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Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD It is true that while technology is a powerful tool for the advancement of mankind, it can also be used for negative purposes, to the detriment of people and society in general. Our access and decision to use the social media carries with it many responsibilities, including the power to be a publisher, something that many users fail to understand or appreciate. The ease with which persons can express their views to large numbers of people around the world in an instant is a power most have never dreamed of having until social media burst onto the scene. But as we embrace social media, we must be aware of the harm and hurt it can inflict on people when we publish false and malicious statements. We should endeavour at all times to propagate the truth, but not our own truths or repost untruths posted by others. As a nation we are faced with the challenge of mastering this rapidly evolving technology, while at the same time having to use it responsibly. While it is a medium for us to share our personal views with others, we would be well advised to exercise restraint in terms of the postings we place on social media. We should be mindful of the social and legal implications. Not seeing it does not mean the hurt or harm is not there. We should avoid hurting others, because youths learn from us, and many would believe it is the norm to hurt others and they would most likely do the same. Unfortunately, people, especially youths, are obsessed with posting images and pictures of themselves on social media. In many instances these images/pictures seem to be pushing the boundaries of ethics and moral decency. This new social standard has been adopted by what are termed ‘selfies,’ which have become the norm. It is also well known that cyber bullying is real and young people regularly would use the internet to engage in a form of verbal violence, the scale of which we have never experienced before. In many countries, including Guyana, hateful and vitriolic statements dominate social media posts of many teenagers, compounded with threats of physical violence. In many cases, teachers are required to intervene in these internet-based-initiated conflicts, and the resolution can be arduous and time-consuming. These situations transcend boundaries and are becoming prevalent in many societies around the world. Parents should monitor their children’s activities on social media. Too often, children are eager to befriend strangers, blissfully unaware of the dangers of their actions. Some would share very personal information and images of themselves with these strangers, not realizing that once that information or image is out there, it cannot be retracted. Unknown to their parents, others would arrange to meet with strangers, oblivious to the dangers associated with such meetings. Unethical use of social media is widespread; it knows no boundaries, therefore, it is highly preferable for parents to truly educate and guide their children from a tender age in the ethical and responsible use of social media, as well as its dangers. In fact, they must only allow children to use social media when they are considered mature enough to understand the responsibility that accompanies its use. It should be made very clear that they would not be allowed to use social media until they are socially, emotionally and intellectually capable of doing so. As a society, we must all take full responsibility for what we communicate with others. We must also be fully aware of the consequences, legal or otherwise, of our actions on social media. In using the social media, we must be prepared to adopt ethical standards. Social media has and continues to be a double-edged sword, and although it gives us the right to exercise our freedom of speech, if we are not careful, we can become a society where untruths become the order of the day and self-destruction becomes an inevitable outcome. We must adhere to certain levels of integrity when using social media.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Trinidadian politician knocks Kissoon’s flawed tribalist theory Dear Editor, The sustained collaborative foreign and local bombardment of the PPP Government succeeded and Dr Jagan was forced to accept constitutional changes on the basis of which elections were held in early December 1964 resulting in the PPP winning 45.8 per cent of the total vote, the PNC 40 per cent and the United Force 12.4 per cent. By Order in Council of the British Government, Dr Jagan was removed as Premier on December 14, 1964 and
shortly thereafter a coalition Government of the Afro-Guyanese dominated PNC and the United Force was installed in office. The United Force’s 12.4 per cent vote came substantially from Indo-Guyanese further disputing the claim by Freddie Kissoon of their undiluted tribalism. Given the British Government’s haste to shed its colonies, the country was being propelled to independence and ethnic conflict would continue unabated in anticipation of this event. The colonial
power would play a critical but not neutral role in the outcome. Ann Marie Bissessar and John Gaffar La Guerre in their book mentioned in a previous column would note that:-”Both in Trinidad and in Guyana, the run-up to independence was characterized by increasing rivalry between the ethnic groupings and a dominant role for the colonial power was in settling these conflicts. What it meant, however, was that one ethnic (Continued on page 5)
Miners of Bartica say GGMC has unjustly relocated Pork knockers’ Day Dear Editor, Only a decade ago a small event called Pork Knockers Day celebration in Bartica was born. It is a one day yearly event set aside for employers in the mining industry to show their appreciation for their employees whereby tents would be set up by a venue chosen by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and where free a bar, food and other tokens of appreciation for mining workers will be distributed to the employees and other persons visiting and celebrating with pork knockers. This event has quickly grown to become a national event, economic boost to business community and the economy of Bartica and attracting thousands of Guyanese at home in the diaspora who would all journey to Bartica with friends and family to show their appreciation for mining workers at this annual event. H o w e v e r, s a d b u t true, there is a rapidly and noticeable decline in showing of appreciation for the workers as begun in 2015 Pork Knocker’s Day with only one employer being there. In 2016, no employer was present at the Pork Knocker’s Day celebration and in 2017 on the 19th day of August with no Pork Knocker’s Day, only a playoff was hosted by GGMC which resulted in a disaster, failure and a total mess. Also evident in the last three years is the absence of government officials at these celebrations and appreciations for mining w o r k e r s . T h i s magnanimous event to show our appreciation for
workers was reduced to a failed play off by GGMC which remains the sole organizer of this event. If this year’s play off attracted 50 persons including GGMC staff and vendors that was m a n y, h o w s a d a n d disappointing. As disagreements and other unresolved issues between government and gold and diamond miners association rage on and the nonparticipation of employers in this appreciation of activities for workers, one thing is for sure; the workers remain the victims of a row they are innocent of. For sure, the nonparticipation of employers which is clear as crystal is being effective and is taking its toll on these mining celebrations. These celebrations which were intended to show our appreciation for mining workers will never be the same without employers’ participation in these activities. As a born Bartician and a former mining worker myself, I am calling on both the government and the gold and diamond miners association to take ‘baby steps’ and find a solution. Right now there seems to be no way to have their disagreement and other unresolved issues resolved. The contribution of miners to the development of Bartica has not gone unnoticed by Barticians who are all connected to mining either by work or business as Bartica, the frontier for mining, was built on, remains and still depends on mining in the absence of factories and industries. M i n i n g h a s o u t p e r f o r med all other
sectors. It remains the largest contributor to Guyana’s GDP. It remains the life line of Guyana’s economy. With the shifting of Pork Knockers Day celebrations from the frontier of mining to Linden without prior consultation with Barticians by GGMC is unfair and very disrespectful to Barticians and I am calling on GGMC to offer a public apology to Barticians for the disrespectful manner in which they went about this year’s organizing of the Bartica leg of events. I am sure there is a reason or reasons but whatever the reasons are for doing so, it should have been in the public’s domain prior to the holding of the failed playoffs so the general public and Barticians would have been informed. Bartica from all signs and indication was excluded from this year’s mining week calendar of events. Mining week is being celebrated from 20th August to 26th August 2017. Bartica’s leg of events was held on the 19th making Bartica not part of the Calendar of Events. This is disrespectful and unfair. Was this a spiteful move by GGMC in retaliation to the boycott by employers? Whatever the disagreements between GGMC, Government and the miners association, Barticians and the business community should not be denied our annual pork knocker’s day celebration. Have Barticians become victims of a row they know nothing of? It is not what you do but how you do it. I condemn in the highest form of condemnation the unilateral
decision by GGMC to shift this national event that Barticians have grown accustom to and look forward to yearly. Over the years to present, GGMC remains in charge of organizing mining month/week of activities for workers, however, the time has come for that to change as GGMC does not hold either of the two titles ‘employers of the e m p l o y e e s ’ o r ‘representative of the workers’. In the future, GGMC should not be left to be the sole organizer of the mining events for workers. I am suggesting a tri party organizing committee with representative of government, miners association and mining workers’ representatives and a consideration for a subvention by the government through the ministry of natural resources with the monies coming from GGMC , a very wealthy state agency, so with or without employers participation workers will have a successful month/week of appreciation. D e s p i t e t h i s disrespect by GGMC to Barticians, as a Bartician, trade unionist and president of the National Mine Workers Union, I am appealing to the miners and Barticians not to boycott the Pork Knockers Day celebration on the 26th day of August 2017 in Linden. But let us all go out, celebrate and show our appreciation for the mining workers and Lindeners whose hospitality knows no limit and keep the tradition of appreciation for mining workers. Sherwyn Delano Downer
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
GUYANESE TEACHERS AND COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE DEAR EDITOR, Bourdieu posited that human behaviour is objectively coordinated and consistent regardless of the rules of the place, location or society. Bourdieu employed the theory of ‘collective conscience’ posited by Durkheim. Bourdieu modified Durkheim’s collective conscience; which meant conscience which was just held in common because of a common location and role to that of conscience which is constructed collectively by individuals in their actions, which incorporate social structure and organization (Bourdieu, 1977, 1989). Bourdieu (1977, 1989) concluded that individuals exteriorize their perspectives in the way they act in a social setting or organization. This can be linked to teachers in an educational institution. Bourdieu (1977, 1989) posited that through exteriorizing their individual interests, attitudes, and disposition to act, they develop the same habitus. The habitus created in the school guide the formation
of the unified framework of perspectives, principles, and practices with regard to Inclusive Education. This researcher theorizes that the consistent collective conscience of teachers in Guyana’s mainstream school is negative and unwelcoming towards learners with SEN and disabilities. The collective conscience of teachers in G u y a n a ’s m a i n s t r e a m school exteriorized is that they are more welcoming to having learners they perceive as not having disabilities and/or SEN. Bourdieu stated that individuals dispense their habitus among the people with whom they share the same conditions of living or culture of professional practice. The habitus is that which is shared with the people working in the same cultural and learning environment. Bourdieu (1977, 1989) also stated that each individual passes through a unique interiorizing process. This makes up his/her individual personality and vision of overall social habitus. The same conditions of living
or culture of professional practice and same or similar status or position of influence in society or organization leads to the formation of the same habitus. Durkheim (1895) and Bourdieu (1977, 1989) individuals sharing the same position in society and living conditions will have the same habitus. It can be further theorized that teachers in Guyana, working in similar schools under the same conditions and living in the Guyanese society share the same habitus on learners with SEN and disabilities. Moreover, Bourdieu’s thinking of the habitus of social beings brought together the interplay between agents, who are positioned and the symbolic realm of representations that can be termed as the exchange of meanings (Bourdieu, 1990a: 131). The habitus held by Guyanese teachers in mainstream education in Guyana can be influenced by teachers in positions to influence change. The links with agents’ position and interest are the key elements that Bourdieu builds
into the social space or set of relations in which the habitus exists. The relationship between the teacher and the learners with SEN will be affected by the culture of the school and the collective perspective of the teachers in the school. Social Aberration springs from children’s changing social, environmental relations, causing disturbances in social behaviour. These social aberrations result in negative consequences for the learner in mainstream education. Cultural distortions can affect the collective conscience and the interaction between the agent and the representation in society. The cultural distortions in society and the school as an organization negatively influence teacher perspective on learners with SEN and/or disabilities. The culture of the school and the collective perspectives of the teachers and others education staff affect the social conditions necessary for inclusive education in a mainstream elementary educa-
Trinidadian politician knocks Kissoon’s flawed... From page 4 group became the loser and the other the victor.” (p 91). It was clearly apparent that in 1964 the Indo-Guyanese ended up the loser and the Afro- Guyanese the winner resulting in the consolidation of Afro-Guyanese racial sentiment and solidarity. Guyana was granted independence from Britain in May 1966. The Burnham regime through the PNC dominated the socio-economic and political life of Guyana for almost three decades from 1964-1992 initially under Forbes Burnham and later under Desmond Hoyte. The Burnham regime was generally regarded as a dictatorship- brutal, oppressive, manipulative and electorally
fraudulent. It openly utilized the coercive power of the State to suppress dissent and hound its opponents and employed State resources for naked patronage in defiance of rights, laws, rules and conventions. It seems apparent that the sustainable support for the regime came primarily from the ethnic consciousness of its Afro-Guyanese base. Yet, significant numbers of IndoGuyanese lent their support to the Burnham regime. It is immaterial that they did so to protect religious or business interests or from threats and intimidation. The fact is that Indo-Guyanese sentiment and solidarity was fractured and did not reflect absolute tribal support for the IndoGuyanese dominated PPP. It
is therefore difficult to place credibility on Freddie Kissoon’s jaundiced conclusion that “….they (IndoGuyanese) are racial from top to bottom.” On the present day situation, Raffique Shah quotes Freddie Kissoon’s lament that “In Guyana… if he met ten Indians and asked their views on the incumbent Afro-dominated APNU Government, they would be unanimously against it remaining in power. But if he spoke with ten AfroGuyanese, five would be for and five against.” It is difficult to envisage that ethnic based support for the political parties would have changed substantially from what they were in the National Elections of 2015.
Given the ethnic demographics of the country, the Afro-Guyanese led coalition of parties could not have obtained their one- seat majority in the National Assembly nor could David Grainger have become President without the support of a sizeable percentage of IndoGuyanese. I wonder how Freddie Kissoon chose his random sample of Guyanese to elicit their views. Trevor Sudama Former Member of Parliament, Trinidad Former Minister of Government, Trinidad Former Director of the Central Bank of Trinidad
tion setting. Further, Durkheim argued that the society exists separately and independently from the individuals who form it. Society must be seen as an independent being and must be analyzed as an entity separate from the individual it is comprised of. This means that all the perspectives, values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles, etc., that make up culture and key positions held on is-
sues such as SEN and disability do not only exist in the minds of individuals but as a “collective conscience” independent and separate from them. The perspectives of children with SEN and/or disabilities, educators and teachers hold are directly influenced by the culture of the institution and the collective conscience on the issue. Lidon Lashley B.Ed., M.Ed., M.A.SEN
The things the diaspora should know about DEAR EDITOR, I read the piece about the “things” the diaspora should know about (Freddie Kissoon column of Thursday, August 24). Guyanese who live abroad are already aware of the drawbacks of life in present-day Guyana. Such things are taken very seriously and serve a valid purpose for “staying put” wherever they are at the moment. In my attempt to resettle in Guyana in the mid-1990s, may I mention something not to the fore that irritated many of us returnees - the bad attitude and manners of some shop assistants. There was a paint shop in one of Georgetown’s busiest streets. The serving assistant was in the habit of ‘chucking ‘ change at customers, in the manner of throwing a bone to a dog. This was done in full view of
the cashier and anyone who happened to be looking on. The first time she did it to me, I decided not to visit that shop again. A few years later, needing to paint the rails on the outside stairway of my home, and not being able to get it from my usual hardware shop, I tried the ‘chucking’ shop again. Once again, she chucked the change at me. Used to courtesy in shops, this was “too much”, and I immediately complained, in her presence, to the chap in charge about the uncouth behaviour of his ragged, dirty-looking woman assistant. I never visited that shop again, and hoped that she acquired some “couth” along the way. I had got used to good manners in shops. Sales depended on attitudes and service of staff. Geralda Dennison
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The current acting Commissioner of Police was unfairly bypassed DEAR EDITOR, I worked in all the police divisions in Guyana and commanded all but one division. Let the citizens whom I swore to serve and protect judge me. Not Harry Gill. Since my retirement from the number one law enforcement in Guyana I am happily and gainfully employed. Neither APNU nor the PPPC governments will dream of coming close to matching my conditions of service. Thanks to my professional approach towards law enforcement. Thanks and praises to God. Harry Gill stated that Conway appears to be always sucking up to the president and asked if I am privileged to inside information to determine how long the CoI will last. Let me be pellucid. I worked under eight Presidents. Some persons may not know this, but I had very close relationship with a few. I never suck up to anyone more so President David Granger. The date when the CoI is expected
to end is public knowledge August18, 2017. No need for me to have inside information. But what if l had? Harry Gill quoted section 226 (1) of the Guyana Constitution and referred to an article written by a law student to indicate that the directive of the President was unconstitutional. For his edification he should read a recent letter in the press written by Maxwell Edwards supporting the action by the President. Let the legal luminaries argue the finer points of the constitution. Surprisingly, Harry Gill did not pronounce on a letter written by the Commissioner Of Police to the Police Service Commission recommending several police officers for promotion. The well established rules of engagement in relation to discussing promotions and submitting names of officers for promotion were not followed. The SOP set out in the Police Standing Orders re-
quires that the Senior Promotion Board which is chaired by the Commissioner of Police meet and discuss promotions and then send a list of ranks recommended for promotion to the PSC. This was blatantly disregarded. The board was not fully constituted. A few officers met, held discussions and submitted the list to the PSC. The number two man in the Force who is a senior member of the board was not invited to be involved in the discussion. He knew of the list through the social media, believe it or not, it is the fact. The list contained several supersessions. Assistant Commissioners of Police Clifton Hicken and Nigel Hoppie were recommended for promotion to Deputy Commissioners, thereby superseding Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine who is five and seven years respectively their senior. I know Hicken and Hoppie well. I do not doubt
their ability to perform at the next level but not at the expense of David Ramnarine without justification. Ramnarine is presently acting commissioner. He has performed the role with efficiency and effectiveness on several occasions. Ramnarine joined the Force as a constable. He successfully completed the Standard Military Officers Course conducted by the Guyana Defence Force. He held many junior and senior command posts in the GPF and for some time now has been the number the number two man on the Job. He attended numerous training courses both locally and overseas. He successfully completed with distinction the Public Safety and Security Diploma conducted by the University of Guyana. Yet, officers several years his junior with lesser experience and competence were recommended to supersede him without any known good reason.
