for lot three, the same type of sea defence is to be constructed at Cottage, Mahaicony, in Region Five. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) had tendered for the purchase of a new vehicle and three bids were opened yesterday.
Bids were also opened for the rehabilitation of the Berbice Educational Institute. The procuring entity is the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six under the Ministry of Communities.
Further, bids were opened for an individual consultant to review, evaluate and draft maritime legislation and policy for Guyana. This is being done under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Only one proposal was submitted for this project.
Bids were also opened for the design and supervision services for the Agriculture Centre at Ebini in Region 10. The procuring entity for this project is the Ministry of Agriculture. Financial proposals were submitted by the following bidders.
Information Technology equipment is being sought for the Ministry of Finance as six bids for this purpose was opened yesterday.
AFC has sacrificed its principles for expediency and opportunism - Ram Bids were also opened for the procurement of security and cash-in-transit services for the Guyana Water Incorporated. The procurement was split into five lots.
Bids were also opened for the construction of an immigration building and tract at OrdnanceFortlands in Region Six.
Anti-corruption advocate and attorney at law, Christopher Ram, says that he is quite disappointed in the Alliance For Change (AFC) which is one of the main parties in the governing coalition. Ram’s disenchantment stems from his view that the AFC has abandoned its core principles and is failing to demonstrate its commitment to influencing real change in Guyana. Ram expressed his views during a recent interview with Kaieteur News. The attorney pointed to two main promises made by the AFC that it has failed to live up to - ensure that Constitutional Reform is made a priority and stand up against excessive use of power. Ram said, “I am indeed disappointed in the leadership of the AFC, because one of the commitments that the AFC had made prior to elections is that it would provide the kind of balance against any excess by the APNU wing of the alliance, but the AFC is not demonstrating that it is upholding that
AntiCorruption advocate, Christopher Ram
commitment.” In this regard, Ram pointed out that the AFC said nothing about what he believes was President David Granger’s recent “abuse of power”. He was speaking about the fact that Minister of State, on behalf of President Granger, recently wrote the Police Service Commission (PSC) instructing that the body halt police promotions. It was then revealed that at least three of the officers that were to be promoted were called to testify in the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (COI)
into the way the police handled the report of the alleged plot to assassinate President Granger. Ram also expressed disappointment in the fact that the AFC has not pushed ahead strongly to ensure Constitutional Reform. The lawyer said, “The AFC has been extremely hypocritical on this question of Constitutional Reform. It has seemingly become a secondary issue to the AFC. The AFC has sacrificed its principles for expediency and opportunism.” (Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell)
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Three senior officers sent home as GRA continues corruption housecleaning It appears that the new management and Board of Directors of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are in no mood for corruption. Following the recent sacking of a top level official of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID), for allegedly being involved in the shaking down of a Berbice businessman, three more persons were this week sent home pending investigations. Yesterday, GRA’s Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia reportedly travelled to Berbice to make surprise inspections at operations there, with the aim of strengthening systems. Berbice is said to be a hotbed of corruption, with open borders with Suriname allowing rampant smuggling. This administration had,
on taking office in 2015, disbanded the Berbice AntiSmuggling Squad (BASS). The squad had been established to raise revenues in especially the Springlands and Crabwood Creek areas. However, GRA said an analysis of figures found that BASS was failing big time. Revenues in Berbice have risen since, but there have been continued reports of Customs officials collecting bribes. In one recent case, one official sent a GRA driver last in the night to the home of a Berbice businessman. The angry businessman complained. The senior LEID official was sent home and then sacked, following an internal investigation. The three men sent home this week include one who was in charge of regional
operations, while another was a group leader. They are being sent home to enable the facilitation of investigations into corrupt practices. The investigations will centre on the facilitation of smuggling by GRA staffers. Sources said that some GRA officers were targeting several importers and businesses, allowing a system where values were changed and even the actual description of the items. In the end, the state lost millions of dollars in taxes monthly. Way back in 2016, another corruption scandal hit GRA where a senior officer collided with his staffers to have goods released without the payment of taxes. In return, he reportedly would collect kickbacks. Like that officer, in the past, quite a number of cases were swept under the carpet. Statia, who was hired from overseas last year, had vowed to step down if he failed to meet a number of targets. He had also vowed to clean up GRA of corruption. GRA is the country’s biggest revenue collection agency for Government.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
‘Boyo’ Ramlall murder PI continues today Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes is expected to call a few more witnesses to testify when the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Ganesh Ramlall called ‘Boyo’ continues today before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. Lennox ‘Soldier Man’ Roberts, 32, of 2279 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Fazeel ‘Javed’ Bacchus, 21, of 7 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara and Kurt ‘Banana’ Erskine, 35, of 285 Section ‘C’, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara are currently on remand for the indictable offence. The killing allegedly occurred on July 5, 2015 at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. According to reports, Ramlall of Lot C La J a l o u s i e , We s t C o a s t Demerara was reportedly shot seven times about the body after bandits attacked his home. The 48-year-old owner of Regent Multiplex Mall had reportedly just returned home from a barbecue, when he was accosted by four men, one of whom shot him to the head and chest before relieving him of jewellery and a wallet before escaping. Earlier on in the PI, Police Inspector Suraj Singh, Police Sergeants Rodwell Sarrabo and Salaish Roopnarine and Corporal Heranjan Deonarine were among some of the witnesses called to testify.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
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. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
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 Experienced waiters. Apply at Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street (Day Shift only) Immediate vacancy exist for one checker to work @ Meadowbank Ice Factory, good handwriting. Call: 2311408/ 642-9191 (8am-1pm) 1 Maid for East Bank area; 3 days per week, must know to cook. Call: 614-4358 Live in couple: duties husband (driving & mechanical skills), wife: (domestic), good rates and private cottage. Call: 2271830 1 Experienced person to work at Superbet outlet. Apply at August Beverages Enterprise. Call:225-5501 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Plumber for Jacuzzi, tiler, painter, carpenter for wooden steps, mason. Call: 625-3705 Tree Fellers and sawmen to work at Interior location. Call: 218-3399/ 656-8754 Female driver ages 18-25 that lives in Sophia, attractive salary. Call: 683-6645 Female bartender- $18,000 weekly, female to prepare bunjal & cutter $16,000 weekly in G/Town live in/ out. Call: 648-4810 Dried corolla bush in large quantities. Call: 665-1397
VACANCY
FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15pm
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
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
2 Salesgirls preferably from East Bank, 1 Farm worker. Call: 265-3586 One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. Electrical Technician to work in Georgetown. Call: 6232277 One Cleaner. Contact223-5273/74 One Supervisor / Manager to work in Charity contact 2235273/74 One Cook contact 223-5273/74 Cook -apply to manager @ Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Streets, Queenstown G/Town, Guyana. Tel: 225-0808 Accounts Clerk for Eccles Area, knowledge of VAT, QuickBooks and Payroll. Call: 614-4358 Cashiers, Supervisors, Security personnel @ Survival Supermarket, Sheriff Street. Call: 227-5289 Immediate vacancy exists for males to work at Ice Factory in Blairmont Berbice, ages 2540. Call: 618-3800 One female Accounts Clerk. Call: 611-5398
Sell us your land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Zeelugt. Call:656-0701/ 651-1969
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
One experienced & honest snackette attendant/salesgirl. Call: 698-4288/226-5793 between 10:00am-6:00pm
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILYOUTINGS,CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
The Gent’s Spa: let us relieve the stress from your body with lovely masseuses. For appointment call: 658-5528
MASSAGE
Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044
CK2Lancer–134,000km-$740,000 negotiable.Call:613-5645 One Leyland DAF55, dump truck. Call: 621-4740 Tacoma V6. 2011 automatic, 4WD, cover to back tray, excellent condition. Phone. 694-2197
5 lots in Blankenburg, back of the gas station @$2.9 M each. Contact: 650-0402\6031402
One pit bull minibus, BTT series, in excellent working condition, with alarm, price – $1.8M negotiable. Call: 6259204/691-8272
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
Nissan X-Trail 2012 (silver), fully powered, TV, Nav, CD, BMW320i 2012 (black) fully loaded, never registered. Call: 642-1137
1 - Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter, year :2007 - $ 4 M. Contact: 650-0402/ 603-1402 House & land. Just Arrive! Tundra, Tucoma & Titan parts. Call: 674-8911 Two (2) Caterpillar 324DL Excavators. In good working condition. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8
(2) 2010 Vitz - $85,000 each, 2010 Suzuki swift & Nissan March - $85,000 each (all unregistered & duties to pay). Call: 649-7771/699-7155 Unregistered bluebird 1500cc, 31,000KM, front wheel drive, RZ bus good working condition, owner leaving. Call: 265-0204/2652171/601-0223
Caterpillar, Model: D6M, In good working condition. Price: G$10,000,000 negotiable. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8 One 306 Caterpillar excavator with 700 ours. Contact: 602-4692.
Tuschen Phase 1 -$2.5M, Zeelugt 1stNewScheme-$2.5M,LaParfaite Harmonie-$1.6M.Call:642-1252
One office assistant female, must be between the age of 30-45yrs. Call: 220-2034/6238078
New Road Vreed-en-Hoop house & land- $50M, $5.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie house & land -$3.5M, Tuschen house & land -$2.7M. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608
Teacher for theory & practical of carpentry, masonry & plumbing programmes @ Vocational Centre. Send application PO Box10461 by August 19, 2017
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. Call 647-1773
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 First Aid/CPR Courses available at St. John Ambulance Brigade for morning and evening classes. Call: 225-9082
3 Bedrooms upstairs with toilet and bath, kitchen @ 16 Station Street Kitty. Call: 2255977/673-1872 1-2 Bedrooms bottom flat spacious apartment @ 5th Avenue Diamond, grilled & secured, concrete fence, parking available -$70,000 monthly. Call: 662-9335/6123244 Prime business place to rent suitable for offices on Sheriff Street. Call: 6276740/227-8644
Property @ Covent Garden, E.B.D. Call: 265-3586 Property @ Middle & Cummings Street, Georgetown. Call: 667-3332 Transported property in Regent Street, between Wellington & Camp Street. Call: 667-3322 Lot 22 Dowding Street, Kitty, G/ Town, 100 Granville Park B.V, E.C.D.Call:619-4152or227-1905 Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable. Call: 676-7974/ 615-0173 One 3 bedroom property with bond, big land space for building house, poultry rearing, farming, etc. Call: 627-5607 25-X72 house and land p/r Friendship, EBD, parking space for 10 cars, business or residential $16M. Call: 6484810
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale in Tuschen, Phase 1. Call: 679-1096
Male security guard, female room attendant 30yrs & older @ 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198
Labourers for farm work. Call: 695-0007
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
LaParfaiteHarmonie-$3M,$1.2M, $1.6M, $3.5M, $2.5M, Eccles $6M, Farm- $4M, Herstelling $3M & $4.5M, Tuschen $2.5M. Call:666-2326 Land to cultivate rice 33.14 Acre, Plantation Betterhope, Essequibo Coast. Call: 667-3322 Back half of land -$12M, Size: length 105ftXwidth 65ft, Well Street Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Call: 625-1514 La Parfaite Harmonie main road (50X100) - $3M, $1.4M, $1.7M, $2.5M, Eccles -$6M, Crane main road -$8.5M. Call: 604-6724/ 686-9608 La Parfaite Harmonie- $1.4M & $1.6M, Uitvlugt (100ftx50ft) $2.8M, Farm (East Bank) -$2.8 ($100ftX50ft). Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
TO LET Fully furnished apartment $95,000-$140,000. Call: 644-5151 Fully furnished one bedroom apartment (refrigerator, microwave, queen size bed, television, cable, WiFi and air conditioner, etc). Call: 6121351 FURNISHED TWO BEDROOMS APARTMENT, SHORT/LONG TERM. CALL: 222-7891/ 609-9202 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Sweeper/cleaners picket Education Ministry Yesterday, a number of sweeper/cleaners stood in front of the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam location to picket for better wages. The major concerns of these workers are how they could survive with the little they are being paid and whether their children will be attired for the new school term as well as financed.. Many of them chanted, “No money no wuk!” “No one week pay, no two week pay!” “No lil bit money!” “September month, school gun dutty!”, in the heat of the mid-day’s sun, Cheryl Braithwaite, who is stationed at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, disclosed that, “We are picketing, because of our salary, we want our full salary. We used to work eight hours and before school close they told us that how we gun work six hours, so right now we are at home. We worked for two weeks in July month. This month hay suh we suppose to work one week. When we push in our card (bank card) some people get $2000 and some people get $5000. Some people get none at all and that is not fair.” Braithwaite stated that she received $4000 and she “almost cleaned the whole school.” Youlanda, who works at Tucville Primary School, explained that she has been working there for approximately five years. She stated, “We have children to send to school. Now September month we cannot send our children to school because we don’t have money. They want our children to go on the streets? It does not have enough
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
- continue to demand better wages
A section of the aggrieved sweeper/cleaners outside the Education Ministry on Brickdam yesterday. crime on the street? I would like the government to come out to tell us something because this is not nice!” Another picketer argued that she did not receive any salary for the month of August. She explained, “I go in the bank, I push meh card, there’s no money there for me. When I inquire, they say that how it don’t have. Meh other colleagues too, some ah dem ain’t get no salary for this month.” Laureen, another sweeper/cleaner, who is stationed at South Ruimveldt Park Primary School, said “No circular has come to us that we salary and time has been cut. It is unfair to us that we work full eight hours, now two weeks we work in July, one week in August ,and I haven’t received my salary. I don’t know how I’m gonna go back to work and how my child will go to school. It is hard, so we asking the president to look into this matter. To help us,
cause most of us are single parents and it ain’t easy, it very very hard.” Vanessa Braithwaite said that she has been an employee for approximately 11 years and this is exactly what has been going on throughout the period of her employment. The pressures of this reality have become too overbearing and as a result she said, “We aint giving up until we get some kind ah justice or something, ‘cause remember, we get we children to send to school.” Second Vice President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Dawn Gardener who was at the scene, highlighted that she stands in support of the cleaners. She said, “Our expectations are that by now it would’ve been addressed, but unfortunately it has not been addressed, so we’re wondering why.” The group of sweeper/
cleaners took to the streets last week and it was to no avail, hence their return. Despite the many attempts made by this publication to contact officials from the Ministry of Education to give their comment on the issue, none were favourable. Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson said that he was unable to say anything concerning the matter, among others who were either unreachable or “unable to comment”.