By the way the rank of Deputy Commissioner is not a promotion. It is not within the ambit of the PSC. It is a political appointment. It is a purely a Presidential appointment. The list contains more acts of supersession. Some of the officers recommended for promotion are subjected to disciplinary inquiry and in one case criminal investigation. A few recommended for promotions are not yet fit and proper to operate at the next level. Believe me, I know them. The above are some of the reasons why the President was correct to direct that the promotions be put on hold. He did not direct who should or should not be promoted. He pressed the pause button in the interest of justice and fair play for all the members of the GPF. In some cases the President has been accused of slow marching in terms of decision making. What do you want him to do if he is aware of the funda-
mentally flawed list of recommended promotion sent to the PSC if he is aware that the constitutional procedure was not put in place for the promotions to be effective? Do you want the President to sit on his hands and be passive or do you want him to make authoritative and constitutional decisions? He moved in quick time. He took swift, certain and appropriate action to abort a travesty of justice by directing the PSC to put the recommended list of promotions of officers on hold. Not surprising the PSC which has an attorney- at law as its member complied with the directive. The President’s action was not unconstitutional. I agree with him. This will be my only response to Harry Gill. I need to use my time to do better things. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired)
The International Criminal Court now has permanent premises DEAR EDITOR, Earlier this week, the permanent premises of the International Criminal Court, the ICC, officially opened in The Hague, Netherlands, beside the dunes on the shores of the North Sea. The new building combines innovative solutions purpose-made for a judicial institution with modern design reflecting both the transparency and independence of the Court. Representatives of states from all over the world are gathering to celebrate the occasion. A groundbreaking institution in which they have invested enormous efforts has finally settled in its permanent home. The message of today’s ceremony is clear: the International Criminal Court
is here to stay. The opening of the Court’s permanent premises testifies to an incredible journey that has taken place over more than two decades since the negotiations on the creation of the ICC started in the mid-1990s.Today the Court is fully operational, with more proceedings in its courtrooms than ever before. 124 States have ratified the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the Court, El Salvador being the latest to join last month. A permanent international court that could prosecute individuals irrespective of their official position was a revolutionary idea. During the negotiations, many asked: would states ever agree to
establish an international body with such power? Many did, because they recognized that genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes present such a serious threat to humankind that the international community has to come together to stop them. States saw the need for a collective structure, a court of last resort that could step in when national courts fail to address the matter themselves. The ICC’s mandate is relevant everywhere. Where massive atrocities have occurred, international justice helps ensure that such crimes are addressed, that the perpetrators are held responsible and that victims receive justice. In areas under the threat of conflict, the ICC is an invaluable tool in the prevention of large-scale violations of human rights. The credible likelihood of a legal process and accountability are the key to effective deterrence of fu-
ture crimes. The Court is equally important in places where international crimes may be unimaginable today. History teaches us that no country, no region is immune to war, conflicts or atrocities. The ICC’s mandate is clear, but it cannot meet its goals without global cooperation and support. As a judicial institution, the ICC is a distinct kind of international organization. States established it, but they must respect its judicial independence. Interference with the Court’s work would undermine the credibility of the very institution they created.At the same time, the cooperation of states and organizations is necessary for the ICC’s ability to collect evidence, protect witnesses, or arrest suspects. Likewise, without cooperation, the Court cannot provide adequate reparations to the victims of crimes addressed by the Court. The ICC is today playing an important role in the
efforts of the international community to ensure accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, whether they take the form of mass killings, persecution on ethnic grounds, rape as a weapon of war, use of child soldiers, large-scale torture, deportations, or attacks on civilians. But the ICC cannot do this everywhere. Misunderstandings about the ICC’s possibilities under its founding treaty have led to perceptions of selective justice. However, unless the Security Council of the United Nations decides to submit a situation to it, the Court can only investigate when the countries concerned have voluntarily accepted its powers and many of the world’s worst conflict zones are currently outside its reach. Our states parties must continue efforts to encourage more countries to join the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice if they want to see an ICC that is able to address all crimes in an equal manner. The International Criminal Court is here to stay. Its commitment to justice is stronger than ever, and the Court is actively taking new initiatives to improve its
efficiency and effectiveness in order to meet the challenges before it. But the ICC cannot fight impunity alone. How effective it will be depends on the cooperation of states and the determination of the global community to make accountability for the most serious international crimes a nonnegotiable objective. As the ICC becomes more active and more effective, it faces increasing attacks from those that are opposed to its mandate. This is when the commitment of governments to international justice is put to a real test. The inauguration of the ICC’s permanent premises gives us all, court officials, states and the international community as a whole, the opportunity to make a pause in our journey to celebrate what has been already achieved through our collective efforts to enhance accountability. It also gives the opportunity to reflect anew how we can best ensure together that the new building of the Court becomes a true icon of justice for future generations. There has been incredible progress but also setbacks. The journey must continue. Rooplall Dudhnath
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Govt. to review continued use of Production Sharing Agreements By Kiana Wilburg
Government has taken a decision to review the pros and cons surrounding the continued use of Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) in the oil and gas sector. This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. In an interview with this newspaper, Trotman said that there are different types of Agreements or Contacts which are entered into between governments and oil and gas companies. He noted however that in 1999, when a PSA was signed between the Government of Guyana and US oil giant, ExxonMobil, the Production Sharing Agreement model was considered “avantgarde”. The Natural Resources Minister said that Production Sharing Agreements were the
- Trotman
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman standard in the industry and so across the world, that was the model that was being utilized. Trotman sought to remind as well that in 1999, Guyana was seen as a place where no one wanted to do business, and deep water exploration was considered very risky
and costly. He emphasized that many companies shied away from it. Trotman said, too, that Guyana during that time had no known signs of oil in the manner and scale it does today. He said that it was just seen as a possible frontier. Compounding the issue oftentimes was the threat from “next door,” thus investors were often scared away, Trotman expressed. He said, “So when Guyana began its endeavours around that period to attract companies, Exxon was just one of them. But this government has not given out a single new contract. All of the contracts right now are Profit Sharing Contracts and that is the model this country has used.” Trotman continued, “We don’t condemn it. There are
different models of course, such as Strict Royalties; some say a Partnership where you get 50 percent of the profits, but what is most important is what you do with the money when you get it. Both (contracts/agreements) will give you a desired outcome, depending on how they are structured—that is that you earn revenue.” He added, “In the case of the profit sharing, you don’t make any investments, the operator comes and takes the risks, because if you miss by 10 feet, in drilling a hole where the oil is, then it could cost you US$6M to US$7M…” With this in mind, the Minister said that Government will be doing a review of the kind of agreement to be used for future. He said that the review will consider if Guyana should maintain the use of Production Share Agreements or switch to another that might
Toshaos briefed on importance of financial accountability Toshaos gathered for Day Four of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference were yesterday briefed, on the importance of being financially accountable, by Lisa Thakurdin, an accountant attached to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. Thakurdin noted that on many occasions, Village Councils lack accountability when conducting transactions. These include not keeping records of receipts of items purchased for the community and details of all community assets.
“It is expected that all village councils adhere to the financial rules and regulations, and they should be guided by the Amerindian Act No. 6:03, 2006, which is governance. The Ministry implores all village councils to ensure that their bank accounts are operational and that various registers be maintained and up to date.” Thakurdin highlighted that bookkeeping is an essential part of financial management and accountability. She explained that “a good book keeping system makes it possible for a village council to be financially accountable to
all its important stake holders.” She further pointed out that “when financial rules and regulations are not adhered to, this causes the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry to be held accountable, since he is the accounting officer.” Indigenous leaders were urged to place greater interest and emphasis in record keeping and accounting for the monies granted to them by the ministry. Thakurdin also pointed out that accurate bookkeeping will allow for the communities to have easier access to Presidential grants and Com-
Lisa Thakurdin munity Development Projects from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
be in the nation’s best interest. The Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) said that one must bear in mind that this kind of arrangement is what the coalition administration inherited. He said that when governments change, it is expected that the incoming party would honour the contracts that existed before, especially when they have to do with firms from international communities. PRODUCTION SHARING AGREEMENTS According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is a contract between one or more investors and the government in which rights to the prospection, exploration and extraction of mineral resources from a specific area over a specified period of time are determined. As it relates to the terms of a standard PSA, the government hires the investor (s) as a contractor for the extraction of mineral resources, but the government still retains ownership of the resources. The investors carry out the works at their own expense and risk-sharing with the government, part of the production output in accordance with the agreement. CASE OFTANZANIA When the Production Sharing Agreement between the Government of Tanzania and Statoil of Norway which operates in partnership with Exxon was leaked, many were
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
left to wonder if the nation was being adequately compensated for its resources. In fact, Parliamentary officials of that African country found that the contract saw the company walking away with windfall profits due to a number of loopholes in the PSA. One loophole that was cited was in the area of Cost Oil/Gas. This is the biggest challenge in developing countries. In Tanzania, officials there noted that there had been no “ring fencing of blocks”. This means costs incurred in one block can be recovered from another block. The PSA failed to guard against this. Parliamentary officials of Tanzania said that this is one of the challenges, as it is easier for private companies to mount on costs and even declare losses from profitable blocks. Moreover, the officials who are attached to the Public Accounts Committee there said that issues like equipment leasing from related parties, transfer pricing and capitalization (thin capitalization) are very crucial in determining the actual costs to be recovered in a PSA. Tanzania learnt this lesson the hard way. It has since reviewed its model for oil and gas contracts.
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Kaieteur News
Procurement procedures not followed in insurance deal for ministers - Ramsammy The administration has reportedly entered a deal with an insurance company for health coverage but there is no evidence that proper procurement procedures were followed. The hefty insurance package, the first of its kind to reduce pressure on taxpayers, is reportedly costing Guyana almost $40M, but did not publicly go out to tender. The issue is now being raised by former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. He was also a former Health Minister also under previous administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. According to R a m s a m m y y e s t e r d a y, sometime earlier this year, the coalition A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government signed an agreement with a regional insurance company which has opened offices here. The deal was struck after an announcement by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in June that Government is moving to secure insurance for ministers and senior officials. A number of government officials, including ministers had sought treatment abroad, but it is by no means cheap. Ramsammy, naming the company, which is headquartered in a n e i g h b o u r i n g c o u n t r y, claimed that the agreement is worth just over $38M an-
nually and will earn about $155M by 2020, for the company. “It is the first time ever that Ministers will have health coverage which I assume will be sought outside the country. It is a transaction that the government has entered into secretly,” Ramsammy said in a statement. “There was no advertisement, no indication that they were interested in obtaining health insurance for ministers and their families. I am not aware that any discussion occurred with any of the insurance companies based in Guyana.” The former Health Minister made it clear that he is not opposed to the Government covering costs of medical care for its ministers by obtaining health insurance coverage. “But it is important that such transactions be in the public domain. Earlier this year, Minister (Joseph) Harmon insisted that government pays no bills for ministers’ foreign health care. This was not the truth. It was a deliberate misinformation.” Ramsammy claims that he has information that ministers have traveled to Ireland, Cuba, Canada, USA and the Caribbean and these trips were paid for by the Ministry of Public Health. “The Auditor General must take note of this. I am confident that on examination the Auditor General will discover that these costs were met by the Min-
istry of Public Health and or by the Ministry of Finance.” ANOTHER BENEFIT Ramsammy wondered whether the insurance company will now refund the Government. “We note that this is another benefit for government ministers and the public needs to know. I am certain no one minds the additional cost to cover health benefits of ministers. But it is a benefit that should be in the public domain.” Ramsammy pointed out that ministers benefitted from a large salary increase of “up to 100%” almost immediately upon assuming office in May 2015. “They benefitted from a further increase in 2016 and yet another in 2017. They also benefitted from increase allowances, particularly for international trips. Moreover, the telephone and entertainment bills have skyrocketed, with many of the ministers and their families dining out at expensive hangout places, like the Marriott. The public has a right to know.” Ramsammy noted that when the Government “hides” or withholds information from people, it is often because its members know it is something that will irritate people and that people will have a problem with. “Any move to implement an action in secret is chaperoned by sinister motives. The APNU+AFC
Former Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy government has earned a terrible reputation for its secrecy, non-transparency and non-accountability. This latest secret deal is another of the non-accountability and nontransparency that now appears to be the new standard for government.” The former minister reminded that APNU+AFC promised total transparency and accountability and zero-tolerance for corruption. “It rode on this platform during the election campaign. Its manifesto is densely populated with promises to be accountable.” The former parliamentarian insisted that this new deal with the insurance company is a direct repudiation of all the promises to be accountable and transparent. “It is an absolute betrayal of the people who
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon decided to give APNU+AFC a chance. They have squandered their chance and people will not forget the betrayal.” NO BURDEN In June, Minister Harmon said that recent cases of Government ministers seeking treatment as far away as Ireland have not burdened the treasury. Responding to questions about permission being granted to a minister to fly overseas and the bill being around US$16,000, Harmon said that indeed cases have come up. He disclosed that negotiations are underway that would see medical insurance coverage for senior officials. Defending why a minister would want to travel as far away as Ireland, in Europe, the minister pointed out that some persons may opt to get the best possible
medical care if they are sick. In any case, he said, the bill was footed by the ministers. He did not name the ministers. The medical expenses will eventually be taken up by the insurance when it kicks in, he said. The issue of medical bills being footed by the state has been a galling one in the past. Normal citizens have complained of being granted a fraction of what they need for emergency attention. The process has always been a tough one to access the funds from the state. However, a softer view has been taken of government officials who fell ill and in some cases of Opposition members. Previous governments have paid for treatment of their members to the tune of millions.
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
The government should have a conscience Too many workers are losing their jobs because of problems within the economy and the management of government. These workers need to be provided with some form of temporary assistance; they should not be simply dumped on the breadline. This year Barama sent home its workers because of the signals it was receiving from the government. It was not certain whether the leases would have been renewed, and therefore the company walked before it was forced to do so. A lot of those workers are struggling to meet ends meet. They are not employed. It is believed that more than 1,000 workers have been affected by the c l o s u r e o f t h e Wa l e s
Estate. Some of them have been offered reemployment at Uitvlugt Estate. But the sugar company knows all too well that it cannot pay workers to have to go to that long distance to cut cane, even if transportation is provided. They will have to wake up earlier and return home later. This does not give them enough recovery time. Also if they take up that offer, they will not get their severance, and workers want their severance to get out of the industry. Private companies in distribution and manufacturing are laying off workers. This is not something that private companies like, or are accustomed to doing in Guyana. But the decline in sales has left them no
choice. We are heading to a situation such as what we had in the early 1980’s when almost 30,000 workers were retrenched or redeployed to jobs which they could not do. The jobs losses are adding up. With Skeldon and Rose Hall estates on the chopping block, the numbers will increase, and the ripple effect will multiply the job losses because once the agricultural sector is affected, commerce and everything else is affected in the rural economy. We are witnessing a situation where one commercial bank has registered a major loss. Loan provisioning was a contributing factor. The latest reports did suggest that the bad loans portfolios for commercial
Couple rob taxi driver, hijack car - vehicle recovered Yesterday afternoon, 60year-old taxi driver Walter Sanmoogan was robbed and forced to run, as his car was hijacked. The incident occurred around 16:00 hrs. Sanmoogan explained that he was working at the time. He said that he had offered his services to a young lady who was in Robb Street by the Guyana Post Office. The young lady asked him to drop her off in the vicinity of D’Urban Backlands. Sanmoogan said that when he arrived in the area, he was told by the woman to stop by a male individual in front of a house who was going to pay him. He recounted that the situation quickly spiralled out of control when the man, after giving him the money, pulled
a gun on him. The man then robbed him of his belongings and told him to “run up the road”. Sanmoogan said he did as he was told as he feared for his life. He said when he had run for some distance, he turned back just in time to see that his female passenger and the man who had robbed him, had made off with the car. The man said that he reported the incident at the East La Penitence police station, where the ranks told him that they would investigate and give him an update on the matter. The car, a silver Toyota Premio, was reportedly later found in Mocha, East Bank Demerara, and is now with police at the Providence station. This is one of several recent carjackings. On Monday, a man was questioned about hijackings on the East Coast of Demerara
since he had reportedly admitted to stealing a car and fleeing from police. Last Thursday, two men robbed a lecturer and stole his car in the vicinity of Bel Air. The victim has since offered a reward. Over the past week, a pastor and her husband were held at gunpoint, in the presence of their 11-year-old daughter, by three men who robbed them and then took their car - a silver-grey Toyota Premio. They also are offering a reward. Last June, a police officer who is also a librarian was robbed and in the process shot in her stomach for her car. The robbers reportedly had taken her keys to the car and house, along with her cell phone. She had acquired the vehicle a few months ago. Carjacking is becoming more and more prevalent countrywide, but particularly in the capital.
banks were increasing. This is not a good sign. It is evidence of shrinking b u s i n e s s a c t i v i t y, a s distinct from shrinking growth. Cevons Wa s t e Management, a sanitation company, which provides garbage collection services for City Hall, is about to send home 45 workers because it is owed millions by City Hall. The municipality simply does not have the money to pay and is resorting to desperate measures such as imposing heavy charges for the collection of garbage on an overtaxed business sector. Even those sums cannot cover what City Hall owes private garbage collection. Forty-five workers are going to be laid off from Cevons. Puran Brothers, the other company which is owed money, has not said what action they will take with their workers. But they cannot be expected to pay workers when no
money is coming in. The government has to intervene to help these poor workers. They should. Years ago, a boiler at Barama had exploded, and this forced a reduction in production which led to the laying off of many workers. The PPPC government, recognizing that a long layoff would result, decided to offer a monthly cash grant plus computer training for those affected. It helped pull the affected workers out of a difficult situation. It mattered not that the workers were from a private company. They would have been out of work for a long time, something that they could not afford, and the PPPC intervened to assist. If the government offers to pay each of these 45 workers a grant of $25,000 monthly for four months, it
will cost them in total, a little more than what they are reportedly paying in rental for a house for one of their ministers. The government should have a conscience. They should help out these workers until the company is able to rehire them. It is not easy for any worker to not be able to provide for their family when they were doing so all along. APNU+AFC should show they are better than the PPP. Take the $500,000 per month rent and pay each of Cevons laid-off workers a cash grant for four months.