Oil will not fall victim to... (From page 19) connected to the Government of Equatorial Guinea. At one of the hearings held by the American Senate Subcommittee in 2004, Senator Jeff Merkley grilled at length, Rex Tillerson, who was the CEO of ExxonMobil. He is now the US Secretary of State. Tillerson was questioned on the fact that there were a number of contracts that ExxonMobil did with companies which had strong ties to the friends and family members of the Government of Equatorial Guinea. Merkley said that this included building leases and land leases and a series of other contracts. He added that the net effect was the transfer of more riches to the Government of
Equatorial Guinea. Merkley pointed out that ExxonMobil’s actions raised this moral question: How could this company be engaging Equatorial Guinea in such a manner, that it was essentially enriching the leaders, without little thought of how this was going to impact the people there? Merkley also pointed out that the unfavourable state of Equatorial Guinea is even reported on by the US State Department. Tillerson said that while he is aware of the circumstances spoken of by the Senator, he merely maintained that during his time, there were no violations. With the aforementioned in mind, several anti-corruption advocates fear that the same may take place in Guyana.
GRA already cashing in... (From page 13) 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.
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 16, 2017
CXC looking to increase e-marking BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CMC - Barbadosbased regional examinations body, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), has announced plans to increase electronic marking of annual
exams. CXC’s Director of Operations, Stephen Savoury, said that since e-marking was introduced in 2013, this year saw the most papers being graded using this method,
and all but four subjects were marked electronically. In the 2017 effort, 231 papers were marked electronically … there were three ebook markings and then we had 73 e-coursework marks.
And overall, over 700,000 candidate papers were scanned, and approximately 8,000 markers were invited to participate,” Savoury said, adding that the Council is now focused on improving the quality of its assessments.
“We expect that e-marking is not only here to stay but we want to improve it as we go forward, and we want to ensure that … there is a richness of experience for all involved,” he said. The introduction of emarking was a break away
from the traditional face to face assessme n t , w h e r e markers – mostly teachers – gathered at marking centres across the Caribbean to grade the annual secondary school examinations.
St. Kitts-Nevis Opposition leader: Against introduction of visas for Venezuelans
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Former St. Kitts-Nevis prime minister Dr. Denzil Douglas yesterday urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders not to impose visa restrictions on Venezuelans in light of the ongoing political situation in that South American country. The St. Lucia government said it is considering imposing visa restrictions on Venezuelans visiting the island as a result of the political situation in the SouthAmerican country where opposition forces are seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power. “I don’t think that we should make it any easier than the logistics already have for Venezuelans to come here,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told a news conference.
Dr. Denzil Douglas But, in an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Douglas, who until February 2015 was the longest serving CARICOM head of government, said he would urge the region to rethink the position being adopted by St. Lucia. “I think it is really a diffi-
cult one for me to contemplate in the sense that aren’t we going to further isolate Venezuela if this is to be pursued and I would advise that the CARICOM leaders at this time pay very very close attention to a decision of this kind,” he told CMC, while on a visit to here.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Extension given for submission of bids for Lot B of GPL smart meter project By Murtland Haley It was previously scheduled that bids for Lot B of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL)’s Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) would have been opened yesterday. However, due to changes made to the tender document, the submission date for bids for Lot B of the PUUP has been moved to August 22. The GPL project was listed as number 10 on the ‘Works, Goods and Services – Tender Opening Details’ document for Tuesday August 15, 2017. When Kaieteur News made inquiries from sources close to the project, it was confirmed that the new submission date will be next week Tuesday. According to information received, the reason for the new date is that GPL had made changes to the tender document for Lot B. The changes concern the box to house the smart meter and the distribution box. This newspaper understands that GPL has asked bidders to propose a box to house the meter that is made of metal. Previously, the box was required to be made from polycarbonate material which is a tough plastic. Further, the body of the distribution box was originally to be made from polycarbonate as well, but is now to be made from metal. It is unclear why GPL would have made the change from polycarbonate to metal. Based on research, polycarbonate is a durable material that withstands harsh conditions. It is impact resistant and is strong against vandalism due to having unbreakable properties. The material also protects against ultra-violet radiation when compared to metal, especially in hot temperatures. The last official update that Kaieteur News received on the PUUP project came from the Chairman of the GPL Board, Robert Badal. During an interview, Badal had said that he has not received any indica-
An extension has been given for bid submissions due to changes in material requirements for meter boxes tion or ‘red light’ that any aspect of the project is not meeting its deadline. Currently, Lot A is being rolled out as China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) at a cost of $4.6B. The project is sponsored by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU). Badal said that the entire programme is time-specific, because GPL has to execute it and receive disbursements by a certain time. He said that based on reports received, currently, utility poles are being planted and that this process is about 10 per cent completed. Further, he said that GPL is currently designing Lot C of the PUUP. He said that for this to be done, GPL has to assess the area, take note of the requirement and do the design before advertising for tenders to be submitted. “So the PUUP is going forward as planned, but our target is to spend money on improving the grid in order to ensure reliability, remove these blackouts, reduce losses and ensure the quality of voltage.” According to Badal, the company will be installing Itron Smart Meters which have the capability to be read remotely. He added that with the new technology, GPL would be able to understand patterns of consumption and be able to isolate areas where the company feels that there are problems. As such, the
PAGE 25
Kaieteur News
company can effectively conduct loss reduction enquiries and visits. Approximately 25,000 smart meters are supposed to be installed for Lot A. Asked whether he is comfortable as Chairman of the Board that CMC was awarded Lot A of the programme in light of its history with GPL, Badal said that he is not familiar with the company and is not au fait with any past problems. The project referred to was the construction of seven substations a number of years ago that was awarded to CMC. It involved the running of new high-powered transmission lines along the coastland and the laying of two submarine cables across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers. CMC was criticised in a report done by Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) for works done on the GPL Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract which was valued at US$33.9M. That report had said that CMC is not a construction company but rather a trading company for the export of Chinese engineering products. It was noted that CMC had engaged other Chinese firms to perform all aspects of that project, except for purchasing goods needed for the contract. However, there were shortages for the supply of these items, and those that were supplied did not satisfy the standards required by GPL.
Cops probe suspected hot car death of baby girl Police have questioned the relatives of a baby girl, who died at around 14.30 hrs yesterday, after being left unattended in her father’s car. The eight-month-old infant, of Greater Georgetown, was found panting for breath in her father’s car, and was subsequently pronounced dead at the Davis Memorial Hospital Kaieteur News understands that the father, a 33year-old boat captain and taxi driver, was playing a game of dominoes at a neighbour’s house when his 25-year-old wife, gave him their baby daughter to keep.
About two hours later, the husband’s eight-year-old sister collected the baby “to play with her.” The sister then placed the baby in the back seat of the father’s car. But according to reports, the eight-year-old “got thirsty”, and went inside the family’s house for some water, leaving the baby in the car with the windows wound up and doors locked, “to prevent her from crawling out.” But the eight-year-old reportedly forgot about the baby “and went playing in the yard and watching television.” Eventually, a neighbour
came to take the baby for a walk. It was then that the eight-year-old remembered the baby in the car. On rushing to the vehicle, the child and neighbour found the infant panting for breath and with her eyes partly closed. An alarm was raised and the child’s father tried unsuccessfully to revive his daughter by placing her under a tap. The parents then rushed the baby to the Davis Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour. A post mortem is likely today.
Malaysian businessman trailed from bank, robbed in café
Gunmen yesterday trailed a Malaysian businessman from a city bank to a café on Church Street, Georgetown where they robbed him of over one million Guyana dollars. The unmasked men robbed about seven other customers who were in the Coffee Bean restaurant when they pounced on the businessman and his driver at around 11:32 hrs. According to information received, the businessman, accompanied by his driver, went to a city bank to make a withdrawal. They then went for lunch at the café. Manager of the café, Narvini Dewnath said that the two customers entered the fast food outlet and shortly after, two gunmen stormed in. They were wearing baseball caps to conceal their identity. Kaieteur News was informed that while one of the men “harassed” the businessman’s driver and kept asking where the money was, the second gunman collected the other customers’ valuables. They then took the businessman and his driver to their vehicle that was parked in front of the restaurant where they collected the cash and made good their escape. Dewnath said that the gunmen’s target was clearly the businessman, who is a
A detective (backing camera) taking a statement from the Malaysian businessman yesterday regular customer at the café. “We have an electronic door that opens from inside, but at the time of the robbery it wasn’t working… we have gotten that fixed,” the woman noted, while adding that her restaurant was not robbed. When this publication visited the café yesterday, the businessman and his driver were giving their statements to investigators. The busi-
nessman objected to speak to the media. He reportedly told the police that while on his way from the bank, he was very careful and did not notice anyone following him. No one was injured during the attack. The robbery was recorded on surveillance cameras and the footage has been handed over to investigators.
PAGE 26
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Opposition party reaffirms commitment…
“R espectful and friendly relations” with China “Respectful KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) says it will continue to pur-
sue mutually “respectful and friendly relations” with China after Beijing condemned a video circulating on social
network in which an opposition legislator claimed that there is “a form of economic colonialism by Chinese busi-
nesses operating in Jamaica”. In a statement, the PNP said that its leader and Op-
position Leader Dr. Peter Phillips had met with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Niu Qingbaowe, to reaffirm his party’s commitment to maintaining friendly and mutually beneficial and respectful relations with that country. “As with all bilateral relationships, it behoves each country to ensure that their separate interests are reconciled and protected so that they may benefit,” the PNP said, adding that it is firmly of the view that it is the primary duty of a Jamaican government to “keep under constant review the sovereign interest of the Jamaican people in a world of sovereign states and
take the steps required to protect our nationals. “We continue to pursue mutually respectful and friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China based on the principles of sovereign equality, respect for the laws of each country and non-interference in the internal affairs of each state,” the PNP added. Last weekend, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China said it was offended by the “unsubstantiated claims” in the video in which the former national security minister, Peter Bunting, and a member of Parliament, made the claim of “economic colonialism”.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Wednesday August 16, 2017
MSC Open League Basketball Championship
Royals could strengthen themselves with win over Pistons, Flames look to upset Jets Victory Valley Royals could establish themselves as one of the favoured clubs in t h i s y e a r ’s M a c k e n z i e Sports Club (MSC) Open League Basketball Championship which resumes this evening with another double header card at the MSC hard court. They face little known Christianburg Pistons in the night cap at 20.30hrs but the first game pits Amelia’s Ward Jets, who can reestablish themselves with a victory when they meet Block 22 Flames in the first game at 18.30hrs. Seeking their first will be
Jets who have won and lost once after two matches, having been beaten by Victory Valley Royals but winning against top ranked Retrieve Raiders. They are favoured when they come up against Flames who began this tournament with a win ver s u s t h e P i s t o n s a n d would want to gain another win to move to four points. The other game would be important also as the Pistons would hope to score a win and be competitive, but their task is huge facing this Roy-
als side which posted a record 150-39 win against Falcons and were too good for the Jets, much-less this Christianburg Pistons side now seeking to find their feet returning to this level. On Saturday there will be another two more matches with Falcons versus Flames and Raiders against Royals in big match-ups. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals and then decide the finalists. Several trophies, replicas and medals are at stake in this championship which will determine the Linden Senior Club basketball champions.
Wednesday August 16, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. Use your added discipline to get what you want. You need some help today. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will have to be careful not to fall into traps set by jealous colleagues. You need time to make things better. You can make career moves that will be prosperous.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't let relatives stand in the way of your personal plans. Be sure to take care of the needs of your immediate loved ones first. Your fickle nature may cause jealousy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You should get involved in competitive sports today. Your outgoing nature might work against you today. There will be hidden matters that you may find disturbing.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Get them to pitch in, if you need help. You may have a problem keeping secrets. You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may find it difficult to communicate. Your ability to visualize will help you convince others of the possibilities. Don't make unreasonable promises.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can find out important information if you listen to friends and relatives. You should be putting in some overtime. You should make sure that your personal papers are in order.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Go out with friends. Overexertion and negligence will be your worst enemies. Mingle with individuals who are established and can give you some serious insight into business and future trends.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will find that superiors may not see situations as you do. Travel could turn out to be more exciting than you imagined. You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You need to enjoy the company of those who enjoy the same pastimes. Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate. You should be putting in some overtime.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. Chronic health problems are likely to surface if you are keeping your problems locked up inside. Set a limit, or you'll wind up on a tight budget.
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Get busy making those changes to your home. You will reap the rewards for your kind actions. Don't let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you're not able to attend one of their affairs.
England v West Indies: Day-night Test is a ‘step into the unknown,’ says Stuart Broad BBC Sport - The daynight Test between England and West Indies tomorrow is a “step into the unknown,” says bowler Stuart Broad. Edgbaston will host the first ever Test to be played under these conditions in England, and the fifth in international cricket anywhere. Play will start at 14:00 BST and continue until 21:00 BST, with an additional 30 minutes possible at the end of each day’s play. “I just don’t know what to expect,” said 31-year-old Broad. “We are just going to have to be so adaptable on the day and figure out what’s going on.” Australia beat New Zealand in Adelaide in the inaugural day-night Test in November 2015, while Australia have also beaten South Africa and Pakistan under lights. The other day-night Test involved West Indies, who were beaten by Pakistanin October 2016. Broad says he is “excited” by the concept of the format, with teams wearing traditional white clothing but using a pink Dukes ball. “I watched the day-night match in Adelaide and enjoyed it. The exciting thing as a player is we are going in with a clear mind and learning on the job almost,” he said. “The team which will come out successful this week will be the team which reacts quicker. It’s stepping into the unknown completely.” England are coming off the back of a 3-1 series victory over South Africa, whereas the West Indies side have lost six consecutive Test series, their last win coming against Bangladesh in 2014.