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Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Handcuffed 94-year-old pensioner on $50,000 bail There is no question in my mind, given my philosophical make-up, if I was thirty years old and I saw my country put a 94-yearold pensioner in handcuffs and place him on $50,000 bail for a non-violent crime as alleged forgery, I would have participated in attempts to remove the government. I admitted before, and I am admitting again in these columns; I was involved in things in 1978 with my WPA comrades, before I left to study abroad, that would have led to the removal of the Forbes Burnham regime. I cannot name any of them because except for Mobutu, who died last year, they are all alive. A government that stays silent over the handcuffing of a 94-year-old pensioner who is hauled before the courts and placed on $50,000 bail doesn’t deserve to be in office administering the affairs of my country. The population of this country doesn’t deserve to be among civilized nations if it cannot denounce such an uncivilized assault on a
human of that age. Each day, as I pen the descent into basic, raw, Freudian instincts that I see in this country, my life is driven deeper in the ocean floor of angst. I live right across from where the Atlantic Ocean is, and one day, that ocean may come across and with tsunamic force, do to Guyana what the oceans did to Atlantis. I don’t know if the people of Atlantis deserved that fate, but this I know; this God-forsaken land has no redemption about it, and if it receives a fate like Atlantis, I am sure if there is a God, he will not be moved. When I sat down to compose my Thursday column on the poor security rank who got knocked down on the Harbour Bridge, damaged his face, and lost his bicycle that fell into the river, I had no idea I would be writing about a 94-year-old pensioner who the police would handcuff and whom the magistrate would put on $50,000 bail. I didn’t know that would happen, but I am not surprised it has. Readers of this column know my atti-
tude to Magistrate McLennan and the police. The Police Complaints Authority wrote to me about two months ago for a statement on what I saw; traffic ranks from Brickdam station at the gate of Parliament Building on Hadfield Street stopping motorists at random. I went to Brickdam, complained and wrote a column about it the next day. On the day of publication, the Authority made their request of me. I saw the identical action on Wednesday night, stopped and spoke to the police in the presence of a senior employee of the Georgetown Hospital, then went to Brickdam. This is life in Guyana. What the Police Complaints Authority did with my written submission, I don’t know or care to know. Not one leader in the Government of Guyana is going to give an official statement or a personal opinion on what happened to that 94-year-old pensioner. The lifespan of the entire world is not 94. Where is this aged fellow going if he skips bail? Why
$50,000 and not self-bail? How fast could he run if he had bolted from the courts if there were no handcuffs? Do 94-year-old men attempt to escape from police custody? Is it an exaggeration to say a toddler could move faster than a 94-year-old man? There are unsavoury, cruel, brutal things taking place in the magistrates’ courts. The consequences are staring us in the face. Only a fool could not predict the two prison mayhems. But power creates fools out of leaders. Only a dead society couldn’t see the making of those prison riots, and Guyana is a dead society.
Only a complete fool cannot see that one day something terrible and tragic is going to happen in those court rooms. You cannot remand a mother to prison because she stole a few thousands from her employer. Her son, watching his mother being led away, could very well lose his mind and become violent. A young man may freak out after seeing his father led away for a few ounces of ganja. We are staring tragedy in the face in the magistrates’ courts. There are many dimensions of a fool, one of which is the idiot is too silly to learn the tragic
Frederick Kissoon lessons of the past. In six years’ time that 94-yearold pensioner, if he lives, (I hope he does) will reach one hundred, and the Cabinet of Guyana, including the President and Prime Minister, will fête him at State House.
Cevons to part with 45 workers as of Sept. 1 - cites City Hall non-payment of $$M debt Cevons Waste Management yesterday announced that as of September 1, it will be laying off 45 workers as it has not been paid any of the millions it is owed by City Hall. The following is the company’s statement in its entirety: “There being no indication, up to this time, that City Hall is disposed to engaging the waste disposal entities, Cevons Waste Management and Puran Brothers on the matter of its huge outstanding debt, exceeding three hundred million dollars, to the two companies, a point was bound to be reached where consequences would flow therefrom. For Cevons Waste Management, that time has come. The effective delivery of gar-
bage disposal services is attended by considerable costs. Where sustained delinquency in terms of payments for services obtain, the viability of the business is threatened. In the face of the amounts owing to Cevons by City Hall, we have continued to shoulder all of the responsibilities associated with the delivery of the service including, crucially, the costs associated with workers’ wages and salaries and the maintenance of inventory. This, given the extent of the outstanding City Hall debt, has become unsustainable. Our decision to maintain a state of normalcy up to this time has been informed by our loyalty to our employees who, over time, have reciprocated
that loyalty. Equally importantly, we are aware of the particular importance of reliable employment to working class urban Guyanese men and women and their families. That is why, for all of the difficulty under which the company has been placed it has kept faith with its employees. There is, however, a point beyond which we are unable to go. It is with therefore with considerable regret that we announce that with effect from September 1st, Cevons Waste Management must discontinue the employment of forty five (45) employees. We deeply regret this eventuality and commit ourselves to restoring the jobs of the displaced workers as soon as the situation normalizes.”
Friday August 25, 2017
UK looking to help Guyana update old National Development Strategy By Abena RockcliffeCampbell For some countries, oil is a blessing, for others it is a curse. Many of the Ministers who make up the Government of Guyana have been preaching their determination to ensure that oil turns out to be a blessing for Guyana. For this to happen, the revenues derived from the commodity have to put to the best use possible. The success of these politicians will be measured by the development Guyana sees. Development is usually guided by a plan. Indeed, Guyana has such a plan. However, the National Development Strategy (NDS) is being viewed as outdated. Recently, United Kingdom High Commissioner, Greg Quinn was asked about his confidence in Guyana to make the best economic use of its oil money. In this regard, Quinn pointed to the existence of the NDS. However, he noted that that document is old. The envoy said that there has been talk that someone, “probably us (the High Commission)” needs to help the government with looking at how the development strategy will be updated to take
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UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn oil and gas into consideration. Quinn said, “If you are going to make this work, then you need to have an overall statement of what you want and where do you (government) want to see the country 20 or 25 years down the line.” He said that once the main pillars are erected “Then everything sort of comes down from it, in terms of what needs to be done to highlight the specific areas of development.” Quinn said that the UK highlighted to the government the need to look at the strategy which provides a basis to move forward. He said that the UK is even will-
ing to help to update the strategy. “Yes there is an interest from the UK to help develop the strategy, but the question is for the government to decide what the basis of starting such progress is.” Quinn said the government has to decide whether it wants to start from scratch or wants to build on the strategy that already exists “that’s not a question for the UK to answer, but certainly there is an interest on our side to help put a structure in place.” Quinn indicated that the ball is now in the government’s court for it to decide on the way forward.
158 youths graduate from BIT training programme Approximately 158 youths graduated yesterday from the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) through the Ministry of Social Protection. The graduates came from Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre, Buxton Training Centre, and Eccles Training Centre, among others Minister within Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, delivering the feature address at the National Cultural Centre, congratulated the students on their performance, which earned them certificates. “The skills acquired will contribute to the development and progress of Guyana: decreasing unemployment, boosting the economy, building the workforce, improving the quality of life of our youth and enhancing their opportunities for development and success,” the minister added. She told the youths that this period in their life is an excellent time, “to build themselves academically and professionally”. Hastings-Williams advised that they never allow circumstances to define them and to rise above those is-
sues and push for success since it is the best revenge. “Do not heed advice from those who may want to entice you to deviate from your path…History has shown us over and over again that crime is an illusion that evaporates in the aggravators’ faces…. Instead, accept that success is preceded by hard work, self-sacrifice, progressive professional and academic evolution and a clear vision of one’s goals and aspirations in life,” she explained. It was highlighted that NTPYE continues to empower young people through skills training since its launch in 2005. In keeping with the government’s vision to emphasise youth empowerment, 1,430 students have graduated from the programme since 2016, as it continues to make significant strides in the development of youths. Courses offered include auto mechanic, welding and fabrication, catering and cake decoration, information technology and office procedures, personal computer repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, care for the elderly, catering and commercial food preparation and other life skills. BIT Chairman Clinton Williams spoke of his pride in
the graduates, noting that while they may have originally viewed the courses as challenging, the completion of these classes is rewarding and will help them gain employment. “We will continue to intensify the delivery of technical and vocational skills training by addressing the skill demand needs not only by the existing industries, but also for modern industries such as oil and gas, clean energy, agro processing among others,” Williams pointed out. He said that the agency plans to improve its collaboration and coordination among the formal and non-formal training institutions to reduce the high level of repetition of training without accreditation. The BIT chairman stressed that the agency will also create innovative mechanisms to influence more involvement and support from the local private sector by providing more facilities as well as a hands on approach for respective training programmes. This intervention is essential to generate skill sets that are consistently and technologically relevant which will adequately meet the expectations of the constantly changing technical and technological workforce.
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Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
ExxonMobil currently permitted to produce 450,000 barrels of oil “Any shortcomings will be corrected in next phase” - Patterson By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The government has been “assured” and seems to be quite satisfied that oil giant, ExxonMobil, is toeing the line. Nevertheless, the administration is prepared to address any noted shortcomings when the oil company applies for its license to undergo Phase-two of the Liza project. At least this is what Minister of Public Infrastructure told Kaieteur News at a recent press conference. Patterson is a member of the Cabinet sub-committee that has been appointed to look at all matters relating to oil and gas. This committee is referred to as the quintet plus one, and also comprises Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Advisor to the President on oil and gas, Dr. Jan Mangal. Patterson was asked if he has any concerns about the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that ExxonMobil submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - despite the fact that the EIA has been deemed “weak”. The Minister responded in the nega-
tive. He said that the government has been assured by the EPA that “all safeguards are there. So, at this point and time I have no concern.” Patterson then took the opportunity to “make it clear” that the EIA that was submitted to and accepted by the EPA, as well as ExxonMobil’s developmental plan that has been approved by the Government of Guyana, are only for Phase-one of the Liza project. Patterson explained that Phase-one only covers the extraction of no more than half a million barrels of oil. Patterson said that the entire reserve where ExxonMobil is operating has so far been proven to have between 2.25 and 2.75 billion barrels “which means we have six to eight times more. So if they would like to go beyond the 500,000 in Liza one, and they want to go to two, they have to submit a renewed EIA, a new developmental plan… the entire gamut.” The Minister continued, “So, if, and I say if, because I do not have proof that there are any issues or matters that are lacking in the EIA, we will address it, but we haven’t found any. We do not know of any but I know there is concern, and we continue to in-
terrogate, but please understand that no less than Liza one, which is the very first find, is involved here. We are talking of about 450,000 barrels of oil - that is all that has been approved by the government. Exxon, in its EIA, claims that the possibility of an oil spill is not very high. However, it said that there is a 10 percent chance that in the event of a spill, oil will reach the coast of Guyana where 90 percent of its population sits. ExxonMobil inferred that because of the purported ‘slim’ chance of an oil spill, detailed response measures are not needed. However, with a two percent possibility of occurring, the practice around the world is that oil companies are made to cater in detail for disasters. And indeed, the impact of an oil spill will be major for Guyana and its neighbours. There is also nothing in the EIA that speaks to how Guyana’s neighbours will be compensated. What was clear is that ExxonMobil did not commit to bearing the legal or financial responsibility in the event of a disaster. There is a possibility that neighbouring countries, when environmental damage occurs, can move against Guyana. If the burden is left
to bear by Guyana, the country may have to pay damages equivalent to years of oil revenues. ExxonMobil’s EIA also offers no compensation to fishermen and other Guyanese who are most likely to be affected in the case of an oil spill. The EIA has little or no information on the role to be played by relevant stakeholders as it pertains to consultations, training and quick response measures. In the event of an oil spill, there is no oversight mechanism in place to oversee the remedial action taken by the company. The EIA noted that the light nature of the Liza field crude oil, and the region’s warm waters would help minimize the severity of a spill. “Accounting for these factors, the modeling indicates only a five to 10 percent probability of any oil reaching the Guyana coast.” However, Exxon admitted that a spill at a Liza well would likely impact marine resources found near the well. ExxonMobil has been known to be associated with some of the world’s most horrific oil spills. One such example is what happened in Alaska, United States. In 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez slammed into a
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson reef and spilled more than 11 million gallons of crude oil into the cold, clear waters of Alaska. Those waters, referred to as ‘Prince William Sound’ were deemed one of the “last best places” on Earth. The oil charged through Prince William Sound and out into the Gulf of Alaska. The damage spread more than 1,300 miles of some of the most remote, wild shorelines in America. The amount of oil spilled can fill 125 Olympic size swimming pools. Four deaths were
directly associated with clean up efforts. Although this happened 28 years ago, The Valdez area in Alaska has not recovered to date. The coastal ecosystem is said to be permanently damaged. There are still pools of oil sitting in some parts of the beaches. This oil is still toxic and still hurting the ecosystem near the shore. With ExxonMobil’s operations heading into full swing, Guyana is now at risk of having to face the consequences of an oil spill.
Minister Hughes addresses CBU Annual General Assembly - NCN’s CEO appointed to new Board Leading regional electronic media houses are taking a strong position on the need for clear policy and regula t o r y approaches to ensure the financial viability of the indigenous broadcast sector in the Carib bean region. This was one of the key resolutions passed as the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) wrapped up its 48th Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Nassau, the Bahamas on Wednesday last. T h i s y e a r ’s f o r u m , held under the theme: ‘Digital Developments in Caribbean Media’, examined the need for the tran-
sition from analogue to digital radio and television broadcast across the region (which is currently in process in Guyana); and the need to preserve the intellectual property rights of broadcasters’ content, subject to “must carry” rules. High on the agenda was discussion about the piracy of paying broadcasters’ channels/ s p e c t r um. It was also noted that some paying broadcasting services were found to be pirating and repackaging news and entertainment programming which are popular with their subscribers without agreements with the origi-
nating producers. In the members’ plenary on Wednesday, it was noted that some regulators around the region have paid little attention to the benefits and challenges of introducing digital radio. As such, the CBU will shortly convene a task force of members to examine the various issues affecting regional radio broadcasters, and formulate proposals for the most efficient ways of introducing digital radio broadcasting technologies in all Caribbean countries. Members took the opportunity to share knowledge and make recommendations on several regional hot-button topics including the impact of social
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes media on Caribbean newsrooms, and new policies in the region to lessen the environmental impact of the digital switchover. The CBU has resolved to re-invigorate the current programme sharing initiative, CBU Media Share, and establish the minimum amount of content to be circulated among participating Radio and Television services. CBU Media Share is an on-line portal which allows CBU members that are in ‘good standing’ to receive and distribute
radio and TV programmes with or without charges to members and other stakeholders. PLACE STRONGER FOCUS ON CONTENT Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, was the keynote speaker for the main conference day. She urged the media managers and owners present to place stronger focus on good content. She noted, “One glaring omission is a purposeful approach to consistently produce quality local con-
tent that effectively informs, educates and, yes, entertains.” She suggested that Caribbean broadcasters could take advantage of specific features of digital technology, emphasizing that it (technology) “substantially removes what were previously formidable barriers to entry into the business of broadcasting and its associated content production”. Also on the slate of Keynote Speakers were Jamaica’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn Q.C., and Wesley Gibbings, President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers. Meanwhile, Guyana’s National Communications Network (NCN) was formally admitted to the 44member Union. Chief Executive Officer, Lennox Cornette, was also appointed to the nine-seat CBU Board of Directors to serve for the period 2017– 2019. Other new appointees included the heads of the Jamaica Gleaner Group; Great Belize Productions; St. Maarten Cable Television; Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Systems; and the Starcom Network of Barbados.
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Wärtsilä replacement company retains 80% of technical staff ...Entire management team well qualified - Arron Fraser
From left: Deputy CEO, Gary Hall, PPDI Board Chairman, Mark Bender, PPDI CEO, Arron Fraser and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (ag) – Operations and Maintenance, Robindra Parmanand Power Producer and Distribution Incorporated (PPDI), the state-owned company that replaced Wärtsilä Operations Guyana Inc. (WOGI) has managed to retain about 80 per cent of technical staff to maintain and operate generators owned by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). This information was relayed to members of the media corps yesterday during a tour of the Kingston power plants that come under the remit of the PPDI. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PPDI, Arron Fraser, currently, there are 134 persons employed by PPDI. “Of those 134, 97 are technical people, I’ll say about 80 per cent came from Wärtsilä. Coincidentally, they were the more experienced ones.” Fraser explained that following the takeover by PPDI, employees who worked under WOGI were given the option of staying to work with PPDI or to leave. He added that PPDI currently has five persons who would have been working with WOGI since day one. According to Fraser, the current Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Human Resources and Administration, Gary Hall, is one of those which chose to stay.