Suriname defeat... (From page 27) to 3-1. Guyana tried to pull one back but Suriname were better than them on Monday morning. The Jaguars’ Under-15 Coach Bryan Joseph noted that, “It was a tough loss today (Monday morning), we spent a lot of time talking to the players about the importance of the game and what matches between Guyana and Suriname represent… but we lost.” Having drawn against St. Kitts & Nevis 1-1, Guyana will resume play in the tournament tomorrow, Thursday, August 17, when they come against St. Lucia in their final group F clash.
The Windies will be missing some of their key players, including Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Darren Sammy and Marlon Samuels. Broad, who has taken 379 Test wickets, says England are expecting the inexperienced opposition to be “hungry”. “We’ve got a huge amount of respect for the way the West Indies play and the competitive spirit they bring,” he added. “Every ball in this series is going to be competitive and we have to be switched on to that.” ‘It’s shocking - it feels like plastic when you hit it’ Durham all-rounder Paul Collingwood, who played 68 Tests for England between 2003 and 2011, criticised the introduction of the pink ball. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live’s Tuffers and Vaughan Cricket Show on Monday, he said: “It will do all sorts in the first 10 overs and then it becomes this soft as plastic thing that you can’t hit that doesn’t deviate off anywhere.”It’s shocking. It
feels like plastic when you hit it. Apparently they don’t like using [Australian manufactured] Kookaburras in England because of the weather. “I played in one four-day game against Worcestershire and the opening batsman was laughing. “Ben Stokes played and he couldn’t even lay a bat on it. John Hastings was swinging it like a one-wood off the first tee and trying to connect with this pink ball that was going all over the place. “The ball wasn’t even coming off the bat. It’s just totally different. It was like ‘what is going on?’.” Commenting on Collingwood’s criticism, England bowler Chris Woakes told BBC Sport: “That’s one of the negative comments, but we’ve also heard a lot of positive stuff as well. “I can’t give you my full opinion as I haven’t played with it. The fact we’ve got mixed reports is interesting but the fact that the ground is going to be sold out is probably the most important thing.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 30
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Berbice
Paradise Invaders maintain lead with another win; Young Strikers notch first
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Forde, Singh shine for Windies U-15s Caribbean side win two of three opening matches on England tour
Ntini August (left), Patrick Thomas and Jason Archer - Paradise Invaders FC Paradise Invaders maintained their unbeaten record with their fourth win whilst Young Strikers recorded their first win in four matches when competition in the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued in the Berbice Football Association. Playing in the main attraction at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam on Sunday last, Young Strikers blanked Mahaicony Thunder Hawks 2-0 on account of first half goals
Shane Campbell and Oshea Leitch - Young Strikers FC
from Oshea Leitch in the 16th minute and Shane Campbell in the 25th. Mahaicony came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and were rewarded with two penalties but miffed both chances, one going well over the crossbar with the other saved by the Young Strikers goalkeeper. The opening match of the double header produced a handsome 5-1 win for Paradise Invaders thanks to a hat-trick off the boot of Ntini August who rocked the nets in the in the 32nd, 36th and 53rd minute. Patrick Thomas had
earlier opened proceedings in the 9th minute, while Jason Archer also got in on the goal scoring action with one of his own in the 55th minute. Corriverton Links’ consolation goal came was netted by Alex Partab in the 21st minute. Meanwhile, one match will be played today and tomorrow at Burnham Park. Today’s encounter will see New Amsterdam United playing Hopetown from 15:30hrs, while tomorrow’s match-up pits Monedderlust against Cougars from the same time. Both are rescheduled matches.
LONDON – All-rounder Matthew Forde, skipper Sachin Singh and fast bowler Jayden Seales have been among the stand-out performers for the Windies Under-15 Invitational squad which has so far won two of their three matches on the Tour of England. Forde has hit a couple of half-centuries and logged t i d y b o w l i n g performances, Singh has hit a half-century as he has batted steadily and Seales has been consistent with the ball, as the Windies U15 Invitational logged wins in a Twenty20 match against London Under-15s and a 50 overs-a-side contest against Herfordshire Emerging Players Performance before losing a 50 overs match against Hampshire Development Squad. In the opening match last Wednesday, an unbeaten half-century from Singh and his unbroken, century, second-wicket stand with Seth Agard carried the Windies U15 Invitational to a commanding victory over London U15s. Singh, the Windies U15 Invitational captain, hit seven fours and one six in the top score of 55 not out and Agard supported with 47 not out, as the visitors successfully chased 116 for victory at Walkers. After opener Tariq Mohammed was run out early in the chase, Agard came to the crease and shared 104 for the second wicket with Singh to take the Caribbean side over the finish line with four balls remaining.
Sachin Singh Earlier, Mohammed, bowling off-spin, as well as Seales and leg-spinner Sameer Ali each collected two wickets, as Sunbury were restricted to 115 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs. In the second match on Sunday, Seales and Antonio Fernandes combined for six wickets to bowl the Windies Under-15 Invitational to an 11-run victory after openers George Langston and Joe B u r s e l m g a v e Hertfordshire EPP a confident start. Seales grabbed 3-21 from 9.4 overs, Fernandes took 3-40 from eight overs and Ali 2-34 from his allotted 10 overs, as the Windies U15 Invitational dismissed Herts EPP for 203 in 49.4 overs at Wormsley. The Caribbean side snared all 10 Herts wickets for 99 practically in the second half of the home t e a m ’s i n n i n g s , a f t e r Langston struck half-dozen boundaries in the top score of 92 from 137 balls and Burslem made 46 in an opening stand of 104. After Ali trapped Burslem lbw with the last ball of the 25th over, the rest of the Herts batting failed to click, as the visitors scythed through the batting. Earlier, Matthew Forde, batting at seven, smote seven fours in 58 from 66 balls to lead a lower-order revival before the Windies U15 Invitational were dismissed
for 214 in 49.1 overs. Between Forde, Mohammed, batting at eight, and Seales, batting at nine, they added 90 between the 34th and 48th overs to add beef to the Caribbean side’s total, after they slipped to 114 for six. In the third match yesterday, Forde followed up with an unbeaten 72, but the rest of the batting failed to ignite and the Windies U15 Invitational stumbled to a 43-run loss against Hampshire Development squad. Forde, batting at eight, hit nine fours and one six from 54 balls, Agard made 42, opener Lee Solomon added 32 and Antonio Morris scored 22, as the Windies side failed to successfully chase 262 for victory in the contest at Toting & Eling. Apart from a secondwicket stand of 65 between Solomon and Agard, there was little stability from the rest of the visitors’ batting, as Tom Prest undermined them with 4-38 from his allotment of 10 overs. Taeim Tonge had led the Windies bowling with 4-46 from 8.4 overs, Forde supported with 3-56 from 10 overs and Agard snared 2-24 from three overs, as Cole Campbell anchored the Hants batting with four fours and two sixes in an even 100 from 121 balls before they were bowled out for 261 in 49.4 overs.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 31
Warriors’ sponsor GTT gives tickets to Orphans as team visit St John’s Bosco Orphanage By Sean Devers GTT, sponsor of the Guyana Amazon Warriors cricket team participating in this year ’s Hero CPL, presented tickets for one of Guyana’s home games at Providence to Orphans as the Martin Guptill led team paid visits to St John’s Bosco Orphanage in Plaisance and GTT’s Head Office in Brickdam yesterday as a part of their off the field obligations. The Warriors, along with Manager Trinidadian Omar Khan and their support staff provided life-lasting memories to the excited Orphans by interacting and playing cricket with them b e f o r e G T T ’s P u b l i c Relations Officer Alison Parker presented 25 tickets for Saturday’s game between t h e Wa r r i o r s a n d t h e Trinbago Knight Riders to the Orphans and their Teachers. T h e Wa r r i o r s t e a m arrived with a trio of heavily arm cops with bullet proof vests, while their team bus was escorted by a police car with wailing sirens to the East Coast from their Kingston Hotel.
As they entered the compound the team was greeted with a hearty welcome, while a 92-yearold lady, described by her care givers as an ardent cricket fan who watched cricket all the time, waved from a window on the second floor and when the players waved back her smile was as broad as the Essequibo River. During the cricket playing session, one of youngsters (Sunil Baksh) began belting the ball around and had several cameramen ducking for cover due to his powerful shots, prompting some of the CPL cricketers to joke that the team had f o u n d B a b a r A z a m ’s replacement. Parker said that it is a rare experience to meet International stars in cricket and that it was a wonderful occasion to bring happiness to the lives of those not fortunate to have their parents with them. “I was told that there are 40 students here but only 23 were still here during the holiday period and on behalf of GTT, I want to present 25 tickets to those children that are here and their Teachers
GTT’s PRO Alison Parker and Warriors Keeper Chadwick Walton presents the tickets to a student yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) for them to go to Saturday’s match at the Stadium to see those they have met today playing on the field,” Parker told the gathering. Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir spoke on behalf of the team and said the Warriors were pleased to share their time with the children and bring some joy into their lives and promised to perform well for them on Saturday. The Manager explained that is was very important for the players to be involved in such activities which allow
their fans meet them in person and encouraged Guyana to come in their numbers for the home matches. The Warriors then paid a visit to GTT’s Head Office at
Four matches set for Sunday at Den Amstel
Suriname defeat Guyana 3-1 the win) but we conceded immediately after that… following a poor defensive effort from Okifi (Patoir) who started in right back.” Two minutes later, in the 20 t h minute, Fernando Heopel equalized the match for Suriname before Faisijo Burnett gave the Dutchmen a 1-goal advantage with a goal in the 36th minute. The young Jaguars trailed 2-1 after the first 45 minutes of play, their coach, Bryan Joseph, explained that “At half time (start of the second half) the focus was on trying to have the guys play with more heart and desire… but we ended up losing possession very easily in that period.”
Faisijo Burnett completed a brace after he scored again for Suriname in the 60th minute to double his side’s lead, taking the score (Continued on page 25)
started. The Warriors, who lost their first three games before beating St Lucia Stars in St. Lucia, has four home games on August 17, 19, 20 & 22 at Providence.
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – West Demerara
CONCACAF Under-15 Championship in Florida, USA at the IMG Academy
Guyana lost to South American neighbor Suriname 3-1 in their second match of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) Under-15 Championship at the impressive IMG academy on Monday. It was a come from behind win for the Surinamese who were down 1-0 in the 18th minute after Orville Daniels made no mistake with his shot. Daniels received a low cross from within the box which he volleyed past Suriname’s goalkeeper Demelcio Fer. Guyana’s coach Bryan Joseph noted that, “Just for a moment I thought the goal would’ve been enough (for
79 Brickdam when the staff had the opportunity to meet the players and have photographs with them before they departed for their first practice session in Guyana since the CPL
With a break in the weather for the better, following relentless rain, associations have been getting their grounds ready for the re-start of matches in
the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League. Berbice have been active with Bartica getting into the fray and now the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) is set to get kicking as teams long to get their competitive energies flowing once again in Round Two play of this league. From 09:00hrs sharp on
Sunday, Crane Rovers will be coming up against Golden Warriors and this would be followed by a clash between Uitvlugt Warriors and Jetty Gunners at 11:00hrs. Pouderoyen will then throw down the gauntlet to Wales United from 13:00hrs in the main supporting m a t c h . The feature brings together home team Den Amstel and Eagles from 15:00hrs.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 32
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Scott, Gonsalves thrill fans as Lake Mainstay Resort hosts successful 17th annual Regatta A section of the large and colourful crowd that turned up at Lake Mainstay Regatta on Sunday. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
By Zaheer Mohamed in Essequibo in association with V Net Communications The thousands of fans that converged at Lake Mainstay Resort, Essequibo Coast on Sunday to witness its 17th annual Regatta were given much to cheer about as Dave Scott and Clint Gonsalves emerged champion drivers in their respective categories. Scott of Bartica chalked up eight points to take Group A title, while Gonsalves of Pomeroon emerged as the best driver from Group B with nine points. Dubbed as the ‘clash of the daredevils’, the event got
underway following an opening ceremony which was attended by minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton and members of the region two tourism committee among others. Clint Gonsalves powered his way victory in the first event of the day which was the 40 HP 3 laps, while Jose Jardine of Bartica placed second and Ramnarace Dookie of West Demerara was third. Neil Gonsalves gave Pomeroon more glory when he took the honours in the 6 laps Open race ahead of Dave Scott and Jose Jardine of Bartica. Pomeroon drivers continued to dominate the early proceedings as Clint Gonsalves overpowered his
rivals to capture the next event which was the 4 laps 90HP ahead of Jardine and Danny Benjamin of Bartica in that order. Lennox Baharally of Pomeroon claimed the 15HP male 2 laps, while Kelvin Mannin and Devon Garraway both of Pomeroon finished second and third respectively. Scott gave Bartica their first victory as he won the 5 laps 200HP event ahead of Clint Gonsalves (2nd) and Jose Jardine (3rd) before Naleni Baharally won the female 15HP 2 laps; Denesha Mandy placed second and Drupattie Persaud third. Clint Gonsalves was again in winners’ lane when he captured the 90HP 4 laps
race, while Jardine finished second and Benjamin third. Gonsalves then won the 3 laps 40HP ahead of Benjamin and Dookie respectively. The 15HP 2 laps male race was taken by Lennox Baharall, while Mannie took the runner up spot and Chavez Jabbar third. Scott emerged winner in the 5 laps 200HP event, while Jardine was second and Clint Gonsalves third. The male 200m male canoeing was won by Sanjeev of Pomeroon, Joey Jabbar and Robin Ramdeen finished second and third in that order, while the female equivalent was taken by Carla Ramdeen, Naleni Baharally and Lawretta Savory all of
Pomeroon. The Orin Bell memorial race-90HP five laps was won by Clint Gonsalves; Jardine placed second and Benjamin third. Dorius Williams claimed the 200m Open swim race, while Lloyd Ward was second and Sanjeev Ramdeen third. The six laps Open race was won by Scott, while Jardine was second and Benjamin was third all of Bartica. The event was sponsored by Industrial Supply of Guyana, Multi Care Pharmacy, Rafeek Khan, Dinesh Singh, Hensville Farms, Lakhri Trucking Service, Fazal Electronics, Clear Waters, G and P Jaigobin and Son Supermarket, Caricom Rice
Mill, Sham Gas Station, Atlantic Marine Supply, Valvoline Oil, Jaigobin Hotel, Stag Beer, Sukhai Contracting Services, RMC Mining, MAC Batteries, Ganesh Mining Enterprise, MH Kassim and Sons L u m b e r Ya r d , D J Electronics, C and H Ramdahin and Sons Store, Castrol Oil, Lake Mainstay Resort, Banks Beer, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, El D o r a d o Tr a d i n g / C a m b i o / G o l d Dealer, Hand in Hand, Safeway Supermarket, N and S Lall General Store, Narine’s General Store, Raymond Lall Mining, Demerara Distillers Ltd and Department of Tourism.