Moreover, Fraser gave details as to the years of experience which the company’s management team possesses. “The Management team as it is, we all have in excess of 15 years, and I’d like to say context-specific experience, because we have all worked in power plants and power plant generation for those years.” He said that the field service personnel have been working with Wärtsilä in excess of 20 years and they have been performing field service work in excess of eight years, in terms of their experience. He added that when it comes to the academic qualifications of the field service personnel, there are persons that are pursuing their doctorates, while some have obtained their Masters. Fraser said that all the engineers in the company, in addition to their technical diplomas and degrees, have a Master of Business Administration qualification. Further, he said that the company is equipped with its own chartered accountant.
He said that the 22 technicians that work with the company have either a diploma or first degree. Moreover, Chairman of the Board of Directors for PPDI, Mark Bender, said that there is a strict training regime that is continuous as well as on-the-job training. Based on information provided, PPDI invested for the year so far, 1,387 hours of training for technical staff and 579 hours for administrative staff. He said that the Board is very pleased with the performance of the company’s employees, including the management team. “We are very impressed with their commitment, their knowledge, their ability to understand issues and their ability to keep up-to-date with best practices. And so we want to say that PPDI in terms of the management is in very good hands.” On the issue of best practices, Bender indicated that it is not limited to the maintenance of the engines. “As I said, we want to ensure that we use best practices in terms of corporate
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
governance, not only in the area of the engines themselves, and the operations and maintenance of the engines, but also in safety. Occupation safety is one of the key pillars of this company.” Further, he said that the company is moving towards boosting its corporate governance as it relates to financial propriety. He said that recently, the company developed a procurement manual. According to him, the attendant policies and procedures have been sent to the National Procurement and Tender Ad-
ministration Board for a review, so that the company can be advised on the suitability of the policies. Meanwhile, Bender informed the media that as of September 1st, an internal auditor will assume duties at PPDI. “So quite apart from the engineering aspect, when you look at other aspects of corporate governance, transparency, health and safety, environmental obligations etc., this is our goal, to strictly comply with our legal obligations, to look after the safety and
health of our employees, to continuously train them looking towards the future, so that the company of which the government has high expectations will remain relevant.” PPDI took over from WOGI in December 2016, when the government of Guyana chose not to renew the contract with WOGI to operate and maintain engines at four power plants, specifically at Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara, Vreeden-Hoop on the West Coast of Demerara and two at Kingston, Georgetown.
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Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Weak local content policy leaves openings for political interference Political interference and discretionary power are two of the major reasons why Local Content Policies around the world are not as effective as they should be. But even in the draft stage, Guyana’s Policy leaves this issue unattended. In fact, there is not a single measure mentioned in the draft so as to insulate the sector from this issue. Further, the challenges and effects of political interference and discretionary
powers in the oil and gas sector have been supported and proven in various dissertations by anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International. According to the body, the discretion often enjoyed by public officials responsible for implementing local content policies, combined with a lack of transparency, opens the door for uneven implementation and enforcement of local content rules. Transparency Interna-
tional in this regard, cited Kazakhstan, where international oil companies have complained that local content implementation is “uneven, irregular, and non-transparent, particularly at local levels of government.” This was even reported by the US Department of State in 2013. Transparency International found that companies in the country have also complained of the indiscriminate use of sanctions for non-com-
pliance with local content requirements. Additionally, it was noted that discretion is also enjoyed by public officials to decide the circumstances in which local content rules do not apply. This is the case in Nigeria. In this regard, the international body pointed out that the Minister for Petroleum Resources can decide to waive the obligations for a given firm or project under Nigeria’s 2010 Content Development Act. Transparency International indicated that such discretion may provide incentives for corruption, particularly if the criteria for evaluating waiver applications are not made public, or are not applied in an objective or transparent manner. In addition, the anticorruption body said that political interference in the application and enforcement of the law is also problematic in the majority of these countries, where the Executive branch of government exercises huge influence over other government branches and agencies as well as stateowned enterprises. In Mozambique, for instance, the national oil company ENH plays a key role in defining the country’s local content strategy. Nevertheless, the company reportedly suffers from political interference and its senior executives are closely connected to the political and business elite, opening space for these groups to extract rents in the sector DRAFT POLICY
According to the draft, the Local Content Policy framework seeks to address, the suite of opportunities that may arise and the approaches to be taken in selecting and developing opportunities related to enhancing the capabilities of Guyanese nationals and businesses. The Policy articulates that this will be don’t through training, development and employment initiatives (Capacity Development), ensuring availability of ownership participation for qualified Guyanese equity interest (Ownership Value), supplier development provisions for goods and services by locals to support sector operations (Local Content), and well-tailored social contributions for greater impact and benefits (Societal Benefits). It also describes what will be done to ensure that the activities in the petroleum sector are conducted in a manner that transparently secures the maximum benefit for the people of Guyana, while recognizing the limitations of the country, and holding all actors accountable to the present and future generations of Guyanese who are the own-
ers of the nation’s petroleum resources. Additionally, the draft policy recognizes that the petroleum resources of Guyana belong to all its citizens, and represent an asset of significant intrinsic value, which once removed, diminishes the wealth of the nation, unless there is transformation in value from resources below the ground to improved quality of life above it for current and future generations of Guyanese. The draft says, “Guyana will approach the development of its petroleum resources, people and businesses in a pragmatic, transparent and accountable manner. This will be conditioned by existing circumstances and an analytical approach to understanding the resource, the activities it engenders and our input capabilities. We shall pursue strategic opportunities for local capacity development and participation that give us the maximum possible benefit now and in the future.” The Policy also states that Guyanese will participate in a manner that gives preferred access and opportunities to improve and enhance the country’s capabilities, so that it can become internationally competitive and in the end, the country will progressively provide a greater amount of future services. Capacity development, to enable more value retention, will be treated as an investment rather than a cost, the policy outlines.
‘Grey Boy’ to be charged for alleged threats to Crum-Ewing’s mother Former murder accused Regan Rodrigues, called ‘Grey Boy,’ is back in custody and may make a court appearance today. This time it’s in connection with death threats he allegedly made to Donna Harcourt, the mother of slain political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. Police had been trying to locate Rodrigues since August 12, when the threats were allegedly made. He was reportedly arrested last week and police held a confrontation between the suspect and Mrs. Harcourt yesterday. It is alleged that Rodrigues threatened to “wipe out” Mrs. Harcourt for accusing him of killing her son. Mrs. Harcourt said that ‘Grey Boy’ made the threats on August 12, while she was at her stall at Regent and
Wellington Streets. She said that a number of eyewitnesses were present. She later filed a report at the Brickdam Police Station and also spoke to an attorney. Mrs. Harcourt, who was accompanied by her husband, Eustace Harcourt, told Kaieteur News that she was sitting at her stand with a friend at around 10.00 hrs, when she heard someone shouting “Donna…Donna!” On turning around, she saw Rodrigues and another man in a black Toyota Allion, which was parked a few feet away. According to Mrs. Harcourt, Rodrigues began shouting at her, and even came out of the vehicle to threaten her. “He said: ‘You been on TV saying that I kill yuh son…I is a robber-man (and) if I had the will I would wipe you out.” She said that Rodrigues,
who was wearing a pair of black ‘cut-off’ pants and a vest, eventually returned to the car and drove away. Kaieteur News understands that officials at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, were also told about the alleged threats. Mrs. Harcourt expressed concern for her safety. She said she is taking the threats seriously, and recounted that her son was gunned down after receiving threats on his life. The bullet-riddled body of Courtney Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme East Bank Demerara on March 10, 2015. Rodrigues was subsequently charged with CrumEwing’s murder. Magistrate Judy Latchman later discharged the matter, citing insufficient evidence.
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Private security firms warned about underpaying workers - persons even being recruited from Night Shelter
Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection
Deonarine Ramsaroop, Personal Assistant to the Public Security Minister
The Ministry of Social Protection is warning private security companies to obey labour laws or face penalties. Keith Scott, Minister of Social Protection, with responsibility for labour, issued the call yesterday morning at a seminar for private security services providers at his Brickdam, Georgetown office. Over 30 security firms attended the meeting. The Minister urged the companies which are not functioning in their employees’ best interest, to obey laws and regulations in relation to the Minimum Wage Act. “We at the Ministry of Social Protection are inclined to believe, that while other national states have made much progress, Guyana is at a virtual standstill, if not in a state of regression, in respect of the subject under focus. Such a situation must be re-
versed if we are to approach our mandate of national development with the seriousness it deserves.” Scott said. In spite of the National Minimum Wage Order, the minister revealed there are still companies breaching the labour laws. “Since 2013 the National Minimum Wage Order established a 40-hour work week with those hours to be distributed over five days, but there are some employers inclusive of service providers who have adopted a six-day work week encompassing more than 40 hours and still refuse to pay the overtime rates. I don’t believe that I have to tell you that such practices are prohibited and must cease forthwith,” Minister Scott said. Deonarine Ramsaroop, Personal Assistant to the Minister of Public Security stressed the importance of the
Some of the representatives of the security firms at the meeting yesterday.
private security services in Guyana. “Private security in Guyana is very important…I have learnt recently that equal to the police force we have approximately 8,000 employees within the private security sector. It is an enormous number and it is solely important to our country.” Notwithstanding the importance of the private security services, the Minister pointed that his Ministry is in receipt of reports revealing that some security service providers are employing per-
sons who are negligent and unsuitable to enter into legally binding contracts. “We mean no disrespect to anyone, but it is a shame that we are in receipt of reports that there are some service providers who have a proclivity for employing individuals who fit the description of a derelict citizen. It is more than just reports, we are in a position to tell you it directly, because they come to our Night Shelter and recruit people,” Scott claimed. The half-day event also featured presentations on pri-
vate security services within the realms of national development; the role of the security services in safety and the economy; the impact of security services on single mothers and the elderly, and the social impact of the security services on men, among oth-
ers. The security sector has especially been beneficial to a significant number of single moms and seniors, in recent years, amidst a growing demand for services in the government ministries and other state facilities.
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Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
US$50M bauxite project to proceed next year at Bonasika - American company to hire 150 workers Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday received a courtesy call from executive members of the First Bauxite Corporation (FBX) at the Ministry of the Presidency, where he was updated on their project at Bonasika in CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven). The project is set to begin next year with an investment of approximately US$50M. During the meeting, Alan Roughead, President and Chief Executive Officer of FBX, disclosed that the company is looking forward to starting construction of the project next year and production 12 months after. “The project is expected to provide employment for over 150 Guyanese,” the Ministry announced. FBX commenced feasibility work on the Bonasika Project in 2008. Since then, the company said it has expended US$20M on developing the bauxite resource located in this area and has completed three feasibility studies. The company has also conducted two major produc-
tion trials in Guyana over the past two years. Minister Harmon said that the Government welcomes the investors and looks forward to the employment opportunities, which will be created for Guyanese, once the project is up and running. He noted that Guyana is always open for investment and to create a more conducive environment for business. It was also disclosed that the administration is currently working to put systems in place, which can ensure that the bureaucracy associated with investments is reduced. “We are committed to investment in Guyana. We are on a path of fresh approaches as the Minister of Finance loves to say, and we want to expedite the systems so that it does not hinder investments. The quality of services must be improved,” he said. Larry Washow, Chairman of the Board of FBX; Bill White, Chief Financial Officer; Stanley Ming, Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Robert Corbin, Legal Counsel
From left: Robert Corbin, Legal Counsel; Mr. Larry Washow, Chairman of FBX Corporation; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Alan Roughead, President and CEO; Bill White, Chief Financial Officer and Stanley Ming, Chairman of GGMC. of the company, also attended the meeting. Bauxite is currently being produced in Region 10 - at Linden, Aroaima and Kwakwani, by Chinese and Russian companies. Once a big earner for Guyana, it has
fallen behind, but there has been increased interest by
overseas investors in recent years. First Bauxite is a New
Orleans, US- headquartered company.
Council moves to recover in excess of $4B from defaulting property owners As part of efforts to recover outstanding rates and taxes owed to City Hall, the administration of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has announced a move to seize moveable assets of defaulting property owners across the city. In a detailed statement, earlier this week, the Council said that the move is among a series of actions planned to recover outstanding monies owed to the Municipality. The M&CC has noted the difficulty in carrying out its duties and responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner as a result of this substantial amount owed to it by defaulters. At the moment, the Council calculates that it is owed is in excess of $ 4B by property owners including those from large corporations. Simultaneously, the council said that it has struggling to settle debts its contracted workers including Solid Waste Contractors. But because of the cumbersome nature of the judicial
process to carry out parate execution under Section 222 of the Act, the Council has announced that it will now move against moveable property of defaulters, as a first step, to recover large sums owed to it by property owners. Quoting the law, the Council stressed that Section 219 of the Act dictates, “Where a period of three months has elapsed after Section 217 has occurred, the Clerk of the Council, shall as soon as practicable institute proceeding for the recovery of the rates .” “Again at Section 221 (1) Where movable property is liable to distraint for rates, the clerk of the council shall serve on the persons liable for the payment thereof a notice which shall set out the amount of rates remaining unpaid and shall state that if such an amount is not paid within 14 days, proceeding by way of distraints will be commenced. If the payment is not made within 14 days after the notice is served under sub-
section (1), the Clerk of the Council, according to the information provided by the Georgetown M&CC, shall make an application to a Magistrate for a warrant of distress under and by virtue of which movable property of defaulters may be levied on and sold for the rates together with costs.” The Council has since instructed its Attorneys to prepare all necessary notices and file appropriate documents in Court as it continues to go forward with this legal provision in the Municipal and District Council Act, Chapter 28:01. It was noted too that the current general rates charged against properties in the city are unrealistic and cannot sustain vital municipal services to local communities and forward the Council’s efforts to modernize Georgetown. The Council urged all property owners to “ensure that they settle their accounts at City Hall and make their contribution to the progress of the nation’s capital”.
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Cops detain second suspect in probe into mystery plane, airstrip - Region 9 contractor still in custody Police have detained a second individual as they seek more information about the mystery Beechcraft twin-engine aircraft and illegal airstrip that were recently found near Santa Fe. The detained man, and a Region Nine contractor who was arrested about a week ago, were flown yesterday from Lethem to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. “They are to be further questioned in relation to the airstrip and aircraft,” a senior official said. The official revealed that investigators will apply to the courts for an extension of the time they can keep the contractor detained. However, the official declined to say whether they had gleaned any useful information from the detained men, since the investigation is a sensitive one. Guyanese law enforcement officials are seeking assistance from international law enforcement partners. It is alleged that the contractor used his front-end loader to build an illegal airstrip about 10 miles from Santa Fe. It is believed that the plane, said to be Brazilian-registered, and the airstrip, were being used for illegal activities. Government officials confirmed that the plane, which has since been handed over to the army to secure it, had landed at the Region Nine location illegally. Government is treating the matter as a national security issue. During a recent visit to Lethem, President David Granger urged security officials to pull out all stops to ensure that the sovereignty of the country and its borders are protected. The plane was seized after police and other security officials journeyed to the area amid reports of strange flights. They had discovered illegal fuel and other items near a makeshift airstrip days earlier. A number of men were seen running away from the aircraft when the officials descended upon the area.
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
City Hall promises thorough inspections for food vendors The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) yesterday hosted a Food Safety Seminar at their premises, which focused on better informing vendors on regulations and safe food practices as well as handling. The event which was hosted by the Food Hygiene Section, Public Health Department, was attended by almost 100 food handlers. The seminar was chaired by Chief Meat and Food Inspector (acting), Onica Alleyne, who defined food as, “Any solid, liquid or semisolid substance which when eaten provides nourishment to the body”. She explained that a food handler is, “Any person that is involved in any stage of preparation, cooking or sale of food”. It was made clear that all such persons must, therefore, possess a food handler’s certificate to handle and sell food. “As food handlers you have a very important role, and your role is to ensure that food that you serve to customers is safe for them to consume.” Alleyne said that this can be done by preventing contamination of all forms, which can lead to illnesses, and this is labeled as food poisoning. Symptoms of this illness include vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, among others. The food inspector expounded on the various types of bacteria and the damage it causes. It was on this note that she asserted that inspections are expected to be carried out in various food premises - in order to ensure that they are
Chief Meat and Food Inspector (acting), Onica Alleyne delivering remarks to food handlers at the seminar yesterday
safe, as well as to reinforce regulations. Food handlers across Guyana would usually undergo three tests, one which includes a blood test that is done to scan for diseases such as syphilis which should be absent in the body. The inspector seized the opportunity to share tips during the seminar and was also able to answer questions from the curious vendors. Alleyne advised that foods which have molds and mildew, which are common bacteria that are found in foods such as cheese and bread, should be thrown away and not cut off or toasted, also chemical contaminants such not be kept within close proximity of food. She also stated that they should be kept in their correct containers so as to prevent confusion. According to Alleyne, there are also physical contaminants that can possibly be found in food, these may include plasters, hairs and strings. She said that while these may not cause actual bodily harm, food handlers are responsible for ensuring that such incidents do not occur. She added that food can become unsafe when purchased from unreliable sources, while in an effort to get it “cheaper”. Foods are considered safe if stored at the correct temperature. Temperatures between 65 and four degrees Celsius are considered as unsafe and should be avoided since it is a danger zone, which contributes to bacterial development over a two-hour period. The inspector used the opportunity to share tips during the seminar and was also
able to answer questions from the curious vendors. Meanwhile, City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, in her remarks, reminded the gathering that “School will be opened very shortly and so we brought them (food vendors) here today to recap on what they would’ve been taught during those sessions before. They’re all registered food handlers, and they would be selling at various schools, and we are trying to ensure that the foods which they offer for sale to our children are wholesome and good, and are of nutritional value. We will be telling them try not to prepare more than what you will be able to offer for sale”. The Mayor, who just returned from Chile, explained she attended a ‘Healthy Cities Conference’ where those cities are introducing healthy foods styles for children all over. One of the things they are trying to do, she said, is prevent the sale of snacks, which will be substituted with healthy foods such as salads that are of nutritional value. She highlighted that Guyana has not yet agreed to the initiative. According to her, “We are going to ensure that food that is offered for sale to our children is properly prepared, cooked and also stored”. She stressed that “it is important for children to be properly fed, so as to secure a healthy generation. Children are able to focus better and can have improved performances, starting with something as small as a meal”. Green explained that children are sometimes rushed to the hospital because they would have consumed food which is
not of good value. The mayor noted that, “As school reopens on Monday, our inspectors will be going out to the schools to ensure that the persons who are offering food for sale are registered and have their badge placed on them”. “We are taking names of all those persons there. Another thing we are going to do is that if you are offering food for sale outside of a school, we’re asking you where your food is being prepared; where do you live. And so one of these days our inspectors are going to turn up where you live to find out that the food is being prepared under healthy conditions. It goes also for the adults - for people who sell food in the night, in the day, anytime in the day, because there is one single standard for the preparation, cooking, storage and sale for food. But our emphasis this morning is on the school children, because school opens and most parents might say, ‘okay, you gun buy a snack at school’. We want to make sure that the snack you are purchasing outside from the vendor at school is properly done and properly prepared and offered for sale. The Mayor took time to urge parents to ensure that the expiry date is valid on the foods they are giving to their children, also canteen operators to be aware of expiry dates on their products, since they had received complaints that there are expired goods on the market. She noted that the inspectors have since launched an investigation. According to her, “The food and drug department also assist us by seizing those stuff”.
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Three Guyanese selected for Young Leaders of the Americas programme The United States Embassy in Georgetown has announced that three young, talented Guyanese entrepreneurs have been selected for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Programme, 2017. According to the information provided via the US Embassy’s official social website page, the three Guyanese representatives have been identified as Suzanne Hamilton, Founder of Sosh Solutions; Charles Hutson, Founder of ECab; and Christine Profitt, Founder of The Scrubs Hub. The trio was selected from among over 3,000 applications submitted from the region. According to her profile, Hamilton is the Founder of Sosh Solutions in Linden. Her business offers globally recognized professional qualification courses for local entrepreneurs and addresses the unavailability of professional and youth development opportunities in the fields of accounting, business, and finance.
Hutson’s profile shows that he founded Ecab, a mobile app for calling taxis - allowing cab-seekers to electronically hail the closest available cab, while ensuring that drivers can earn more by s a v i n g o n g a s o l i n e and time. Profitt, meanwhile, is the visionary behind the Scrubs Hub, an organization that provides quality medical garments and personal protective gear for medical professionals across Guyana at an affordable cost. As part of her social responsibility, the YLAI representative has committed a percentage of the organization’s income towards the “I CAN” project for disadvantaged youth, single parents, and other young adults in Agricola. The YLAI initiative was launched to build linkages between young leaders across the hemisphere and to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and civil society leaders. In October 2016, the YLAI brought together 250 young leaders from Latin America,
Charles Hutson, Founder of ECabs the Caribbean, Guyana and the United States for an exchange programme that involves internship and skillsbuilding workshops. The programme aims to ensure that young leaders have the necessary tools, skills, and network to tackle shared global challenges. Their areas of interest in-
Suzanne Hamilton, Founder of Sosh Solutions
cluded agriculture, clean energy, consulting, e-commerce, education, entrepreneurship development and support, food and beverage, food security, health care, hospitality, LGBTI rights, marketing and branding, mobile applications, and women and youth empowerment. Successful candidates included Guyanese entrepre-
neur, Abbigale Loncke. Loncke was among the few finalists selected to meet with then US President Barack Obama, in Peru during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Community Health Care, an agency which delivers home care needs for the elderly, sick,
disabled and children, in the comfort of their homes. The agency also helps to train women, who are in need of employment and second chances, by offering them work as care-givers. During an address to the (YLAI) participants and other guests in Peru, President Obama highlighted Loncke’s work.
From page 18 operation and maintenance provider, and even as an independent power producer with regard to other sources of energy. Bender added, “We will have to continue to develop our staff in keeping with the
demands to enable us to compete, to enable us to remain relevant as we move towards these other sources of energy, clean and renewable sources of energy. So in the next couple of weeks, the strategic plan will be completed, it will be reviewed; of course
the Minister will have to review it as well. So going forward, we intend to ensure that we remain relevant as the government moves towards this plan to have electricity for the grid supplied fully from renewable and clean sources of energy.”
‘Bless the Children’ Home GPL has capacity to generate power... assisted by Giftland
From right: Inventory Supervisor, Gavin Bobb, Corporate Sales Manager, Gaitri Ramjohn and children of the home On September 4th, 2017 the young ones from ‘Bless the Children’ Home will head out to school with supplies sponsored by Giftland OfficeMax. Giftland, on Tuesday last, in its “giving back to the nation” drive, donated school supplies to the entity, located at Industry on the East Coast of Demerara. In keeping with its priority to build the nation, specifically children, the company donated back-packs and
stationery. The home’s 28 children, ranging between the ages of six to 18, were all able to benefit from a day at the Giftland Mall, with refreshments from Rooster’s and recreation in the Universal Play Park within the vicinity, where they took advantage of rock climbing and a trampoline, along with samples of cotton candy. According to a Giftland representative, “William Wordsworth says in his poem ‘Rainbow’, ‘Child is the father
of man’, and this will be true in the case of the children, we can make or break our society by the way we care for and share with our children. Our Company continues to endeavour for the benefit of the society by building this nation”. The team extended gratitude to their chairman along with all the others who made the venture a success, and which will create memories not only for the company, but in the hearts of the children.
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Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Trump blames fellow Republican leaders for debt ceiling ‘mess’ WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump picked a new fight yesterday with his fellow Republicans, saying congressional leaders could have avoided a “mess” over raising the U.S. debt ceiling if they had taken his advice. In the latest in a stream of criticisms that could undermine his aims to cut taxes, pass a budget and rebuild infrastructure, Trump sought to blame party leaders if Congress fails to agree to raise the cap on how much the federal government may borrow. The Treasury Department has said the ceiling must be raised by Sept. 29. If not, the government would be unable to borrow more money or pay its bills, including its debt payments. That could hurt the United States’ credit rating, cause financial turmoil, harm the U.S. economy and possibly trigger a recession. Trump said he had advised Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan to link passage of legislation raising the debt ceiling to a bill on veterans affairs that he signed into law
Donald Trump on Aug. 12. “They ... didn’t do it so now we have a big deal with Dems holding them up (as usual) on Debt Ceiling approval. Could have been so easy-now a mess!” Trump said in Twitter posts. Recent media reports suggest that Trump’s relationship with McConnell has deteriorated amid repeated attacks by Trump on the Republican Senate majority leader for, among other things, failing to get a healthcare bill passed. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that McConnell and Trump were locked in a political “cold war,” especially after an Aug. 9 phone call that it said de-
volved into a shouting match. On the 9th and the 10th Trump assailed McConnell via Twitter, angered by a speech in which McConnell said Trump had “excessive expectations” of Congress. Trump’s salvo ran counter to efforts this week by the White House and McConnell’s office to play down reports of discord. A spokesman for McConnell noted the Senate majority leader had said earlier this week, in an appearance with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, that the debt ceiling would be raised. McConnell was “unequivocal” about it, said spokesman Don Stewart. He said McConnell mentioned it again on Wednesday in a statement the Senate leader issued about his “shared goals” with Trump. Ryan, speaking at a town hall meeting on tax reform at a Boeing plant in Washington state, also said Congress would pass legislation to raise the ceiling in time to ensure debt payment. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders denied there was any need to repair ties between Trump and top Republican lawmakers.
“I think the relationships are fine,” she told reporters. “Certainly there are going to be some policy differences, but there are also a lot of shared goals and that’s what we’re focussed on.” Raising the debt ceiling is one of the must-pass measures Congress will take up when it returns on Sept. 5. Congress will have about 12 working days from its return to approve spending measures to keep the government open. While the budget and debt cap are separate, they are likely to become entangled, with Republican opponents of a debt ceiling increase expected to demand federal spending cuts. Trump threatened on Tuesday to shut down the government if Congress failed to secure funding for his longpromised wall along the U.S.Mexican border. His threat added a new wrinkle to the Republicans’ months-long
Mitch McConnell struggle to reach a budget deal, rattling markets and drawing rebukes from some Republicans. Democrats, solidly opposed to funding the wall, have slammed Trump over his comments. Both the spending and debt ceiling bills could pass the Republican-led House by a simple majority vote, but will need 60 votes to pass the Senate, where Republicans
hold 52 of 100 seats, meaning they will need some Democratic support. A respected think tank said in a report on Thursday the government might not have enough money to pay all its bills on Oct. 2 if Washington does not raise the debt cap. The Treasury might not have enough money on that day to make a roughly $80 billion payment that will be due to a military retirement fund, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Moody’s Investors Service said it would consider stripping the United States of its top-notch rating in the event of a default but not over late or skipped payments on non-debt obligations if the government ran short of funds. The warning about a possible U.S. downgrade seemed less dire and narrower in scope than one issued on Wednesday by Fitch Ratings.
North Korea signals a more powerful ICBM in the works
Indian court’s privacy ruling is blow to Govt.
Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul NEW DELHI/MUMBAI (Reuters) - India’s top court unanimously ruled yesterday that individual privacy is a fundamental right, a verdict that will impact everything from the way companies handle personal data to the roll-out of the world’s largest biometric ID card programme. A nine-member bench of
India’s Supreme Court announced the ruling in a major setback for the Narendra Modi-led government, which argued that privacy was not a fundamental right protected by the constitution. The court ordered that two earlier rulings by large benches that said privacy was not fundamental in
1954 and 1962 now stood overruled, and it declared privacy was “an intrinsic part of the right to life and liberty” and “part of the freedoms guaranteed” by the constitution. “This is a blow to the government because the government had argued that people don’t have a r i g h t t o p r i v a c y, ” s a i d Prashant Bhushan, a senior lawyer involved in the case. Constitutional experts believe the judgment has a bearing on broader civil r i g h t s , and a law that criminalizes homosexuality. Lawyers say the judgment will also have an impact on a ban on the consumption of beef in many states and alcohol in some states. In his personal conclusion, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul wrote privacy is a fundamental right and it protects the inner sphere of an individual from interference from both state and nonstate actors and lets individuals make autonomous life choices. “The privacy of the home must protect the family, marriage, procreation and sexual orientation,” Kaul wrote.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un smiles during a visit to the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science in this undated photo released by KCNA/via REUTERS SEOUL (Reuters) - With photographs obliquely showing a new rocket design, North Korea has sent a message that it is working on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) more powerful than any it has previously tested, weapons experts said yesterday. If developed, such a missile could possibly reach any place on the U.S. mainland, including Washington and New York, they said. North Korea’s state media published photographs late
on Wednesday of leader Kim Jong Un standing next to a diagram of a three-stage rocket it called the Hwasong13. Missile experts, who scrutinise such pictures for clues about North Korea’s weapons programmes, said there is no indication the rocket has been fully developed. In any case, it had not been flight tested and it was impossible to calculate its potential range. However, a three-stage rocket would be more powerful than the two-stage
Hwasong-14 ICBM tested twice in July, they said. South Korean and U.S. officials and experts have said the Hwasong-14 may have a range of about 10,000 km (6,200 miles) and could possibly strike many parts of the United States, but not the East Coast. “We should be looking at Hwasong-13 as a 12,000-km class ICBM that can strike all of the mainland United States,” said Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Seoul’s Kyungnam University.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Computer & Mobile repairs systems upgrade, software installation, website development, mobile unlocking. Beats any price. Call: 647-7622/645-7471 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Budhram landscaping services, free advice. Call: 656-1326 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com One experienced hairdresser @ Magic Touch Salon: 225-6492 1 Diesel mechanic welder to work in the Interior, interested person can contact: 625-5136 Experienced waitress 1825yrs, live in domestic must know to cook, salary starts $20,000 weekly. Call: 610-3974
B&C Driving School: pickupdrop off. Call: 231-8719/6806826
VACANCY One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. One Cleaner. Contact223-5273/74 One Supervisor / Manager to work in Charity contact 2235273/74 One Cook contact 223-5273/74 Accounts Clerk for Eccles Area, knowledge of VAT, QuickBooks and Payroll. Call: 614-4358 Male security guard, female room attendant 30yrs & older @ 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198
Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518
Chef and Assistant cook preferably Carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
One live in domestic, Salary: $70,000. Tel#: 677-4328. Weekends off.
Dispatcher will be required to work shift. Call: 622-6413
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402 Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044 5 lots in Blankenburg, back of the gas station @$2.9 M each. Contact: 650-0402\6031402 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
LAND FOR SALE Transported land @ Diamond New Scheme (2nd Avenue) 96ftX64ft. Call: 6097766 Herstelling (front), Diamond -$3.5M, Eccles, La Parfaite, South, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, Canaan, Nismes, Highway. GME: 231-7805/ 618-7483 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.9M, $3M, $2M, Eccles $6M, Herstelling -$3.M, $2.5M, Tuschen -$2M, Vreeden-Hoop -$50M. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608 La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.3M, $2.5M, $3.5M, $1.6M, Herstelling - $2.2M, Tuschen -$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie, main road (50X100). Call: 666-2326 Tuschen house & land - $2.7M, $5M, La Parfaite Hamronie $3.5M, $1.4M, Vreed-en-Hoop house & land -$50M. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608
Two (2) Caterpillar 324DL Excavators. In good working condition. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8
La Parfaite Harmonie, way upfront over 7yrs finished, one concrete fence - $2.8M, already cleaned. Call: 6560701/ 651-1969
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
Caterpillar, Model: D6M, In good working condition. Price: G$10,000,000 negotiable. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8
Herstelling New Scheme 4th Bridge (100ftX50ft) -$3.5M. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630
All sizes of solar panels, batteries & inverters. Come & check us out @ Boodhoo’s General Store. Contact: 2604115\260-4018 \650-0402
Attractive waitress & female bartender. Apply in person with written application: Chestor’s, New Road, W.C.D
1 Caterpillar skid steer loader, model#:236 B, low hours. Contact: 650-0402\603-1402
We buy your land and sell your property in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling & Farm. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
Porters to work in Alleyway. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda.
1 -BMW 318 I, never register..!!! $ 2 M. Contact: 650-0402/603-1402
Urgently need 1 babysitter ages 35-50 preferably persons out of town. Call or whatsapp: 664-3918
1 Farm worker, 1 Security. Call: 265-3586
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
Responsible Hire Drivers. Call: 231-720
Car
1Canter driver. Call: 629-2912 Plumber for Jacuzzi, tiler, joiner, carpenter for wooden steps. Call: 625-3705 1 Live in domestics, must know to cook. Call: 661-8673; 674-1767 Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners, handy boy. Apply Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.
Two female workers to work shift system, age 25-45. Call: 231-6293 Kitchen help, counter person. Apply at Shanta’s, 225 Camp & New Market Streets. Welder, Arch-Gas to work in workshop on the West Coast on a percentage basis. Call: 684-1247
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).
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Need experienced garbage trucks driver & labourers. Call: 670-7920
One babysitter for 2 kids. Apply @ R. Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street (opposite GBTI)
Qualified teachers at Alfalah School Barbados for Secondary Level (CXC & CAPE). Email C.V to alfalahbds@hotmail.com Hopetown Gas station: Manager, Accountant. RA Soda Factory, Rosignol: Accountant, checkers, male & female workers. Call: 3302399/ 623-5920/603-0433 One cleaner for 3 days per week, age 25-45. Kindly call: 225-8066 TO LET Fully furnished apartment $95,000-$140,000.Call:644-5151
Live in couple from countryside preferably, duties- husband: driver/ mechanic/welding, wife – domestic. Call: 227-1830
Furnished & unfurnished one, two & three bedrooms apartment at Providence and Diamond. Call: 216-2299/ 6721906/ whatsapp: 1-246-833-9739
Skilled Lathe operator, good rates available for qualified applicant. Call: 227-1830
Two 3 Bedrooms unfurnished apartment to let in Diamond -$70,000. Call: 685-8470/ 660-7013
Uitvlugt New Scheme, First Street (100ftX50ft), 20ft Reserve, all legal fees paid $1.5M, already cleaned. Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
1 Dump canter, 1 Model ‘M’ Truck with winch, 1 TL 500 flatbed truck. Call: 629-2912 1.5 Acres riverside land with house (road to river). Call: 629-2912 One Raptor Ford 4 DoorContact: 670-7920 1 Samsung washing machine, late model, transparent top, excellent condition. Call: 226-2234 TOURS Holiday weekend tour trip to Surinam: Eid Ul Adha, August 31st – Sept 3rd, book early. Call: 665-5171/ 639-2663/ 658-3758/2237589
Lot 22 Dowding Street, Kitty, G/ Town, 100 Granville Park B.V, E.C.D.Call:619-4152or227-1905 Kastev,MeetenMeerZorg,W.C.D: 3bedrooms,6bathrooms,verandah overlookingAtlanticocean.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 House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, etc, we also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274 Property @ lot 89 Robb Street Lacytown, Georgetown next door to Mike’s Pharmacy, size 3431.25 sq.ft. Call: 6175323 or 666-8052 New executive 4 bedrooms house 3 1/2 bathrooms, office, grilled, A/C, filtrated water with reservoirs, 4 vehicle garage, fenced, alarm system @ Eccles. Call: 609-7766 7 Bedrooms 2 family houses on transported double lot – fenced with adequate parking, pump & water reservoir @ Georgetown. Call: 609-7766 1 Transported property @ Covent Garden. Call: 265-3586 Property 15mins from G/T public road, EBD - $15.5M. Call: 681-1312
CAR RENTAL
One 306 Caterpillar excavator with 700 hours. Contact: 6024692.