Naleni Baharally (right) on her way to victory in the female 15HP 2 laps race. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
Dave Scott and team display his trophies. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 16, 2017
PAGE 33
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Bartica
Matches continue today through Friday at Bartica Sec. Sch. Ground
Lazio FC (Blue) and Potaro Strikers battling each other in the first game on Thursday last at the Bartica Community Centre ground. When play in the Bartica Football Association (BFA) leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continues today, two matches will be contested at the Bartica Community Centre ground. Double headers are also slated for tomorrow
and Friday at the same venue. Today’s play will see Beacons opening their account in the competition against Rising Stars which won its first game on Friday last against Lazio by a healthy 6-0 margin. Next up at 15:30hrs following the 14:00hrs kick
off will be Potaro Strikers and Rivers View which both lost their opening matches last week. To m o r r o w f r o m 14:00hrs, Strikers FC, boasting an unblemished record of two wins in as many matches, will be going for three more points when they take on second placed
Rising Stars. This would be followed by Lazio, with a win and a loss opposing Beacons FC. Friday’s matches will see Lazio once again in the mix this time against Rivers View in the first match at 14:00hrs followed by an encounter between Beacons and Strikers.
Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Competition
Which team will have its name inscribed on inaugural Guinness Cage?
The pursuit of who will have their name inscribed on the championship trophy in the inaugural Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Competition will commence in earnest in eight days time. The Competition, which starts on August 24 and finishes on September 16, will have thirty-two of the strongest teams chosen from various communities in Demerara and will be played over eight playing days at the National Gymnasium. According to the Organisers, over $800,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs with the winner set to receive $400,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies respectively. The Most Valuable
Player will collect a gold chain compliment of YK Investments and Pawn Shop of Regent Street. The Guinness Cage Competition will see a change from the usual futsal rule where the ball goes into touch on the sidelines and a side is awarded a kick in whereas in the Cage format, the ball is allowed to bounce off the wall and play continues, making it a very exciting spectacle for the fans. It is the first time that the format will be played locally and fans are being encouraged to come out and witness eight nights of enthralling action with bragging rights as the inaugural winners a main focus among the competing teams. Among the teams invited to participate are Sparta Boss, the most successful team in the shorter format, but who somehow seems to have lost its way recently and will no doubt be aiming to put their latest disappointing performances behind them. However, they will have to contend with the likes of upstarts Future Stars, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Bent Street, Sophia,
Albouystown, Tucville, Tiger Bay, Linden’s Dave & Celena All Stars, Jermaine & Family Silver Bullets among others. Then there is the likelihood of a strong Brazilian line-up in the mix which makes it even tougher
for a betting person to predict who will be left standing when the dust settles. The teams invited are: Georgetown- Sparta Boss, West Front Road, Future Stars, Back Circle, Leopold Street, Sophia, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Queen
S t r e e t o f Ti g e r B a y, Abouystown A&B, Channel 9 Warriors, North East La Penitence, Alexander Village, Old Skool Ballers, Broad Street, West Back Road, Bent Street, Campbellville, Pike Street, Sophia, Newtown, Kitty,
Kitty Hustlers, New Market Street; East Coast- Vryhied’s Lust, Plaisance, Melanie; East Bank- Agricola; Linden- Dave & Celena All Stars, Silver Bullets and West DemeraraShowstoppers and ESPN and the Brazilian selection.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 34
Wednesday August 16, 2017
XXV NLA Senior CASA
Guyana has strong final day of the Individual tourney Guyana concluded its participation in the Individual event of the XXV NLA Senior CASA in St. Vincent with a good showing on the Squash courts. Guyana’s day got off to a good start with Victoria Arjoon defeating Alexandra Yearwood (TT) in four games to claim the Women’s Consolation Plate (9th). Ta y l o r F e r n a n d e s continued the trend, winning the Women’s Classic Plate (5th) beating Eligh Bridgeman (CAY) in three games. Jason Ray Khalil finished up the morning session with a grueling five game win over Jules Snaggs (OECS) to win the Men’s Classic Plate (5th). This was Khalil’s best finish at a Senior Caribbean Championships. The evening session saw two Guyanese females battling for 3rd position. Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-A-Fat, treated the crowd to some great retrieving and shot making with Fung-A-Fat, prevailing in four tight games. The championships now move on to the team event, where the Guyanese hope to be strong contenders for the Men’s and Women’s titles.
The Guyana Squash Team at the XXV NLA Senior CASA tournament in St. Vincent. They already present a strong women’s line up with their top five players finishing in the top ten in the
individuals. The Men’s team will be strengthened with the addition of National
Champion Alex Arjoon, veteran Richard Chin and professional Sunil Seth who were all unavailable
for the Individual championships due to work commitments. The men’s team take on
Jamaica today in their first match, while the women will play two matches against Bermuda and OECS.