PROPERTY FOR SALE 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
DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 6987807 SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
1-3 Storey building @ Regent Street 60ftX52ft & 3 bedroom house @ Middle Road La Penetence 56ftX25ft. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874 EDUCATIONAL Rising Star Academy: spaces available for Nursery, Grades 1 & 2 Students, in class sizes of 8, 12 &15. Call: 677-0296/ 690-9378 9 Course, Diploma in computeroffice 2016, windows 10 -$20,000 off for CXC students 2017 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting, PC Repairs, graphics courses. Register Now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057/Study in Canada or USA Call Now! Register @ IAE: full-time, afternoon, day/evening CXC/CSEC classes for adults & repeaters: Mathematics & English A. Call: 683-5742/ 621-7365 Continued on Page 31
Friday August 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Regional bodies sign MOU for safer water in the Caribbean A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GPW-C) in an effort to unify schemes, in relation to water resources and human health. The agreement signed by the organizations demonstrates a “practical and meaningful relationship”, which according to a CARPHA press statement, has an objective for people in the Caribbean to access sufficient and maintainable supplies of “potable water” for consumption, hygiene and sanitation, “while maintaining availability for sustenance of ecosystem functionality”. Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. James Hospedales said, “Water quality impacts human health; these two areas are intrinsically bound”. He added, “Water is a valuable resource for Caribbean citizens. It is therefore critical to
provide water suitable for consumption and avoid unnecessary health risks. This agreement supports our joint efforts to promote water security, ensure a sustainable environment, and preserve water resources in the Region.” “The connection between water and health would fit seamlessly into the goal of effective water resources management for the Region. A key element of the MOU is to promote Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) among Member States, to advance sustainability of the water resource,” said Chairperson of GWP-C, Judy Daniel. The MOU states that CARPHA and GWP-C will not only expand regional and national water resource policies, but will also develop laws and other legitimate avenues to progress human health. It also plans to perform research and training programmes on water resources management
and human health. The two organizations consented to pursue the acquisition of resources and development of partners for the IWRM drive in the Caribbean and collaborate on adaptation to climate change for regional water security and health. The engagement of other Caribbean agencies and growth of collaborations are essential to the agreement in performing innovative projects and activities. CARPHA is an agency which is committed to providing strategic direction in analyzing, defining and responding to public health priorities of the Caribbean, in order to prevent disease, promote health and respond to public health threats and emergencies. GWP-C, is one of 13 Regional Water Partnerships of the Global Water Partnership, a worldwide network of partners all working to achieve sustainable water management.
Farmer gets three years for trafficking ganja A farmer who claimed that he had a quantity of marijuana in his possession to treat an illness that his daughter and mother have, will be spending the next three years in prison, after pleading guilty to a related charge. Thirty-five-year-old father of two, Fernandez Laita, of Aishalton Village, South Rupununi River, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on August 17 at Aishalton Village, he had in his possession 96 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves stated that on the day in question, around 04:30 hrs, police, acting on information, went to the home of the accused where they made contact with him.
The court heard that the defendant was standing outside when a search was conducted on him and nothing was found in his possession. Prosecutor Gonsalves went on to tell the court that the police officers conducted a search around the premises and three feet away from where the accused was standing, the marijuana was found in a multi-coloured bag at the base of a tree. Upon opening the bag a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems of cannabis was unearthed inside the bag. Laita was then arrested and taken to the station where he was told of the offence committed and under caution admitted to the police that the narcotics belonged to him “Is my own, I does do a fine hustle.” Principal Magistrate Latchman then sentenced Laita to three years’ imprisonment and fined him $30,000.
Jailed for three years: Fernandez Laita
Man loses $800,000 from home while attending wake Burglary of a premises located at Ankerville, Port Mourant, on Wednesday night, has left the owner short of $800,000 in cash. Thirty-six year-old Ramdat Ketwaroo called ‘Papa’, of Lot 303 Ankerville, had secured his premises and left for a wake in the said village, when he received a call stating that someone had broken into his home. According to a police source, Ketwaroo, after receiving the call, left for his home, where he discovered the padlocks had been
wrenched off the door of the bottom flat. After making checks to the bottom flat and noticing that nothing was missing, he ventured to the upper flat where he discovered the house ransacked. A barrel that he usually kept his cash was opened with the lid on the floor. Upon checking he noticed the
aforementioned cash gone. Nothing else was reported as missing. Ketwaroo subsequently made a report to the nearest police station. Several persons have since been detained, questioned and released. However, according to the police source, one person has since been arrested. Investigations continue.
From Page 30
VEHICLE FOR SALE RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, SpacioCall: 650-7501/ 616-2577 2015 Ford F150 V6 2.7 litre, twin turbo, 4X4 automatic, fully loaded 34,000 kilometers, excellent conditioner. Call: 610-5370 One used 275 Massey Ferguson tractor.Call:669-5400/662-6151
Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. James Hospedales and Chairperson of GWP-C, Judy Daniel
Toyota Avensis, PJJ, genuine low mileage (less than 19,000 miles); perfect condition - $2M. Call: 225-6701/ 225-8451/ 6248657/623-5114
GDF driver gets $1M bail for causing death of pensioner
Honda 4X4 CRV, PSS (less than 5000 miles) almost brand new $9M. Call: 225-6701/ 225-8451/ 624-8657/623-5114
A rank of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was yesterday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and ordered to post $1M bail for causing the death of an elderly pedal cyclist. Twenty-four-year-old Zamani Archibald, a Lance Corporal, of Manchester, East Berbice denied the charge which alleged that on March 11 at Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove motor pick-up DFB 1566 in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Harry Persaud. According to reports, on the day in question, Persaud, a pensioner, of Lot 7 Public Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, was taking his oneyear-old granddaughter for a ride on his pedal cycle along the East Bank Demerara Highway when Archibald, who was driving motor-pickup DFB 1566, which belongs to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), collided with them. Reports indicated that
Mercedez Benz 350 SEL, PEE, perfect condition (stick shift), below 30,000 miles - $2M. Call: 225-6701/ 225-8451/ 6248657/623-5114 1 Canter, case skid steer tracker. Call: 686-4354/ 615-7842 One Leyland DAF55, dump truck. Call: 621-4740 Unregistered bluebird 1500cc, 31,000KM, front wheel drive, RZ bus good working condition, owner leaving. Call: 265-0204/ 265-2171/682-7589
Charged: Zamani Archibald Persaud and his granddaughter were both picked up by Archibald and taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival. His granddaughter was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was treated and sent away. Archibald will make his next court appearance on August 30.
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$1200US. Call 647-1773 Prime business place to rent suitable for offices on Sheriff Street. Call: 627-6740/227-8644 Fully furnished luxury apartment 2 &3 bedrooms, long & short term stay. Call:664-2143 3 Bedrooms house: toilet & bath, A/C, hot & cold water, garage and yard space @ 4th Avenue Diamond. Call: 2160589/ 686-5645 1 Split 2 bedrooms house and a garage @ Cemetery Road Lodge, $50,000 security & 2 months advance. Call: 233-5805 ApartmentinEccles.Call:693-2832
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Tobago business begs Govt. to mediate with banks…
Give us tax amnesty too
Trinidad Guardian Members of the Tobago business community are appealing to Government to give them a tax amnesty and to speak with the Central Bank and Bankers’ Association to hold their hands on foreclosures. President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association Chris James told the T&T Guardian Wednesday that some business owners had already lost their properties and others have been forced to close because of ongoing problems. James said the problems facing Tobago “are not of our making” and said he was optimistic that if the Government acts on their appeal for help, “do what we ask, put things in place and give us 12 months, we can turn things around.” His claims came a day after the T&T Guardian reported exclusively that owner of the Enchanted Waters Hotel and Casino in Buccoo, Ken Patino, was facing foreclosure due to a mounting debt he owed the bank. Currently, James said the hotel occupancy in Tobago
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Jamaican teachers warn of disruption to classes … As they reject government’s wage offer
Ken Patino is less than 34 per cent. He said for the hoteliers and other stakeholders to break even, “we need fifty per cent occupancy. International business has declined and we are dependent on the Trinidad market, but we have lost out on the July-August vacation because of the air and sea bridge issues and we will not get that money back.” He lamented “this is now
like the final nail in the coffin.” Already, he said one of the bigger tour operators on the island, Island Girl, had left and gone to Jamaica. Busi n e s s o w n e r s , h e said, now have to make a choice between keeping staff, paying taxes or meeting loan commitments to the banks “because we can’t do all three.”
KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA) is warning of a possible disruption to classes in the new academic terms that begins next month after rejecting the latest wage offer from the government. While the JTA president Georgia Waugh Richards did not disclose the offer made to the teachers, she confirmed that the offer was rejected at the JTA’s annual conference in Montego Bay on Tuesday. “… We met with our members and we presented to them the salary claim and the ministry’s response and there was a unanimous decision to reject the claim in totality,” she said, adding that the teachers were “disappointed” and “disrespected” by the wage offer. “It is important for us to understand that the teachers are very disappointed and they feel disrespected to say the least,” she said. Negotiations for the 201719 contract period between the two parties began last Friday and Minister in the Min-
Georgia Waugh Richards istry of Finance and Public Service, Rudyard Spencer, said that the Andrew Holness government is hoping to have the discussions wrapped up as soon as possible. In a statement, Spencer highlighted the importance of the nation’s teachers as a pillar of socialisation and academic training and urged
them to work with the Government toward a mutually satisfactory position on the areas to be addressed. “Despite the need to come to the bargaining table for each contract period, we need to move forward on one accord because at the end of the day, we are seeking the same objectives,” Spencer said.
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Friday August 25, 2017
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Kushner’s Mideast peace push met with Palestinian skepticism RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Presidential adviser Jared Kushner met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Thursday to try to jumpstart moribund peace
talks, but after months without progress the Mideast envoy faces growing skepticism on the Palestinian side. With no clear vision for peace outlined by the admin-
istration and domestic issues distracting President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expectations for the
new peace push are low. Jared Kushner NewsJared Kushner TwitterJared Kushner CuckholdJared Kushner HarvardIs Jared Kushner Jewish
The Palestinians initially welcomed Trump’s election, but they have since grown impatient with what they say is a failure by the U.S. president to present a roadmap for peace. Specifically, they are seeking a halt to Israeli settlement construction on occupied lands, and an American commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as part of a peace deal with Israel. “If the U.S. team doesn’t bring answers to our questions this time, we are going to look into our options because the status quo is not working for our interests,” said Ahmad Majdalani, an aide to Abbas. It was not clear whether Kushner offered any clarity during his three-hour meeting with Abbas. Nabil Abu Rdeneh, Abbas’ spokesman, called the meeting “positive,” without discussing details, and said the Palestinian leader had reiterated his desire for an American commitment to a Palestinian state. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump who pledged from the beginning that he is going to work for the ultimate deal,” Abbas said ahead of the meeting. “We know things are difficult and complicated, but nothing is im-
possible with good intentions.” Kushner relayed Trump’s hope and optimism for “a better future” for Palestinians and Israelis. Trump took office with hopes of striking what he calls the “ultimate deal” between Israelis and Palestinians — a goal that has eluded administrations before his dogged by the same intractable issues. But he has since given few details of his vision for peace, managing to frustrate both sides. Kushner, Trump’s chief Middle East adviser and his son-in-law, met Netanyahu in Tel Aviv earlier Thursday before traveling to Ramallah later in the day to meet with Abbas. Kushner is expected to return to the U.S. on Friday. Before his meeting with Kushner, Netanyahu spoke optimistically of the road ahead. “We have a lot of things to talk about, how to advance peace, stability and security in our region, prosperity too,” Netanyahu said, standing alongside Kushner. “I think that all of them are within our reach.” A statement from Netanyahu’s office after the meeting said the talks were “substantive” but gave no details on progress or further steps.
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Marczynski wins stage six as Froome holds on to Vuelta lead Barcelona (Reuters) Polish rider Tomasz Marczynski earned his first stage win at a grand tour by outsprinting two rivals at the finish to take an enthralling stage six of the Vuelta a Espana, as Chris Froome increased his lead in the general classification by one second. Froome leads Esteban Chaves by 11 seconds in his bid to become the first rider in 39 years to do a double of the Tour de France and the Vuelta, as Tejay van Garderen endured a nightmare stage after a promising start. The American rider was in the same group as Froome and a resurgent Alberto Contador when he crashed into the road with little more than 30km to go in the 204.4km hilly stage from Vila-real to Sagunt in Valencia province. Van Garderen’s day was made even worse when he got a punctured tire in the final three kilometers and then fell off his bike again shortly after. He lost a further 20 seconds on Froome and is down to fourth from second in the general classification, 30 seconds behind the Briton, with Nicolas Roche 17 seconds ahead of him in third. Contador produced another
Friday August 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
strong display after roaring back to life in Wednesday’s stage, following a blunt performance in the first mountain stage on Monday in Andorra due to suffering from a stomach virus. He finished alongside Froome in the third group, 26 seconds back from Marczynski. Marczynski, 33, has been Polish champion twice as well as winning the 2015 Tour du Maroc and added a grand tour stage win to those achievements by edging compatriot Pawel Poljanski and Spaniard Enric Mas to the finish line in a three-man sprint. ”I came here really wanting to win a stage and to do it so soon is amazing,” Marczynski told reporters. ”The last ascent, we climbed really fast. We got to the final with two and then a few others came into town. Then we were all looking at each other, but I said, ‘I’m not going to let any attack go without me. If I don’t have enough strength in the final, so be it, but I’m going to give it my all’. ”Since I’d been in the breakaway all day, I had to take advantage of the opportunity. It all worked out in the end.”
Mexico win CONCACAF U-15 Boys’ Championship
Mexico players and staff (pictured) celebrate winning the CONCACAF U-15 Boys’ Championship title. (Photo courtesy of the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol) Bradenton, Florida – Mexico captured its first-ever CONCACAF U-15 Boys’ Championship title, earning a 2-0 win over the United States in the 2017 final on Saturday last at the IMG Academy. The Mexicans completed the tournament with a perfect overall record of 5W-0D-0L (15GF, 0GA), while the U.S. went 4-0-1 (15GF, 3 GA). After a scoreless first half, defender Jorge Garcia struck in the 57th minute to give the Tricolor a 1-0. Midfielder
McCullum, Lil Bravo... (From page 35) cost 19 runs. After being struck four two fours and a six from the first four deliveries, Narine had Lewis caught behind in the fifth over, but a tight sixth over from Dwayne Bravo was interrupted when the lights failed and coupled with rain forced a near 1 1/2hour long delay. Just 13 balls were possible — during which Gayle, on 25, added the insult of two sixes to the injury of Ashley Nurse putting down a hot return chance – before another rain delay forced the players off for 45 minutes. With six overs remaining, Gayle went into overdrive, smashing Dwayne Bravo over mid-wicket for six to reach his 50 from 34 balls and formalised a 50-run stand with Brooks. He a n d Brooks continued merrily before they were dismissed in the final over.
Zinedin Hernandez (70’+2) netted an insurance goal in the second minute of secondhalf stoppage time. Mexico also took home
three tournament honors: Scotiabank Fair Play; Golden Glove (goalkeeper Arturo Delgado) and Golden Ball (Garcia). Honduras won the
inaugural U-15 Championship after defeating Guatemala in the 2013 decider, 2-1. Guyana also participated in the championship.
Friday August 18, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Social events will be favorable. You must look into your options. You need to refrain from being the generous one in the group. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Do your own thing and everything will settle down. They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't let others put unreasonable demands on you. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. Don't go hog wild when it comes to entertainment or you could find yourself short of funds at the end of the month. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't turn down an invitation or a challenge that could enhance your chances of meeting someone special. You can expect to experience delays or additional red tape if you deal with institutions. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You don't want to give anyone fuel for the fire. Relationships will become stronger. Be inquisitive about unfamiliar circumstances. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Plan a nice evening for two. Changes in your home may be alarming at first. This is a great day to spend with family.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Find a way to consolidate. Deep discussions may only lead to friction. Romance can surface if you get into some of those fitness programs you've been putting off. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your partner could also use some time alone with you. Try to think things through. Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your family needs to spend some time with you, too. Take special care in any home improvement project you work on today, you'll be glad you did. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your need to be in a leadership position will help you surpass any rivals you might encounter. Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Your creative imagination will help you in coming up with unique ideas. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may have more to do with children today; keep an open mind. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance. You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
McGregor and Mayweather are bringing a hurricane to the spectacle-loving Las Vegas
Mayweather and McGregor then posed for photographs in front of the masses, adopting fighting poses for the snap. Crates of Budweiser are being unloaded by newly arrived hotel guests, Elvis impersonators are charging a fortune for pictures and beginner’s gambling lessons are being conducted by ‘helpful’ dealers. It’s nigh-on impossible to walk a few yards down the Las Vegas strip without hearing a British or Irish twang. Visitors from blighty and beyond have descended on Nevada. But none of this is unusual for ‘Fight City’. It’s just a regular day in Vegas. The razzamatazz surrounding Conor McGregor’s attempt to prove that inexperience is no barrier towards boxing success is yet to put a firm stamp on the city. It’s a little… well, mellow - by Vegas standards at least. E v e n M c G r e g o r ’s dedicated band of Irish followers haven’t descended en masse. They’re only just starting to drip feed through. Tellingly, the Nine Fine Irishmen bar on the Vegas strip boasted a few empty pews during Happy Hour on Wednesday afternoon. There were more technology conference attendees than boxing fans enjoying a Guinness as twilight set.