Persaud and Braithwaite for DCRA C/ships in Canada Forms part of 2018 Commonwealth Games preparations Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Captain Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite have left these shores enroute to the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Fullbore Championships set for the Connaught Rifle Range, Ottawa, Ontario from Friday. The duo’s attendance, which has been funded in part by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), forms part of their training towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games set for the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, April 4-15, 2018. Persaud and Braithwaite have competed at the Canadian championships in the past and have been very successful; they are aiming to once again shine. Persaud made the finals on three consecutive occasions. The long standing GuyanaNRA Captain
recently returned from Bisley, England competing at the 148th Imperial Meet which was contested from June 16 to July 22. There, Persaud anchored a 4member West Indian team to victory in the Junior Mckinnon Trophy match. Persaud led the team with 95.8Vs at the two ranges, followed by Gomez 94.9Vs, St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ Chalky White 93.4Vs and T&T’s Caroline Gomez 86.4Vs. Adjutant (Manager) was T&T’s Gaby Gomez. A number of team practice matches would have also been done towards ensuring the pair is in good form for Canada, Persaud noted that they are well prepared to represent once again. ”I am confident that Braithwaite and I will do well again, we have been preparing for this
Mahendra Persaud (right) and Lennox Braithwaite off to Canada. championship as a team over the past weeks. I would like to also say that all the preparations also form part of our hosting of the West Indies Championships which forms part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations from October 9-
1 5 , l a t e r t h i s y e a r. ” Plans to put the Timehri Rifle Range in the best shape ever are ongoing with new target mechanisms being put in place apart from making over and widening the banks. Millions of dollars have
already been expended and the GuyanaNRA is still appealing to corporate Guyana to assist. The October showdown will feature the West Indies’ #1 nation - Guyana the reigning Short and Long Range Kings, Jamaica,
Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as well as some of the best nations at the world level, the likes of Australia, Great Britain, Canada, USA, Scotland, Wales and the Falkland Islands.
Wednesday August 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 35
Vera’s Finally headline Guyana Cup horserace Meet with win in feature
Vera’s Finally (front) powers through to take the feature race from Just Call Me Boss, It’s My Choice, Golden Blue Echo and Settling Star in that order. Guyana Cup Horserace Meeting on Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice saw the Jumbo Jet Stables import, Vera’s Finally, storming to victory in the feature event to lead the honours roll. A Field of 11 started the race with the pre-race favorite being Just Call me Boss with Princess She is Not the defending
champion. However, when the dust had settled Vera’s Finally powered through to take the feature from Just Call Me Boss, It’s My Choice, Golden Blue Echo and Settling Star in that order. The race saw the early pace being set by Just Call me Boss, but around the first turn Princess took the lead with Vera’s in second. Coming around the final turn
Minister Joe Harmon and Banks DIH’s Mortimer Stewart (with trophy) hands over the Banks DIH Guyana Cup to celebrating connections of the Jumbo Jets Stable after Vera’s Finally win in the main event. to home, Jockey Ross made his move and Vera’s went into the lead with Just Call me Boss coming strong, but Vera’s Finally, the 4-year-old imported from the USA, was able to hold on and win comfortably. The Jumbo Jet connections claimed the whopping $2M first prize and Banks DIH Trophy, with second collecting $1M, third $500,000, fourth $250,000
and fifth $125,000. Thousands were in attendance including Minister of State Joseph Harmon to witness the entertainment provided. This was the 2nd crown for Jumbo Jet stables in 10 years. The event was first won by Sequin in 2008. The E & lower 1500m race for all imported and Guyana Bred 3 years and up
Guyana beat ICC Americas by 148 runs to start 50-overs tourney BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Guyana defeated ICC Americas by 148 runs in their opening round match in the one-day phase of the Regional Under-19 Championship at Verchilds here yesterday. Fresh from their 3-day triumph, Guyana led by Kevin Sinclair 82, Raymond Perez 58, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed 49 and Bhaskar Yadram who made 43 and took 4-24 saw them home to victory. Scores: GUYANA 295 for seven off 50 overs (Kevin Sinclair 82, Raymond Perez 58, Ronaldo Ali Mohammed 49, Bhaskar Yadram 43; Gill Akashdeep 3-40). ICC AMERICAS 147 for nine off 50 overs (Adhihetty Bhavindu 36; Bhaskar Yadram 4-24). T&T beat Leewards by seven wickets Trinidad and Tobago defeated Leeward Islands by seven wickets in the opening round of the one-day phase
Bhaskar Yadram continued where he left off on the young Windies South Africa tour.
of the Regional Under-19 Championship at Molineaux. Scores: LEEWARDS 122 off 39.2 overs (Uri Smith 33, Kadeem Henry 27; Avinash Mahabirsingh 3-12, Matthew Patrick 3-18). T&T 124 for three off 21.5 overs (Leonardo Julien
41, Cephas Cooper 22, Kegan Simmons 22; Shacoy Floyd 2-24). Windwards beat Jamaica by seven wickets Wi n d w a r d I s l a n d s defeated Jamaica by seven wickets in their first round, one-day match in the Regional Under-19
Championship at Conaree. Scores: JAMAICA 140 39.3 overs (Jeavor Royal 43, Brad Barness 33; Shermill Lewis 4-20, Alick Athanaze 3-19). WINDWARDS 141 for three off 34.4 overs (Emmanuel Stewart 76 not out, Johnnel Eugene 26).
and those rated E class and lower for a sumptuous $1.2M winner ’s purse resulted in Release the Beast winning ahead of Red Rocket, Storm bird and Honey Flow. The G & Lower Guyana and West Indies Bred racehorses cover 1500m with the winner carting off $700,000 went to Keep on Swinging who beat Midnight Blue, Red Rocket and Isn’t She Charming. Quiet Dancer beat Got to Go, Isn’t She Charming and TNT in the H3 & lower race for Guyana and West Indies bred horses to take the $400,000 pay day over 1100m. The Final Line ran ahead of Release the Beast, Touch of Gold and Princess Showna to win the 2 years old Guyana Bred horses race over 1100m, to collect the $350,000 the purse on offer. Seven Dust took the 3 year old Guyana bred and I1 & Lower class race and the $300,000 first prize over 1100m ahead of Fresh Dancer, Ms. Olympia and King Stanley. The I2 & Lower resulted
in Maryann holding off Party Time, Liquid Lion and Red Jet to take the $250,000 purse, while the L& Lower non-winners for a $200,000 winners take over 1100m, Supreme Cat beat the competition to claim that race ahead of Irish Boy, Angel Eyes and Little Star. Slim Shade beat off Ready to Romance, Red Region and De Rocket to take the K class race and $225,000. Sponsors on board for the event included: Berbice River Bridge Company, Air Services Limited, Banks DIH, Big G Lumber yard, Caricom Auto Sales, Impressive Signs and Graphics, Soreidom Guyana Inc, Rambrich Service Station, Poonai’s Pharmacy of Rose Hall Town, Rohan Auto Spares, BM Soat Auto Spares, Muneahwar Hardware Store, Hand-inHand Insurance Company, Super Bet, ISG Industrial Supplies of Guyana Inc, D. Telokie & Sons Trucking Service, BM Soat Auto Sales, Anand and Sons Electrical, Prem’s Grocery and Fix It Tyre Shop.
t r o Sp Scott, Gonsalves thrill fans as Lake Mainstay Resort hosts successful 17th annual Regatta
Clint Gonsalves acknowledges his fans following one of his victories. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
Dave Scott with the checkered flag after winning the 200HP 5 laps race. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)
Warriors’ sponsor GTT gives tickets to Orphans as team visit St John’s Bosco Orphanage
Remember the name! Sunil Baksh powers one though cover during the Warriors’ visit to the Orphanage yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) 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