Delve a little further though and you can just begin to detect the signs of the Mayweather and McGregor-branded hurricane which is about to descend on Vegas. As McGregor (an hour late in arriving) and Floyd Mayweather landed at the MGM Grand for a subdued final press conference of what has too often been an xrated media build-up, the hardcore support were scattered around the casino complex in the hopes of an elusive picture or autograph. The Irish flags and football shirts were dotted around. So too were the TMT branded t-shirts and caps. It’s not just fans that have been attracted to Vegas for this weekend’s celebration (or circus) of combat sports. James DeGale happily posed for pictures on the casino floor, as the super middleweight champion soaks up the occasion during h i s i n j u r y r e c o v e r y. He’s not the only familiar British boxer either. Nathan Cleverly and Savannah Marshall both conducted training sessions in the middle of the casino floor, in a miniscule ring sandwiched by roulette tables and slot machines. It comes with the territory of being on the
undercard of one of the most hyped cards of the century. Those gathering at ringside with their mobiles propelled into the air were mostly tourists. Visitors to Vegas love nothing more than a good old spectacle. Cleverly gladly appeared in a succession of selfies after a couple of minutes hitting the pads. Floyd Mayweather snr looked on approvingly from ringside in a luminous green t-shirt. But the tourists will slowly be replaced by the fight fans. Over the next 24 hours, the storm will break and Vegas will be consumed by a sea of green - or if you’re loyalties lie elsewhere, bling, gold captioned t-shirts. Surely, the remaining tickets for Saturday night’s encounter at the T-Mobile Arena will be snapped up by the high-rollers too. They’re still selling them at the TMobile box office and inside the MGM, even if the prohibitive price tags will only really appeal to those with deep pockets. Once the buzz kicks in on those casino floors, mahogany bars and rooftop nightclubs though, expect Mayweather vs McGregor to become something out of the o r d i n a r y i n S i n C i t y. (MailOnline)
BABA/Nigel Hinds Financial Service final now set for September 3
Rose Hall Town Jammers and New Amsterdam Warriors to collide The final of the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) / Nigel Hinds Financial Service sponsored round-robin competition, organised by Vibert Garrett is now set for September 3, 2017 when Rose Hall Town Jammers and New Amsterdam Wa r r i o r s c o l l i d e f o r
championship glory. The change in date became necessary as a number of the players are part of Guyana’s, Inter Guiana Games team which will be competing against Suriname, between August 25-27. Some six teams were part of the competition which was
played in two zones; A comprised of Canje Knight, Fyrish Black Shark and Ithaca Hardliners while Zone B was made up of Rose Hall Town J a m m e r s , H o p e town Stealers and New Amsterdam Warriors. Trophies, cash and other incentives are up for grabs.
PAGE 37
Champions League draw Tottenham drawn alongside Real Madrid and Dortmund as other four Premier League sides avoid giants
Tottenham have been handed the toughest draw of the five Premier League sides in the Champions League with holders Real Madrid and former winners Borussia Dortmund alongside them in Group H. Both Manchester clubs and Liverpool will be licking their lips at favourable draws while Chelsea will also be expecting to progress with relative ease despite having to play Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Celtic, meanwhile, have been handed a nightmare draw as they’re tasked to
face last season’s runners-up Juventus and mega-rich PSG in Group B. Both Spurs and Liverpool were in danger of being handed troublesome draws being sat in the third pot of four but Jurgen Klopp will be delighted to have avoided Mauricio Pochettino’s fate. While Spurs face Dortmund, Cypriots Apoel and the might of Real including former White Hart Lane heroes Gareth Bale and Luka Modric - Liverpool play Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Slovenian champions Maribor.
In Manchester, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will be equally delighted. Having been on the receiving end of several tough draws in recent seasons City will be the overwhelming favourites to win their group as they face Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli and Feyenoord. United, meanwhile, arguably have it even easier with Benfica, Basle and CSKA Moscow standing in the way of progress to the last 16. (MailOnline)
Badminton: Champions Chen and Marin move into quarter-finals
Spain’s Carolina Marin in action during her match against Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin. Russell Cheyne
Reuters - China’s Chen Long and Spain’s Carolina Marin, the men’s and w o m e n ’s c h a m p i o n s , progressed smoothly into the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships in Glasgow yesterday. Fifth-seeded Chen needed 41 minutes to quell the challenge of India’s 13th seed Ajay Jayaram 21-11 2110, while the third-seeded Marin saw off Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt 21-7 21-11. Chen next takes on 10seeded compatriot Tian Houwei, who got past France’s Brice Leverdez 2114 21-8. Olympic champion Marin set up a clash with
J a p a n ’s s e v e n t h s e e d Nozomi Okuhara. China’s Lin Dan ran into more trouble a day after he dug deep to beat Denmark’s Emil Holst. The seventh seed lost the first game but showed steely resolve to down England’s Rajiv Ouseph 14-21 21-17 21-16. Top seed Son Wan-ho survived a mid-match scare but was too powerful for T a n o n g s a k Saensomboonsuk, winning 21-14 17-21 21-13. His opponent in the quarterfinals is India’s Kidambi Srikanth. Denmark’s third seed
Viktor Axelsen began proceedings at the Emirates arena in the morning with a clinical 21-17 21-13 win over Hong Kong’s Ng Kalong in 38 minutes. Among the women, top seed Akane Yamaguchi’s campaign came to a grinding halt when she lost to China’s world junior champion Chen Yufei 21-18 21-19 in under an hour. India’s Pusarla Sindhu advanced at the expense of Hong K o n g ’s C h e u n g Ngan-yi and faces China’s Sun Yu next. Sindhu’s compatriot Saina Nehwal beat second seed Sung Jihyun 21-19 21-15.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 38
Holder, Windies look to improve in Headingley Test
Assistant coach Roddy Estwick shows Jason Holder a bowling technique during a training session. (CWI photo) Leeds, England, CMC — Jason Holder admitted that an improved per f o r m a n c e i s es s ential to res toring confidence in his battere d We s t I n d i e s side, when they face E n g l and in the second Test, starting today at Headingley here. The Windies captain said his side had spent the last few days in deep introspection, as they seek to recover from a demoralising, innings and 209-run defeat inside three days in the day/night first Test which ended on Saturday at Edgbaston in Birmingham, and derision from friends and foes. ”We have copped a lot of criticism from West Indians, the English and pretty much everybody else, to be honest,” said Holder to a large pool of reporters on the eve of this match. ”It is something that could inspire and motivate some players, and it can break some players — but it is important that we stick together as a side. We must be able to lift those that the criticism might break and it must drive those that it motivates.” Holder said: “My biggest role, as captain, is to make sure that each individual stays true to himself and gets the best out of himself to help this team. ”For me, I don’t hear because if I do and I break, it could be a weapon that the next team can take and use against us, and we won’t function well as a team. As a leader, I have to keep carrying a good body language and keep motivating the guys the best way I can. It is hard sometimes, but I accept the challenge.”
West Indies conceded over 500 runs in the first Test and failed to reached 200 in their two turns at the crease, but they will be looking to buck their feeble recent record to defy Joe Root’s side. ”We think it’s more of a patience thing, with our bowlers having a consistent plan and sticking to it, and for our batsman to get stuck in and fight it out,” said Holder. ”We’re going to be tinkering with a few things going into the second Test. Edgbaston wasn’t the best showing, but it’s important we rally and stay together through hard times and this is a difficult time as a group. ”We tried to do a lot more team bonding stuff to bring the guys closer and I must say it’s been a wonderful few days off. The guys have really come together as we would have liked and we’re looking forward to the match.” Conditions are expected to be unfriendly for the visitors, with temperatures between 16 to 19 degrees Celsius forecast and a green pitch tailored to suit the home team rolled out. ”It’s not going to be easy,” said Holder. “We’re coming up against a very good side and are relatively inexperienced, but having said that I think over the last few days we’ve got guys opening up their minds to change. ”As a bowling unit, I don’t think we were as patient as we would have liked to be. We lacked consistency and it was difficult to set fields as the England players scored both sides of the wicket. ”As a batting unit, we’ve got to know where is our off-
stump and be a lot more selective in our stroke-play. We d o n o t w a n t t o complicate it too much, but try to keep it as simple as possible.” West Indies have not announced a final 11, but regular spearhead Shannon Gabriel and legspinner Devendra Bishoo would be under strong consideration for places in the line-up. On the flipside, England have made the bold move of announcing their final 11 on the eve of the match with fast bowler Chris Wo a k e s , n o w f u l l y recovered from a side strain he sustained in June, making the cut, ahead of Toby Roland-Jones. ”Toby unfortunately misses out,” said England captain Root. “He’s not done a lot wrong — he’s taken his oppo r t u n i t i e s , p l a y e d some fantastic cricket and I see him being a massive part of our future, but it’s a great chance for Chris to come back and show his class.” On the Test, Root said: “I think the only message for our guys is to go out there and take this opportunity. It’s another week of hard Test cricket, where of course guys are under different pressures and if they want to nail down those spots in the side, they have to deal with that and if they get in make it really count.” West Indies however, can take hope in the knowledge that this venue has not been a happy hunting ground for England of late. They have won just two of their last seven Tests here. Scheduled start: 11 am local time (6 am–East Caribbean Time) ENGLAND: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, C h r i s Wo a k e s . WEST INDIES (from): Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.
Friday August 25, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi and Gianluigi Buffon to UEFA Best Player in Europe award for 2016-17 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award winner Lieke Martens joins Ronaldo on stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to win the UEFA Best Player in Europe award three times as he was handed the coveted prize for the 2016-17 campaign yesterday. The Portuguese beat Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to the award after inspiring Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double. In a poll of 80 Champions League and Europa League coaches, together with 55 journalists, representing each of UEFA’s member association, Ronaldo received 482 points, with Messi (141) and Buffon (109) finishing second and t h i r d r e s p e c t i v e l y. ’I’m so glad to be here, and honoured to win this trophy ag ain , ’ R o n ald o s aid .
‘Thank you to my teammates and congratulations to them too. I’m so blessed – thanks also to the supporters of Real Madrid, and everyone who helped me to achieve this.’ Ronaldo finished the campaign with 42 goals in 46 appearances, which remarkably represented his worst return since moving to the Bernabeu from Manchester United in 2009. However, 12 goals — including two in the final — and four assists in just 13 Champions League appearances made sure Zinedine Zidane’s men made history by becoming the first side to retain the trophy in its current format. Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo also claimed the UEFA Forward of the Year despite the fact that Messi, with 54
goals in 52 appearances, outscored his great rival and claimed the European Golden Shoe. His Real Madrid teammates Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric soon joined him on stage as they took home the Defender of the Year and Midfielder of the Year respectively. Buffon claimed Goalkeeper of the Year while Holland and Barcelona midfielder Lieke Martens took home the UEFA Women’s Player of the Season following her recent success at Euro 2017. Martens inspired host Holland to triumph at the tournament and beat Denmark striker Pernille Harder and Germany playmaker Dzsenifer Marozsan to claim the trophy. (MailOnline)
Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies likely to be postponed Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies, scheduled for February next year, is likely to be pushed to July. A change, if any, will be necessitated by the World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for next March; West Indies, currently ranked ninth in ODIs, are likely to feature in the tournament. ESPNcricinfo has learned that both the BCB and Cricket West Indies have tentatively agreed to the change. It is understood that after the Qualifiers, West Indies will host Sri Lanka in June followed by the series against Bangladesh a month later
before wrapping up the home season with the Caribbean Premier League. The change would probably come as a relief for Bangladesh, as, without it, they would have to pack their bags quickly for the Caribbean tour in February right after their home series against Sri Lanka. It would have meant a crammed schedule as Bangladesh would then have had to fly directly to Sri Lanka to play the Nidahas Trophy, which is scheduled from March 15 to 31. They are free of international commitments from AprilJuly 2018, after which
they’re scheduled to tour Australia in August. Bangladesh have a busy schedule for the rest of 2017. After the two home Tests against Australia finishes on September 8, Bangladesh will fly to South Africa to play two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20s till October 29. The BPL will start on November 2 soon after their return, with the final scheduled in the second week of December depending on the number of participating teams. Soon after the BPL, they are set to host Sri Lanka for a full tour i n D e c e m b e r- J a n u a r y. (ESPNcricinfo)
Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
PAGE 39
McCullum, Lil Bravo fire TKR past Gayle, Patriots – 22nd match Basseterre, St. Kitts, CMC — Rapid-fire, unbeaten knocks from Brendon McCullum and Darren Bravo upstaged an explosive 93 from Chris Gayle to lead Trinbago Knight Riders to an eightwicket victory over St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots under the Duckworth/Lewis/Steyn Method in the Caribbean Premier League on Wednesday. McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, was not out on 40 and West Indies left-hander Bravo was not out on 38, as the Knight Riders successfully chased a DLS-revised target of 86 from six overs in a thrilling finish to their rain-affected 22nd match of the tournament at Warner Park. In an explosive conclusion, McCullum and Bravo smashed one four and eight sixes, sharing an unbroken 54 off 13 balls for the third wicket to catapult the TKR over the finish line with four balls remaining. The embattled Bravo
concluded the showpiece with successive sixes off the first two deliveries of the final over — bowled by Jonathan Carter — to finish the match in grand style and hand the visitors their seventh victory of the competition. The result meant the Trinbago Knight Riders remained riveted at the top of the standings on 14 points, three more than the Patriots, with both having two matches left. Gayle had set the tone for the day with a five fours and eight sixes from 47 balls in a typically fiery knock that drove the Patriots to 162 for three from their rain-reduced 13 overs. Fellow left-handed opener Evin Lewis supported with 39 and Shamarh Brooks gathered a run-a-ball 20, as the Patriots defied a light outage and two stoppages for rain to post a competitive total. After the target was revised to 169 from 13 overs under the DLS Method and in between some early pyrotechnics from
Fans ignite Warriors to win more The Guyana Amazon Warriors (Warriors) came home needing to win to stay in contention in this year’s Caribbean Premier League T20 Tournament (CPL T20) and were ignited by the fantastic support of thousands of adoring fans to do more and win. In the biggest party in sport, CPLT20, where cricket is played louder, no stadium is louder than Providence when fans shout, dance, and wave flags for the Warriors, win or lose. As the home campaign began at the Providence National Stadium on the East Bank of the legendary Demerara R i v e r t h e Wa r r i o r s continued to struggle, but the fan support never wavered and, game after game got louder and louder pushing the warriors until they once again found their winning ways. This year the Warriors new sponsor, GTT, provided the spark that set the Warrior Nation on fire at Providence making the outcome inevitable. GTT’s Blue Chief mascot, reminiscent of and honouring the chiefs of
the Amazonian rainforest tribes, helped fans find their voice to push their Warriors on the field. In the end, facing the renamed Stars from St. Lucia on Tuesday night, the Warriors rewarded the fans by forcing the Starts to pitch, winning the final home game by seven wickets with 32 balls to spare. This win took the Warriors past Tridents into fourth place with six points. Two nights before under another clear Guyana sky, the Warriors also beat the Tridents in front of an adoring Warrior Nation. Cricket is at the heart of the CPLT20 but the whole package involves lights, speed, connectivity, and thousands of fans moving and shouting louder and louder as one in support of their team. Playing at home, the Warriors have the best ‘home-court’ advantage from this Warrior Nation. GTT continues to provide the speed and the connectivity for the Warrior Nation to, as we say here, shout more louder.
McCullum, former Australia fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus bowled Sunil Narine for five and West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree bowled Colin Munro for one to leave the Knight Riders 34 for two in the fourth over. But a 30-minute stoppage for rain, lopped seven more overs off the innings, leaving TKR with their final, highly improbable, if not impossible target which Bravo, in particular, and McCullum made look like a walk in the park. Earlier, SKN Patriots
started slowly, but things took off in the third over, when Lewis hit Narine’s off-
spin for a six and a four off consecutive balls before he and Gayle took toll on
Ronsford Beaton in the following over which (Continued on page 32)
Warriors face Tridents without Guptill; Harper reiterates theneed for smart cricket By Sean Devers The Guyana Amazon Warriors will be without their out of form Captain Martin Guptill for their last two matches in this year’s Hero CPL cricket tournament in Barbados and Jamaica having already lost the services of their Pakistani batsman Babar Azam who was recalled by the Pakistan Cricket Board after the Warriors first home game against the Tallawahs. The experienced 30year-old Guptill played 47 Tests, 146 ODIs and 61 T20 Internationals for New Zealand but has struggled with the bat and as Captain and has not reached 40 in any of his innings in this year’s CPL, while missing the second game in Florida due to a recurring hamstring injury. Guptill had to return home due to his father’s ill health and has been replaced by 36-year-old Luke Ronchi who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia and played for both countries. His ODI debut came for Australia in the West Indies in 2008 when he stood in for the injured Brad Haddin in four ODIs and a Twenty20 before playing four Tests for New Zealand. Ronchi, who is also good with the gloves, will join the team in Barbados where they will play the Tridents on Tuesday in a must win game. A replacement for Azam has not yet been named while Trinidadian allrounder Rayed Emrit who led the Warriors last year, is
expected to be named Captain. Since beating St Lucia Stars by seven wickets to move to six points from eight games, the Warriors had their first net session at Providence yesterday and will have another one today before departing for B a r b a d o s o n S u n d a y. War r io r s H ead C o ach former West Indies ViceCaptain Roger Harper says while the pitch in Barbados should have pace and bounce, he does not expect it to be terrifyingly quick. ”We had a good fast pitch in St Lucia and won that game so our bowlers just have to adjust their lengths and improve a bit bowling at the death in Barbados, but every time we lost we were batting. Our batsmen have to understand the situation and play smart cricket” Harper said. The Tridents game could
be their toughest game so far both mentally and tactically since the Tridents are on four points from six matches, will have their four remaining games at the Kensington Oval in Barbados against the Warriors, Stars, Knight Riders and Tallawahs. Knight Riders, Patriots and Tallawahs have already advanced while Barbados who need three wins from four matches and the Warriors, who must win their games in Barbados and Jamaica, are in an intense battle for the final semi-final spot. Harper said if the Warriors were awaken from their sleep and given one over of the second game in Florida or their match a g a i n s t Ta l l a w a h s a t Providence to win they would have chosen the last over of both games which began with them needing eight to win with wickets in
hand and on most occasions they would have won. Harper said when they get to Barbados they will decide on the final eleven and the batting order, adding that since the tournament began in 2013 the fans here have been fully behind the Wa r r i o r s a n d t h e Warriors could not have wanted better support from their fans which filled Providence every night for their home matches. Standings in the Caribbean Premier League after Wednesday’s match between St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinbago K n i g h t R i d e r s : 1. Knight Riders 14 points (8 m a t c h e s ) 2. Patriots 11 (8 matches) 3. Tallawahs 8 (6 matches) 4. Amazon Warriors 6 (8 m a t c h e s ) 5. Tridents 4 (6 matches) 6. Stars 1 (8 matches)
Kaieteur News
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Friday August 25, 2017
Faf du Plessis named captain of World XI to travel to Pakistan Sammy, Badree included Faf du Plessis has been named captain of the World XI squad to travel to Pakistan to play three T20Is in Lahore next month. He will be joined by four South African team-mates in party that includes representatives from seven nations. Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel, David Miller and Imran Tahir are the other South Africa players in the 14-member squad. Australia provide three players George Bailey, Ben Cutting and wicketkeeper Tim Paine - and West Indies’ two include Darren Sammy, who went for the PSL final earlier this year. There’s one player each from England, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The three-T20 series, which has international status, begins on September 12, with the next two T20s to be played on September 13 and 15. Former Zimbabwe captain and England coach Andy Flower was announced as the coach of the World XI side. Faf du Plessis said in a statement: “I am honoured to have been appointed as
captain of such a diverse, attractive and well-balanced side. Like most of the players I look forward to my maiden tour of Lahore and play my part in the safe and gradual resumption of international cricket in Pakistan. All the members of the squad have complete faith and trust in the assessment and judgement of the security experts who have assured us that there will be no compromise on the safety and security of all those involved in the series but the bottom line is if we don’t feel safe, no amount of money would get us there. In this background, we will land in Lahore with nothing but cricket on our minds.” Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed welcomed the news of the World XI’s arrival, saying: “I am really excited to see the World XI team coming to Pakistan and keenly look forward to playing in front of our committed crowds and supporters. I can assure all Pakistan cricket fans that we have missed playing in front of them, like they have missed
watching us live in action. ”I am confident that through this tour of the World XI, the global cricket c o m m u n i t y, i n c l u d i n g players, media and visitors will get a better understanding and perception of Pakistan, which is a peace-loving and extremely hospitable nation that loves its cricket.” The series potentially begins, for the first time in eight years, something resembling a home season in Pakistan, which has had monumental difficulty hosting international cricket since the terror attack in 2009 on a Sri Lanka team bus that injured several cricketers. A one-off T20 against Sri Lanka in Lahore is in the works, followed by a threeT20 series against West Indies in November. Though PCB chairman Najam Sethi expressed a desire to see matches played in Karachi, it is likely all of those engagements, should they go ahead, will take place in Lahore. Sethi, who announced the World XI squad in a press concference at the Gaddafi Stadium, made special
Corona Invitational Football tournament resumes this evening with a triple-header
Action in last week Friday’s match between Police and Black Pearl. Play in the Top Brandz Corona Beer/Georgetown Invitational Football tournament continues this evening with three matches as the fifth and final round is contested at the Georgetown Football Club, ground. The first match begins at 17:00hrs and will feature Camptown against Black Pearl. Camptown, who drew their last match against
Beacons 1-1, will be looking to capitalise on the poor form of Black Pearl, a team which has conceded 19 goals in their last two matches. Northern Rangers and Flamingo will battle in the second match from 19:00hrs. Rangers, winners of their last two matches against Pele and Santos respectively will be the favourites for this clash against Flamingo, losers to
the youthful Eastville side 31 in their last encounter. The feature match tonight will be contested between Pele and Riddim Squad from 21:00hrs. Riddim Squad will be aiming to build on their 1-0 victory over Santos last Friday while another defeat will not be good for Pele which played last Friday as well and lost 3-0 to Northern Rangers.
mention of Giles Clarke, the chairman of the Pakistan task force, saying Pakistan was “indebted” to him for his efforts in bringing international cricket to Pakistan. “I thank him from the bottom of my heart,” Sethi said, “and I know the people of Pakistan thank him for his relentless efforts in this direction.” Giles Clarke, for his part, announced his “delight” at the news, calling the tour “not only important for cricket in Pakistan but also for international cricket since it opens the possibility of other teams, media and sponsors visiting Pakistan for bilateral series.” The ICC also welcomed the news of the World XI’s arrival, with chief executive David Richardson saying: “The ICC wants to see regular international cricket being played safely in all its
Member countries and the World XI playing Pakistan in Lahore next month is a step towards that for the PCB. We are optimistic that this will be the next step in a steady and safe return of international cricket to Pakistan.” The squad, while boasting a bevy of impressive names, is notable for the fact it has just one specialist fast bowler Morne Morkel - even if a host of allrounders and T20 specialists may offset that weakness. In any case, in
these early stages of efforts to bring regular cricket back to Pakistan, the result of these matches is likely to be of far less consequence than the fact of their occurrence. World XI squad Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Ta m i m I q b a l , D a v i d Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, I m r a n Ta h i r , D a r r e n Sammy. (ESPNcricinfo)
Rose Hall 175th Anniversary Celebration
RHTY&SC receive donations from a number of entities; President Granger to participate The outstanding work of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its eight cricket teams continue to attract the support of corporate Guyana. The club is currently organising a hectic calendar of activities to mark the 175th Anniversary of the purchase of Rose Hall. Some 57 free slaves purchased the village then known as Lot 9 from European Planter, John Baird on August 20, 1842. The Management of M & M Snackette located at Peter’s Hall, East Bank, Demerara handed over a cheque for $80,000 to Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster while Harris Paint Company donated 10 gallons of paint towards the decoration of the Township and restoration works at the Area ‘H’ ground. Poonai Bhirooj of Poonai’s Pharmacy also contributed financially towards the construction of a Mini Arch for the 175th Anniversary. Foster, who is spearheading the historic celebration praised the donors for coming on board with the cricket teams. He also disclosed that the teams, the RHTY&SC Over-
Viju Mookram of M & M Investment hands over donation to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. 35 Group and the M & M Investment Group would be working together with the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) to host a Fitness Walk and Diabetes Clinic on August 31st at the Independence Avenue, Rose Hall Town. These activities would form part of Miss Guyana World 2017, Vena Mookram’s personal platform for the Miss World Contest later this year. The Walk is expected to attract hundreds of Berbicians including Law Enforcement Officers and Guysuco Training Centre Students. Meanwhile, the Club has disclosed that its’ Patron, His
Excellency President David Granger has accepted an invitation to be the Guest Speaker at the Grand Ceremony on September 14th next. The President would also take the salute at the 175th Parade which would see members of the Disciplined Forces, members of the Towns Constabulary, RHTY&SC Members and school children among others, participating. A special 175th Anniversary Monument constructed by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its cricket teams would also be unveiled by the Club’s Patron.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
PAGE 41
ECB Festival commences today The Essequibo Cricket Board Busta 40-over festival is set to commence today at various venues across the County. In the opening fixtures defending champions Wakenaam will take on East Bank Essequibo at Tuschen, Leguan will host Bartica at Bundarie Park, North Essequibo will battle Pomeroon at Devonshire Castle and South Essequibo will take on Central Essequibo at Imam Bacchus
S C , A f f i a n c e . The winners will advance to the semifinals tomorrow while the final will be played on Sunday at Imam Bacchus SC, Essequibo Coast. The winner will take home a trophy and $75,000, runner up a trophy and $25,000 while the man-of-the-match in each game will also be rewarded. Teams - Wakenaam; Siddiq Mohamed (Captain), Gurnauth Khemraj (Vice Captain), Nokta Moses, Vi c k r a m R a m n a r i n e , Navishaul Pooran, Ryan Adams, Bernard Lewis, Leorayan Ramlakhan, Neil
Ramalho, Lokram Narine, Kamal Khan, Seon Venture a n d R e o n Ve n t u r e . Nandkishore Andrews (Coach), Vijay Persaud (Manager). East Bank Essequibo: Kemol Savory, Trevor Benn, J a s o n H e y l i g e r, Ry a n Hercules, Kevon Boodie, Hemchand Persaud, Dexter George, Javed Shafeek, Adrian Johnson, Sheldon Alexander, Royan Fredericks, Stephon Johnson, Jimol Marks, Jamal Gomes, Mark Gonsalves, Kevin Christian, Kellon Davis and Travis Mohamed. Leguan: Kevin Gordon,
Tu l s i e r a m P r e m n a u t h , Ricardo Adams, Tyrone Narine, Brian Herbert, Mark Williams, Aquesi Arthur, Rick Stephen, Aseeb Khan, Rawl Simboo, Seenarine Oudit, Huchumchand
Savitir, Arjune Ajmal and Zaheer Razack. Bartica: Festus Benn (Capt.), Teon Vanderhyden, Shastri Mangal, Ravi Seenarine, Rupesh Motilall, Jessy Fagundes, Anthony
King, Yusuf Khan, Shawn Garraway, Christopher Kassim, Navindra Conhaya, Adrian Branford, Keron Stephens, Eon Stephens, Keano Harry and Hamel Lam.
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Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
Regional U-19 Tournament
Guyana extend winning streak to four matches
Joshua Persaud Led by an unbeaten 85 from Joshua Persaud and 75 not out from their leading run scorer Raymond Perez along with four-wicket hauls from Ashmead Need and Kevin Sinclair, defending champions Guyana hammered Barbados by 10wickets at Conaree in the latest round of the Regional 50-over U-19 cricket tournament yesterday. In sunny conditions on the island of St Kitts, the win for the young Guyanese saw them maintaining their unbeaten with two rounds still to go. Barbados, batting first on a hard track and fast outfield were bowled out for 166 off 45.2 overs, Shai Brathwaite top scoring with a 99-ball 59 (7x4 1x6) while Nyeem Young (27), Kadeem Alleyne (24), Nico Reifer (17) and Marc Cyrus (16) were the other batsman to reach double figures. Off-spinner Sinclair (423), left-arm spinner Nedd (4-29) and Kheshram Seyhodan (2-38) bowled impressively for Guyana which strolled to 167 without loss in 39.1 overs. Perez hammered six fours in a delightful 75 from 111 balls to move to 224 runs while Persaud reached the boundary six times and cleared it once in a magnificent 85 from 124 balls to give the South Americans an emphatic victory with 10.5 overs to
Ashmead Need spare. Earlier, Brathwaite and Reifer added 59 for the first wicket before Reifer was bowled by Seyhodan who then trapped Alleyne LBW at 93-2 to break the 40-run second wicket stand between Alleyne and Brathwaite. Cyrus and Braithwaite put together 30 for the third wicket before the Sinclair and Nedd show began when Sinclair trapped Cyrus LBW at 128-3 after Braithwaite had retired hurt at 98-2. When Young was taken by Yadram off Nedd at 140-4 and Braithwaite, who r e t u r n e d a t Yo u n g ’s dismissal, was bowled by Nedd, the last six Bajan wickets tumbled for 26 runs; Nedd and Sinclair spinning webs around the batsmen. With victories over ICC Americas/Canada, Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, Guyana now face Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow and the Windward Islands on Monday as they hunt their fourth consecutive limited overs title which will see them taking the double this year after already taking three-day crown. In the other game played yesterday, Leeward Islands defeated Jamaica by 44 runs. Full round of matches for t o m o r r o w : I C C Americas/Canada takes on Windward Islands, Jamaica oppose Barbados and Guyana tangles with T&T.
Kaieteur News
Friday August 25, 2017
PAGE 43
GABA/Banks DIH Under-23/2nd Div. B’ball Leagues
Reigning champs Bounty Colts continue to steamroll opposition; Pacesetters also win Bounty Colts’ consistent winning streak continued on Wednesday night with a huge 70-56 victory over Eagles when play continued in the Georgetown Amateur B a s k e t b a l l Association/Banks DIH tournament at the Burnham Hard Court. This first match which bounced off at 18:30hrs was an Under-23 encounter between reigning champs Bounty Colts which has been making light work of all the opposition,this time they hammered a depleted Eagles unit. The 2015 Under-23 champions, Eagles, played without Akeem Vaughn and Patrice Agrippa, who are both part of Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s Inter-Guiana Games squad that will be competing in Suriname from August 2527. Timothy Thompson was once again the stand out player for the Colts Under23 team. He led the current champions with an impressive game-high 27
points supported well with 26 points from Ramone Fogonay in the combative clash with Eagles. Jonathan Mangra (5 points) was not on target, missing quite a few shots for Colts which prevented the sloppy Eagles from suffering a heavier defeat. Eagles counted numerous turnovers, and coupled with t h e i r C a p t a i n , Tr a v i s Belgrave misfiring, only achieving a meager 14 points, endured a 14-point defeat. Meanwhile, Pacesetters made light work of the struggling Pepsi Sonics 6143 in their 2nd division game which was the feature clash. Marvin Durat sunk the game high 22 points for the winners while Rayborn Bowman assisted Pacesetters’ effort with 18 points inclusive of 4 threepointers. Jacques Vincente top scored for the out of touch Sonics’ side in their 18-point defeat. Matches continue on tomorrow evening with three games at Burnham Court.
Dindyal’s ton leads Aurora Knightriders to victory over Hibernia Lions in 2nd T20 A magnificent century by left handed opener Deoraj Dindyal helped Aurora Knightriders to take a 2-0 lead over Hibernia Lions in the 3 match series played last Sunday at the Hibernia Cricket Ground. Witnessed by a large and colourful crowd, the Knightriders were invited to bat on a friendly batting wicket and compiled a commanding 246-7 in their allotted overs. Man-of-theMatch Dindyal, a classy batsman and a consistent runs getter in South Essequibo cricket, stroked an eye catching 102 (10x4 8x6) while Ravi Beharry made 46 (7x4 1x6) and Saieef Ally 33 (1x4 3x6), the main contributors. Bowling for Hibernia, Ramdhanie Samaroo claimed 2-24 and Ramnarine Raghoobar 2-35; there was a wicket each for G. Ramdhanie, D. Mohan and M. Ramnauth. Hibernia Lions’ response was nothing short of entertainment as the
game went down to the ‘ w i r e ’ . Ameer Mohamed slammed an aggressive 112 (2x4 14x6) but in a losing cause as the Lions fell short after being bowled out for 233 off 19.2 overs. D. Mohan contributed 25 (2x4) and Chandie Ramnauth with 18. Extras made a healthy contribution of 38. Bowling for the Knightriders, S. Ally grabbed 3-43, R. Beharry 223 and G. Phillips 2-27. There was one wicket apiece for R. Ally and Dindyal. The final match is set for this Sunday from 10:00hrs where Aurora will be going for a clean sweep having also won the first match by 5-wickets.
The first begins at 17:30hrs with Kobras vs Pacesetters in the Under-23 division followed by Sonics against Colts in the 2nd division at 19:30hrs. The main encounter pits Knights and Guardians in a first division clash from 21:30hrs.
Colts (black) and Eagles battling it out on Wednesday night.
t r o Sp Warriors face Tridents without Guptill; Harper reiterates the need for smart cricket
Fans ignite Warriors to win more
Head Coach Roger Harper, Assistant Esuan Crandon and Curator Waseem Habib inspects the pitch yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
McCullum, Lil Bravo fire TKR past Gayle, Patriots – 22nd match
Darren Bravo and his brother Dwayne celebrate the incredible win. Getty Images
The passion of the Warrior Nation
Morgan boosts Tridents’ bid for playoff place Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC — Barbados Tridents stepped up their bid to make the playoffs of the Caribbean Premier League with the announcement that England star Eoin Morgan has been called up for the remainder of the competition. The left-handed Morgan, England’s Twenty20 and One-day International captain, arrives in the Barbados capital in time for the start of the Tridents home leg which opens next Tuesday, August 29, with a crucial clash against Guyana A m a z o n Wa r r i o r s a t Kensington Oval. ”It’s amazing to be called up by the Tridents,” said Morgan. “I love coming to Barbados to play cricket. ”It is such an iconic place where all the greats have played and to get the opportunity to play in such a big tournament is really an honour. I have always wanted to come to CPL. I can’t wait to get there.” The 30-year-old Morgan has played 234 T20 matches around the World, including 69 for England, including the Final of last year’s World T20 against Darren
Eoin Morgan
Sammy’s West Indies in I n d i a . ”If we are to claim our second Hero CPL title we need proven match winners,” said Tridents head
coach Robin Singh. “We have that in Eoin who is not only one of the best whiteball batsmen in the world but also a fantastic presence — both on and off the field.”
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